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

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by introducing Dr. Carrie Johansson, a key speaker at the upcoming Business Reinvention Summit. The summit, organized by Therese Skelly, is scheduled for October 21-26 and features ten accomplished women sharing their experiences and strategies for business reinvention. Dr. Johansson, with over 20 years of experience in private practice specializing in anxiety, trauma, and PTSD treatment, will be presenting on psychological flexibility, emotional resilience, and boundary setting. She explains that psychological flexibility is about working with your current reality, accepting it (not necessarily approving of it), and determining the best next move. The summit aims to help business owners, particularly women, who feel stuck and need guidance on moving forward. It offers a blend of business transformation and personal growth strategies. Dr. Johansson emphasizes the summit's focus on providing actionable, effective information that can be implemented in a reasonable amount of time. Each presenter will offer a free gift to attendees, with Dr. Johansson providing a mid-year habits workbook designed to help maximize Q4 both personally and professionally. The summit is free to attend, with daily Zoom sessions and the option to access recorded interviews afterward. While the summit primarily targets female business owners, Dr. Johansson encourages men to participate as well, noting that much of the content is universally applicable. The event promises to be an excellent opportunity for self-assessment and growth, helping attendees tap into their current situation and choose their next steps wisely.Websites and Links:Business Reinvention Summit: https://tinyurl.com/5476u4ykDr. Carrie: https://www.coloradotherapycare.com/Self Help on the Go Book: https://amzn.to/489PqhG === 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 updates on recent hurricanes affecting Florida and the Carolinas. He then introduces Tim Golden, Desiree Thomas, and Austen Gray from Compliance Scorecard. The team discusses the recent rebranding of Compliance Scorecard and their new investment from Bellini Capital. They emphasize the growing importance of compliance for MSPs and their clients, touching on frameworks like CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC 2. Desiree highlights the need for education in the industry, explaining how compliance can be a powerful tool for MSPs to have meaningful security conversations with their clients. Austen describes his role in helping MSPs implement compliance programs for themselves and their customers. Tim reveals exciting news about Compliance Scorecard's upcoming Version 6 release, including a new Trust Center feature that allows MSPs and their clients to showcase real-time compliance data publicly. The group also discusses Compliance Scorecard's recent signing of the CISA Secure by Design pledge, demonstrating their commitment to cybersecurity best practices. The episode concludes with a lighthearted "Florida Man" segment, where each participant shares an outrageous local news story, culminating in Uncle Marv's tale of a man wielding a flamethrower in Port St. Lucie.Websites & Links:IT Business Podcast - https://itbusinesspodcast.comCompliance Scorecard - https://compliancescorecard.comSecure By Design Pledge: https://compliancescorecard.com/secure-by-design-pledgeFlorida Man Points Flamethrower at Police - Gets Tased (Video): https://tinyurl.com/mu3w6mcmFlorida Man Points Flamethrower at Police - Gets Tased (Story): https://tinyurl.com/3n99whshPeople mentioned for shout-outs:Brad GrossMaureen (Tim's wife)Ted Roller === 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.

