Brian Guenther
MSP Business School
Show Website: Guest Name: Brian Guenther LinkedIn page: Company: Exceed Cybersecurity & I.T. Services Website: Host Brian Doyle: Brian Guenther is a seasoned cybersecurity expert and the founder of Exceed Cyber. With over 26 years of experience in the IT and cybersecurity industry, Brian started his career by building PCs and gradually transitioned into IT franchise ownership. He founded Exceed Cyber in 2017, focusing on helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity compliance, specifically for those with federal contracts mandated by regulations such as...
info_outline
Zack Keeney - Bridging the Skills Gap: Empowering Tomorrow's IT Leaders
MSP Business School
Show Website: Guest Name: Zack Keeney LinkedIn page: Company: TriUnity Strategies Website: Host Brian Doyle: In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle talks with Zack Keeney from Triunity Strategies. Zack shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a challenging environment to excelling in the corporate world with Domino's, where he developed robust operational and leadership skills. This episode unpacks Zack's life experiences and his passion for empowering others through Triunity Strategies, a company focused on providing leadership and skill...
info_outline
Dan Tomaszewski | The Power of MSP Communities: Thriving Through Connection
MSP Business School
Show Website: Guest Name: Dan Tomaszewski LinkedIn page: Company: Everything MSP Website: Host Brian Doyle: Welcome to the latest episode of the MSP Business School Podcast featuring Brian Doyle and guest Dan Tomaszewski from Everything MSP. Listeners will be captivated by the dynamic conversation that flips the usual script—a reflection on the shared experiences of being both the interviewer and the interviewee. Brian and Dan delve into the evolution of MSPs and highlight the critical need for community among them through initiatives like Everything MSP. Dan shares his...
info_outline
Paul Daigle Scaling Success The Blueprint to Elevating Your MSP
MSP Business School
Show Website: Guest Name: Paul Daigle LinkedIn page: Company: BizAdvisoryBoard Website: Host Brian Doyle: Brian Doyle is joined by Paul Daigle from bizadvisoryboard.com to discuss navigating the MSP landscape. Paul shares insights on transitioning from a VAR to an MSP, growth through acquisitions, and the importance of specialization in markets. They delve into the challenges of scaling MSP businesses, focusing on moving through financial peer groups, and understanding business valuation. Paul introduces tools to help MSPs assess their business worth and provides guidance on...
info_outline
PitchIT 24 | Doug Kreitzberg, Seedpod Cyber
MSP Business School
In this engaging episode of the MSP Business School podcast, host Brian Doyle welcomes Doug Kreitzberg of SeedPod Cyber as a Pitch IT finalist. Doug, joined by recurring guest and ConnectWise Evangelist, Sean Lardo and his coach Matt Koenig, a PitchIT finalist with Nodeware. They discuss the significance of cyber insurance within the MSP space. Brian humorously acknowledges Sean's growth as a regular contributor on the show before diving deep into how SeedPod Cyber's innovative solutions are bridging critical gaps in the industry. Matt, a coach from across the globe, shares insights from...
info_outline
Pitch IT | Daniel Ellis PC Powersave
MSP Business School
info_outline
PitchIT Zach Kromkowski Senton
MSP Business School
Join Brian Doyle and special guests Bobby Jacobs from Thread and Zach Kromkowski from Senteon, as they delve into the intricacies of the Connectwise Pitch It competition. In this captivating episode, you will get an insider's view of what it takes to succeed in a Shark Tank-like contest designed for startup vendors who support the MSP (Managed Service Provider) space. Bobby and Zach discuss the nuances of pitching, their experiences in the competition, and invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Sean Lardo, the mastermind behind the Pitch It program, adds depth with his industry insights...
