MSP Business School

A podcast geared to Technology Service Providers where we bring you strategies and tactics to grow your business and build a winning culture. This podcast helps MSPs and MSSPs accelerate their business through strategies, tips, and tactics for driving sales, marketing, and account management. Join our host, Brian Doyle, every Tuesday!

Marvin Bee | Mastering MSP Success with Uncle Marv 07/24/2024

Marvin Bee | Mastering MSP Success with Uncle Marv Show Website: Guest Name: Marvin (Uncle Marv) Bee LinkedIn page: Company: MB Systems Website: Marvin Bee, also known as Uncle Marv, hosts the IT Business Podcast and the Unhealthy Podcast. He has been in the business since 1997 and runs a boutique managed service provider (MSP) shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Marvin has a diverse background, starting from a tech-shop role to building his personalized IT service business focused on providing high-quality, customized solutions to his clients. Marvin is known for his community-minded approach and deep understanding of the IT industry's technical and business aspects. Episode Summary: In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle welcomes Marvin Bee, the renowned host of IT Business Podcast, known to many as Uncle Marv. This engaging conversation revolves around Marvin's journey in the MSP industry, his unique approach to business, and his thoughts on community and collaboration within the IT sector. Marvin shares his experiences, from his early days running a tech shop to becoming an established figure in the MSP community, emphasizing the importance of building long-term client relationships and adapting to their needs. Marvin highlights his strategy of running a boutique MSP shop, focusing on quality over quantity and optimizing the tech stack to suit customer requirements. He discusses the importance of listening to clients, networking, and nurturing relationships over time to drive business growth. The discussion also touches on the current state of the MSP industry, the significance of community, and differing business strategies, including the concept of stack optimization versus just aiming for a perfect stack. Marvin also shares his thoughts on work-life balance, demonstrating the value of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and maintain growth and happiness. Key Takeaways: Networking and Community: Marvin advocates for the power of networking and community support in the MSP industry, highlighting how simple acts of help can lead to significant business opportunities. Stack Optimization vs. Perfect Stack: Marvin discusses the importance of optimizing the tech stack based on client needs rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution, suggesting a flexible and customized approach. Diverse Business Strategies in the MSP Sector: Understanding that different business models and strategies can succeed, Marvin talks about catering to varied customer needs and pursuing a personally fulfilling business path. Work-Life Balance: Emphasizing the need for boundaries, Marvin shares his strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the Host Brian Doyle: Sponsors vCIOToolbox: /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/32270362

George Smith - Essential Strategies to Secure Your M365 Environment 07/18/2024

George Smith - Essential Strategies to Secure Your M365 Environment Show Website: Guest Name: George Smith LinkedIn page: Company: Augmentt Website: Host Brian Doyle: George Smith is a renowned professional in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry and currently serves as a key team member at Augment. With a robust background that includes a pivotal role in growing a Canadian MSP and focusing on managed services in the healthcare vertical, George has transitioned to the vendor side. At Augment, he works alongside industry pioneers like Gavin Garbutt and Derek Belair. Over the past three and a half years, he has been instrumental in driving the company’s mission to simplify and enhance Microsoft 365 security for MSPs. Episode Summary: Welcome to another insightful episode of MSP Business School hosted by Brian Doyle! In this discussion, Brian engages with George Smith from Augment, a dynamic and innovative company in the MSP sector. George shares his intriguing journey from working at a Canadian MSP to joining a tech startup. This episode dives deep into how Augment is revolutionizing the way MSPs secure and manage Microsoft 365 environments. George highlights the core challenges faced by MSPs, especially in managing the complex Microsoft ecosystem. By utilizing Augment’s tools such as security posture dashboards, multi-tenant management capabilities, and automated processes, MSPs can significantly enhance technician efficiency and overall service delivery. This comprehensive conversation addresses the importance of education, security, digital IQ, governance, and the evolving landscape of IT solutions. Key Takeaways: Technician Efficiency:** Simplifying tasks such as password resets and MFA implementations through Augment’s dashboards can empower junior and non-technical staff. Security and Management: Augment addresses the inherent insecurity of Microsoft 365 out-of-the-box and provides MSPs with tools to harden these environments easily. Education and Proliferation: The need for MSPs and vendors to focus on educating clients to build trust and communicate value effectively. Governance and Compliance: The growing importance of IT governance and compliance in MSP operations, supported by tools that simplify reporting and management. Sponsors vCIOToolbox: /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/32192652