Introduction to Aaron Painter and Nametag: Uncle Marv introduces Aaron Painter, highlighting his role as CEO of Nametag, a platform dedicated to enhancing identity verification processes to prevent impersonation and fraud.The North Korean Hacker Incident: The conversation kicks off with a discussion about the notorious case of a North Korean hacker who successfully applied for a job. Aaron explains how this incident reflects broader vulnerabilities in the hiring process, particularly in remote work scenarios.Challenges in Identity Verification: Aaron discusses the inadequacies of traditional identity verification methods, including the I-9 process and how they fail to secure organizations against impersonators. He emphasizes that many companies unknowingly hire individuals who may not be who they claim to be.The Rise of Deepfakes: The duo explores the implications of deepfake technology in hiring fraud and social engineering attacks. They discuss how bad actors can exploit these technologies to bypass security measures.Innovative Solutions from Nametag: Aaron introduces Nametag's unique approach to identity verification using mobile devices, biometrics, and cryptography. He explains how their solution enhances security while ensuring a user-friendly experience.Automating Help Desk Operations: The conversation shifts to how Nametag can help automate password resets and MFA processes, significantly reducing the burden on help desks. Aaron highlights the potential for MSPs to integrate this technology into their service offerings.Education and Awareness: Both Marv and Aaron stress the importance of educating clients about the risks associated with deepfakes and social engineering tactics. They discuss how a healthy skepticism can empower users to recognize potential threats.Onboarding New Employees: Aaron outlines how Nametag streamlines the onboarding process for new hires by ensuring secure identity verification from day one. This proactive approach can mitigate hiring fraud risks.Reseller Opportunities for MSPs: The episode concludes with a discussion on how MSPs can leverage Nametag's technology for their clients, enhancing security while potentially increasing profitability through reselling opportunities.Website Mentioned:Nametag: https://www.getnametag.comIs Your Coworker a Korean Hacker?: https://tinyurl.com/5n96fja6 === 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 Tim Coach and his new position at Cynomi. Tim explains the company's name, inspired by the manta ray from Finding Nemo, symbolizing protection and guidance in cybersecurity. The conversation dives into Cynomi's VCISO platform, which simplifies security assessments and compliance roadmaps for MSPs. Tim highlights how the software streamlines processes that traditionally took days or weeks, making it easier for MSPs to offer VCISO services and improve their clients' security posture. They discuss the platform's key features, including customizable frameworks, AI-assisted reporting, and integration capabilities with other security tools. Tim emphasizes the importance of MSPs focusing on business outcomes rather than just selling technology stacks. The duo explores pricing strategies for MSPs, with Tim sharing insights on how to approach different client types, including non-profits and regulated industries. They also touch on the evolving landscape of MSSPs and the potential for industry certifications. The episode concludes with a lighthearted segment on Florida Man stories and an upcoming HBO documentary series inspired by the infamous meme.Websites mentioned: Cynomi: https://www.cynomi.comIt's Florida, Man!: https://tinyurl.com/bdewvbpf === 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 with the latest on Hurricane Milton, now a Category 4 storm with 155 mph winds, expected to make landfall near Sarasota around 10-12 PM. He emphasizes the storm's massive size, affecting areas from the Panhandle to the Keys. Using the Windy.com app, Marv illustrates the storm's path and potential impacts. He shares emergency numbers and highlights Uber's free evacuation rides using the code MILTONRELIEF. Marv recounts recent IT challenges, including remote access issues and power failures, underscoring the importance of proper preparation. He mentions ASCII's offer to help Tampa-area IT providers post-storm. Scott Dollar joins to share his perspective from Tampa. He discusses his company's preparations, including notifying clients, securing equipment, and ensuring cloud-based systems are ready. Scott notes most of his clients are now cloud-based, simplifying disaster recovery. They compare experiences from past hurricanes, with Scott recalling 2004's Hurricane Charlie. Both stress the importance of heeding evacuation orders and being prepared with supplies. The conversation turns to proactive measures like regular UPS battery replacements and the challenge of getting clients to invest in disaster preparedness before a crisis hits. They wrap up by discussing Florida's well-organized hurricane response compared to other states, and the unexpected threats like tornadoes that can accompany hurricanes.Websites mentioned: Windy.com - https://www.windy.comNational Hurricane Center - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/SpaghettiModels.com - https://www.spaghettimodels.comPhone Numbers and Websites - Hurricane MiltonEmergency ContactsEmergency Services: 911American Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767FEMA Disaster Assistance: 1-800-621-3362Special Needs Shelters (Orange County): 311 or 407-836-3111Florida State Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557Websites for Updates and InformationWindy: https://www.windy.comFlorida Division of Emergency Management: FloridaDisaster.orgFlorida Shelter Status: FloridaDisaster.org/shelter-statusFEMA Hurricane Milton Updates: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-miltonAmerican Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.htmlEvacuation InformationEvacuation Assistance: 800-729-3413Florida Disaster Evacuation Routes: FloridaDisaster.org/evacuation-routesFree Evacuation Rides (Uber): Use promo code MILTONRELIEF in the Uber app === 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 comprehensive update on Hurricane Milton's status as of Tuesday afternoon. The storm has been downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph, moving east at 12 mph towards the Gulf Coast. Projected to make landfall near Tampa Bay around 1-2 AM Thursday morning, Milton is expected to hit as a high-end Category 3 or low-end Category 4 hurricane. Uncle Marv details the extensive storm surge warnings in effect, with potential inundation of 10-15 feet along the coast. Rainfall predictions range from 6-8 inches, with localized totals up to 15 inches. Uncle Marv emphasizes the already saturated ground conditions due to recent rains, increasing flood risks. A state of emergency has been declared for 51 Florida counties, with most of the west coast under evacuation orders. Several major airports, including Tampa International, Orlando International, and Melbourne International, have announced closures. Uncle Marv then welcomes Rayanne Buchianico, reporting live from Clearwater, Florida. Rayanne explains her decision to stay and ride out the storm, citing her inland location away from flood zones and access to a sturdy office building with a full generator. She describes the eerie atmosphere in her neighborhood as many have evacuated. The conversation turns to the chaos leading up to a hurricane, with Rayanne advising listeners to avoid grocery stores and gas stations if possible due to long lines and panic buying. She shares her experiences from previous storms like Hurricane Irma in 2017, which left her without power for a week. Both hosts stress the importance of following evacuation orders, especially for those in flood zones or less sturdy housing. Rayanne highlights the stricter building codes implemented in Florida since 2003, making newer homes more hurricane-resistant. The episode concludes with advice on managing stress during hurricane preparations and the importance of having important documents stored electronically in the cloud. Uncle Marv shows viewers a map of Hurricane Milton's projected path and reminds everyone to stay informed through local authorities and weather services. === 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 detailed breakdown of Hurricane Milton's projected path and potential impact on Florida. Using the Windy app, he explains the storm's trajectory, intensity, and the areas most likely to be affected. Marv emphasizes the importance of preparedness and shares personal anecdotes about his family's situation during this challenging time. The podcast then shifts focus to introduce Ray Cline and Ryan Garrity from TEKnowledge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ray explains that TEKnowledge was founded by four MSP business owners to address gaps in the tech industry and give back to communities in need. Over the past three years, they've donated over $500,000 worth of products and services through their TEKSgiving projects. Ryan Garrity provides insights into their current project in Davidson, North Carolina, at La Escuelita (The Little School). This bilingual school helps Spanish-speaking students and immigrants learn English before entering the regular school system. TEKnowledge is providing security, network, and audio-visual solutions to the school, which currently lacks these resources. The conversation touches on the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, with Ryan describing the current conditions in Asheville as resembling a "third world country." He shares heartbreaking stories of missing employees and the challenges faced by local communities. Ray and Ryan discuss how TEKnowledge operates, including their selection process for projects, the organization's structure, and their active Slack community. They highlight the generosity of their members and partners in donating equipment and funds for their charitable initiatives. The episode concludes with Uncle Marv thanking Ray and Ryan for their efforts and encouraging listeners to learn more about TEKnowledge and get involved in their community.Websites mentioned:TEKnowledge - https://www.teknowledge.org === 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 Annie Mosbacher and Kristin Spiotto, co-founders of Decoded Strategies, to discuss their unique approach to marketing for MSPs. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted chat about recent movies, setting the stage for a deeper dive into storytelling in marketing. Annie and Kristin explain how their company differs from traditional marketing agencies by focusing on story-based strategies. They emphasize the importance of positioning the customer as the hero and the company as the guide in marketing narratives. This approach helps MSPs create more engaging and effective marketing messages that resonate with their target audience. The duo highlights common mistakes MSPs make in their marketing efforts, such as jumping straight into tactics without developing a clear brand story. They stress the need for MSPs to invest time in crafting their unique message before spending money on websites, SEO, or other marketing channels. Annie and Kristin share insights on how MSPs can become trusted guides for their clients, emphasizing the importance of empathy and authority in marketing communications. They also discuss the challenges of differentiating in a crowded market and offer strategies for standing out. The conversation touches on Decoded Strategies' journey into the MSP space, their partnerships with industry organizations like ASCII, and their upcoming workshop for MSPs looking to improve their marketing strategies. Throughout the episode, Annie and Kristin provide valuable advice for MSPs looking to enhance their marketing efforts, emphasizing the power of clear, customer-centric messaging and the importance of storytelling in building lasting client relationships.Websites mentioned:Decoded Strategies - www.decodedstrategies.comPodcast: https://tinyurl.com/35yfpa2uContact for ASCII Webinar? Email [email protected] Robot Movie Trailer: https://tinyurl.com/bdj8un77 === 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 addressing the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, particularly in the Western Carolina and Eastern Tennessee areas. The storm caused significant damage, with at least 162 deaths reported and 1.3 million customers still without power across several states. The conversation then shifts to disaster recovery planning, with Jason and Justine sharing their thoughts on preparing for unexpected events. They discuss the importance of cloud-based solutions and the need for comprehensive disaster recovery strategies, even in areas not typically prone to certain types of natural disasters. The podcast delves into the recent TechCon Unplugged conference, with both guests offering their insights and takeaways. They highlight the quality of content, the value of networking opportunities, and the unique atmosphere that sets TechCon apart from larger industry events. The discussion touches on topics such as hiring practices, process improvements, and the benefits of smaller, more intimate conferences. Uncle Marv also announces his decision to join the National Society of IT Service Providers (NSITSP), an organization focused on transforming the IT industry into a recognized profession and establishing high standards and ethics for IT service providers. The episode concludes with a lighthearted segment featuring "Florida Man" stories, including amusing anecdotes from Oklahoma and Florida, showcasing the quirky side of local news.Links from the show: National Society of IT Service Providers (NSITSP) - https://nsitsp.org/Oklahoma Man steals truck to go to court: https://tinyurl.com/2bjh2m8hFlorida Man "going to jail as a pickle thief": https://tinyurl.com/yc3n52veOklahoma Woman drives drunk on airport runway: https://tinyurl.com/2fnaz6a2Upcoming Conferences:ASCII Edge (The Cup) October 23-24 in Tampa: https://events.ascii.com/tampa/DattoCon, October 28-30 in Miami: https://www.dattocon.com/IT Nation Connect, November 6-8 in Orlando: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/connect-naSave $250 complements of the IT Business Podcast with Promo Code MarvinBPodcast250 === 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 apologizing for not addressing Hurricane Helene earlier in the week. He provides an update on the hurricane's impact, mentioning its landfall as a Category 4 storm near Perry, with winds reaching 140 mph and affecting millions of residents. He then shares his go-to hurricane tracking apps: Hurricane Tracker (paid version for faster alerts)Windy (for detailed wind speed information)MyRadar (for comprehensive weather data and forecasts)The main focus of the episode is a recent conversation Uncle Marv had with a new business owner. This entrepreneur had encountered a challenging prospective client and made the tough decision to decline the opportunity. Uncle Marv applauds this decision and outlines three key takeaways: Recognizing and declining problematic clients early: Uncle Marv emphasizes the importance of identifying red flags in potential clients, such as undervaluing expertise or having unrealistic expectations.Setting clear boundaries and expectations: He stresses the need for a structured onboarding process and clear communication of responsibilities between the service provider and the client.Focusing on quality over quantity: Uncle Marv shares his own experience of running a "boutique" business, highlighting the benefits of specializing in a specific industry (in his case, law firms) and concentrating on high-value services.The episode concludes with encouragement for new and struggling business owners to be selective with clients and prioritize quality relationships for long-term success.Websites MentionedHurricane Tracker app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-hurricane-tracker-alerts/id1020486515)Windy app (https://www.windy.com)MyRadar app (https://myradar.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 kicks off the show with exciting news about Eric Torres joining Pax8 as the vice president of channel and community engagement. He then introduces his guest, John Boden from Questing Hound Technology Partners, a Florida-based MSP. John shares the unique story behind his company's name, which originates from a John Masefield poem and his family's sailing adventures. The conversation shifts to Questing Hound's services, including managed IT and co-managed IT solutions for various industries, with a focus on businesses that embrace technology. The main topic of discussion is TruGrid, a secure remote access solution that both Marv and John highly recommend. They explore the benefits of TruGrid, including its ease of use, security features, and integration with Active Directory. John emphasizes how TruGrid helped his company navigate the challenges of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast also covers MSP strategies, with John sharing insights on standardization, client onboarding, and the importance of evaluating vendor relationships beyond just product features. He stresses the significance of working with companies that align with MSP goals and continuously improve their offerings. Naked Florida Man: https://tinyurl.com/4728rtfrUpcoming Conferences:ASCII Edge (The Cup) October 23-24 in Tampa: https://events.ascii.com/tampa/DattoCon, October 28-30 in Miami: https://www.dattocon.com/IT Nation Connect, November 6-8 in Orlando: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/connect-naSave $250 complements of the IT Business Podcast with Promo Code MarvinBPodcast250Websites Mentioned: Questing Hound Technology Partners: https://questinghound.comTruGrid: https://trugrid.comNetAlly: https://netally.comSuperOps: https://superops.aiPax8: https://pax8.comAxcient: https://axcient.comClio: https://clio.comMeraki: https://meraki.cisco.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 kicks off the show by thanking the organizers of TechCon Unplugged, praising the strong sense of community at the event. He announces ESET as the winner of the best conference swag, highlighting their useful battery chargers and other items. Marv then dives into a personal story about his ongoing struggles with AmeriGas, a propane delivery service. He uses this experience to emphasize the importance of effective automation and customer service in the IT industry, warning listeners not to fall into similar traps with their own businesses. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to comparing small and large conferences. Uncle Marv shares his preference for smaller events like TechCon Unplugged, citing the increased opportunities for meaningful interactions and the tight-knit community feel. He acknowledges the benefits of larger conferences for newcomers seeking to explore a wide range of vendors but emphasizes the unique value of the connections made at smaller gatherings. The show wraps up with Florida man stories, including an update on the 2024 Florida Python Challenge winner, a bizarre traffic stop involving a man with a live squirrel in his shirt, and the discovery of a mummified alligator head in an abandoned car.Links: Get Your TechCon Unplugged 2024 Swag: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast/shopFlorida Man Bags 20 Pythons to Win $10,000: https://tinyurl.com/bdft7x54Police Find Squirrel in Man's Shirt: https://tinyurl.com/mwjnukheAlligator head found in abandoned Buick–in Florida: https://tinyurl.com/hv6p9t8h === 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 begins by acknowledging the significance of September 11th and its impact on the nation. He then introduces Brian Weiss, diving into Brian's background in the IT industry. Brian recounts his early career, starting with his passion for video games and LAN parties, which led to his first job at a computer store called Computer Stuff. He describes how he identified the need to separate business services from residential, creating a team focused on commercial clients. The conversation moves to Brian's decision to start his own business, ITECH Solutions, in 2005. He explains how the company evolved from break-fix services to a managed services model, driven by the need for stable revenue during the 2008 recession. Brian shares a pivotal moment in his company's history - a major security incident in 2018 that affected half of their clients. He describes how the company survived this crisis, losing only one client and ending the year with a slight negative profit margin. This experience led to a significant shift in their business model, focusing more on cybersecurity and SaaS services. The episode also touches on Brian's personal growth as a leader, including his experience with alcoholism and rehabilitation, which he credits with improving his leadership skills. Throughout the conversation, Brian offers insights into the challenges of running an MSP, the importance of adapting to industry changes, and the value of building strong relationships with clients and vendors. === 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 explores Cork's evolution with Dan Candee, the new CEO, and Carlson Choi, co-founder and Chief Product Technology Officer. They discuss Cork's meteoric rise in the MSP space, attributing it to their ability to listen to and implement partner feedback. The conversation covers Cork's unique approach to cybersecurity, including their agentless platform that integrates with nearly 40 different cybersecurity vendors. Dan and Carlson emphasize Cork's focus on empowering MSPs with insights and financial backing through their warranty program. A key highlight is Cork's partnership with DataStream, offering discounted cyber insurance policies to MSPs and their clients. This collaboration acknowledges the security measures implemented by MSPs using Cork's platform, resulting in premium reductions of 20-50%. Dan shares his vision for Cork, emphasizing core values like "love plus performance" and the importance of listening to partners. He discusses his commitment to spending eight hours a week on the front lines with partners and customers to gather feedback. Carlson reveals upcoming features, including a Business Email Compromise (BEC) reporting compliance report, showcasing Cork's commitment to continuous improvement based on MSP feedback. The episode concludes with insights into Cork's field presence at industry conferences and their dedication to community engagement.=== LinksCork Website: https://corkinc.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 delves into the complexities of transitioning clients between MSPs, emphasizing the need for professionalism and clear communication. He recounts a recent experience where he was offboarding a client to a larger MSP, highlighting the challenges and misunderstandings that arose during the process. Marv stresses the importance of respecting existing contracts, maintaining open communication, and following industry-standard practices for handovers. The episode also touches on the value of small MSPs and solo technicians in the industry, with Marv defending their role and expertise. He discusses the typical responsibilities of both onboarding and offboarding MSPs, including the transfer of credentials, documentation, and support duties. Marv promotes the upcoming TechCon Unplugged event and discusses his role as emcee. He also shares insights on using NetAlly tools for network testing and configuration. The episode concludes with a Florida Man story featuring the arrest of a city mayor for DUI, adding a touch of humor to the technical discussion.Links: Techcon Unplugged: https://techconunplugged.com/Need a discount code? Use MSP75 for $75 bucks off.NetAlly CyberScope Air: https://tinyurl.com/35jhbfzpBradley Gross Podcast: Offboarding: You're Doing It Wrong: https://tinyurl.com/359wmyawFlorida Mayor arrested and facing DUI charges: https://tinyurl.com/9bk9dm7xTwo Florida Men rob hardware store with lawn mower: https://tinyurl.com/294zwh6dAlabama man dies in Florida hospital; surgeon removes wrong organ: https://tinyurl.com/yh9wu5c8 === 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 discussing a recent Canalys report highlighting the growth in cybersecurity services and the increasing trend of customers suing their cybersecurity providers. Brad Gross, a seasoned attorney specializing in IT law, offers his expert insights on this developing legal landscape. The discussion covers several notable court cases, including: The CrowdStrike event involving MicrosoftDelta Airlines' lawsuit against MicrosoftLanTech LLC being sued by a law firm clientBarry Dunn's case involving Reliable Networks of MaineCDK Global facing lawsuits from automobile dealershipsBrad emphasizes the importance of managing client expectations and clearly defining the scope of services provided. He introduces a "triad" concept for MSPs to protect themselves: Understanding the services received from upstream providersClearly communicating the scope of services to customersClearly allocating responsibilities in service agreementsThe conversation touches on the challenges MSPs face in mapping their solutions to various cybersecurity frameworks and the importance of thorough vulnerability management. Brad stresses the need for explicit language in service agreements regarding client responsibilities and the consequences of not following MSP advice. The episode concludes with updates on Brad's professional activities, including his upcoming MSP Terms platform and his involvement with ASCII's "Taste of Success" events.Links: Canalys Report: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/canalysis-cybersecurity-july-2024/Contracts and Document Management: www.mspterms.comBradley Gross: https://bradleygross.com/Brad has a book! https://amzn.to/3Z6QFvy === 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.

