Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)

Uncle Marv kicks off a spontaneous chat with Wayne Selk at Zero Trust World 2025 in Orlando. Wayne is there to present on why cybersecurity is now simply the cost of doing business. He shares alarming stats from the Small Business Administration about security incidents and emphasizes that all businesses using technology are at risk.The conversation evolves into how solution providers need to change their approach, focusing on business risk and objectives rather than just tech specs. Wayne highlights that businesses must consider their objectives and work backward to identify and mitigate risks. Marv and Wayne then dove into a discussion about GTIA, formerly ChannelCon TIA, and how much the organization has evolved. Marv gave Wayne honest feedback and the two discussed some of the objectives of the organization, including rebranding.The duo then embark on a tangent about the pros and cons of Nashville, and Uncle Marv extends a personal invite for Wayne to come back to GTIA. The two wrap up with a discussion about family and travel.Main Topics CoveredCybersecurity as a Cost of Doing BusinessWayne argues that cybersecurity is no longer optional but a necessary expense for all businesses, regardless of size, due to the pervasive use of technology and the increasing threat landscape. He cites statistics on reported security incidents among small businesses to emphasize the point.Shifting the Conversation: Business Risk vs. TechnologyThe discussion highlights the need for solution providers to engage clients by focusing on business risks and objectives rather than getting bogged down in technical details. This involves understanding the client's business model and helping them mitigate risks that could prevent them from achieving their goals.GTIA (Formerly ChannelCon TIA) and the IT ChannelWayne extends a personal invite for Marv to come back to GTIA. The two talk about how the organization has evolved with a new focus back on the IT Channel.Why Listen?This episode offers a unique blend of high-level strategy and practical advice, perfect for MSPs, IT professionals, and business owners. You'll gain insights into reframing the cybersecurity conversation, understanding business risks, and connecting technology solutions to tangible business outcomes. Plus, the candid conversation about industry associations provides valuable context for those looking to engage more effectively with the IT channel.Companies and Websites MentionedThreatLocker: https://www.threatlocker.com/Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA): https://www.gtia.org/Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/InfraGard: https://www.infragard.org/Trustwave: https://www.trustwave.com/ConnectWise: https://www.connectwise.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer ReadyTravel Sponsor: ThreatLocker=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks things off with Scully at Zero Trust World in Orlando, reminiscing about past radio shows and brainstorming show names. The Impact of COVIDScully and Uncle Marv discuss how the pandemic has changed the way we timestamp events and reflect on pre- and post-COVID life. They touch on how it has impacted travel and work-life balance, particularly for those in the IT industry.Sports NostalgiaFrom boxing legends like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield to NBA greats like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, they reminisce about the golden ages of various sports and debate the current state of the games. They express their disappointment in the all-star games because of showboating instead of true defense.College FootballThey dive into the controversial topic of college football playoffs, the exclusion of Florida State, and the influence of ESPN on conference favoritism. Scully and Uncle Marv passionately advocate for college athletes getting paid and critique the existing system.Education and Trade SchoolsThe podcast shifts to the value of college education versus trade schools, questioning whether a four-year degree is always the best path, especially with rising tuition costs. They also discuss the skills gap in the trades.Why Listen?This episode offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes, sports commentary, and industry insights, all wrapped in an engaging and humorous conversation. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how COVID has reshaped business, relive the glory days of sports, and ponder the future of education and athletics.=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer ReadyTravel Sponsor: ThreatLocker=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off a fascinating discussion with Zulfiya Forsythe of Omadli Group and Dmitry Rudman of SafePoint IT about how MSPs can leverage the power of data and AI to better serve their clients. Zulfiya shares her journey from corporate accounting to becoming a data and AI expert, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. Dmitry discusses how a client led him to discover a partnership with Omadli group that allowed him to offer Business Intelligence as a Service. The trio explores real-world applications, including automating reporting processes and creating customized dashboards that provide actionable insights.Main Topics Covered:Zulfiya's Journey into Data & AI: From corporate accounting frustrations to SQL YouTube binges, Zulfiya's story is one of curiosity-driven career transformation.The MSP Opportunity: Discover how MSPs can leverage data analytics and AI to offer strategic business advice and unlock new revenue streams.Real-World Applications: Automating repetitive reporting, creating custom dashboards, and leveraging AI for customer service are just a few examples discussed.Copilot & Beyond: Explore the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot and how custom AI solutions can further enhance MSP service offerings.Implementation & Startup Time: Zulfiya and Dmitry provide practical insights into the time and resources required to implement data and AI solutions for MSP clients.Actionable Tips & Advice:Ask the Right Questions: MSPs should proactively ask clients about their reporting processes, data silos, and pain points to identify opportunities for improvement.Start Small: Begin with a single data source or a specific reporting challenge to demonstrate the value of data analytics and AI.Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in data analytics and AI to provide the best possible service to clients.Consider a Strategic Partnership: Partner with experts like Omadli Group to accelerate the implementation of data and AI solutions.Companies and Websites Mentioned:Omadli Group: https://www.omadligroup.com/ SafePoint IT: https://www.safepointit.com/ConnectWise: https://www.connectwise.com/QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/NinjaOne: https://www.ninjaone.com/Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com/HubSpot: https://www.hubspot.com/Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Marv and Dawn dive deep into the challenges faced by MSPs, from vendor frustrations to the ever-present need for robust cybersecurity. They discuss the surprising usefulness of ThreatLocker, with Marv admitting he uses ThreatLocker because Dawn told him to! The conversation shifts to vendor stacks, frameworks, and the elusive quest for industry standards, touching on the roles of organizations like GTIA (formerly CompTIA). They also explore the importance of understanding the "why" behind security solutions and the dangers of relying on "easy button" solutions that don't truly address underlying problems. The duo then veers off-road into a hilarious discussion about the Florida Man games.Zero Trust & ThreatLockerDawn discusses her experience using ThreatLocker, emphasizing the importance of understanding its functionality and the value of solutions like Cyber Hero.MSPs & Vendor RelationshipsAn in-depth look at the common frustrations between MSPs and vendors, including cold calling issues, pricing changes, and the need for better communication and empathy on both sides.Industry Standards & MaturityThe importance of establishing industry standards for MSPs, drawing parallels with professions like doctors and lawyers, and the challenges of finding consensus on these standards. The "Easy Button"Marv and Dawn explore the trend of vendors offering simple solutions that don't truly address the underlying issues, and the responsibility of MSPs to educate clients on existing product capabilities.Florida Man GamesA lighthearted tangent into the bizarre world of the Florida Man games, complete with alligator involvement and the potential for a meth cook-off (not really).Why Listen?This episode provides a candid and insightful look into the challenges and opportunities facing MSPs today. Whether you're grappling with vendor relationships, seeking to improve your cybersecurity posture, or just need a good laugh, this episode delivers practical advice and entertaining commentary.Links: ThreatLocker: https://www.threatlocker.com/Channel Pro: https://www.channelpronetwork.com/GTIA (formerly CompTIA): https://gtia.org/NIST: https://www.nist.gov/CIS: https://www.cisecurity.org/CMMC: https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC/SpecterX: (No website found)N-able: https://www.n-able.com/Nerdio: https://www.nerdio.com/FirmGuard: https://firmguard.com/CyberQP: https://cyberqp.com/PAX8: https://www.pax8.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the show with a big shout-out to Danny Jenkins and ThreatLocker for the Zero Trust World experience. Despite being stationed next to the food (hello, noisy plate clanking!), Marv was thrilled with the turnout at his podcast booth. Listeners will be happy to know that he hasn’t forgotten about that 365 migration that just keeps on going!The main event? A chat with Brian Weiss from iTech Solutions about the groundbreaking announcements from ThreatLocker. They discussed the new patch management, user store, web control, and crowd control features. Brian, a partner advisory board member, shares his excitement about these updates, emphasizing how ThreatLocker is truly listening to its partners and delivering real solutions.Marv teases his upcoming adventure at the Florida Man Games, promising a wild report next week. He also shares updates on ASCII Edge in Costa Mesa, TechCon Unplugged, and next week’s guest, Tiffany Ricks from HacWare. It's an episode packed with tech insights and a peek into the lighter side of the IT world.Why Listen?This episode offers a unique blend of tech insights and entertainment. You'll get the lowdown on the latest from Zero Trust World, understand how ThreatLocker is changing the game, and enjoy a laugh-out-loud preview of the Florida Man Games. It's perfect for MSPs, IT professionals, and anyone who loves a good dose of tech with a side of humor.Actionable Tips and AdviceSwag Evaluation: Marv's advice to vendors: Make your swag good! Quality pens and useful items make a difference.Partner Advisory Boards: Brian highlights the value of being on a partner advisory board where your voice is heard and acted upon.Event Selection: With so many events, choose wisely. Focus on those that offer genuine education and networking opportunities.Companies and Websites MentionedThreatLocker https://www.threatlocker.com/Florida Man Games Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P8Gt7hiPj8ASCII http://events.ascii.com/TechCon Unplugged http://techconunplugged.com/Ronald McDonald House: https://www.rmhc.org/Ninite: https://ninite.com/Action1: https://www.action1.com/NinjaOne: https://www.ninjaone.