Shane Naugher | From Automation to Intelligence: The Evolution of Business Processes 07/09/2024

Rod Capobianco The Secret Sauce to Sales Training: What Your Reps Really Need 06/25/2024

The 5 TBR Killers 06/18/2024

The 5 TBR Killers Episode Summary: In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle dives deep into the critical topic of Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs). Drawing from his extensive experience at VCIO Toolbox, he identifies and discusses the five main pitfalls that can undermine effective QBRs. Whether you're an MSP struggling to engage your clients or looking to elevate your business review process, Brian offers meaningful solutions to common challenges. Brian opens the discussion by emphasizing the importance of having the right people in the room. He highlights the necessity of demonstrating value to ensure key decision-makers attend these strategic sessions. Next, he addresses the issue of keeping QBR meetings on track, stressing the importance of clear agendas and focused discussions to prevent the derailment by day-to-day issues. Brian also speaks on the importance of bringing consistent data points and avoiding technical jargon that can alienate non-technical stakeholders. Lastly, he underscores the importance of showcasing business outcomes to make QBRs more than just sales pitches, transforming them into valuable, consultative engagements. ### Key Takeaways: - **Getting the Right People in the Room:** Engage and demonstrate value to key decision-makers, including business owners and CFOs, to ensure their attendance and participation. **Maintaining Meeting Focus:** Establish and circulate clear agendas before meetings, and effectively communicate the strategic nature of QBRs to keep discussions on track. **Consistency in Data:** Present consistent and meaningful data across meetings to help clients recognize improvements and understand key metrics. **Simplifying Technical Information:** Translate technical details into business outcomes to make QBRs valuable and comprehensible for non-technical stakeholders. **Showcasing Business Outcomes:** Align technology recommendations with the client’s business goals to create actionable roadmaps and foster stronger partnerships. /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/31783242

Miles Walker The Art of Storytelling How to Captivate Your Audience 06/11/2024

Miles Walker The Art of Storytelling How to Captivate Your Audience Show Website: Guest Name: Miles Walker LinkedIn page: Company: Website: Miles Walker is the featured guest on this instalment of MSP Business School podcast. With an impressive journey traversing numerous countries and industries, Walker brings a global perspective to the MSP space. Born in England and having lived in places like the Dominican Republic, Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Australia, his extensive background in the travel industry as a Sales Director provides unique insights into his current role. Today, Walker serves as part of the team at Kaseya, a leading provider of IT infrastructure management solutions for managed service providers (MSPs) and internal IT organizations. In this episode, Walker discusses his transition from the travel industry to the IT sector, the evolution of Kaseya's offerings including the groundbreaking Kaseya 365, and how cyberattacks are shaping business needs. Episode Summary: In the latest episode of MSP Business School, **Brian Doyle** engages **Miles Walker from Kaseya** in a fascinating discussion that spans personal backstories, industry evolution, and the future of IT management for MSPs. Walker shares his international experience and how it informs his work at Kaseya, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in connecting with clients and audiences. * Walker's transition from the travel industry to IT showcases the fluidity of professional growth and the value of diverse experiences in our digital age. He articulates how providing solutions for MSPs is akin to selling dreams in travel—both require instilling confidence and securing futures. * Kaseya 365 emerges as a pivotal solution in combating stack fatigue, offering a consolidated subscription model that encompasses a suite of services integral to MSP operation and security. The conversation delves into how acquisitions in the IT sector are stimulating innovation and growth, a sign of a healthy marketplace. ### Key Takeaways: * **Adaptability in Career Shifts**: Miles Walker's transition from travel to IT illustrates adaptability and utilizing transferable skills in sales and customer engagement. * **Comprehensive IT Management**: Kaseya 365 provides a unified platform for IT management, reflecting Kaseya's commitment to addressing MSP needs and reducing stack fatigue. * **Acquisition Dynamics**: Walker discusses the normality of acquisitions in the IT space, signifying both growth prospects and market valuation, including Kaseya's strategic moves. * **Cyberattack Impact**: Real-world stories illustrate the escalating cyber threats that businesses face, underscoring the need for robust MSP solutions and cybersecurity measures. * **Market Evolution**: The conversation highlights how compliance and cybersecurity are now critical considerations, shaping how businesses operate and insurances assess risk. Host Brian Doyle: Sponsors vCIOToolbox: Sales MaturIT: /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/31570647

Mastering Differentiation How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market 06/04/2024

Brian Gillette - Cracking the Code How to Win More Clients in the MSP Industry 05/28/2024