Marnie Stockman shares her recent experiences, including a leadership training program for military personnel from partner countries. The discussion then moves to recap their previous interview, focusing on core values, leadership philosophy, and customer success. Marnie emphasizes the importance of personal leadership and how it applies to everyone in an organization, not just those in management positions. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by MSPs, particularly in marketing their services and defining their role in the business world. Marnie and Uncle Marv discuss the need for standardization and certification in the MSP industry to help clients better understand and trust their services. They also touch on the balance between automation and personal relationships in customer service, highlighting the importance of understanding clients' businesses beyond just technical solutions.Links:Lead It Like Lasso Masterclass: https://www.leaditlikelasso.com/masterclass20% Off Coupon Code: KICKOFF20Lead It Like Lasso Book: https://amzn.to/3MlPFMBFlorida Man attacks woman with hammer and pours acid on her: https://tinyurl.com/4mp8443xFlorida Man steals $6,500 piece of art for $50: https://tinyurl.com/3bhbn3j7Florida Man arrested boarding plane with bloody head: https://tinyurl.com/4ufb9pjtKey Takeaways: Personal leadership is crucial for everyone in an organization, not just management.The MSP industry needs better marketing and standardization to improve client understanding.Balancing automation with personal relationships is key to successful customer service.Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in the ever-changing IT landscape.Core values and company culture play a significant role in business success.Sponsors: The IT Business Podcast is presented by: NetAlly, Your Trusted Ally in Fast, Reliable Network TestingPromotional consideration provided by: SuperOps, Your All-in-One PSA-RMM SolutionPromotional consideration provided by TruGrid, Experience Effortless Remote Desktop Access === 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.

Dustin Puryear, a former MSP owner, explains how Giant Rocketship was born out of the need to solve SLA problems and reduce "dead time" on tickets. Unlike traditional ticket management systems that rely on dashboards and human intervention, Giant Rocketship uses AI to automatically assign, schedule, and manage tickets, allowing service managers to focus on edge cases and strategic tasks. The platform's key features include automatic ticket assignment based on technician availability and expertise, identification of abandoned tickets, and the ability to schedule future actions on tickets. Puryear discusses the company's journey from its inception in late 2022 to its production release in late 2023, highlighting how customer feedback has shaped the product's features. He also shares insights on being an MSP vendor and participating in the ConnectWise PitchIT competition.Key TakeawaysGiant Rocketship automates 80% of ticket assignment and scheduling tasksThe platform identifies abandoned tickets within 30 minutesIntegration with Autotask, ConnectWise Manage, and Halo PSAFuture plans include project automation and a channel program for MSPsThe company aims to help MSPs offer automation solutions to their customersShow SponsorThis episode is sponsored by Thread, Revolutionizing IT Support Through Real-Time CollaborationThe IT Business Podcast is powered by Netally, maker of innovative and reliable tools for wired and Wi-Fi network testing.Check out all of our partners: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/sponsors/ === 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.

We dive deep into the world of IT management with Marnie Stockman, an experienced IT professional. Marnie shares invaluable insights on overcoming challenges in the IT industry, emphasizing the importance of communication, leadership, and adaptability in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.Marnie Stockman discusses her journey in IT, highlighting the significance of building relationships and understanding business needs. She stresses the importance of aligning IT initiatives with overall business goals and the need for IT professionals to develop strong communication skills. Marnie shares her experiences in managing remote teams, emphasizing the need for clear expectations, regular check-ins, and fostering a sense of connection among team members. The conversation delves into the challenges of IT project management, particularly in healthcare settings. Marnie emphasizes the importance of stakeholder management, clear communication, and setting realistic expectations. She also touches on the complexities of data migration projects and the critical role of thorough testing and validation processes. Throughout the interview, Marnie provides practical advice for IT professionals looking to advance their careers and make a significant impact in their organizations.=== LinksLead it Like Lasso Website: https://www.leaditlikelasso.com/Lead it Like Lasso: A Leadership Book for Life: https://amzn.to/3MdksehLead it Like Lasso Communication Guide: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/lill-comm-guide/=== SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by SuperOps, the modem PSA-RMM Software for MSPs and IT Professionals.The IT Business Podcast is powered by Netally, maker of innovative and reliable tools for wired and Wi-Fi network testing.Check out all of our partners: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/sponsors/ === 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.