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML=== Track: "Enough", NEFFEXMusic provided by https://slipstreammusic.comDownload / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/ertaCaListen on Spotify: https://go-stream.link/sp-neffex === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv is live at Zero Trust World 2025, diving deep into cybersecurity with two key figures from ThreatLocker. First up is Kieran Human, a Special Projects Engineer, who sheds light on the frighteningly simple dangers of "rubber duckies" – innocent-looking USBs that can wreak havoc on your systems. They explore how these devices can bypass security and exfiltrate data and also discuss real-world scenarios like Wi-Fi Pineapples and OMG Cables.Then, Marv chats with Rob Allen, the Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker and a former MSP owner. Rob compares the MSP landscape in the US versus Ireland and emphasizes the proactive "get-up-and-go" attitude he's observed in US-based MSPs. He shares his journey to ThreatLocker, driven by a need for more robust security solutions after witnessing frequent ransomware attacks on his clients. Rob shares an experience that was a ‘game changer’ for him and how ThreatLocker was able to solve it. He underscores the importance of a layered security approach, highlighting how ThreatLocker's elevation control and ring-fencing capabilities can nullify inherent risks.Main Topics Covered:Rubber Ducky Threats: A breakdown of how these USB devices can be used for data exfiltration and system compromise.US vs. Ireland MSP Landscape: Rob Allen discusses the key differences in mindset and business approach between MSPs in the US and Ireland.The Evolution of Ransomware: Insights into how ransomware attacks have evolved, with a focus on data exfiltration and reputational damage.ThreatLocker's Security Approach: An explanation of how ThreatLocker's application whitelisting, ring-fencing, and elevation control features can prevent cyberattacks.Why Listen?This episode provides a unique blend of technical insight and real-world MSP experience. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the evolving threat landscape and learn how to implement proactive security measures to protect your business and your clients. This is a must-listen for MSPs, IT professionals, and anyone concerned about cybersecurity.=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzTravel Sponsor: ThreatLocker=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this episode, Uncle Marv interviews Meredith Payne, Senior Director of Business Development at TDSynnex. They discuss the evolution of TDSynnex and its commitment to supporting MSPs in today's dynamic IT landscape.Meredith shares insights into the MSP Evolve program, a framework designed to help MSPs grow and optimize their businesses. The conversation covers the range of support services, training programs, and tailored solutions available to MSPs through this initiative. Meredith emphasizes the importance of understanding each MSP's unique needs and tailoring solutions to maximize their market potential.The discussion also touches on TDSynnex's Stream One cloud platform, billing management tools, and the new digital bridge initiative, which aims to connect MSPs with TDSynnex resources directly from their existing applications. Meredith highlights TDSynnex's commitment to providing a hybrid model that supports both digital and traditional sales approaches.Why Listen:This episode offers valuable insights for MSP owners and IT professionals looking to optimize their partnerships with distributors and leverage the resources available to them. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of TDSynnex's MSP Evolve program and its potential to enhance their businesses.What You'll Learn:The evolution of TDSynnex and its commitment to supporting MSPsDetails about the MSP Evolve program and its benefitsHow TDSynnex's Stream 1 cloud platform can streamline operationsThe new digital bridge initiative and its potential to improve efficiencyStrategies for leveraging TDSynnex's resources to grow your MSP businessActionable Tips:Explore the MSP Evolve program and its consultation process to identify opportunities for partnershipLeverage TDSynnex's Stream 1 cloud platform and billing management tools to streamline operationsTake advantage of the white-labeled storefront option to expand your reach and automate sales processesStay engaged with TDSynnex through events and webinars to learn about new offerings and enhancementsConsider TDSynnex's global presence when planning to scale your MSP business into new marketsCompanies and Websites Mentioned:TDSynnex (tdsynnex.com)Ingram Micro (ingrammicro.com)Arrow Electronics (arrow.com)D&H Distributing (dandh.com)Microsoft (microsoft.com)=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv interviews Mike Psenka from Moovila about their AI project management platform and its benefits for MSPs. Mike addresses listener questions from the previous episode, particularly focusing on how Moovila alerts users to project deviations and integrates with PSAs like ConnectWise, Halo, and Autotask. The Critical Path Engine continuously analyzes project portfolios, identifying risks and capacity conflicts, and virtualizes updated timelines, and reschedules engineers, with the option for project managers to supervise and approve changes. Mike emphasizes the value of Moovila's operations and support teams, who assist customers with onboarding, digital transformation, and template customization.Mike also addresses the value proposition for smaller MSPs (five or fewer employees), highlighting how Moovila can reduce operational costs, minimize the need for specialized project management hires, and provide redundancy in organizational knowledge. Upcoming features like Project Hub will offer a library of best practice templates for various tasks, further enhancing the platform's utility. He also dives into how Moovila helps MSPs manage multiple projects by identifying capacity conflicts across the entire portfolio, considering virtualized dates based on project status to prevent scheduling churn.The discussion further explores the collaborative nature of the MSP industry and how Moovila adapts to the specific needs of MSPs compared to other sectors like construction. Mike likens Moovila to "RMM for projects," emphasizing its ability to monitor, identify risks, and provide alerts, similar to how RMM tools manage endpoints. He also explains the probability of project delays and how Moovila helps MSPs address these inevitable issues proactively.Why Listen:Discover how AI-driven project management can revolutionize your MSP, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and enabling better resource allocation. Learn how Moovila's unique approach can address the inherent challenges of project management and position your MSP for future success.What You'll Learn:How Moovila integrates with PSAs to provide real-time project updates.The benefits of the Critical Path Engine for identifying and resolving project risks.How Moovila can help smaller MSPs scale efficiently and manage resources.The concept of "RMM for projects" and its application to project management.How Moovila addresses the probability of project delays and minimizes their impact.Actionable Tips and Advice:Automate repeatable tasks: Templatize common tasks like customer onboarding to quickly create projects and assign them to engineers automatically.Understand your critical path: Ensure your team understands the critical path process to proactively manage projects.Embrace supervised automation: Use Moovila's AI to identify potential issues and virtualize solutions, but always have a project manager supervise and approve changes.=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv interviews David Jooste from the MSPAA (MSP Association of America) about the organization's mission and activities. David emphasizes that the MSPAA focuses on public-facing advocacy for MSPs, connecting them with the business community rather than solely providing internal business advice. He highlights their efforts at events like the IT Expo, where they ensure MSPs get recognition and opportunities to speak. The MSPAA also facilitates networking dinners where MSPs can build relationships. David explains that MSPAA is unique because it does not focus on how an MSP runs its business but instead focuses on distributing MSP content to the business community. MSPAA also offers opportunities such as open contracts, which are business opportunities from companies looking for MSPs. David addresses the common question of how the MSPAA differs from other industry organizations like ASCII and CompTIA. He reiterates that the MSPAA is externally focused, aiming to increase public awareness of MSPs. They offer resources and support, but don't dictate how MSPs should run their businesses. David shares a success story of a new MSP that significantly grew its client base through its association with the MSPAA. He also mentions virtual spaces for MSPs to connect and discuss business growth. MSPAA has been approached by companies in Canada, Australia, the UK, HP, Lenovo, Oracle, and Google who are interested in getting access to MSPs. MSPAA offers a complimentary first year of membership. After verification, members are given a searchable profile on the MSPAA website and opportunities for interviews, webinars and event hosting.Why Listen?This episode provides valuable insights into a unique organization dedicated to promoting MSPs to the broader business community. Learn how the MSPAA can help you gain visibility, build relationships, and grow your business through public advocacy and community engagement, without the pressure of membership fees or vendor pitches.What You'll LearnHow the MSPAA differs from other MSP organizations.The benefits of public-facing advocacy for MSPs.How to get involved with the MSPAA and its events.How the MSPAA helps MSPs connect with potential clients.The importance of building relationships within the MSP community.Companies & Websites Mentioned:MSPAA (MSP Association of America): https://mspaa.net=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv shares his recent experience migrating mailboxes and data files to SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365 for a referral client. The project, involving 14 mailboxes for 10 users, presented challenges such as limited access to the previous hosting environment and mailboxes exceeding size limits. Marv highlights how PowerShell became essential for overcoming these obstacles, performing tasks more efficiently than the Microsoft 365 portal would allow. He emphasizes that while the portal is task-oriented, PowerShell’s object-oriented nature provides greater flexibility and speed, especially when dealing with multiple mailboxes or complex configurations.Marv provides practical advice for those new to using PowerShell with Exchange Online, including running PowerShell as an administrator, using a dedicated admin account with multi-factor authentication, and keeping the Exchange Online management module updated. He also shares specific scripts he used during the migration, such as those for gathering mailbox information, enabling auto-expanding archives, and removing "prohibit send receive" statuses. Marv encourages listeners to download the scripts he used, test them out, and provide feedback for improvement.Why Listen:This episode provides valuable insights into how PowerShell can streamline Microsoft 365 migrations and other IT tasks. Whether you're new to PowerShell or looking to expand your scripting skills, you'll gain practical knowledge and actionable tips to improve your efficiency and effectiveness.What You'll Learn:Why PowerShell is often better and faster than the Microsoft 365 portal for certain tasks.Best practices for connecting to Exchange Online using PowerShell.How to use PowerShell scripts to gather mailbox information and manage mailbox settings.How to enable auto-expanding archives and resolve mailbox quota issues using