Brian Gillette - Cracking the Code How to Win More Clients in the MSP Industry Brian Gillette is a notable figure in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry, renowned for his expert knowledge in sales coaching and growth strategies. As the founder of Feelgood MSP, he has honed his skills over a 15-year career in sales and particularly within the MSP channel since 2017. Starting as a VP of Sales for a small MSP in Southern California, Brian distinguished himself by achieving remarkable growth, expanding their Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) significantly. His approach to sales is linear and is based on doing the right thing consistently over time, rather than seeking rapid, unsustainable expansion. Episode Summary: In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle welcomes sales coach Brian Gillette, who brings an enlightening perspective on acquiring clients and managing growth in the MSP sector. The session is a deep dive into pragmatic sales strategies that Brian Gillette has effectively utilized and now shares as a coach. The episode begins with Brian Doyle introducing the upcoming BCIO Toolbox event, followed by exploring Gillette's journey from a VP of Sales to a highly respected sales trainer in the MSP community. A substantial segment provides actionable insights into cold calling and LinkedIn strategies, stressing the importance of grit and consistent action over mere information or methodologies. Key Takeaways: Linear Growth Over Quick Wins: Success in sales within the MSP market is about consistent, linear progress rather than overnight growth. Practical Selling on LinkedIn: Utilize the power of LinkedIn by expanding your network and gently engaging with leads throughout time. Cold Calling Approaches: Modify your approach to cold calling by focusing on human interaction, respecting the recipient's time, and not taking rejections personally. Importance of Execution: Knowledge of sales tactics is beneficial, but the real game-changer is consistent execution. Value-Driven Workshops for MSPs: Brian Gillette offers monthly workshops aimed to provide comprehensive sales training for MSPs at an accessible price. Show Website: Guest Name: Brian Gillette LinkedIn: Company: Host: Brian Doyle LinkedIn: Sponsors vCIOToolbox: Sales MaturIT: /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/31469777

Connor Swalm, The Future of Cybersecurity Moving from Check the Box to Inbox 05/21/2024

The MSP's Guide to SOC 2: How to Get Started and What to Expect 05/14/2024

Unveiling the Secrets of Cyber Warranties What MSPs Need to Know 05/07/2024

Preventing Cybercrime Why Every Business Needs to Prioritize Cybersecurity 04/30/2024

Preventing Cybercrime Why Every Business Needs to Prioritize Cybersecurity In this informative episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle engages in conversation with cybersecurity expert Matt Quammen, President of Optimized Cyber. Together, they unravel the intricate world of cyber protection, showcasing the significance of safeguarding businesses in today's digital age. This dialogue invites listeners to explore the realms of vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, emphasizing their roles in maintaining robust security infrastructures. Quammen emphasizes the importance of remembering 'why' businesses must prioritize cybersecurity – to prevent the crippling financial losses that cybercrimes can inflict. As a guiding principle that steers all cybersecurity endeavors, this 'why' permeates Matt's advocacy for simple yet effective security strategies. Emphasizing the three pillars of cyber risk – IT and security management, cyber insurance, and risk management – they dissect how each element buttresses a business's defense against cyber threats. Detailed discussions around the necessity of manual, professional penetration testing versus automated vulnerability scanning are elucidated, conveying the gravity of personalized security measures. Key Takeaways: Cybersecurity should be underpinned by a passion for protecting businesses from financial losses due to cyber attacks. Simplifying cybersecurity for business owners is essential; focus on practical measures like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and password management. A comprehensive approach to cyber risk involves 24/7 IT and security management, cyber insurance, and risk management through regular audits and third-party tests. Penetration testing, as distinguished from vulnerability scanning, must be a manual effort to emulate the behaviors of real-world attackers. MSP businesses can expand their services and value to clients by becoming the 'governor' of cybersecurity, orchestrating the right tools, processes, and partnerships. No views Apr 27, 2024 Show Website: Guest Matthew Quammen, President | Optimize CyberLinkedin page: Company: website: Hosts Brian Doyle: /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/31013403