Rob Scott, a legal expert in the IT services industry, shares his insights on the use of AI in contract generation. While acknowledging AI's transformative potential, Scott emphasizes that it should be viewed as a tool to enhance legal services rather than a replacement for lawyers. He highlights the significant gaps between AI-generated contracts and those crafted by experienced attorneys, particularly in areas of legal protection, exclusions, and customer obligations. The discussion delves into the risks associated with relying solely on AI-generated contracts, including potential insurance coverage issues and the lack of professional liability protection. Scott advises MSPs to leverage AI for certain aspects of contract creation, such as service descriptions, but stresses the importance of having a lawyer review and finalize legal agreements. The conversation also touches on emerging trends in the insurance industry, where carriers may begin dictating specific contract requirements for coverage.Key Takeaways: AI is a powerful tool but should not replace legal expertise in contract creation.AI-generated contracts often lack crucial legal protections and clauses.MSPs should use AI to enhance, not replace, the attorney-client relationship.Lawyers who effectively use AI may have an advantage over those who don't.Insurance carriers may soon require specific contract language for coverage.Best practices include better contracts, appropriate insurance, and auditable controls.AI can be useful for generating service descriptions but not for complex legal provisions.Retaining AI session reports is crucial for copyright protection of AI-assisted work.The legal industry is adapting to incorporate AI tools while maintaining ethical standards.MSPs should prioritize legal review of contracts to ensure proper protection and compliance.=== LinksMonjur Legal Services: https://monjur.com/Techcon Unplugged: https://techconunplugged.com/Need a discount code? Use MSP75 for $75 bucks off.Florida Man Jailed for Impersonating Pizzeria: https://tinyurl.com/ykkf6nb6=== Sponsors and PartnersThe IT Business Podcast is powered by NetallySuperOps: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/SuperOpsTruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/TruGridCheck out all of our partners: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/sponsors/ === 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.

Marnie Stockman's journey from high school math teacher to CEO of Lifecycle Insights is a testament to her adaptability and problem-solving skills. She explains how her experience in education led her to customer success in the ed-tech world, eventually culminating in the creation of Lifecycle Insights, a company focused on improving quarterly business reviews (QBRs) for MSPs. The conversation shifts to the importance of customer success in the MSP industry. Marnie emphasizes the need for MSPs to move beyond technical jargon and focus on strategic, business-oriented discussions with clients. She highlights the evolution of QBRs and how they should be integrated into the sales process to demonstrate value and align with clients' business objectives. The latter part of the interview focuses on leadership, core values, and Marnie's current projects. She discusses her book "Lead It Like Lasso" and her podcast "The Lens of Leadership," which draws leadership lessons from the TV show Ted Lasso. Marnie provides insights on identifying and implementing core values in business, offering practical tips for MSPs to align their personal and company values.=== LinksLead it Like Lasso Website: https://www.leaditlikelasso.com/Lead it Like Lasso: A Leadership Book for Life: https://amzn.to/3Mdkseh=== SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by SuperOps, the modem PSA-RMM Software for MSPs and IT Professionals.The IT Business Podcast is powered by Netally, maker of innovative and reliable tools for wired and Wi-Fi network testing.Check out all of our partners: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/sponsors/ === 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.

Steve Copeland introduces Rythmz as a carrier-agnostic solution that combines up to seven SIM cards to create a bonded aggregate network. This approach offers both increased bandwidth and redundancy, making it suitable for various applications including disaster recovery, business continuity, and event support. The technology acts as an SD-WAN for 5G and startups, providing a versatile internet solution. Copeland discusses the evolution of Rythmz from an event-focused solution to a comprehensive internet replacement option for businesses. He highlights use cases ranging from cybersecurity incident response to supporting food trucks with reliable POS connectivity. The conversation also covers the technical aspects, including performance capabilities, ease of setup, and compatibility with existing network infrastructure. Copeland emphasizes the partner-focused business model and the company's commitment to education and proof-of-concept trials for potential clients.Key Takeaways: Rythmz offers "internet in a box" using multiple SIM cards for increased bandwidth and redundancyThe solution can replace traditional internet connections in many business scenariosRythmz works on a partner-only model, targeting MSPs and IT service providersThe technology is easily deployable and configurable for various network setupsRythmz is developing AI-driven historic and predictive outage mapping for targeted marketingThe company offers proof-of-concept trials to demonstrate the technology's effectivenessEpisode Sponsor:Thread: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/thread === 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.

Danny Jenkins provides insights into ThreatLocker's zero-trust framework and how it helps businesses implement the principle of least privilege. He explains the company's unified bundle, which combines allow listing, network controls, threat detection, and managed response services. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of shifting the security paradigm from default allow to default deny and educating the market about robust cybersecurity practices. The conversation covers the challenges MSPs face in implementing and selling security solutions to clients. Jenkins stresses the need for clear communication, quick response times, and thorough documentation when dealing with security measures. He also discusses ThreatLocker's recent activities, including their presence at Black Hat in Las Vegas and their upcoming Zero Trust World event in Orlando. Key Takeaways:Zero-trust security is about granting the least amount of privilege necessary for a taskThreatLocker offers a unified bundle combining allow-listing, EDR, MDR, and other security featuresZero Trust World is an annual cybersecurity event focused on hands-on learning and industry insightsMSPs need to evolve from IT support to proactive security managementThe cybersecurity industry needs to catch up with cybercriminals, who are currently about two years aheadAI-powered threats are increasing, creating new challenges for cybersecurity professionalsClear communication with clients about security measures is crucial for MSPsZero Trust World 2025: FEB 19 - 21, 2025 at Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida Register here: https://zerotrustworld.threatlocker.com/Use discount code ZTWMBSYSTEMS25 for $200 off registrationEpisode Sponsor: SuperOps: https://itbusinesspodcast.com/superops === 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 introduces TechCon Unplugged, an annual conference for IT business owners and managed service providers, scheduled for September 12-14 in Hanover, Maryland. The conference, now in its fifth year, originated from a desire to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for smaller IT professionals. ** Need a discount code for Techcon Unplugged? Use MSP75 for $75 bucks off.Joe Knezovich and Kyle Kenyon share their experiences attending TechCon Unplugged. They highlight the conference's intimate setting, which allows for more meaningful interactions with vendors and fellow attendees. Both emphasize the value of networking opportunities and the practical knowledge gained from presentations and informal discussions. The hosts discuss how TechCon Unplugged differs from larger industry conferences. They note that the event is more affordable, offers better access to vendors, and provides content specifically tailored to the needs of smaller IT businesses and MSPs. The conference's community-driven approach is praised, with attendees often contributing valuable insights and expertise. The conversation touches on the role of vendors at TechCon Unplugged. Unlike larger conferences, vendors at this event are described as less pushy and more focused on providing genuine assistance. The hosts share personal anecdotes of how vendor interactions at the conference led to beneficial business changes long after the event. Uncle Marv emphasizes the importance of time-saving strategies in IT businesses, sharing his own experiences with streamlining operations. The hosts also discuss the value of standardization and leveraging manufacturer support to improve efficiency. The episode concludes with a strong recommendation for IT professionals to attend TechCon Unplugged, highlighting its potential for business growth, networking, and learning.** Need a discount code for Techcon Unplugged? Use MSP75 for $75 bucks off.=== Sponsors:SuperOpsTruGrid === 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 sits down with Damien Stevens, founder and CEO of Servosity, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the managed service provider (MSP) industry. Damien shares insights from his MSP Mindset podcast, which features interviews with successful entrepreneurs, authors, and coaches. The conversation covers the importance of transitioning from a technical expert to a business-focused mindset. Damien emphasizes the need for MSPs to adapt to changing business relationships and understand diverse vendors. He shares his personal experience of rapid team growth and the challenges he faced with inadequate backup processes, which led to the creation of Servosity. Damien and Marv discuss the evolution of backup and disaster recovery solutions, highlighting the increasing complexity of cyber threats and compliance frameworks. They explore the potential of artificial intelligence in IT services, emphasizing the importance of using AI to enhance customer experience rather than replacing human roles. The podcast also delves into the impact of technology on client expectations and business operations. Damien shares his vision for creating a community around his podcast content, similar to a Bible study group, where members can have meaningful discussions and support each other.Key Takeaways: Transitioning from a technical expert to a business-focused mindset is crucial for MSP success.Testing backups regularly is essential for ensuring data recovery.AI should be used to enhance customer experience, not replace human roles.Creating a community around podcast content can foster meaningful discussions and support.Adapting to changing client expectations due to technological advancements is important.Sponsors:This episode is brought to you by SuperOpsAdditional support provided by TruGrid === 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.