PowerShell.The importance of embracing PowerShell as a valuable tool in the modern IT landscape.Actionable Tips:Always run PowerShell as an administrator for necessary permissionsUse a dedicated admin account with multi-factor authentication for enhanced securityRegularly update the Exchange Online management moduleStart with basic PowerShell scripts and gradually expand your knowledgeLinks:Download my PDF of PowerShell Scripts: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/365-exchange-powershell/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAlly=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv interviews Mike Psenka, CEO of Moovila, winner of the 2024 SWAG Award, about revolutionizing project management for MSPs. Mike discusses Moovila's origins, stemming from challenges observed in both the construction industry and the MSP space, and how their AI-driven platform addresses the unique needs of MSPs, particularly those looking to scale or improve their efficiency. They discuss how Moovila helps MSPs transition from traditional project management to a more automated, reliable system, emphasizing the importance of trusting the data and proactively identifying potential issues. The conversation explores the "project paradox," highlighting the statistical likelihood of project delays and the critical need for early risk detection and clear communication with clients. Mike shares how smaller MSPs can also benefit from the platform, particularly through community sharing of best practices and future automations that reduce manual tasks. Why Listen:This episode offers MSPs practical insights into overcoming project management challenges, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing profitability. It provides a fresh perspective on leveraging AI to automate and optimize project workflows, enabling MSPs to deliver consistent, high-quality results and build stronger client relationships through transparent communication.What You'll Learn:How AI-driven project management can improve efficiency and reduce errors in MSP operations.The concept of the "project paradox" and its implications for managing project timelines.Strategies for effectively communicating project status and potential delays to clients.The benefits of productizing projects and leveraging community best practices.Actionable Tips & Advice:Embrace Automation: Explore tools like Moovila that can automate project tasks, freeing up your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.Communicate Proactively: Establish clear communication channels with clients and keep them informed of project progress, potential delays, and any necessary adjustments.Focus on Credibility: Prioritize accurate project timelines and transparent communication to build trust and strengthen client relationships.Productize Your Services: Develop standardized project templates and processes to improve efficiency and consistency in your service delivery.Companies & Websites Mentioned:Moovila: https://www.moovila.com/Connectwise: https://www.connectwise.com/Kaseya: https://www.kaseya.com/Monday: https://monday.com/Microsoft Project: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/project/project-management-softwareSmartsheet: https://www.smartsheet.com/Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/Caterpillar: https://www.caterpillar.com/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the podcast catching us up on his busy week at IT Expo in Fort Lauderdale, complete with a listener luncheon and MSP panel appearance! He also gives us an update on his ongoing Office 365 migration saga (we've all been there, right?). The main event is a return visit from Chris Keith of Hirexe, diving deep into the benefits of hiring South African staff to augment your IT organization. Chris shares how Hirexe helps MSPs go beyond just finding help desk techs, and how they can even source talent for marketing, SEO, and more! They discuss the rising popularity of South Africa as a talent pool. Chris emphasizes that it isn't just about labor costs, but also about cultural affinity, similar time zones, and a sophisticated workforce. They then explore the rigorous vetting process Hirexe uses, including video recordings and personality assessments, to ensure you get the right fit. Chris also addresses concerns about commitment, emphasizing that Hirexe ensures employees receive a significant pay increase, remote work opportunities, and a supportive onboarding experience. Marv and Chris then explore the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in the MSP world, discussing the importance of focusing on vision and strategy rather than getting bogged down in technician-level tasks. Chris explains that Hirexe can free up business owners to be true entrepreneurs by providing affordable, high-quality talent. They wrap up with a discussion about changing workplace expectations and the importance of results-oriented work. And of course, it wouldn't be a show with Uncle Marv without a Florida Man story!Guest Bio: Chris Keith is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Hirexe, a company specializing in connecting MSPs with top-tier talent from South Africa. Chris is passionate about helping business owners focus on vision and growth by providing affordable, high-quality staffing solutions.Companies and Websites Mentioned:Florida Man Shoo Alligator from backyard pool: https://tinyurl.com/4wv296utHirexe: https://hirexe.com/IT Business Podcast: https://itbusinesspodcast.com/Somewhere.com (formerly Support Shepherd): https://www.somewhere.com/Zero Trust World: https://ztw.com/MSPChannelJobs.com: https://www.mspchanneljobs.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv hosts cybersecurity expert Matthew Fisch and Attorney Christopher Regan to discuss the crucial "boom" moment during a cyber incident. They explore what happens when a cybersecurity disaster strikes and how to respond effectively. The conversation kicks off by defining what "boom" means in cybersecurity terms. Matt explains that it's not always a sudden event but can be a process that unfolds over weeks or months. They stress the importance of staying calm and having a well-prepared incident response plan. Chris, a seasoned privacy attorney, shares insights on the legal implications of declaring an incident and the importance of using the right terminology. The team discusses the value of cyber insurance and how insurers can provide crucial support during an incident. The experts offer practical advice for IT professionals and MSPs on the front lines of incident response. They emphasize the need for proper documentation, secure communication channels, and the importance of preserving evidence. The episode wraps up with a reminder to be cautious about sweeping minor incidents under the rug and the potential consequences of not following through on stated security policies.=== Websites and Links: Fort Mesa - https://fortmesa.com/Florida Man in dalmatian onesie outruns troopers, tasers, and K9's: https://tinyurl.com/23f75f2x=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv welcomes Chris Keith, founder of HireXE, to discuss the challenges of hiring in the IT and MSP space. Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey, from digital advertising to creating a hanger company, before focusing on solving the talent acquisition problem in the channel. HireXE's unique approach involves tapping into the South African talent pool, where Chris has found high-quality, cost-effective professionals familiar with the MSP industry. He explains how their rigorous vetting process and full-time employment model benefit both MSPs and employees. The conversation covers the specifics of HireXE's services, including their month-to-month contracts, seamless integration with client companies, and their ability to handle various roles from L1 tech support to service coordinators. Chris also touches on their plans to develop an AI-driven matching system to streamline the hiring process further. Looking to the future, Chris discusses HireXE's focus on the channel market and their plans to attend industry events like ASCII. He also shares his interest in useful AI tools and his role as a "Useful AI guy," highlighting the potential of AI in enhancing productivity and decision-making in business.Companies and Websites Mentioned: HireXE - hirexe.comMSP Channel Jobs - https://www.mspchanneljobs.com/Zorus - https://zorustech.com/RedrO- https://orderredro.com/ASCII Edge 2025 - https://events.ascii.com/Snipd - https://www.snipd.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== LICENSE CERTIFICATEThis license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for this Registered Project.Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLFor any queries related to this document or license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv welcomes Ryan Miller, Chief Information Security Officer at RootPoint, to discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity. They dive into the recent buzz around Ghost GPT, an AI-powered tool that's causing concern in the tech world. Ryan offers a balanced perspective, explaining that while such tools may make certain hacking tasks easier, they don't necessarily lower the barrier to entry for cybercriminals as much as some fear. The conversation shifts to the challenges of managing IT security in today's landscape. Ryan shares insights on the importance of proper security practices, including the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and the risks associated with certain vendor requirements. He emphasizes the value of collaboration between IT professionals and employees, cautioning against practices that can alienate staff, such as overly aggressive phishing simulations. Uncle Marv and Ryan also touch on the evolving nature of managed services, with Ryan highlighting RootPoint's approach of tailoring enterprise-level solutions for their clients. The episode wraps up with a humorous Florida Man story, providing a light-hearted end to an informative discussion on serious cybersecurity matters.=== Links and Companies MentionedRootPoint - https://www.rootpoint.com/AV Summary Report: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/av-summary-2024/Florida Man Arrested Despite Having Ankle Monitor: https://tinyurl.com/3c6ap245Florida Halo Law Protects First Responders: https://tinyurl.com/244p87x9ThreatLocker - https://threatlocker.com/Mitel - https://www.mitel.com/Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this episode of Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast, host Marv welcomes Cat Orsini, a marketing strategist with a fresh take on business growth. Cat dives into her journey from using manipulative "bro marketing" techniques to developing a more authentic, relationship-focused approach. Cat introduces her concept of the Action Incubator and explains how she helps businesses create "firework experiences" to shorten sales cycles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different buyer types and tailoring marketing strategies accordingly. Cat also shares insights on common mistakes businesses make when trying to scale, including automating failure instead of success and treating networks like one-night stands. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Cat and Marv discuss the psychology behind decision-making in sales. Cat stresses the need to address both emotional and logical aspects of buying, providing valuable tips for IT service providers looking to build trust with potential clients. Throughout the episode, Cat sprinkles in practical advice on time management, content creation, and the strategic use of data in marketing. She introduces her new Spark CRM system and explains how it helps turn networks into net worth. This episode is packed with actionable insights for IT business owners looking to improve their marketing strategies and build stronger, more authentic relationships with clients.