Joining us today is Michael Nelson, the co-founder of Scaled and owner of TLC Tech, an MSP in California. Michael's journey began with skepticism towards remote work, but through revolutionary changes and an open mind, he's since embraced a mainly remote workforce, reaping benefits in productivity, profitability, and employee happiness.
In this episode, we'll uncover the transformative impact of remote work for MSPs, the integration of overseas talent into local company cultures, and how these remote powerhouses can reinvigorate your organization. We'll also discuss the distinctions between staff augmentation and outsourcing, the importance of intentional onboarding, and the necessity of regular communication to engage and retain top remote talent.
Michael will share his personal insights on how remote staffing has reshaped his company and practical tips for maintaining company culture in a remote work environment. We'll be exploring the creation of a remote employee engagement plan and the benefits of thorough documentation.
Additionally, we’ll touch on the cultural nuances of managing a diverse workforce and tackle the more subtle aspects of cross-cultural management.
So plug in, adjust your volume, and get ready for an enlightening conversation that might just change the way you view staffing in your MSP. Let’s tune in.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Welcome to another episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast! In today's episode, I’m joined by Mike Psenka, CEO and Founder of Moovila, to delve into the world of project management, particularly in the MSP (Managed Service Provider) space. If you've ever wondered why projects just can’t seem to get delivered on time and how you could make your project delivery process better, you’re gonna love this one. We discuss the importance of understanding dependencies, the critical path, and how technology can streamline project management processes. Mike shares his insights on APMM (autonomous project monitoring and management) and its innovative features. Whether you work in a smaller MSP or a larger organization with a PMO, there's valuable advice for all. So join us as we explore the secrets, strategies, and challenges of managing projects in the ever-evolving world of IT.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Lucas Acosta, CEO of Foojee. Foojee is an MSP that focuses on supporting Mac environments. As a long-time Apple fanatic, I’m always interested in people working in the Apple ecosystem.
Lucas and I discussed how supporting Mac environments is like supporting a stable Windows environment. This provides more opportunities to provide value to the customer. We talk a bit about how Windows-focused MSPs should think about the Mac fleets they manage. We also talk about what Lucas attributes his company growth to.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
When I started the Evolved Radio podcast years ago, I intentionally made the episode format three digits. "001" I knew this was something I wasn't going to give up on after six episodes, which is the average number of episodes that new podcasts do before being abandoned.
The podcast has evolved. I've focused more heavily on my target market of MSPs and IT service providers, but I still like to throw in some random nerdy stuff like fusion, drones, genetic engineering, and more. To celebrate a real milestone for me as I hit episode 100. I'm again evolving the podcast. This episode is a video podcast! I hope to add video to most future episodes as well. If you’d like to watch the video version, check it out on my YouTube channel here.
This one is a collaboration with Kyle Christensen from K7 Leadership. We are talking about why the service manager plays such a crucial role in every MSP, how to be successful as a service manager, and what owners need to know about making their service manager successful.
This was a really fun episode to jam on with Kyle. With occasional rants and fun observations from our time in the industry helping MSPs with exactly these kinds of issues.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m joined by Brian Hoppe. Brian built, grew, and ran his MSP. He then went on to be acquired.
In our conversation, Brian and I discuss the journey of his MSP life. We talk about his early growth through acquisitions, his thoughts on playing to a niche, some great lessons learned, like faking it till you make it, and how peer groups and mentors impacted him. There are lots of learnings that maybe help you on your business journey. Please enjoy my conversation with Brian.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Evolved Training Courses. Training built for MSPs.
Today on the podcast I’m speaking with Colin Knox CEO and co-founder of Gradient MSP. Colin is an MSP channel veteran. He built and sold his MSP, and created Passportal, which he sold to Solarwinds. Now Colin is back at it with Gradient.
Colin and I get real on the composition of the MSP market not being what a lot of people would seem to understand. How that influences the vendors and marketers of the industry and what effects that has on a huge majority of the MSP market.
We get on our soapboxes a bit in this one and talk about some really important topics. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Colin.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved MSP Training.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast I’m joined by Emily Glass, CEO of Syncro.
Emily and I chat about the future of the PSA and RMM in the MSP industry. How emerging MSPs needs differ from large MSPs and how Synchro is developed to support that community.
We also talk about running an all-remote company, the importance of mental health in the remote age, and a great discussion about how values help you manage decisions in a company.
It’s a great conversation about the MSP industry and company leadership. I hope you enjoy it.
Today on the Evolved Radio podcast I’m joined by Dave Sobel host of The Business of Tech.
Dave and I talk about the current state of the MSP industry and the economy. Dave has a watchful eye on the trends of the tech industry as a whole and is an outspoken voice of the industry. If you enjoy our discussion today I would also encourage you to check out his daily podcast and YouTube content.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast I’m joined by Mike Slater w/ Sherweb. Mike and I dig into the Microsoft NCE program, what’s changed, and what you need to know. We also chat about how this partner program is an indication of where the industry is trending in general. Mike’s passion for the channel and his depth of experience is perfect for this complex topic. I found it really valuable. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mike Slater of Sherweb.
Today I'm joined by Peter Melby CEO of Greystone Technologies.
Peter tells a fantastic story about how he grew his company from 800 bucks to cover rent and beer to a 10 Million dollar MSP powerhouse. Peter also shares his view on company culture and how that influenced his decisions in recent acquisition activity.
Please enjoy the fantastic shared in my conversation with Peter.