Nick Scozzaro discusses the inception and evolution of ShadowHQ, a platform initially built to address cyber threats but now also used for other scenarios like natural disasters. Drawing from his background in secure communications at BlackBerry, Nick emphasizes the need for a digitized approach to incident response. ShadowHQ offers a comprehensive solution by providing a secure environment for managing crises, collecting evidence, and supporting audits and lawsuits post-incident. The platform's unique feature is its ability to digitize and automate response playbooks, which are adaptable to various industries and scenarios. The conversation also touches on the platform's capabilities and future developments. While ShadowHQ does not fully automate processes, it incorporates AI to identify gaps and suggest improvements. Nick highlights the importance of continuous readiness and the platform's compliance and insurance benefits. The episode concludes with a discussion on the proactive role organizations must play in maintaining and updating their incident response plans, and how ShadowHQ's roadmap is shaped by customer feedback. Key TakeawaysShadowHQ is a comprehensive platform for managing cyber crises, offering secure environments for incident response.The platform supports evidence collection and protection, crucial for audits and lawsuits.ShadowHQ's digital playbooks are adaptable to various industries and scenarios, enhancing readiness and resilience.Continuous readiness and regular updates are essential for effective incident response.ShadowHQ's development is driven by customer feedback, with AI features to identify gaps and suggest improvements.Sponsors and Partners: Thread: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/thread === 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 Anup Ghosh and ThreatMate, a company focused on improving cybersecurity for IT networks. Anup shares insights into the company's approach to attack surface management, emphasizing the importance of viewing security through an adversarial lens. Unlike traditional vulnerability management tools, ThreatMate identifies "security exposures," which include insecure protocols and default passwords, offering a comprehensive view of potential threats. The discussion highlights ThreatMate's capabilities in managing both external and internal network threats. Anup explains how their platform can inventory network devices, conduct continuous security audits, and perform authenticated scans for compliance. The conversation also touches on ThreatMate's integration with ConnectWise PSA and plans for further partnerships. Additionally, Anup introduces their AI-powered vulnerability management platform, which prioritizes significant risks to streamline the workload for managed service providers. The episode concludes with a look at ThreatMate's partnership with SeedPod Cyber, offering discounted ransomware insurance to clients.Key Takeaways:ThreatMate's platform focuses on identifying security exposures beyond traditional vulnerabilities.Continuous, lightweight network scans help maintain a strong security posture.AI and machine learning are integral to ThreatMate's approach, reducing the burden on service providers.Integration with ConnectWise PSA and other platforms enhances ThreatMate's service offerings.The partnership with SeedPod Cyber provides clients with access to discounted ransomware insurance.Sponsors and Partners: Thread: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/thread === 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 Shanna Utgard kick off the episode with a lively exchange, reminiscing about Shanna's journey from nearly falling victim to a ransom attack to becoming a respected figure in cybersecurity. The discussion quickly shifts to a pressing news story involving a dispute between Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Delta Airlines. Delta has accused these tech giants of contributing to a recent IT outage that reportedly cost the airline over $500 million. Both Microsoft and CrowdStrike have denied these claims, suggesting that Delta's own delayed monetization efforts were to blame. Shanna emphasizes the complexities of third-party losses in cybersecurity, highlighting how such disputes often lead to finger-pointing and legal entanglements. The episode also explores the unexpected dominance of Zoom as the go-to remote support tool, with Uncle Marv sharing personal anecdotes about his experiences with various vendors. The conversation touches on the shift in support dynamics since the pandemic, leading to Zoom's widespread adoption for technical assistance. The episode wraps up with a humorous nod to Star Trek Picard, showcasing the fun and engaging rapport between Uncle Marv and Shanna. Key Takeaways: Shanna Utgard's inspiring transformation into a cybersecurity advocate.The ongoing dispute between Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Delta Airlines regarding an IT outage.Insights into the challenges of third-party losses in cybersecurity.The rise of Zoom as a preferred tool for remote support.Lighthearted discussions about technology and pop culture, including Star Trek Picard.Show Sponsors:SuperOps: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/SuperOpsTruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/TruGrid === 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.

Marvin and Chris kick off the discussion by exploring the core functionalities of the MSP Process platform. Chris explains how the platform helps MSPs verify the identity of end-users and technicians, thereby preventing unauthorized access and AI voice phishing attacks. The platform's unique technician verification feature is particularly emphasized as a critical tool to thwart malicious actors. The conversation then shifts to the platform's security features, including encrypted communication and data storage on Azure. Chris highlights the platform's integration with major PSA solutions, allowing seamless operation within existing workflows. They also discuss the potential of AI technology in enhancing MSP operations, with Chris sharing insights into ongoing AI projects aimed at improving communication and security. Finally, Marvin and Chris touch upon the platform's pricing model, which is based on the number of technicians using the system, and its customizable branding options. They conclude with plans for future events and the anticipation of more vendor interviews and podcasts.Key TakeawaysUser and Technician Verification: The platform offers unique verification methods to prevent unauthorized access and phishing attacks.Secure Data Sharing: Features include encrypted communication and secure data storage on Azure, ensuring the safety of sensitive information.AI Integration: Ongoing projects aim to leverage AI for enhanced security and communication within MSP operations.Customizable Branding: The platform is fully brandable, allowing MSPs to maintain their identity while using the tool.Pricing Model: The platform is priced based on the number of technicians, with a minimum of five licenses required for concurrent use.=== Sponsors and PartnersThis episode is sponsored by Thread === 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, Uncle Marv and MacKenzie Brown explore the critical role of threat intelligence in modern cybersecurity. MacKenzie explains the dual nature of her role at Blackpoint Cyber, balancing threat research with enabling their SOC team to respond effectively to cyber threats. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both academic and real-world threat intelligence and how MSPs can leverage this knowledge to protect their clients better. MacKenzie introduces the concept of the democratization of threat intelligence, advocating for making threat intelligence more accessible and actionable for MSPs. She highlights the challenges MSPs face, such as limited resources and the need to educate clients on the importance of cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on the necessity of having strong, supportive vendor partnerships that provide actionable intelligence and not just tools. MacKenzie shares her personal experiences and insights from her career, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of IT and cybersecurity. Key Takeaways: Dual Role at Blackpoint Cyber: MacKenzie balances threat research and enabling SOC operations.Democratization of Threat Intelligence: Making threat intelligence accessible and actionable for MSPs.Academic vs. Real-World Threat Intelligence: Understanding the difference and its applicability.Challenges for MSPs: Limited resources and the need for client education.Vendor Partnerships: Importance of having supportive vendors that provide actionable intelligence.Proactive vs. Reactive Security: Shifting focus from reactive to proactive security measures.Importance of Basic Security Practices: Emphasizing fundamental security controls.Cybersecurity Misconceptions: Addressing the misconception that MSPs don't understand security.Cost of Cybersecurity: Discussing the financial challenges and the need for affordable solutions.Future of Cybersecurity: Insights into the evolving landscape and the role of MSPs.Links:Florida Mom Accused of Screwing Nail into Daughter's Buttocks: https://tinyurl.com/muh7chhjVuori Clothing (MacKenzie's Favorite Leggings): https://vuoriclothing.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.