=== Links and Companies Mentioned: Action Incubator - https://actionincubator.com/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this engaging episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv sits down with George Bardissi, founder of bvoip and MSP Initiative. George opens up about his transition from running an MSP to creating a VoIP solution specifically designed for IT service providers. He discusses the challenges of balancing multiple ventures and the importance of valuing one's time in the MSP world. George explains how bvoip's OneStream platform integrates deeply with popular PSA and ticketing systems, automating call logging and enhancing customer service for MSPs. He shares insights on why many MSPs hesitate to resell VoIP services and how BVOIP addresses these concerns. The conversation also covers the origins of MSP Initiative, including the famous bus tour during the pandemic and the community-focused events it organizes. George emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful experiences and sharing authentic knowledge within the MSP community.=== Companies Mentioned: BVOIP - https://www.bvoip.com/MSP Initiative - https://mspinitiative.com/ConnectWise - https://www.connectwise.com/Datto - https://www.datto.com/Autotask - https://www.datto.com/products/autotask-psa/Halo PSA - https://halopsa.com/Syncro - https://syncromsp.com/SuperOps.ai - https://superops.ai/Zendesk - https://www.zendesk.com/RingCentral - https://www.ringcentral.com/Zoom - https://zoom.us/Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/=== LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements ItemItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this special edition of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee takes listeners on a journey through his career and the evolution of his podcast. Starting from his early days in a computer repair shop to founding his own business in 1997, Marv shares how he discovered podcasting in 2014 and became part of the Podnutz community. He recounts his experience at the 2025 PodFest conference, highlighting the growth of the podcasting industry and its impact on his own show. Marv proudly announces that the IT Business Podcast has seen significant growth, with unique listeners increasing from 7,094 in 2023 to 8,607 in 2024. He emphasizes the show's commitment to providing valuable content to help IT business owners run their operations better, smarter, and faster. The episode also touches on current events, including the ongoing California wildfire crisis, and stresses the importance of community in the MSP industry. Marv discusses various MSP communities and organizations, cautioning against becoming "just another membership organization with little value." Diversity in tech is another key topic, with Marv highlighting the current state of representation and its importance for innovation and success in the global market. He also addresses the thriving nature of the MSP space, with a focus on profitability and growth expectations for 2025. Looking ahead, Marv shares his plans for the podcast in 2025, including attending industry conferences and potentially expanding marketing efforts. He encourages listeners to support the show through various means and promises to continue delivering actionable advice, industry news, and insightful interviews.=== Links and Companies Mentioned: PodFest Expo - podfestexpo.comPodnutz - podnutz.comASCII - ascii.comIT Nation - connectwise.com/theitnationPax8 Beyond - pax8.comThreatLocker - threatlocker.com=== LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements ItemItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLItem Title: President DayItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/president-day-UFETP9UItem ID: UFETP9UAuthor Username: FlorewsMusicLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 23rd, 2025Item License Code: X8TPY7E3M4For any queries related to this document or license please contact: Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this episode, Uncle Marv welcomes Michelle Accardi, CEO of Liongard, and Brooke Lee, the new VP of Community and Channel, to discuss Liongard's recent successes and future plans. The conversation kicks off with Michelle explaining Liongard's rapid growth, including new integrations and high-profile hires like David Powell as CRO. Brooke shares her excitement about joining Liongard and her plans to strengthen community engagement through webinars, partner advisory councils, and the Liongard Academy. The discussion then dives into Liongard's advanced automated documentation, cyber asset discovery, and asset inventory features, highlighting how these tools can benefit MSPs. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Michelle and Brooke discuss the upcoming RoarCon events, which will now be hosted guest format events focusing on intimate, educational experiences for partners. The episode wraps up with a humorous Florida Man segment, featuring rejected personalized license plates and a quirky story from Sheriff Grady Judd. Throughout the show, Uncle Marv's witty banter and the guests' enthusiasm create an engaging and informative atmosphere, making this episode a must-listen for MSPs and tech enthusiasts alike.=== Websites and Companies Mentioned: Liongard - https://www.liongard.comIT Glue - https://www.itglue.comCyberFOX - https://www.cyberfox.com/Rejected Florida Vanity License Plates for 2024 - https://tinyurl.com/bdrme8p8Florida Man ... with a horse - https://tinyurl.com/4x2rhxxwDeloitte - https://www.deloitte.comZero Trust World, February 19-21, 2025: https://zerotrustworld.threatlocker.com/The Florida Man Games, March 1, 2025: https://www.thefloridamangames.com/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for one Single Use for this Registered Project. Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLFor any queries related to this license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new or Envato Elements Pty Ltd (ABN 87 613 824 258) PO Box 16122, Collins St West, VIC 8007, Australia === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv brings us a special edition of the IT Business Podcast, diving into the recent shakeup at Kaseya. Fred Voccola, CEO for the past decade, is transitioning to Vice Chairman after leading the company to over $1.5 billion in annual recurring revenue. This move comes as Kaseya eyes a potential public offering. To break down this news, Uncle Marv brings on Dave Sobel, host of MSP Radio and former vendor channel member. Dave offers insights into the timing of the announcement, the implications for Kaseya's future, and how this fits into broader industry trends. The conversation touches on the polarizing nature of Kaseya in the MSP community, the company's aggressive sales tactics, and the trend of long-term contracts in the industry. Dave cautions against emotional reactions to vendor strategies, encouraging MSPs to focus on customer experience instead. The podcast wraps up with speculation about Kaseya's next CEO and the likelihood of an IPO in the near future. Dave suggests that while Kaseya is positioning for potential public offering, current market conditions and the mixed performance of MSP companies in the public market might delay such plans.People/Companies Mentioned: Kaseya - www.kaseya.comConnectWise - www.connectwise.comDatto - www.datto.comSolarWinds - www.solarwinds.comOpenAI - www.openai.comAnthropic - www.anthropic.comHP - www.hp.comDell - www.dell.comCisco - www.cisco.comMicrosoft - www.microsoft.com=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for one Single Use for this Registered Project. Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLFor any queries related to this license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new or Envato Elements Pty Ltd (ABN 87 613 824 258) PO Box 16122, Collins St West, VIC 8007, Australia === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 for the IT Business Podcast! Uncle Marv starts the year with a bang, sharing the latest industry moves and shakeups. From new job announcements to promotions, he covers it all, including the big news at LionGuard with Brook Lee and David Powell joining the team. Marv touches on upcoming guests and events, including the Florida Man Games in March and his attendance at ThreatLocker's Zero Trust World in February. He also teases exciting new content focused on NetAlly tools, promising in-depth, practical demonstrations for IT professionals. The episode takes a personal turn as Marv reflects on loyalty in the industry, sharing touching stories of long-time connections leading to new opportunities. He also introduces new ways for listeners to support the show, from Amazon affiliate links to Ko-Fi donations. Wrapping up, Marv gives a heartfelt tribute to his late friend Amy Coons, revealing the profound impact she had on his decision to start his own IT business. It's a poignant reminder of the personal connections that shape our professional journeys.Links:David Powell appointed new Chief Revenue Officer at Liongard: https://tinyurl.com/ycrupr58Brook Lee appointed as the new Vice President of Community and Channel at Liongard: https://tinyurl.com/8r7v6tmnPia announces CEO Gerwai Todd’s departure: https://tinyurl.com/3z3bbz9yAnker 60W USB Charger - https://amzn.to/4fO0i71Zero Trust World, February 19-21, 2025: https://zerotrustworld.threatlocker.com/The Florida Man Games, March 1, 2025: https://www.thefloridamangames.com/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for one Single Use for this Registered Project. Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLFor any queries related to this license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new or Envato Elements Pty Ltd (ABN 87 613 824 258) PO Box 16122, Collins St West, VIC 8007, Australia === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/9O0yF-u9P3gUncle Marv's IT Business Podcast ends 2024 with a bang in this special holiday episode. The show features two groups of guests from the MSP industry, including familiar faces and new additions. The first group dives into discussions about business growth, project management challenges, and the evolving MSP landscape. Tom Bull and Stan Louissaint share insights from their Jersey-based operations, while Lynn Williams represents ASCII Group, celebrating their 40th anniversary. Brian Weiss talks about his company's pivot to a Microsoft-first approach and their recent office purchase. The second group brings more diverse perspectives. Dawn Sizer shares a frustrating experience with a PEO integration, while Joe Balsarotti shows off his impressive autograph collection. Bradley Gross, the "attorney for all technicians," discusses the increasing recognition of legal needs in the MSP world. Brandon Martens from TruGrid and Matt Linn from Thread offer vendor perspectives on working with MSPs. Uncle Marv announces the podcast award winners, with Dave Scott of Scott Growth Strategies taking home two awards for Best Episode and Best Guest of 2024. Moovila took home the Best Vendor Swag for 2024, accepted by Kate Schlarf, the VP for Growth Marketing for Moovila. Dave Scott of Scott Growth Strategies taking home two awards for Best Episode and Best Guest of 2024.The show concludes with a gift card giveaway and a teaser for Uncle Marv's coverage of the upcoming Florida Man Games in March 2025.Websites and Links: ASCII Group - www.ascii.comThread - www.thread.comMoovila - https://www.moovila.com/Scott Growth Strategies - www.scottgrowthstrategies.comFlorida Man Games - https://www.thefloridamangames.com/ === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, host Uncle Marv welcomes Frank DeLuca from The CTO Agency to discuss the challenges and opportunities in running an IT service business. Frank shares his journey from running a BBS at 13 to founding his own MSP, highlighting the importance of adapting to client needs and staying current with technology trends. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Uncle Marv launches into a fiery rant about vendor-MSP relationships, sparked by a frustrating interaction with a young sales representative. This leads to a broader discussion on the changing landscape of IT services, including the push for long-term contracts and the need for better "rules of engagement" between vendors and MSPs. Frank and Uncle Marv dive into the complexities of selling cybersecurity solutions, particularly to insurance companies and law firms. They explore strategies for bundling services and the challenges of educating clients on the necessity of robust security measures. The episode wraps up with the popular "Florida Man" segment, featuring a shocking story about a Santa Claus impersonator arrested for child pornography, and a discussion on the technologies used to combat such crimes.Guest Bio:Frank DeLuca is the founder of The CTO Agency, an IT service provider specializing in professional services and insurance clients. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, Frank brings a wealth of knowledge on running a boutique MSP.Links and Websites: Vote for the 2024 Podcast Awards: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/survey/2024-podcast-awards/The CTO Agency - https://www.thectoagency.com/Florida 'Santa' Sentenced in Child Pornography Case: https://tinyurl.com/mrynffcuSonicWall and CrowdStrike Join Forces: https://tinyurl.com/3xfcn3rzSonicWall - www.sonicwall.comCrowdStrike - www.crowdstrike.comSentinel One - www.sentinelone.comSophos - www.sophos.com === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv sits down with Richie Wade, Manager of Sales Engineering at DNSFilter, to explore the cutting-edge world of DNS security. Richie shares insights on how DNSFilter is leveraging AI to detect threats up to 7 days faster than traditional methods, catching 70% of threats with their in-house solution. The conversation dives into DNSFilter's recent integrations with major PSAs like ConnectWise and Datto Autotask, aimed at streamlining workflows for MSPs. Richie explains how these integrations minimize administrative workload and improve billing accuracy. Uncle Marv and Richie also discuss the changing cybersecurity landscape, with Richie revealing a 14% increase in malware and a 36% overall increase in threats on their network this year alone. They emphasize that organizations of all sizes are potential targets, debunking the myth that only large enterprises are at risk. The podcast touches on DNSFilter's unique features, including on-demand categorization of new domains and the ability to block newly registered domains. Richie also previews upcoming features like URL filtering and hints at more MSP-focused integrations in the pipeline. Towards the end, they discuss DNSFilter's upcoming annual security report and the importance of staying ahead of emerging cyber threats. The episode wraps up with a teaser about DNSFilter's pricing changes and new features coming in the new year.=== Websites and Links Mentioned: DNSFIlter Announces Integration with Six Leading PSA Platforms: https://tinyurl.com/5n6ck2z8Rise in Malicious Domains: https://tinyurl.com/3m95kzffDNSFilter - https://www.dnsfilter.comSuperOps - https://superops.com/ConnectWise - https://www.connectwise.comDatto Autotask - https://www.datto.comPulseway - https://www.pulseway.comHalo - https://halopsa.com/N-Able - https://www.n-able.com/Syncro - https://www.syncromsp.comAppRiver - https://www.appriver.comRewst - https://rewst.io/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for one Single Use for this Registered Project. Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLFor any queries related to this license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new or Envato Elements Pty Ltd (ABN 87 613 824 258) PO Box 16122, Collins St West, VIC 8007, Australia === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv welcomes Zach Kromkowski, co-founder and CEO of Senteon, and winner of the 2024 IT Nation Pitch It competition. Zach kicks things off by sharing his recent transition to van life, discussing the challenges and goals behind this lifestyle change, including plans to visit MSP partners across the country. The conversation shifts to the state of MSP conferences, with Zach offering his perspective on the increasing number and scale of events. He emphasizes the importance of lowering barriers for innovative startups to participate and suggests more focused, skill-based conference tracks. Zach then dives into Senteon's journey, from its inception as an EDR platform to its current focus on automated system hardening based on CIS benchmarks. He discusses the pivots the company made, the importance of market research, and how the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly aided their development process. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the complexities of system hardening, highlighting the depth of knowledge required and the value of automated solutions in this space.Links and Websites: Senteon - https://senteon.co/ConnectWise - https://www.connectwise.com/Liongard - https://www.liongard.com/Compliance Scorecard - https://compliancescorecard.com/Florida Man Puts on Helmet; Intentionally Crashes into USAA Building: https://tinyurl.com/4yruecbpZach Previous Appearance on the IT Business Podcast: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/672=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for one Single Use for this Registered Project. Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLFor any queries related to this license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new or Envato Elements Pty Ltd (ABN 87 613 824 258) PO Box 16122, Collins St West, VIC 8007, Australia === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Listeners will be engaged by Marv's storytelling as he recounts a recent incident involving a $300,000 ransomware attack faced by a client due to poor security practices. He discusses how the lack of proper protections led to devastating consequences and stresses the significance of adopting a zero-trust framework. Marv outlines three core principles: never trust, always verifyleast privilege accessassume a breach.He also shares insights from his own client interactions, illustrating the challenges of implementing these principles in real-world scenarios. Additionally, Marv provides updates on upcoming shows, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday previews, encouraging listeners to explore valuable tech products for the holiday seasonWebsites and Links: *** Vote for the 2024 Podcast Awards: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/surveyThreatLocker: https://www.threatlocker.com/Black Friday Amazon Live with Eric Pinto: https://www.youtube.com/live/xCdVY_CWUOs?si=UWVsuza6N2plQwMoBlack Friday Amazon Live with Dawn Sizer: https://www.youtube.com/live/pNNgytMlNEI?si=JEjczLwCmOenn6iKPeople Mentioned for Shout OutsEric PintoDawn SizerErin Lawrence === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv sits down with Paco Lebron, an MSP from the Chicago area and the mastermind behind MSP Unplugged. Paco shares his experience switching from Syncro to SuperOps about a year ago, shedding light on the reasons behind the move and the improvements he's seen. Paco discusses the early days of SuperOps, addressing some of the marketing controversies that initially surrounded the company. He emphasizes how SuperOps has since transformed its image and focused on community-first initiatives. The conversation dives into the key factors that led Paco to make the switch, including improved transparency in ticket management, real-time updates, and enhanced efficiency. Paco highlights SuperOps' user-friendly interface, responsive support, and commitment to continuous improvement as standout features. Uncle Marv and Paco also touch on areas where SuperOps is still developing, such as CRM functionality and sales automation. Paco, as a member of the SuperOps Advisory Board, provides insights into upcoming features and improvements without breaking any NDAs. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the importance of choosing the right tools for your MSP and being open to change when necessary. It's a must-listen for MSPs considering a platform switch or looking to stay informed about the latest developments in the industry.Websites and Links: SuperOps - http://itbusinesspodcast.com/superopsSyncro - https://syncromsp.com/ProdigyTeks - https://www.prodigyteks.com/N-Able - https://www.n-able.com/Datto - https://www.datto.com/Kaseya - https://www.kaseya.com/PC Matic - https://www.pcmatic.com/Pax8 - https://www.pax8.com/People Mentioned: Juan FernandezEmily GlassTroyIan AlexanderRichardJohn DubinskyCramer SnuggsGene KimAndy Cormier === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv delivers a mix of personal updates, industry news, and a surprising announcement. He kicks off by discussing his recent collaboration with Mike Smith on a client project in Fort Lauderdale, highlighting the benefits of his office space for out-of-town IT professionals. Marv then dives into cybersecurity awareness, sharing details about an upcoming training session he's conducting for a client. He discusses his approach to the training, including the use of informative videos and explanations of security measures like ThreatLocker and multi-factor authentication. The podcast covers recent industry news, including reports from Cujo AI and Keeper Security about the state of cybersecurity threats. Marv also touches on Kaseya's announcement of free hardware for Datto Siris, discussing its potential impact on MSPs and their clients. The episode's highlight is Marv's revelation that he's been approved as media personnel for the upcoming Florida Man Games in March 2025. He expresses his excitement and asks listeners for ideas on how to cover this unique event. Marv wraps up with two Florida Man stories, including a lawsuit against Netflix over streaming issues and a dramatic python-alligator rescue in the Everglades. He concludes with reflections on his recent experience as a subcontractor, offering insights into the perspective it provided.Websites and Links:Amazon Live: https://www.amazon.com/liveEasy Cater: https://www.ezcater.com/Florida Man Sues Netflix Over Tyson-Paul Fight: https://tinyurl.com/3944smkcFlorida Man Saves Alligator from Monster Python: https://tinyurl.com/49t5rt56People Mentioned for Shoutouts: Mike SmithMichael Smith Jr.Dawn SizerErin LawrenceJay McBainFrank DiBenedetto === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this action-packed episode, Uncle Marv sits down with Rob Rae, the self-proclaimed "godfather of the channel" from Pax8, to discuss the recent ConnectWise partnership announcement and the new Voyager partner program. Rob dishes on the reasoning behind credit card surcharges and how Pax8 is investing in better tools and experiences for MSPs. The conversation takes a fun turn as they debate the merits of rappers versus a cappella groups for tech conference entertainment. Next up, Mark Ralls, president of Auvik, joins the show to talk about their network monitoring and management tool designed specifically for MSPs. Mark highlights Auvik's standout feature - its network mapping capabilities - and how it integrates seamlessly with ConnectWise to provide frictionless IT solutions. He also teases their new NorthStar feature, which helps technicians visualize and troubleshoot network issues more effectively. Both guests offer valuable insights into the evolving MSP landscape, upcoming industry events, and the importance of creating exceptional experiences for partners and clients alike. Guest Bios:Rob Rae: SVP of