Behind the Firewall ft. Kyle Pardue
by Morgan Prost / May 22nd, 2026
Just because you bought a tool doesn’t mean you’re ready.
Just because you’ve bought a tool doesn’t mean you are ready, you’ve just started.
Kyle Pardue, KirkpatrickPrice’s VP of Sales, has noticed a growing trend: more prospects are pursuing audits for the first time, and putting GRC tool selection ahead of auditor evaluation.
In one case, a company had purchased a GRC tool eight months before reaching out, only to admit, “We’re not sure if any of it is good or if we’re ready at all.”
As a result, a new wave of consultants is emerging to manage GRC tools and readiness, adding a third leg to the SOC 2 journey and introducing what Kyle calls a “GRC tax.”
When preparing for an audit, understanding your scope, risks, and controls is essential. A tool can support that process, but it’s no substitute for expert guidance. Start with a partner who can help you build a foundation that’s actually audit-ready.