Rob Rae, known as the "godfather of the channel," shares insights from his extensive experience in the MSP industry. He discusses the significance of building relationships and fostering community within the IT sector, emphasizing how these factors contribute to long-term business success. Rae reflects on his early experiences with ASCII events and how they shaped his understanding of the MSP community. The conversation explores the changing nature of technology consumption, influenced by the pandemic and the preferences of younger generations. Rae highlights the shift towards marketplace models and the importance of adapting to new buying behaviors. He also touches on Pax8's recent and upcoming events, including Beyond 2023 in Denver and the upcoming Beyond Berlin, showcasing the company's growth and international expansion. Key Takeaways: Community building is crucial in the MSP industryThe pandemic and younger generations are driving changes in technology consumptionMarketplaces are becoming increasingly important in the IT sectorFace-to-face relationships still hold value in the MSP worldThe lifetime value of contracts through MSPs is significantly higher than direct vendor salesThe MSP industry is experiencing substantial growth, with predictions of billion-dollar MSPs in the near futureBalancing professionalism with approachability is important in business interactionsInternational expansion is a key focus for major players in the MSP spaceLinks:ASCII Edge - The MSP Conference: https://events.ascii.com/Pax8: https://www.pax8.com/en-us/ === 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, Ted and Woody explain the functionality of Uncompromized, which provides identity theft protection, dark web monitoring, and internet privacy for individuals. They detail how the service allows MSPs to invite clients to subscribe easily, offering them immediate monitoring and protection against identity theft. The discussion also touches on the significance of scrubbing personal information from data broker sites, a feature that sets Uncompromized apart from traditional identity protection services. Ted and Woody share insights on the user-friendly nature of the service, its cost-effectiveness, and how it can help MSPs expand their service offerings while enhancing their clients' security posture. Key takeaways from the episode include the ease of onboarding for clients, the importance of protecting employees' personal data, and the potential for MSPs to generate revenue through this service. The conversation underscores the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the need for MSPs to adapt and provide comprehensive solutions that address the challenges posed by remote work and increased digital threats.Key TakeawaysUncompromized offers identity theft protection, dark web monitoring, and internet privacy for individuals.The service is easy to deploy and requires no complex installations.MSPs can invite clients to subscribe, providing immediate monitoring and protection.The product helps scrub personal information from data broker sites.MSPs can earn revenue as employees pay for the service over time.Uncompromized is designed to enhance security for remote workers and their families. === 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 Dori Spade, who has over 17 years of experience in the MSP industry, having worked with MSPs ranging from $8 million to over $100 million in value. Dori discusses her transition from managing MSPs to founding Call to Action, a consulting firm that helps MSPs navigate common challenges such as role clarity and scaling. She emphasizes that regardless of the size of the MSP, the foundational principles of customer service and technical support remain constant. Dori also highlights the importance of Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) in maintaining strategic oversight of clients, a practice she refined over her career. She shares insights into the common pitfalls MSPs face, including the lack of clear roles and responsibilities and the challenges of scaling. Dori's current focus is on helping MSPs increase their wins in new business sales by breaking down silos between sales and service teams. She concludes by expressing her admiration for the ASCII organization and her plans to engage more deeply with its community.Key TakeawaysDori Spade has extensive experience in the MSP industry, having worked with both small and large MSPs.She founded Call to Action to help MSPs overcome common challenges and achieve success.Clear roles and responsibilities are crucial for the efficient operation of MSPs.Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) are essential for strategic client management.Scaling is a challenge for MSPs of all sizes, requiring tailored strategies for growth.Bridging the gap between sales and service teams can lead to increased success in new business sales.Dori plans to engage more with the ASCII community and attend future events.Links:Call to Action Website: https://calltoactionllc.com/ASCII Edge - The MSP Conference: https://events.ascii.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 welcomes Corey Tapper, a new ASCII member and owner of Techevolution, to the IT Business Podcast. Corey shares his experience attending ASCII events over the years before finally becoming a member, citing the emotional impact of seeing Frank Abagnale speak and the valuable networking opportunities. Techevolution, Corey's company, has been in business for 25 years. It started as a break-fix operation and transitioned to an MSP model about 8-10 years ago. What sets Tech Evolution apart is their ownership of a data center, allowing them to offer full-service technology solutions to their customers. Corey explains that his journey into data center ownership began with a bet to host email and websites on a dial-up connection. Recognizing the potential for recurring revenue, he gradually built out a server room and eventually a full-fledged data center. This unique approach allowed Techevolution to offer services like shared Exchange hosting before it was widely available. The company serves clients primarily in the New England area for MSP services but has hosting customers worldwide. Corey describes their data center setup, emphasizing their $3 million investment in equipment and infrastructure. They also offer co-location services to other MSPs and companies. Corey highlights the benefits of ASCII membership, particularly the peer groups and the supportive community. He values the ability to seek advice from fellow members and the spirit of collaboration, even among competitors. Key Takeaways:ASCII events provide valuable networking and learning opportunitiesTransitioning from break-fix to MSP model can enhance business stabilityOwning a data center can provide unique service offerings and revenue streamsPeer support and community are crucial benefits of ASCII membershipCollaboration among MSPs can lead to mutual growth and success === 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 begins by interviewing Eric Pinto from SocSoter, who discusses their new reporting platform designed to help MSPs prepare for audits and compliance checks. Pinto emphasizes the importance of providing evidence for services offered to customers, especially in the context of 24/7 coverage. Next, the host speaks with Dave Cava, partner at Encore Strategic and co-author of "The Pumpkin Plan for Managed Services." Cava shares insights on helping MSPs understand pricing and customer approach strategies. He mentions positive feedback from his presentation, particularly regarding a case study on a $200,000 MSP. The interview with Nick Wolf from Cork reveals a new partnership with DataStream, a cyber insurance broker. This collaboration allows MSPs to receive instant cyber insurance quotes through the Cork dashboard. Wolf also mentions Cork's participation in upcoming ASCII events and their first presentation at the current event. Joel Zaidspiner of Channel Pro discusses the publication's role in supporting MSPs and their upcoming events. He highlights the Channel Pro Defend event focusing on cybersecurity, scheduled for August 7th and 8th in New Jersey. Zaidspiner also outlines future events in Charlotte, Dallas, and Los Angeles, each with specific themes such as AI and cybersecurity. === 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 hosts the IT Business Podcast live from ASCII Edge in Boston, featuring guest Brianna Rubino, Director of Events for the ASCII Group. Brianna shares insights on ASCII's 40th anniversary celebration and the ongoing event series. The ASCII EDGE event series includes nine events across North America, with eight in the U.S. and one in Canada. Brianna hints at exciting plans for 2025, including new locations for events. The ASCII Cup, set to take place in Tampa Bay, will be a significant celebration featuring an 80s theme and a "Back to the Future" party. Brianna discusses her role in planning these events and the process of selecting speakers. She emphasizes the mutual benefits for speakers and attendees, as it allows business owners to showcase their knowledge and interact with peers. The interview touches on Brianna's three-year tenure with ASCII and how the events compare to her previous experiences. She describes the ASCII community as a "traveling circus," highlighting the recurring cast of vendors and members across different cities. The conversation concludes with a tease about the upcoming ASCII Cup celebration in Tampa, promising a big and amazing event to mark the 40th anniversary. Key Takeaways: ASCII is celebrating its 40th anniversaryASCII EDGE series includes 9 events across North AmericaASCII Cup in Tampa Bay will feature an 80s themeNew event locations planned for 2025ASCII events provide networking opportunities for members and vendorsBrianna Rubino has been with ASCII for 3 years as Director of EventsLinks:ASCII Edge: https://events.ascii.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, Uncle Marv interviews Ann Westerheim from Ekaru at the ASCII EDGE event in Boston. Ann discusses her book "Cybersecurity for Main Street, Cyber Fit in 21 Days," which aims to simplify cybersecurity concepts for small businesses. She emphasizes the importance of basic security measures like multi-factor authentication and explains how her book has led to speaking opportunities. The conversation examines recent cybersecurity incidents, including the CrowdStrike update issue, and how these events raise awareness among businesses. Ann and Uncle Marv stress the importance of incident response planning and testing, as well as the need for continuous cybersecurity education.They also discuss the challenges of convincing clients to invest in cybersecurity measures, highlighting the need to frame the conversation in terms of business risk and potential financial impact. The interview concludes with Ann sharing her experiences as an ASCII member and the benefits of attending industry events. Key Takeaways: Simple cybersecurity measures can significantly reduce risks for small businessesRecent incidents highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness and planningFraming cybersecurity in terms of business risk helps convince clients to investContinuous education and repetition are crucial for cybersecurity awarenessIndustry events and memberships provide valuable networking and learning opportunitiesLinks:Ann's Company: https://www.ekaru.com/Ann's Book "Cyberseurity for Main Street": https://amzn.to/3yhxgNqASCII Edge: https://events.ascii.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 interviews Dawn Sizer at the ASCII event in Boston, marking their first in-person meeting. Dawn shares her experience speaking at the event about automation and the positive response from attendees. They discuss the challenges of remote work verification, particularly in light of deepfake technology, and explore potential solutions such as enhanced background checks and identity verification methods. The conversation shifts to recent vendor issues in the industry, with both acknowledging that such problems could affect any company. They also touch on the problem of remote workers using automation to fake activity, highlighting the need for better monitoring solutions. Dawn elaborates on the benefits of ASCII membership, which she's been part of since around 2017. She emphasizes the value of community, networking opportunities, and financial benefits such as discounts on business insurance and vendor relationships. Dawn also mentions ASCII's women's network, which provides support and business-building opportunities for women at all levels in IT organizations. Key Takeaways: Remote work verification is becoming increasingly challenging due to deepfake technologyEnhanced background checks and identity verification may be necessary for remote hiringRecent vendor issues highlight the vulnerability of all companies in the industryASCII membership provides valuable community, networking, and financial benefits for MSPsASCII offers a women's network for support and business-building in the IT sectorLinks: ASCII Edge - The MSP Conference: https://events.ascii.com/3rd Element Consulting: https://www.3rdelementconsulting.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 welcomes Kris Shoemaker from Cavelo to discuss their data risk management platform. Cavelo positions itself under the attack surface management umbrella, offering a comprehensive solution for MSPs that includes data discovery and classification, vulnerability management, identity access management, and asset discovery. Kris explains that Cavelo's approach is data-centric, focusing on protecting a company's data and intellectual property. The platform uses agents deployed on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices to discover and classify sensitive information according to various frameworks. This allows MSPs to identify and protect their clients' "crown jewels." The vulnerability management module of Cavelo is highlighted as a robust solution, competing with major players in the field. Kris emphasizes that while Cavelo excels at finding and prioritizing vulnerabilities, it integrates with existing remediation tools rather than handling remediation itself. The identity access management feature is discussed, which helps identify users with access to sensitive data and tracks their activities. Cavelo integrates with both on-premises Active Directory and Office 365 tenants to provide a comprehensive view of permissions. Kris describes the onboarding process as streamlined and MSP-friendly, with easy deployment options and self-updating agents. He emphasizes that Cavelo is designed for ongoing monitoring rather than one-time assessments, though it can perform quick scans for potential new clients. The interview concludes with a discussion of Cavelo's position in the cybersecurity landscape. Kris positions Cavelo as a "left of boom" solution, focusing on proactive visibility and insights to help prevent or mitigate security incidents. Key Takeaways: Cavelo offers a comprehensive data risk management platform for MSPsThe platform focuses on data discovery, classification, vulnerability management, and identity access managementCavelo uses agents on various operating systems to discover and classify sensitive dataThe vulnerability management module competes with major players in the fieldCavelo integrates with existing remediation tools rather than handling remediation itselfThe platform provides insights into user access and permissions across on-premises and cloud environmentsCavelo positions itself as a proactive, "left of boom" solution in the cybersecurity landscapeWebsite: https://www.cavelo.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.