Business Development at Pax8, known for his energetic presence and deep understanding of the MSP ecosystem.Mark Ralls: President at Auvik, bringing extensive experience in network management solutions tailored for MSPs.Websites Mentioned: Pax8: https://www.pax8.comAuvik: https://www.auvik.comConnectWise: https://www.connectwise.comPeople Mentioned for Shout Outs: Flo RidaLudacrisNellySnoop DoggFatboy SlimPentatonixKenny G === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this action-packed episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv serves up two interviews straight from the bustling floor of IT Nation Connect in Orlando. First up, Vinh Pham from Secureframe breaks down how their compliance automation platform is revolutionizing the way MSPs handle frameworks like CMMC, NIST, and CIS. Vinh explains how Secureframe's continuous monitoring keeps clients compliant in real-time, not just with point-in-time snapshots. He also dishes on their free partner program and the game-changing GAFA assessment tool. Then, James Allen from PIA takes the mic, sharing how their AI-powered service desk solution is transforming MSP profitability. James drops some jaw-dropping stats, including one partner who boosted their endpoint-per-tech ratio from 190 to 357! He also teases an upcoming presentation titled "I gave ChatGPT 50,000 tickets and this is the result" - talk about spicy! Both guests offer unique perspectives on how emerging technologies are reshaping the MSP landscape. From streamlining compliance to supercharging service desks, this episode is packed with insights to help your MSP level up. Guest Bios:Vinh Pham is from Secureframe, a compliance automation platform helping MSPs turn security frameworks into revenue generators.James Allen is the Vice President of Sales at PIA, bringing AI-powered efficiency to MSP service desks from his base in Tampa, Florida.Websites Mentioned: Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/partnersPIA: https://pia.ai/People Mentioned for Shout Outs: MannyTim CoachBrook LeeJoe A. ToddAaron HadibaziTodd ClarkGary PicaPeter KajawaSean from TagMarissa from TagJohn from CMIT === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast welcomes Henry Timm, the dynamic CEO of Phantom Technology Solutions, who shares his insights on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of managed IT services. This episode dives into the balance between running a successful MSP and actively participating in industry events, highlighting the importance of community and collaboration among IT professionals. Henry emphasizes that success in this field is not just about profit but also about fostering relationships and supporting one another in a competitive environment. In this engaging conversation, Uncle Marv and Henry explore the challenges and rewards of attending nearly 50 industry events in a year. Henry discusses how his strong team and established systems allow him to manage his MSP effectively while being a prominent figure in the tech community. They touch on the shifting dynamics between MSPs, vendors, and private equity, advocating for a more collaborative approach that prioritizes community over competition. Henry also introduces listeners to the Tech Degenerates, a vibrant community of MSPs and vendors that fosters knowledge sharing and support without the pressure of sales pitches.Guest Bio:Henry Timm is the CEO of Phantom Technology Solutions, a managed IT services provider based in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, dedicated to empowering businesses across the Midwest since 2010. Websites and Links:Phantom Technology Solutions: phantomtechsolutions.comFlorida man accused of stabbing brother in neck for ‘talking over’ food while cooking: https://tinyurl.com/54wyycnjCompression Packing Cubes: https://amzn.to/40NYV4mPeople Mentioned for Shout Outs:JB FowlerJohn CarloMike SmithRob Rae === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this episode, Uncle Marv sits down with Kip Fanta from GetInSync and Mark Alayev from Thread to discuss the latest developments in MSP services and AI technology. Kip Fanta, newly joined with GetInSync, talks about the company's focus on VCIO services and helping MSPs communicate better with their clients. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the full IT landscape and how Get In Sync can help MSPs move up the value chain, especially in co-managed IT scenarios. Kip also touches on the customization capabilities of their platform and the financial model that benefits both MSPs and their clients. Mark Alayev, CEO of Thread, dives deep into the world of AI-driven service desks. He discusses Thread's new product, which uses agentic AI to create custom agents for different industries. Mark emphasizes the importance of giving MSPs control over AI behavior and explains how Thread's solution focuses on human-to-human communication while integrating with system-to-system automation. He also shares his thoughts on the future of AI in the MSP industry, predicting that 20-35% of service desk requests could be fully automated in the near future. Both interviews provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of MSP services and the role of AI in shaping the future of IT support. Guest Bios:Kip Fanta: Former Procter & Gamble IT professional, now driving partner relationships at Get In Sync, focusing on VCIO services for MSPs. Mark Alayev: CEO of Thread, leading the charge in AI-driven service desk solutions for MSPs. Websites Mentioned: Get In Sync: https://getinsync.ca/Thread: https://www.getthread.com/People Mentioned for Shout Outs: Stuart Holtby Bobby Jacobs === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode with Adam Kerrigan, discussing his journey from MSP owner to M&A specialist and competitive powerlifter. Adam shares his near-drowning experience that led to a health transformation and eventual world championship in powerlifting. The conversation shifts to the MSP industry, with Adam providing valuable insights on M&A trends, growth strategies, and the importance of peer groups for MSP success. The discussion covers the structure of a $50 million MSP, highlighting ITS's 360-person team spread across seven Western states and international locations. Adam emphasizes the value of new client growth and offers advice for MSPs looking to position themselves for acquisition. He also touches on the impact of election cycles on MSP profitability and valuations. In the second segment, Uncle Marv chats with David Nankervis from Cork. David shares his excitement about Cork's rapid growth and their focus on planning for 2025. The conversation briefly touches on Cork's evolution from a cyber warranty company to its current expanded offerings.Guest Bios:Adam Kerrigan: M&A specialist at ITS, world champion powerlifter, and former MSP owner known for his signature fanny pack.David Nankervis: Six-month veteran at Cork, driving the company's expansion and strategic planning for 2025.Websites and Links:Intelligent Technical Solutions: https://www.itsasap.com/Cork Cyber Warranty: https://corkinc.com/People Mentioned for Shout Outs:Linda Rose, Peter Kajawa, Jay McBain, Robin Robbins === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode with Jay McBain, a leading industry analyst from Canalys. Jay shares fascinating statistics about the managed services industry, revealing it's a $608 billion global business, twice the size of the SaaS industry. He explains how private equity is reshaping the landscape, driven by tech's rapid growth and attractive returns. The conversation then shifts to AI and its impact on the industry. Jay discusses the recent CompTIA acquisition and how it might transform the certification business. He also touches on the challenges MSPs face as vendors grow and potentially shift focus away from smaller businesses. In the second half of the episode, Uncle Marv chats with Bobby Jacobs from Thread, winners of last year's Pitch It competition. Bobby talks about Thread's evolution, including their new AI Service Desk and expanded integrations. He shares how their AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing ticket management and improving efficiency for MSPs. The episode wraps up with some fun insights into Thread's unique marketing approach at IT Nation, including their "death to the ticket" theme and innovative booth activities. Guest Bios:Jay McBain: Leading industry analyst at Canalys, known as "the voice of the channel."Bobby Jacobs: Representative from Thread, an AI-powered customer experience platform for MSPs. Websites and Links:Canalys: https://canalys.com/Thread: https://www.getthread.com/People Mentioned for Shout Outs: Peter KajawaMark (Thread CEO)Michelle (Jay's wife)Flo Rida === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode live from IT Nation Connect in Orlando, sponsored by Thread and powered by Rhythms. He first interviews Amy Roman, founder of AmplifyGTM, a go-to-market consultancy focused on MSPs and tech companies. Amy shares her journey from consumer goods to tech, explaining how she helps companies build sustainable revenue ecosystems as a fractional CRO. She emphasizes the importance of strategy and infrastructure in driving long-term results. In the second segment, Uncle Marv chats with Cole Knuth, President and CEO of FifthWall. Cole recounts his transition from the electrical industry to IT, starting his tech career at PAX8 in 2017. He provides insights into PAX8's rapid growth and the evolving MSP landscape. Both guests bring unique perspectives on the tech industry, offering valuable insights for MSPs and IT professionals looking to grow their businesses. Guests:Amy Roman: Founder of AmplifyGTM, a go-to-market consultancy for MSPs and tech companies.Cole Knuth: President and CEO of FifthWall, with previous experience at PAX8 and in the electrical industry.Websites and Links: AmplifyGTM: https://amplifygtm.com/FifthWall: https://fifthwallsolutions.com/Pax8: https://www.pax8.com/en-us/People Mentioned for Shout Outs: Jim KennedyJennifer BleamFlo RidaStone Temple Pilots === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode with Peter Kujawa from ConnectWise, discussing the latest trends in the MSP industry. Peter shares fascinating data on revenue growth, wage inflation, and profitability. He notes that while organic growth has slowed to about 10%, profitability is improving as wage inflation eases. The conversation shifts to the value of MSPs, with Peter emphasizing the importance of maximizing EBITDA and running an efficient business. He dispels concerns about a potential bubble in MSP valuations, citing the large supply of MSPs and increasing interest from private equity firms. In the second half, Uncle Marv chats with Diana Giles from Skyline IT Management. Diana shares her conference experience and discusses her new podcast, "For the Health of IT," which focuses on mental and physical wellness in the IT industry. They explore the importance of addressing mental health issues and removing the stigma associated with them. The episode wraps up with Diana providing updates on her business, including strategic decisions to focus on specific clients and services. She also touches on her ongoing education in Microsoft 365 Defender, hinting at potential changes in her service offerings. Guests:Peter Kujawa: Vice President and General Manager, Service Leadership at ConnectWiseDiana Giles: Owner of Skyline IT Management and host of "For the Health of IT" podcastWebsites and Links: ConnectWise: https://www.connectwise.com/Service Leadership: https://www.service-leadership.comSkyline IT Management: https://skylineitmgmt.com/For the Health of IT podcast: https://forthehealthofit.techPeople Mentioned for Shout Outs: Jay McBain from CanalysSteve (Diana's husband)Infima and ThreatLocker (for sponsoring Medieval Times event) === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode with Aaron Kennedy, discussing his journey from MSP owner to ScalePad executive. Aaron shares his experiences selling an MSP in 2016, highlighting the importance of contracts and EBITDA in valuations. He then details his transition to Cognition 360, which was later acquired by ScalePad. The conversation shifts to the significance of data in managing MSPs. Aaron explains how tools like ScalePad help owners analyze agreement profitability, technician efficiency, and make informed decisions about growth and hiring. He emphasizes the need for historical data analysis to predict future performance and maintain service levels. In the second segment, Ryan Sigouin, ScalePad's Chief Revenue Officer, joins Uncle Marv. Ryan discusses ScalePad's recent acquisitions and the company's vision for integrating its various products. He reveals plans for a consolidated data platform that will streamline integrations across the MSP space, potentially revolutionizing how software companies interact within the industry. Ryan also sheds light on his role as CRO, explaining how it encompasses sales, marketing, revenue operations, and customer success. He stresses the importance of a cohesive approach to product-led and marketing-led growth, as well as customer retention and expansion. Websites and Links:ScalePad: https://www.scalepad.com/People mentioned for shoutouts: Brooke Lee (Director of Channel at ScalePad)Chris (ScalePad executive)Joel (ScalePad executive) === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode with a heartfelt tribute to veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices and encouraging listeners to support veteran organizations. He then dives into his recent experiences at three major IT conferences: ASCII EDGE in Clearwater, DattoCon in Miami, and IT Nation Connect in Orlando. The podcast host shares exciting news about upcoming episodes featuring interviews from IT Nation Connect. He mentions live streaming efforts at the conference, made possible by Rhythms' internet-in-a-box solution. Listeners can expect 16 interviews across 8 episodes, including candid conversations with industry figures like Rob Rae from Pax8. Uncle Marv touches on key announcements from the conferences, such as Datto's K365 addition and ConnectWise's ASIO platform expansions. He briefly discusses his own product stack and approach to adopting new technologies. The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming content, including a swag review, Black Friday preview shows, and a special holiday episode. Uncle Marv encourages both long-time listeners and newcomers to stay tuned and follow the show on their preferred platforms.People Mentioned for ShoutoutsRob RaeAmy RomanCole KnuthAdam KerriganFlo RidaTony HawkHenry Timm === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this episode, Uncle Marv roams the vendor hall at DattoCon 2024, bringing us candid conversations with key players in the MSP industry. He kicks things off with Dean Trempalas from Empath, discussing the surprising turnout and the impact of Kaseya 365 on the MSP landscape.Next, Matt Solomon from Channel Program shares insights on the event's traffic and the importance of product reviews in the channel. We also hear about their new feature that helps MSPs find relevant events based on their tech stack.Cynthia from CyberQP talks about their hot new end-user elevation product and their charitable efforts supporting sea turtles. She also gives us a sneak peek at their upcoming appearances at IT Nation and DattoCon APAC.Dustin Puryear of Giant Rocket Ship explains how their Smart Dispatch feature is revolutionizing ticket management for MSPs. He also shares some exciting news about his recent exit from his MSP to focus fully on Giant Rocket Ship.The episode wraps up with conversations with industry veterans George Bardissi from B-VoIP and Michelle Ragusa McBain from SonicWall. George dishes on the event's atmosphere and their legendary pizza party, while Michelle talks about SonicWall's new partner portal and service provider program.Throughout the interviews, we get a taste of the vibrant energy at DattoCon, from the packed vendor hall to the late-night networking events. It's clear that despite the challenges of the past year, the MSP community is thriving and innovating.Vendors Interviewed:Dean Trempalas (Empath)Matt Solomon (Channel Program)Cynthia Schreiner (CyberQP)Dustin Puryear (Giant Rocket Ship)George Bardissi (B-VoIP)Michelle Ragusa McBain (SonicWall)Michael Crean (SonicWall) === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by setting the scene at DattoCon, where the energy is high after two days of groundbreaking announcements. He introduces Ranjan Singh, who dives right into the buzz surrounding Kaseya's latest offerings.Ranjan explains the challenge of keeping product launches under wraps until the big reveal, emphasizing the importance of a well-executed rollout. He shares the overwhelmingly positive reaction to Kaseya 365, with customers describing it as a "no-brainer" decision.The conversation turns to the inclusion of SaaS Alerts in Kaseya 365 user at no additional cost, addressing concerns about long-term pricing. Ranjan clarifies that this is not a temporary promotion but a core part of the Kaseya 365 license offering.Uncle Marv and Ranjan discuss the significance of having 12 point products integrated into two platform licenses, potentially replacing up to 11 vendors. They explore the benefits for both emerging MSPs and established businesses, touching on time savings, cost efficiency, and streamlined onboarding.The interview takes an interesting turn as they address concerns about commoditization in the industry. Ranjan reframes the conversation, describing Kaseya's approach as "democratizing" rather than commoditizing, making essential tools accessible to MSPs of all sizes.They wrap up by discussing the future of Kaseya's product lineup, hinting at more innovations to come, and emphasizing the value of attending events like DattoCon to see these announcements firsthand.People Mentioned:Ranjan SinghFred Voccola, CEO of KaseyaNadir Merchant === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by introducing Kelvin Daniels, a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Kelvin shares his journey as a long-term Datto partner, selling their products for over 15 years and being credited with pioneering innovative sales approaches in the Midwest. The conversation then shifts to Xtona, where Kelvin has been working for the past three years. He explains how he introduced Datto products to the company, replacing their previous Barracuda solutions. Kelvin highlights the challenges of convincing customers to switch to a more expensive but superior product. Kelvin goes on to describe Xtona's diverse client base, which includes ISPs, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and manufacturing companies across the United States. He emphasizes their focus on compliance and regulation, particularly for clients with heavy compliance requirements. The discussion then turns to the recent announcements at DattoCon, particularly the launch of the 365 User portion. Kelvin expresses his excitement about this development and how it aligns with Xtona's current evaluations of similar products. Uncle Marv and Kelvin also touch on the importance of integrated solutions and how they contribute to efficiency and customer retention. Kelvin shares that Xtona ranks in the top 5% of the top 1% of companies nationwide in customer retention, attributing this success to their commitment to service delivery. The conversation wraps up with Kelvin explaining Xtona's philosophy of being a "managed services partner" rather than a provider, emphasizing their focus on creating partnerships with clients and helping them serve their own customers better. People mentioned for shoutouts: Nadir MerchantManny (Account Manager)Vega (Account Manager) === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode from the Fontainebleau resort in Miami, where he's attending DattoCon 2024.Nadir Merchant introduces Kaseya 365 User, a new product offering that focuses on protecting and backing up users, complementing the previously launched Kaseya 365 Endpoint. The Kaseya 365 User bundle includes email protection, anti-phishing software, security awareness training, phishing simulation, and SaaS backup. Nadir emphasizes that Kaseya 365 is not just a bundle, but a unified product with seamless integrations and a consistent user experience.Cooper AI, Kaseya's artificial intelligence engine, is powering several new features, including the Smart SOP Generator, launching early next year, will automatically create SOPs by recording and annotating user actions in the browser. Nadir hints at future developments, including expanding Cooper Copilot capabilities to passwords, configs, and checklists.The episode wraps up with a teaser of more announcements to come at the conference and future Kaseya events.Cooper Bots: An automation platform allowing users to create autonomous workflows across IT Complete.Cooper Copilot for IT Glue: Introduces Smart Assist for curating documentation and the upcoming Smart SOP Generator.Cooper Copilot for PSA: Available for both Autotask and BMS, offering ticket summarization and resolution summaries. === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the show by recapping his recent visit to DattoCon in Miami, where Kaseya made significant announcements about new user licenses and product offerings. He then welcomes Jennifer Bleam, author of "Simplified Cybersecurity Sales for MSPs," to discuss marketing and sales strategies. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to marketing, explaining the concept of a marketing funnel and how different tactics serve various purposes. She stresses that while leads are the ultimate goal, top-of-funnel activities like creating awareness and engagement are crucial steps in the process. The conversation shifts to LinkedIn marketing, with Jennifer cautioning against aggressive tactics that can erode trust. She advocates for a more thoughtful approach, suggesting that valuable content and personalized outreach can set businesses apart in a sea of generic pitches. Jennifer provides practical advice on nurturing leads without being pushy, recommending a consistent schedule of weekly emails and regular social media posts across platforms. She introduces the concept of "habit stacking" to help MSPs build a sustainable marketing routine. The discussion turns to sales techniques, with Jennifer outlining a strategy to naturally lead prospects towards closing. She explains the importance of revealing gaps in a prospect's current situation and helping them visualize the consequences of inaction. Uncle Marv and Jennifer also touch on the value of qualification and disqualification in the sales process, emphasizing that not every lead is worth pursuing. They discuss how to gracefully exit conversations with prospects who aren't a good fit. The episode concludes with Uncle Marv's signature "Florida Man" segment, where Jennifer shares a bizarre local story from Maryland, only to be outdone by Uncle Marv's tale of a Florida man's inexplicable in-flight assault.Websites and Links Mentioned: Jennifer's Book, Simplified Cybersecurity Sales for MSPs: https://amzn.to/48rDSq6Jennifer's Book, with Bonus Material: https://mspsalesrevolution.com/book-plus-bonus They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan: https://amzn.to/3YNvk8PKeyword Research Tool: https://answerthepublic.com/Florida Man Assaults Sleeping Passenger: https://tinyurl.com/2emdvxjuPeople Mentioned: Dawn SizerTim GoldenSean Lardo === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the podcast with Robert Thompson, an ASCII member and Spark peer group leader from Canada. Thompson shares his journey from break-fix to managed