info_outline
ConnectWise PitchIT | Helping Build Communities and Relationships in the Startup World
MSP Business School
Show Website: Guests: Sean Lardo - Andrea Barrow - Sam Hoyen - Company: ConnectWise (Invent) Website: Today’s episode features an in-depth discussion with the Connectwise PitchIT team, including Sean Lardo, Andrea Barrow, and Sam Hoyen. As they gear up for IT Nation Connect, the team shares the excitement and challenges of the PitchIT competition, where innovative startups compete for the top spot. This year’s PitchIT program saw a diverse group of finalists, each representing different tech industry segments. Sean Lardo emphasizes the evolution and improved quality of...
info_outline
Brandi Bonds | Maximizing Your MSP's Value: Secrets from a Fractional CFO
MSP Business School
Show Website: Guest Name: Brandi Bonds LinkedIn page: Company: Next Level Now Website: Hosts: Brian Doyle: In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle welcomes Brandi Bonds, Managing Partner of Next Level Now. Brandi brings her wealth of expertise in fractional CFO services to the table, discussing how MSPs can better manage their finances and increase profitability. With her extensive background in the industry, Brandi offers valuable insights into the financial challenges and opportunities MSPs face, especially in today’s competitive market influenced by...
info_outline
Building a Collaborative Office of VCIO for Enhanced Customer Management
MSP Business School
Show Website: In this episode of MSP Business School, Brian Doyle dives into the concept and structure of the "Office of VCIO," drawing parallels from the enterprise-level office of CIO. Originally presented as part of a webinar, this detailed discussion outlines the significance of having a cohesive team approach to delivering Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), Strategic Business Reviews (SBRs), and other essential fractional VCIO services. Brian emphasizes that while tools such as the VCIO Toolbox can facilitate this process, any MSP can implement these principles to evolve their service...
info_outlineShow Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/
Guest
Name: Brian Guenther
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwguenther/
Company: Exceed Cybersecurity & I.T. Services
Website: https://www.exceeditmd.com/
Host
Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/
Brian Guenther is a seasoned cybersecurity expert and the founder of Exceed Cyber. With over 26 years of experience in the IT and cybersecurity industry, Brian started his career by building PCs and gradually transitioned into IT franchise ownership. He founded Exceed Cyber in 2017, focusing on helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity compliance, specifically for those with federal contracts mandated by regulations such as CMMC, SoC2, and ISO 27001.
His deep understanding of governance, risk, and compliance processes makes him a valuable asset for companies needing to secure their operations against current cyber threats.
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of MSB Business School, host Brian Doyle sits down with cybersecurity expert Brian Guenther to discuss the nuances of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). As regulations around cybersecurity become more stringent, especially for defense contractors, understanding CMMC's requirements and implications is crucial. Brian Guenther, with his wealth of experience, dives into the evolution of CMMC, highlighting its origins, the essential controls necessary for compliance, and the critical role MSPs play in this landscape.
The discussion delves into how CMMC has become a focal point for organizations dealing with controlled unclassified information (CUI) and why being prepared for compliance is vital. Brian Guenther emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement in compliance processes, illustrating how MSPs can leverage their positioning by becoming CMMC-certified to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. He also sheds light on the geopolitical nuances affecting these regulations and how changes in political leadership might influence—but not diminish—the momentum towards stricter cybersecurity standards for federal contractors.
Key Takeaways:
- CMMC is paramount for defense contractors: Understanding and implementing CMMC is crucial as it enforces standards that contractors should have been following since 2017.
- Compliance does not equal security: While security frameworks like NIST 800-171 underpin CMMC, compliance serves as an initial checkpoint rather than the full spectrum of cybersecurity.
- MSPs must prepare adequately: Even though MSPs are not directly required to certify under CMMC, being prepared and knowledgeable is crucial for assisting clients.
- Cyber liability is a key driver: Insurance and regulatory requirements are pushing businesses to adopt more sophisticated cybersecurity measures.
- Proactive steps are essential: Waiting for enforcement isn't viable; MSPs and their clients should start their compliance journey immediately.