Damon West, the keynote speaker at ASCII Edge in Boston, joins Uncle Marv to discuss his extraordinary life story. West begins by praising ASCII Edge for their exceptional client relationships and event organization. West recounts his past as a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, whose career was cut short by injury. This led to substance abuse issues, which escalated when he was introduced to methamphetamine while working as a stockbroker in Dallas. His addiction spiraled out of control, resulting in a life of crime and eventually a life sentence for organized crime. The turning point in West's life came in Dallas County Jail, where he met a seasoned convict named Muhammad. Muhammad shared the powerful analogy of the coffee bean, encouraging West to be like a coffee bean that changes its environment rather than being changed by it. This philosophy transformed West's outlook and behavior in prison. West describes how he became a positive influence in prison, helping others and maintaining a hopeful attitude. His transformation was so significant that after seven years, the parole board interviewed him and ultimately released him. West now lives on parole until 2073 but has become a sought-after motivational speaker and author. The interview touches on West's efforts to find Muhammad after his release, only to discover he had passed away. In honor of Muhammad's impact, West established a scholarship in his name for students from Muhammad's old neighborhood. West concludes by mentioning his books, including "The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change" and his autobiography "The Change Agent." Buy the Books!The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change: https://amzn.to/4djhdxrThe Change Agent: https://amzn.to/3WfXk3sKey Takeaways: Adversity can be an opportunity for personal growth and transformationThe power of positive thinking and hope in overcoming challengesThe importance of being a "coffee bean" - changing your environment rather than letting it change youThe impact of servant leadership and believing in othersThe value of education and giving back to the community === 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 acknowledging the sponsor, SuperOps, and dives into the major news of the CrowdStrike incident. A faulty sensor configuration update from CrowdStrike led to widespread computer outages affecting about 8.5 million Windows machines globally. Marv explains how he managed client concerns and highlights the critical need for robust disaster recovery strategies and business continuity planning. He underscores the importance of having a comprehensive crisis response plan and testing it regularly to ensure effectiveness. Marv also praises the IT community for their rapid response and effective communication during the incident, noting the collaborative efforts across various platforms and peer groups. Marv shares his personal weekend ordeal with a new HP system that repeatedly blue-screened at a client's site but worked fine in his office. After troubleshooting, he discovered a faulty NVIDIA T1000 add-in card was the culprit. He also recounts the sudden resignation of a staff member, CJ, and the ensuing challenges due to the lack of communication from the client. The episode wraps up with Marv discussing his upcoming trip to ASCII Edge and encouraging listeners to use his Amazon affiliate link to support the podcast.Key TakeawaysCrowdStrike Incident: A faulty sensor configuration update caused widespread outages, emphasizing the need for robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans.Rapid Response and Communication: Effective communication and collaboration within the IT community were crucial in managing the incident.Personal Troubleshooting: Marv's experience with a faulty NVIDIA T1000 card highlights the challenges of diagnosing hardware issues.Staff Resignation: The importance of clear communication between clients and service providers was underscored by a sudden staff resignation.LinksASCII Edge 2024: https://events.ascii.com/CrowdStrike Lessons: https://tinyurl.com/9esmm7ysCrowdStrike Community Support: https://tinyurl.com/mhypna7t === 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.

Boost MSP Efficiency with Strategy OverviewWebsite: https://www.strategyoverview.com/In this episode, Uncle Marv sits down with Alex Markov to delve into Strategy Overview, a software platform tailored for MSPs to optimize their strategic planning and client management. Alex explains how the platform's powerful and flexible template engine allows MSPs to standardize their processes and save significant time. The user-friendly interface and comprehensive client portal are highlighted as key features that set Strategy Overview apart from other tools. The discussion also covers the platform's development history. Initially created as a spreadsheet to manage Alex's own MSP operations, it evolved into a multi-tenant product over seven years. This journey involved overcoming various challenges and continuously refining the tool based on user feedback. Alex and Marv explore the platform's extensive features, including QBRs, asset management, Office 365 licensing, and a ticketing system integrated with ConnectWise. They also discuss the future of Strategy Overview, particularly the integration of AI to automate tasks and further reduce the workload for MSPs. The episode concludes with insights into the MSP industry, the advantages of different business models, and the importance of maintaining a balance between growth and personalized customer service.Key TakeawaysUnique Template Engine: Strategy Overview's template engine allows MSPs to create customized reports and standardize processes efficiently.User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed with a clean and intuitive UI, enhancing user experience.Comprehensive Client Portal: Clients can access their strategy, health scores, budgets, and tickets through a white-labeled portal.Development Journey: The platform evolved from a spreadsheet to a sophisticated tool over seven years, driven by real-world MSP needs.Future AI Integration: Plans to integrate AI aim to automate QBR prep and ticket handling, saving significant time for MSPs.Industry Insights: Discussion on the benefits of different MSP business models and the trend towards boutique service providers. === 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.

Revolutionizing SaaS Security with OvereWebsite: https://www.overe.io/In this episode, Uncle Marv welcomes Paul Barnes, co-founder and CEO of Overe, to discuss their SaaS security platform and its role in the IT Nation Pitch It Accelerator program. Overe focuses on providing automated security analysis and continuous monitoring for SaaS applications, addressing the increasing number of cloud security incidents. Key Highlights: Introduction to Overe: Paul explains that Overe was created to address the growing need for SaaS and cloud application security. The company offers two main products: Novia Assess, a free tool for visibility and risk assessment, and Overe Protect, a comprehensive service for policy enforcement and adversarial activity response.Focus on Microsoft 365: Overe initially targets Microsoft 365 due to its widespread use among MSPs and their clients. The company plans to expand to other popular SaaS applications like Google Workspace.M365 Benchmark Audit: Overe's free assessment tool goes beyond Microsoft's security score by providing a customized score based on the client's licenses, company attributes, and security policies. It also includes dark web monitoring and MFA status checks.Licensing and Security: Paul discusses the challenges MSPs face in upgrading clients from basic to premium security licenses. Overe's tools help MSPs demonstrate the need for higher security levels without necessarily pushing for the expensive E5 license.Automated Responses: Overe's platform includes automated policy enforcement and response to adversarial activities. The system continuously monitors for policy drifts and automatically re-enforces security settings if they are altered.Framework Alignment: Overe's policies align with frameworks like NIST and CMMC, providing MSPs with benchmarking against industry standards.Unique Selling Points: Overe differentiates itself with a user-friendly setup, comprehensive threat intelligence, and integration with endpoint data to reduce false positives and provide high-confidence alerts.Market Strategy: While Overe is focused on MSPs, the platform is also accessible to mid-market and enterprise clients. The company is expanding its presence in the U.S., recognizing the significant market potential.Future Plans: Overe aims to enhance its product offerings, expand its monitoring capabilities, and strengthen its U.S. sales and distribution channels. The company is committed to supporting MSPs and attending industry events like IT Nation.Key TakeawaysOvere offers innovative SaaS security solutions with automated analysis and continuous monitoring.The platform initially focuses on Microsoft 365 but plans to expand to other SaaS applications.Overe's tools help MSPs assess and improve client security without pushing for unnecessary high-cost licenses.Automated policy enforcement and response features ensure continuous protection against security threats.Overe's policies align with industry frameworks like NIST and CMMC, providing valuable benchmarking.The company is expanding its presence in the U.S. and aims to support MSPs through easy-to-use tools and strategic partnerships. === 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 Tim Coach to discuss strategic spending in IT businesses. Tim emphasizes the importance of aligning spending with business goals and market demands. He advises against arbitrary budget cuts, instead recommending a focus on ROI and strategic investments. Tim highlights the significance of investing in both technology and talent. He suggests prioritizing spending on areas that directly impact customer satisfaction and business growth. Tim also discusses the need for flexibility in budgeting, allowing for adjustments as market conditions change. The conversation covers the challenges of balancing short-term needs with long-term investments. Tim recommends a mix of both, ensuring immediate operational needs are met while also planning for future growth. He stresses the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced IT industry. Tim shares strategies for maximizing ROI, including careful vendor selection, negotiation tactics, and leveraging partnerships. He also discusses the value of investing in employee training and development to enhance productivity and retention. The episode concludes with Tim's advice on creating a culture of strategic spending within organizations. He emphasizes the need for clear communication, alignment across departments, and regular review of spending strategies to ensure they remain effective and relevant. Key Takeaways: Align spending with business goals and market demandsFocus on ROI rather than arbitrary budget cutsInvest in both technology and talentPrioritize spending that impacts customer satisfaction and growthMaintain flexibility in budgeting to adapt to market changesBalance short-term needs with long-term investmentsMaximize ROI through careful vendor selection and partnershipsInvest in employee training and developmentCreate a culture of strategic spending within the organizationRegularly review and adjust spending strategiesLinks: Florida Man Wrestles Alligator in Fire Station: https://youtu.be/OW9OhDvdMjA === 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 interviews William Hibbard, owner of TorqueNet LLC. The two discuss Bill's journey from Air Force cyber operations officer to running his own Managed Service Provider (MSP) business. Hibbard shares insights on transitioning from a hobby to a full-fledged business, his approach to cybersecurity, and the challenges of being a solo tech. Bill explains how his Air Force background in information assurance prepared him for his current role, though he notes that the business aspects required separate learning. He discusses his company's evolution, including the move from Colorado to Florida, and how he maintained 80% of his customer base during the relocation. The conversation covers Bill's security stack, which includes tools like ThreatLocker and Huntress, and his perspective on balancing security with usability for clients. He also shares valuable advice for solo MSPs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other local IT professionals. Throughout the interview, Uncle Marv and Bill reminisce about their shared past in Satellite Beach, Florida, including their time on the track team and working at McDonald's. They discuss how their hometown has produced several IT professionals and touch on upcoming reunions. Key Takeaways: Air Force experience in cyber operations can provide a strong foundation for running an MSPTransitioning from hobby to business requires adapting pricing and service modelsCollaboration with other local MSPs can be beneficial for solo operatorsA robust security stack is crucial, but must be balanced with client usabilityContinuous learning and adapting to new technologies is essential in the IT industryWebsite: https://torquenet.net/ === 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.