services, highlighting the importance of client communication and technology business reviews. He emphasizes the value of the ASCII community in knowledge sharing and business growth. The podcast then shifts gears with Vladan Gajicic, owner of GVS IT Services in Jacksonville, Florida. Gajicic recounts his transition from working for managed service providers to starting his own business in 2018. He discusses how his company unexpectedly grew during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing level three support to other MSPs. The episode concludes with an exciting interview featuring Juan Fernandez from SuperOps. Fernandez unveils SuperOps' new AI, named Monica, and hints at upcoming integrations. The conversation also touches on the ASCII Cup event, sponsored by SuperOps, which includes a DeLorean-themed party and break dancers, emphasizing the importance of community building in the IT industry.Key Segments: Robert Thompson on managed services and client communicationASCII community benefits and peer group leadershipVladan Gajicic's journey from employee to business ownerUnexpected growth during the COVID-19 pandemicSuperOps' new AI integration: MonicaASCII Cup event and community buildingThe future of managed services and IT business === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode with Joe Balsarotti, a long-time ASCII member and owner of Software to Go, a computer store with over 40 years of history. Joe shares his journey from retail software sales to becoming a full-service IT provider serving customers in 42 states. He emphasizes the importance of empowering staff, sharing how he gives his employees credit cards and encourages them to think like owners. Joe recounts a heartwarming story about hiring his office manager from a McDonald's drive-thru and how she's grown to handle basic tech support for clients. He also discusses the evolution of his business model and the value of ASCII membership over the years, highlighting the importance of relationship-building and networking at events. The episode then shifts to an interview with Terry McAdams of Mac Tech Solutions, representing ASMC (Apple Solutions Marketing Corporation). Terry explains the recent partnership between ASCII and ASMC, aimed at bridging the gap between PC-focused MSPs and Apple-centric businesses. He shares his background in both Windows and Mac environments, debunking misconceptions about the limitations of Macs in business settings. Terry discusses the opportunities for collaboration between ASCII and ASMC members, including hardware sales, co-managed services, and knowledge sharing. He also touches on the challenges of transitioning to managed services and the overwhelming array of tools available in the industry. Both interviews provide valuable perspectives on adapting to industry changes, the importance of customer relationships, and the potential for growth through strategic partnerships. Key Segments: Joe Balsarotti's 40+ years in the IT industryEvolution of Software to Go's business modelEmpowering employees in IT businessesLong-term value of ASCII membershipASCII and ASMC partnershipTerry McAdams' journey from Air Force to Mac Tech SolutionsMisconceptions about Macs in business environmentsOpportunities for collaboration between PC and Mac-focused MSPsChallenges in transitioning to managed servicesThe overwhelming landscape of IT tools and servicesPeople Mentioned for Shout Outs: Jeffrey BoydBradley Gross === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Sean Lardo Interview: IT Nation event coming up in two weeks (November 6-8) at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, FloridaPitchIT competition highlights: record number of applicants (over 150) from global regionsFinal three PitchIT competitors: PC PowerSafe, Senteon Cybersecurity, and Seedpod CyberIT Nation features: Tony Hawk as keynote speaker, Stone Temple Pilots for entertainmentK9s for Warriors philanthropy initiative with autographed Tony Hawk skateboards for top donorsUnexpected $1,001 donation pledge from Uncle Marv for K9s for WarriorsStanley Louissaint Interview: ASCII SPARK peer groups: geographically dispersed members grouped by revenue rangesBenefits of peer groups: problem-solving, sharing experiences, and business growthImportance of consistency in business and client satisfactionDiscussion on client acquisitions and IT integration challengesAutomation in IT businesses: balancing efficiency with practicalityPersonal anecdote about over-complicating automation for financial data conversionKey Segments: IT Nation and PitchIT competition updatesASCII SPARK peer groups overviewBusiness consistency and growthClient acquisitions and IT integrationAutomation in IT businessesPersonal experiences with automation attemptsWebsites mentioned:IT Nation PitchIT: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchitIT Nation Connect, November 6-8: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/connect-naPeople mentioned for shout outs: Michael Crean from SonicWallChad Kempt Dawn Sizer === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode with Steve Copeland from RYTHMz, discussing their innovative "internet in a box" solution. Steve explains how their 5G technology is revolutionizing business continuity and disaster recovery. He shares examples of how RYTHMz has helped partners increase profits and maintain connectivity during critical events. The conversation then shifts to the future of technology, touching on AI, 5G, and IoT. Steve provides insights into how MSPs can effectively use AI in their operations, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and training clients on AI usage. In the second part of the episode, Uncle Marv interviews Dawn Sizer from 3rd Element Consulting. Dawn discusses her company's impressive growth, attributing it to client expansion, targeted marketing strategies, and the introduction of new service divisions. Dawn shares her experience working with Decoded Strategies to revamp their website, highlighting the importance of tailoring language to target high-risk clients. She also reveals 3rd Element Consulting's plans for new divisions in access control, event management, and content marketing. The episode concludes with a heartwarming exchange between Uncle Marv and Dawn, emphasizing the value of personal connections in the IT industry. Key Segments: RYTHMz's 5G "internet in a box" solutionBusiness continuity and disaster recovery in ITThe future of AI, 5G, and IoT in the IT industry3rd Element Consulting's growth strategiesWebsite revamp and targeted marketingExpansion into new service divisionsThe importance of personal connections in ITWebsites and Links: RYTHMz: https://rythmz.com/3rd Element Consulting: https://www.3rdelementconsulting.com/People Mentioned for Shout Outs: Stan LouissaintKristen and Annie from Decoded StrategiesDave (Dawn's husband and business partner) === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the show by introducing Eric Torres, who recently joined Pax8 in a new role focused on channel and community engagement. The conversation covers Eric's transition to Pax8 and his first experiences with the company, including attending the Pax8 Beyond event in Berlin. Eric shares insights on Pax8's approach to community engagement, highlighting their extensive event calendar and plans to expand their reach. He discusses the importance of the Pax8 marketplace and how it's leveling the playing field for MSPs, allowing them to compete for larger clients and offer enterprise-grade solutions. The discussion touches on a recent Channelnomics report, which reveals that 90% of IT solution providers expect a rise in marketplaces by 2029. Eric elaborates on how embracing the marketplace model has led to increased profitability and service offerings for MSPs. Eric and Uncle Marv explore current trends in the MSP industry, including the ongoing M&A activity and the growing importance of peer groups and community collaboration. They also discuss the evolving relationship between vendors, distributors, and MSPs, with a focus on education and enablement. The conversation shifts to the Pax8 Beyond event in Berlin, with Eric sharing his perspective on how it compared to the North American events and its significance for the European market. He provides insights into the differences and similarities between MSPs in various global regions. Finally, Eric teases upcoming Pax8 initiatives and events, emphasizing their commitment to reaching MSPs in smaller markets and continuing to innovate in the distribution space.Websites Mentioned: Pax8 Website: https://www.pax8.com/en-us/Pax8 Events: https://www.pax8.com/en-us/pax8-events/People Mentioned: Rob RayJay McBainMatt Lee === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv and Jennifer Bleam dive deep into the world of MSP marketing and sales, offering a fresh perspective on how to revolutionize your approach. They discuss: The Marketing Pendulum: Jennifer explains the concept of the "marketing pendulum" and why MSPs should avoid swinging to extremes in their marketing efforts.Overcoming the "Marketing Doesn't Work" Mindset: Learn practical strategies to shift your thinking and recognize the value of effective marketing.The Importance of Disqualifying Leads: Discover why it's crucial to identify and disqualify unqualified prospects early in the sales process.Solution Selling Best Practices: Gain insights into how to sell solutions rather than just features, focusing on solving customer problems.The Art of Discovery: Uncover techniques for conducting effective discovery calls and uncovering your prospects' true needs.Closing Techniques: Jennifer shares her perspective on closing deals naturally as a culmination of a well-executed sales process.Throughout the episode, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic approach to marketing and sales, viewing it as an essential part of serving your community and protecting businesses from cybersecurity threats.Websites and Links:MSP Sales Revolution - mspsalesrevolution.comThe Wedge: How to Stop Selling and Start Winning: https://amzn.to/3Ywh5pEHow to Get Your Competition Fired Without Saying Anything Bad About Them: https://amzn.to/3YB2KZq === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv welcomes Jennifer Bleam, founder of MSP Sales Revolution, to discuss sales and marketing strategies for MSPs. Jennifer shares her journey from focusing solely on sales coaching to incorporating marketing due to client needs. She emphasizes the importance of knowing key metrics like average customer lifetime value and monthly recurring revenue. Jennifer outlines her four-arm approach to marketing: branding, list-building, nurturing, and making offers. She stresses the significance of nurturing leads, a step often overlooked in traditional marketing funnels. Jennifer contrasts vendor and MSP marketing approaches, highlighting the need for MSPs to adapt strategies to their smaller scale. The conversation touches on the balance between persistence and respect in sales follow-ups. Jennifer advocates for a "declining cadence" approach to follow-ups, always aiming to provide value. She warns against the extremes of over-pestering prospects or never following up at all. Jennifer reveals her willingness to work with smaller MSPs (as low as 250K annual revenue), unlike many industry coaches who focus on larger companies. She explains how she adapted her services to meet the needs of these smaller businesses while still providing valuable guidance. The episode concludes with Jennifer describing her coaching approach, which focuses on creating custom marketing and sales systems for MSPs, emphasizing genuine, human-centric strategies.Websites and Links:MSP Sales Revolution - www.mspsalesrevolution.comAmazon (for Jennifer's book) - Simplified Cybersecurity Sales for MSPs === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.