EP125 – The Apple MSP Conference You’ve Never Heard Of with Justin Esgar
Release Date: 03/01/2026
EP130 – 14 MSP Acquisitions in 4 Years – What Buyers Really Look For with Dave Middleton
It's a Numbers Game
Dave joins the podcast to discuss Flotek’s M&A journey, having completed 14 acquisitions in three and a half years, and argues the MSP market is diverse, fragmented, and active, with frequent inbound opportunities. He explains deal sourcing through SEO, brokers, network reputation, and supplier referrals, and stresses sellers should do due diligence on buyers. Flotek prioritises cultural and values alignment before numbers, then evaluates stability, cash flow, customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, geography, organic growth, and vendor/tech-stack fit, with a relentless focus on...
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EP129 – Why Most MSPs get PR wrong with Rahme Mehmet
It's a Numbers Game
In this episode, the hosts Adam and Daniel are joined by PR consultant Rahme to discuss an upcoming 2026 collaboration and unpack what PR means for MSPs and vendors: public relations as audience-focused communication that builds reputation, brand awareness, and relationships with influencers such as reporters, editors, analysts, and advisors. They contrast PR with marketing, using a white paper as an example of content that marketing deploys for lead generation while PR uses it to pitch thought leadership and earn coverage, and they explore how PR success is measured through exposure,...
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EP128 – Using the Working Genius Model to Build Better MSP Teams – with Chris Cooke
It's a Numbers Game
Chris joins Daniel and Adam to discuss Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius assessment, a 40-question framework about where people get energy and joy at work, contrasting it with tools like Myers-Briggs and DISC (communication preference). He explains the WIDGET model: Wonder (identify gaps), Invention (generate ideas), Discernment (judge ideas), Galvanizing (rally action), Enablement (help others move work forward), and Tenacity (drive to completion), plus how each person has two geniuses, two competencies, and two frustrations. They cover applying the model in MSPs to improve role fit,...
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EP127 – Loneliness is the tax you pay for autonomy
It's a Numbers Game
Loneliness Is the Tax You Pay for Autonomy: The Hidden Cost of Business Ownership Adam and Daniel depart from the usual guest format to discuss the often-ignored loneliness of business ownership, especially in MSPs. They frame autonomy as rewarding but inherently tied to responsibility, asymmetrical relationships, and an unshared cognitive load that leaders can’t fully offload to employees or spouses. Adam reads an essay, “Loneliness is the Tax You Pay for Autonomy,” arguing loneliness is a byproduct of authority and care, not weakness, and can be offset through structures like EOS,...
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EP126 – Becoming the Chief AI Officer for Your Clients with Nils Howland
It's a Numbers Game
In this episode, we welcome Nils, co-founder of Ironbridge, to discuss the transformative potential of AI for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Nils shares his extensive background and experience in scaling businesses and investing in tech startups. He elaborates on how MSPs can leverage AI to revolutionise their operating models, scale efficiently, and deliver new, high-value services. The conversation covers the transition from traditional IT infrastructure to AI-driven solutions, the importance of strategic partnerships with clients, and actionable steps MSPs can take to stay ahead. Nils...
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EP125 – The Apple MSP Conference You’ve Never Heard Of with Justin Esgar
It's a Numbers Game
Join us as we chat with Justin Esgar about the ACEs Conference, an event designed to help MSPs (Managed Service Providers) grow their businesses with a focus beyond just technological skills. Justin shares his journey in founding the conference, designed originally for Apple consultants but open to all. He talks about the unique business-oriented aspects of the conference, the importance of non-technical skills, and the vibrant community it nurtures. Additionally, he discusses the scholarship in honour of his late father and hints at future plans for geographical expansion. The conversation...
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EP124 – What Does a New Client Really Cost with Nicola Moss
It's a Numbers Game
In this podcast episode, Nicola Moss, a marketing expert, discusses effective budgeting strategies for marketing within Managed Service Providers (MSPs). She highlights the differences in budget allocation and approaches between small and large MSPs and provides a practical guide on setting annual marketing budgets based on percentages of turnover and desired outcomes. Nicola emphasises the importance of consistent spend and strategic investment in various marketing activities, including events, webinars, and referral marketing. She also touches on the integrality of marketing in generating...
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EP123 – Selling Hardware Without the Pain or the Price War with Alicia Shepherd
It's a Numbers Game
In this episode, Alicia discusses her role as a hybrid distributor and manufacturer within the Wortmann Group, focusing on Terra branded devices and their distribution of over 10,000 SKUs from various major brands. The conversation delves into supply chain issues exacerbated by the pandemic and the Windows 10 support cessation, and how Terra positions itself against tier-one brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo. Alicia highlights the importance of future-proofing devices, maintaining robust MSP relationships, and navigating the complex supply chain environment. She also emphasises Terra's...
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EP122 – If MFA Stops 99% of Attacks… Why Are Companies Still Being Breached - with Al Lakhani
It's a Numbers Game
In this episode, the Adam and Daniel welcome Al Lakhani a cybersecurity expert, to discuss the revolutionary MFA 2.0 technology. Al explains how traditional MFA (Multifactor Authentication) methods, known as MFA 1.0, are vulnerable to credential phishing attacks, highlighting recent breaches by the Shiny Hunters group. He introduces MFA 2.0, which utilises public key cryptography to eliminate passwords and ensure device-based identity verification, preventing attacks effectively. The conversation delves into the limitations of current MFA methods, the advantages of MFA 2.0, and the...
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EP121 – Using AI to Solve Real MSP Problems with Roy Castleman
It's a Numbers Game
In this episode, Roy Castleman joins the podcast to share insights from his extensive experience in leveraging AI to run multiple businesses. The conversation delves into practical applications of AI, the challenges of selecting the right tools amongst many, and optimising AI usage through clear communication and iterative prompting. Roy emphasises the importance of understanding AI as an enhancement tool rather than a replacement and details a method of using AI to form a 'virtual board of directors' for business advice. The episode also touches on various aspects of experimenting with AI...
info_outlineJoin us as we chat with Justin Esgar about the ACEs Conference, an event designed to help MSPs (Managed Service Providers) grow their businesses with a focus beyond just technological skills. Justin shares his journey in founding the conference, designed originally for Apple consultants but open to all. He talks about the unique business-oriented aspects of the conference, the importance of non-technical skills, and the vibrant community it nurtures. Additionally, he discusses the scholarship in honour of his late father and hints at future plans for geographical expansion. The conversation also touches on some lighter notes, such as Justin's potential guest-hosting role and his enthusiasm for British television.
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Justin
00:19 Practicing the Podcast Introduction
01:20 Discussing the ACEs Conference
04:13 The Unique Focus of ACEs Conference
04:59 History and Evolution of ACEs Conference
06:25 Business Growth and Success Stories
11:06 Employee Development and Training
16:59 Challenges and Differences in Conference Attendance
23:02 Honouring a Legacy: The Edward Esgar Scholarship
24:37 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Connect with Justin Esgar on LinkedIn by clicking here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/
Connect with Daniel Welling on LinkedIn by clicking here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielwelling/
Connect with Adam Morris on LinkedIn by clicking here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcmorris/
Visit The MSP Finance Team website, simply click here –https://www.mspfinanceteam.com/
MSP Glossary: MSP Finance Glossary Explained | MSP Finance Team
We look forward to catching up with you on the next one. Stay tuned!