Stuart Holtby introduces Get In Sync as a comprehensive platform that helps businesses uncover their IT strategy. He uses the analogy of a treasure map to explain how the tool works, assisting organizations in putting together all their applications, information, projects, and processes to visualize their overarching strategy. The platform goes beyond traditional IT spend analysis, incorporating various aspects of business operations. It uses frameworks like TBM to provide a holistic view of technology-related costs and budgets. Get In Sync creates a two-way marketplace where both MSPs and their clients can actively participate in strategic planning. Stuart emphasizes that Get In Sync is designed to be a leading indicator, unlike QBRs which are lagging indicators. The tool provides real-time insights, allowing businesses to make informed decisions quickly. It features idea creation and prioritization capabilities, enabling organizations to foster innovation and vet new ideas effectively. The platform is AI-enabled, making it easy for users to access information using natural language queries. It offers view access to everyone in an organization while distributing portfolio management responsibilities across different departments. Get In Sync is positioned as a sell-through product for MSPs, allowing them to boost their VCIO margins and resell the application to clients. Stuart discusses the pricing model and mentions ongoing efforts to integrate with ConnectWise Manage, particularly for project management. Key Takeaways: Get In Sync helps businesses visualize and develop their IT strategyThe platform provides a holistic view of technology-related costs and budgetsIt offers real-time insights, unlike traditional quarterly business reviewsThe tool features idea creation and prioritization capabilitiesAI-enabled functionality allows easy access to informationGet In Sync can be resold by MSPs to boost VCIO marginsWebsite: https://getinsync.ca/ === 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 Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon from Channel Program about their new product, MyITspend. The guests introduce the tool as a client management solution designed to help MSPs optimize their client relationships and boost revenue. Kevin explains that MyITspend grew out of the need to solve big problems in the MSP industry and make operations more efficient. The tool started with the Navistack concept, which helps MSPs visualize their technology stack and identify gaps. MyITspend expands on this by allowing MSPs to manage their own and their clients' technology spend, contracts, and subscriptions. Matt highlights the tool's ability to uncover shadow IT and provide greater visibility into clients' technology investments. This enables MSPs to have more mature conversations during quarterly business reviews and identify new revenue opportunities. He also demonstrates the tool's interface, showing how it helps MSPs track their own expenses, manage contracts, and visualize their clients' technology stacks. They emphasize the tool's potential for lead generation, allowing MSPs to offer it to prospects as a way to gain insight into their IT spend. Kevin and Matt discuss pricing, with internal use starting at $99 per month and customer-facing licenses at $249 per month. They stress the tool's affordability and potential ROI through improved operational efficiency and new revenue opportunities. The conversation touches on the challenges of getting clients to share their technology spend information and how MSPs can position the tool as a valuable service. The guests also hint at future developments, including integrations with PSAs and features to help MSPs manage contracts and commissions from various sources. Key Takeaways: MyITspend helps MSPs manage their own and clients' technology spendThe tool provides visibility into contracts, subscriptions, and renewal datesIt can be used for lead generation by offering it to prospectsMyITspend enables more mature conversations during quarterly business reviewsThe tool helps MSPs differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplaceIt addresses operational inefficiencies in contract and subscription managementPricing is designed to be affordable for MSPs of all sizesFuture developments include integrations with PSAs and expanded featuresWebsite: https://info.channelprogram.com/myitspend === 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.

Dawn Sizer, CEO of Third Element Consulting, joins Uncle Marv to discuss the success of her MSP business. She attributes their success to working closely with her husband and having a strong leadership team. Dawn shares insights on adopting AI tools like Copilot, emphasizing the importance of skilled workers to effectively use these tools. The conversation covers Third Element Consulting's high client retention rate, which Dawn credits to authenticity, transparency, and building strong relationships with clients. They discuss the challenges of providing IT services to diverse industries, including government agencies and cannabis businesses, focusing on high availability and compliance. Dawn talks about her active participation in the channel community, highlighting the benefits of peer learning and vendor relationships. She also shares her company's growth plans, including hiring a salesperson and aiming for significant revenue increases. The episode concludes with a discussion on recent Florida man stories and upcoming industry events. Key Takeaways: Strong leadership team and working with a spouse can contribute to MSP successEffective use of AI tools requires skilled workersHigh client retention stems from authenticity and strong relationshipsDiverse client industries require focus on high availability and complianceActive channel participation provides valuable peer learning opportunitiesGrowth strategies include hiring dedicated sales staffLinks from the show: Date Night with The Sizers: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/293Florida Man Uses Alligator to Open Beer Can: https://tinyurl.com/5ak58crw === 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.

Joe Lohmeier, NinjaOne's new channel chief, joins the IT Business Podcast to discuss the company's recent developments and growth. NinjaOne, formerly known as NinjaRMM, has expanded its offerings to become a unified endpoint management platform serving both MSPs and internal IT departments. The conversation covers NinjaOne's rebranding, its recognition as a top RMM solution for 20 consecutive quarters, and the launch of the Ninja One Now partner program. Lohmeier highlights the company's focus on customer satisfaction, product innovation, and responsiveness as key factors in their success. NinjaOne's platform now includes features such as RMM, backup, patch management, endpoint monitoring, and mobile device management. The company has seen significant growth in both the MSP and enterprise markets, with some customers managing over 100,000 endpoints. Lohmeier discusses the challenges faced by MSPs in managing increasingly vulnerable and risky endpoints, and how NinjaOne is positioned to help address these issues. He also touches on the company's approach to AI integration, emphasizing a cautious and thoughtful implementation to ensure security and reliability. The interview concludes with insights into NinjaOne's global expansion, its record growth in 2023, and hints at upcoming announcements in the fall. Key Takeaways: NinjaOne has rebranded from NinjaRMM and expanded its offeringsThe company has been rated the #1 RMM for 20 consecutive quartersNinjaOne Now partner program launched to simplify partnershipsNinjaOne serves both MSPs and internal IT departmentsThe platform includes RMM, backup, patch management, and MDM featuresNinjaOne is seeing growth in both SMB and enterprise marketsThe company is taking a cautious approach to AI integrationNinjaOne is expanding globally with a strong presence in APAC and EMEAWebsite: https://www.ninjaone.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.

Sudhir Nambiar, co-founder and CEO of XAmplify, introduces their marketing automation platform tailored for MSPs and IT service providers. The platform offers solutions for channel marketing, partner relationship management, and through-channel marketing automation. XAmplify allows MSPs to conduct co-branded campaigns with multiple vendors, addressing the challenge of managing relationships with 10-15 vendors simultaneously. The platform provides a centralized location for marketing activities, deal registrations, and vendor management. Key features of XAmplify include: Co-marketing and co-selling capabilitiesIntegration with popular CRMs and PSAsWhite-label and co-branding optionsVideo hosting and landing page creationList management with built-in validationMulti-tenancy for managing multiple vendor relationshipsBidirectional sync between CRMs and marketing automation toolsSudhir emphasizes the platform's ability to protect MSPs' leads and contacts while enabling efficient collaboration with vendors. XAmplify also offers features for lead sharing, deal registration, and pipeline visibility. The platform aims to help MSPs grow their business by providing tools for revenue growth, closing deals faster, and expanding their service offerings. Sudhir shares his background as a former MSP, which influenced the development of XAmplify to address common industry challenges. Key Takeaways: XAmplify offers a centralized platform for MSPs to manage multiple vendor relationshipsThe platform provides co-marketing and co-selling capabilitiesIntegration with popular CRMs and PSAs streamlines workflowBuilt-in list validation and management protect MSPs' dataXAmplify aims to help MSPs grow revenue and close deals fasterWebsite: https://xamplify.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.