EP 187 Create MRR with vCISO services 04/23/2024

EP 186 The Real Difference between Vulnerability Scans and Pen Tests 02/27/2024

EP 186 The Real Difference between Vulnerability Scans and Pen Tests Show Website: Guest: Name: Frank Raimondi Linkedin page: Company: IGI Cybersecurity & Nodeware Website(s): https://igicybersecurity.com/ and About the Guest(s): Frank Raimondi is a seasoned channel and partner strategy specialist currently associated with IGI Global, working specifically with their Nodeware product. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Frank has a track record of fostering partnerships and alliances in the tech industry. He has previously held notable positions at Apple Computer and Intel, where he focused on maximizing value from hardware components and driving vendor relationships. His entry into the cybersecurity and software realm marks a significant transition from his earlier focus on hardware. Episode Summary: In the latest installment of MSP Business School, we are joined by cybersecurity expert Frank Raimondi from Nodeware, a part of IGI Global. This episode dives into the intricate differences between penetration testing and vulnerability scanning and their integration into the assessment processes for security validation. We unravel the essentials defining each concept and explore their roles in fortifying MSPs against increasing cyber threats. Frank Raimondi elaborates on the vital mechanics behind vulnerability assessments and management, illustrating how these defenses act as a company's internal security checkpoints. In contrast, he clarifies the crucial role of penetration testing performed by an external third party to ethically evaluate the security from an outsider's perspective. The conversation further navigates the relationship between these tests, cybersecurity insurance, and regulatory compliance, underlining the importance of ongoing scrutiny in an ever-evolving threat landscape. Key Takeaways: Vulnerability Assessments vs. Management: A snapshot of current system vulnerabilities against a continuous, proactive approach to mitigating them. The Necessity for External Penetration Testing: MSPs must ensure that an independent third party carries out penetration tests for unbiased security validation. Preparation for Compliance and Insurance: Active vulnerability management programs are becoming essential prerequisites for regulatory compliance and favorable cybersecurity insurance premiums. Strategic Scheduling of Cybersecurity Tests: Implementing vulnerability management can prepare a system for penetration testing and vice versa. Importance of Cyber Hygiene: Frank highlights four pillars of cyber hygiene: security awareness training, MFA, email security, and vulnerability management. Hosts Brian Doyle: Robb Rogers: Tim McNeil: Sponsors vCIOToolbox: OSR Manage: /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/30086223

EP 185 Managing Gen Z, the new playbook with Alexander Abney-King 02/06/2024

EP 184 New Prospecting with Professor Jake 01/23/2024

EP 184 New Prospecting with Professor Jake About the Guest: In this episode, we are joined by Jake Carroll, renowned for his expertise in sales strategy and storytelling. Jake brings to the table a wealth of experience in sales management and leadership, with a specific talent for making connections through storytelling. His aptitude for understanding customer needs and offering relevant solutions has cemented his reputation in the industry. Jake endorses practical frameworks and strategies that enable salespeople to resonate with prospects and effectively communicate value. Episode Summary: In the latest installment of MSP Business School, hosts Brian Doyle, Tim McNeil, and Rob Rogers engage in a captivating conversation with Jake Carroll, exploring the intricate art of storytelling in sales. The episode delves into the challenges faced by salespeople in today's market and offers a fresh perspective on connecting with prospects. Beginning with a candid discussion about the ongoing struggles with today's viruses impacting both personal health and business operations, the episode quickly pivots to its core: equipping sales individuals with a storytelling framework that enhances their ability to engage clients. Carroll outlines a simple yet powerful storytelling structure designed to captivate potential customers by addressing their needs and offering tangible solutions. Furthermore, the dialogue touches on the effectiveness of concise communication, especially within email outreach and social selling strategies. Key Takeaways: Sales storytelling requires a structured approach to be effective; the "Who, What's Their Want, But, and So" framework can guide sales representatives in crafting their narratives. Familiarity with the customer's industry and challenges is key to resonating and connecting with prospects. Integrating social selling with traditional approaches can increase familiarity and name recognition among your target market. Modern sales communication, especially emails, should be brief and packed with value to capture the reader's attention within seconds. Tools like Lavender and AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, can enhance and streamline the email composition process for sales outreach. Show Website: Guest: Jake Carroll LinkedIn: Company: https://osrmanage.com Hosts Brian Doyle: Robb Rogers: Tim McNeil: Sponsors vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com OSR Manage: https://osrmanage.com /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/29606528

Death to the Ticket 01/16/2024

Jeff Farris, Driving Business Growth with MSPs: Leveraging Analytics and AI for Success 01/09/2024

Jennifer Bleam, The close is the natural culmination of a really good conversation 01/02/2024

Building and Ecosystems with the ConnectWise PitchIT and Invent Programs 12/19/2023

