SRQ MAGAZINE | 2026 35 Under 35 Honoree - Erik Pendleton

Erik Pendleton

CO-FOUNDER & CEO | REWIRED TECHNOLOGIES

WHAT IS YOUR STORY OF SUCCESS?

My success story is rooted in Sarasota and grounded in faith. We started Rewired because we love helping entrepreneurial people succeed, and we believe digital systems and AI can solve real business problems and unlock sustainable growth for niche industries.

Before launching Rewired, I worked across a variety of tech and advertising roles, always treating each position like I was the CEO of “my business” within the business. My first role in territory-driven sales taught me phone acumen, collaboration, accountability and how to simplify complex concepts instead of hiding behind industry jargon.

I later became the Director of Business Development for a growing startup, managing inside sales operations, hitting targets, solving challenges, and building systems from scratch. My early career experiences allowed me to develop deep expertise across the entire adtech spectrum, which includes organic, paid media, affiliate channels, native networks, AI, and every operational layer that turns digital strategy into revenue.

My final chapter before Rewired was at Dealers United, where I had to hunt, kill and eat every partnership the business secured. My business partners, Drew Detweiler, Dylan Griczin and I played a central role in evolving internal processes across marketing, sales, and account management —contributing to meaningful growth and helping shape the company’s direction during that period.

Rewired is the culmination of every lesson learned and chapter turned—a Sarasota-built company helping niche industries scale through digital marketing, operational systems, and AI-driven innovation. Our work has supported job creation, strengthened community partnerships, and helped Sarasota-based businesses grow and compete at a national level. This reflects our why: solving problems, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating meaningful success for the Sarasota community.

Aim small, miss small

— Erik Pendleton

WHAT MISTAKE IN YOUR CAREER TAUGHT YOU THE BIGGEST LESSON?

The biggest mistake I made early in my career was believing that everyone on my team wanted the same success I did. I assumed that shared goals automatically meant shared intentions, and I learned the hard way that not everyone operates with the same level of alignment, transparency, or integrity. I spent too much energy navigating internal politics instead of creating outcomes for clients, teams, and communities.

That experience taught me a foundational lesson: office politics drain creativity, slow decision-making, and limit growth. Real progress happens when you rise above it, stay focused on service, and build systems that reward performance, transparency, and trust. That clarity eventually led me to entrepreneurship. Instead of trying to “win” internal games, I decided to create a business where collaboration, accountability, and meaningful work are the norm — not the exception.

1343 Main Street Suite 703 | Sarasota FL 34236 | 941-352-1232 | rewiredtech.io | instagram: rewiredep