Building and Ecosystems with the ConnectWise PitchIT and Invent Programs About The Guest(s): Andrea Barrow: Andrea is a senior ecosystem marketing manager at ConnectWise. She has been working in the MSP space since 2010 and is responsible for managing the Invent program. Louie Cocchiola: Louie is a senior ecosystem marketing manager at ConnectWise. He has been working in the MSP space since 2010 and is responsible for raising awareness of the ConnectWise ecosystem. Sean Lardo: Sean is an economy evangelist at ConnectWise. He has been working with MSPs and vendors in the industry for many years and is responsible for managing the Pitch It program. Summary: In this episode of MSP Business School, Brian Doyle, Tim McNeil, and Rob Rogers are joined by Andrea Barrow, Louie Cocchia, and Sean Lardo from ConnectWise. They discuss the Pitch It program and the Invent program, both of which aim to support and promote innovative vendors in the MSP space. The Pitch It program is a shark tank-like competition that helps vendors gain exposure and funding, while the Invent program focuses on technical integration and marketing visibility. The guests share their experiences and the benefits of participating in these programs. Key Takeaways: The Pitch It program is a competition that helps innovative vendors gain exposure and funding in the MSP space. The Invent program focuses on technical integration and marketing visibility for vendors in the ConnectWise ecosystem. Certification and security reviews are important aspects of the Invent program to ensure the quality and security of integrations. The ConnectWise marketplace is a platform where MSPs can discover and browse integrations that meet their business needs. Certified integrations have a higher page view advantage in the marketplace, making them more attractive to MSPs. Quotes: "The Pitch It program is a shark tank-like competition to find the best innovators in the MSP space." - Sean Lardo "The Invent program focuses on technical integration and marketing visibility for vendors in the ConnectWise ecosystem." - Louie Cocchiola /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/29133053

4 Steps you can to crush the close of 2023 12/12/2023

Roundtable - Win the Week! 12/05/2023

Jake Carroll - Co-Managed Prospecting 11/28/2023

Carrie Richardson - MSP Makeover 11/21/2023

Dan Adams Business Success is a Team Sport 11/14/2023

Dan Adams Business Success is a Team Sport Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Guest Name: Dan Adams https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielericadams/ Company: Up-Skill.com Hosts Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylemetathinq/ Robb Rogers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robb-rogers-07415251/ Tim McNeil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmcneil3/ Sponsors vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com OSR Manage: https://osrmanage.com 00:1:25 Dan starts by talking about his work history in the industry. He shares about the different jobs he's had in well-known companies. He talks about the important changes he's seen happen in the tech industry during his time working. 00:3:30 Brian talks about Dan's book, "The Tech Nerds Guide to Career Success," explaining what it's mainly about and how it helps people with their jobs. He also talks about the forum Dan is running, where important people in the tech industry can talk about and solve difficult problems they face. 00:5:50 Dan looks really closely at the main problems that Managed Service Providers (MSPs) often face. He talks about the mistakes they might make that could hurt their businesses. Dan gives clear examples to explain these problems and then suggests practical ways to fix them. He says how important it is for MSPs to be professional, good at technical stuff, and have good people skills because these things really affect how successful they can be in the industry. 00:15:08 Tim starts talking about how important it is to have good ways of doing things and making plans to make a business successful. Dan says that the most important thing for making progress is people being ready to change and learn new things. He explains that it's really important for everyone in a company to think in a similar way and be open to new ideas, saying that being ready for change is key to doing well. 00:18:12 Dan talks about how being a good leader and taking responsibility are really important in a company. He says it's crucial to tell employees exactly what's expected of them. Dan explains the difference between just being the boss and taking real responsibility. He says it's really important for everyone to have the same goals and understand what's expected so that the work can go smoothly and the team can work well together. 00:21:28 Dan elaborates on a prevalent misconception within tech companies regarding hiring practices. He addresses the fallacy that solely assembling a proficient tech team guarantees a company's success. Dan goes further into this idea, explaining that there are many other important things a company needs to do to be successful besides having a skilled tech team. He talks about all the different parts that are needed for a company to do well, not just having good tech people. /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/28633448

Its time for IT Nation and Brian's PitchIT Finals 11/07/2023

Ian Garrett - Do you know where your data is? 10/31/2023

Ian Garrett - Do you know where your data is? Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Guest Name: Ian Y. Garrett https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianygarrett/ Company: https://www.phalanx.io/ Hosts Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylemetathinq/ Robb Rogers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robb-rogers-07415251/ Tim McNeil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmcneil3/ Sponsors vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com OSR Manage: Ian Y. Garrett is the CEO and co-founder of Phalanx, and was formally a US Army Cyber officer as well as a data scientist in the defense sector. He combines his operational knowledge with his PhD research to bring unique insights to the intersection of artificial intelligence & cybersecurity. 1:49 Ian Garrett, our guest today, takes a moment to introduce himself and give us a peek into his journey into the industry. Ian also talks about data loss prevention solutions, offering us his professional insights and thoughts on these products. 9:24 Ian highlights the prevalence of AI automation tools in the data loss prevention landscape. He sheds light on the dual-edged sword these tools represent, as they empower both defenders and attackers. This discussion underscores the significance of incorporating automation into your defense and security strategies, emphasizing that relying solely on human efforts is akin to starting a losing battle. 13:00 Tim raises a pivotal question about integrating AI effectively. Ian advocates for a focus on automation over AI, pointing out that sometimes, it's the automation itself that holds the key, without the need for AI complexity. He strongly emphasizes the importance of reducing or eliminating human involvement within the system as a critical step to mitigate or prevent data loss. 18:00 BBrian discusses the nuances of risks and de-risking and turns to Ian to explore his approach model, particularly for those individuals who may not be well-versed or deeply invested in the nuances of AI. /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/28475231

Bigger than Fire, AI and You! 10/24/2023

When 1 + 1 equals 3 The Tale of Teal with Don Gar and Reid 10/17/2023

When 1 + 1 equals 3 The Tale of Teal with Don Gar and Reid Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Guest Gar Whaley linkedin.com/in/garwhaley/ Don Sauer linkedin.com/in/donsauer Reid Johnston linkedin.com/in/reidjohnston/ Company: TealTech tealtech.com Hosts Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylemetathinq/ Robb Rogers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robb-rogers-07415251/ Tim McNeil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmcneil3/ Sponsors vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com OSR Manage: https://osrmanage.com Don Sauer Took a more direct path to acquiring nearly 35 years of IT expertise. It began in the US Navy, where he first worked on computer-controlled weapons systems. From there he amassed diverse IT experience in every kind of industry and organization, public-sector and private, startup to large-scale enterprise. Each presented unique challenges and allowed Don to develop a rare diversity of perspectives when it comes to designing and deploying IT solutions, and it never obscured Don’s focus on learning what’s best for a specific business, agency, or organization. Gar Whaley Gar Whaley, Aligned cofounder, always knew he wanted to run his own business. As technologically savvy as he is today, he honed his customer-centric business philosophy in the restaurant industry. Though he found satisfaction in owning a successful franchise, this experience introduced him to computer systems. Gar realized how beneficial appropriate IT solutions could be for other small businesses. This realization led him into the technology sector over 25 years ago, during the dot-com boom. Reid Johnston TechGen Consulting, Inc. was founded by Reid in 2000 as a sole proprietorship and later incorporated in 2002. Before starting TechGen, Reid worked as a web application developer, with a passion for problem-solving and working with people. A technology enthusiast from a very early age, Reid dismantled and rebuilt computers before finishing elementary school. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurial Management from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. 1:33 Gar Whaley kicks things off by sharing how he, Don, and Reid started working together and what their current projects are. Then, Reid speaks on why choosing to merge was a game-changer, not just for him personally but for their company too. And Don chimes in, explaining how their teamwork is a win-win, allowing them to serve their clients even more effectively." 12:05 Tim throws a curveball, asking, "What caught you off guard during the merger?" Don doesn't hold back and spills the beans about a client bailing just four days before the settlement. It was a gut punch, but thanks to their strong bond, they saw it as a mere speed bump on their journey. 16:33 Reid chimes in with his response to Tim's query. He admits that navigating the varying communication styles and practices between their merging companies posed a real challenge. They knew it would be par for the course, but they're committed to smoothing out these wrinkles as they move forward. 18:10 Gar delves into why and how their merger hit the bullseye. The fact that they had remarkably similar tech stacks and product offerings was a major win. What's more, sharing nearly identical core values, makes the merger feel like a walk in the park. 23:29 Reid gives a bit of advice to those who are planning on doing a merger or acquisition to have partners you can trust. Gar says that having an entrepreneurial mindset is also one of the keys which Brian agrees. /episode/index/show/mspbusinessschool/id/28341893

Frank Raimondi and Matt Koenig - Nodeware Great Compliance Starts with Identifying your Vulnerabilities 10/10/2023

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