Joining me on the podcast today is Keith Daser, Director of Data & Security with WBM Technologies.
Keith came to the technology field from sales and we chat about building a funnel, why selling IT service contracts is harder than selling products, and how to manage a skeptical prospect.
It's a great episode with a few tips that could help you grow your business. Please enjoy my conversation with Keith.
Joining me today is the MSP Channel champion, Ernest Murry of Genuine Technology.
Ernest is a well-recognized member of the MSP community. His focus on SOPs and strong technical standards is often used as a reference point for others.
We also talk quite a bit about his view of security in our industry and Ernest provides a host of insights from his experience growing his Managed service business.
Please enjoy our conversation.
Joining me today on the MSP insights series is Ron Harris, VP of Sales and Partner at Omega Computers.
Ron and I talk about how they developed their pricing strategy. Omega also has a very low client churn rate and we explore that as well. Ron tells us why they decided to roll their own MSP tools, the strength of their brand presence, and why the up-market clients are where you should be.
It's a great conversation with Ron as he shares his experience in growing a successful MSP. Please enjoy.
Joining me today on the MSP insights series is Paul Vedder with VXIT.
Paul talks about the division of responsibilities running his MSP with a partner. How to handle the conflict created by winning a new client away from a competitor. We also chat about one of VXIT's superpowers, which is brand sophistication. Paul is also one of the co-founders of the MSP community IT Pool Party, so we chat a bit about community building.
It was great to connect with Paul for a very friendly and open conversation, like catching up over a beer. So please enjoy the discussion and lessons learned.
Today on the podcast we're continuing our series of interviews with MSP owners and operators. Joining me today is Aaron Zimmerman founder of TotalCareIT.
Aaron shares his experience growing his IT business from side hustle to a full-time gig. Aaron shares what he's learned operating in a more rural market. Aaron also recounts a difficult period where he lost a significant portion of his revenue, but ultimately was better off.
Lots of great stories and experiences were shared in the episode, please enjoy my discussion with Aaron.
Today on the podcast, I'm joined by Paul Green, MSP marketing expert. Paul and I talk about why IT companies really struggle with marketing, despite knowing it's important.
Paul details where to start from scratch on your marketing strategy and how to focus down on qualified leads.
We also chat about the tremendous opportunity to market to your existing client base.
Finally, we talk about how many MSP websites are downright embarrassing and why you should ensure your website represents you in the market.
Paul is knowledgeable and super passionate about MSP marketing, so grab a notepad and get ready to soak up some learnings here.
Today on Evolved Radio I'm chatting with Vadim Vladimirksiy, CEO of Nerdio.
Vadim and I discuss our shared experience in the early days of remote-delivered desktop computing. Vadim was an early visionary of what the technology could eventually become. He built an MSP and set to work in building a solid cloud desktop solution for his clients. His success with the platform led him to spin out Nerdio from his MSP and have built one of the channel's leading solutions for serving and managing Windows Virtual Desktops (WVD).
We talk about some of the early issues with the technology and how things have matured. As the company name implies this episode gets pretty nerdy, so get ready to go deep to better understand the power of Windows Virtual Desktops past and present.
Today on the podcast I'm chatting with John Hammond, a Security researcher with Huntress Labs. John and I discuss the recent Microsoft Exchange attack sweeping the globe, the evolution of the AV platform, and some really cool security training platforms that John reviews on his Youtube channel. It's a scary world out there on the internet and we're here to arm you with some resources to stay safe.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Chris Timm with Sondela Consulting.
Chris is a former MSP owner who now runs a consulting group that focuses on helping Managed Service providers get the most from the PSA.
The PSA or professional services automation tool is a central tool to most MSPs. The trouble is the tool often doesn't get as much love or attention as it should. Yes, can do ticketing, but there is also SO much more that the PSA can provide for your business.
Enjoy my conversation with Chris on why these tools are underutilized and what you can do about it.
Today on Evolved Radio I'm chatting with Nigel Moore, leader of the Tech Tribe.
Nigel is a favorite guest on the podcast and if you haven't heard Episode 35 when Nigel and I discussed the transition from Time and Materials provider to the MSP model, I encourage you to check out that previous episode.
Today Nigel and I are chatting about one of the most common questions that gets asked in the MSP community, "How should I package and price my offering?"
What should you include? What should my seat price be? Should you have Termed contracts? All this and some fun war stories about life in the MSP channel, so stick around and enjoy.
If you'd like to check out the Tech Tribe Community. You can use my affiliate link to get 40% off your first month.
You can also check out Nigel's book here.
Today I'm joined by Jon Scott from Scope Stack. We talk about some of the best practices you should use when scoping projects. Things like fixed fee vs. TnM, the difference between a proposal and a SOW, and how you can make your project scoping easier. This is a great episode with useful insights to help you to up your project delivery game. You can increase profit and client satisfaction while reducing the burden on the tech team.
Most MSPs are great at solving technical problems, but being a great MSP is more about how you make your clients feel, more than what you do.
On the podcast today is Alona Bolotnikova of Perfecting Service. She helps MSPs with the soft skills and service coaching to ensure your support team is providing the best possible service experience for your clients.
We talk about common client complaints, best practices for updating clients on tickets, and top tips for helping your techs improve their service skills. Enjoy my conversation with Alona about creating a great service culture.
There has been a string of coordinated attacks on MSPs recently. Large players like WiPro, Fujitsu, and IBM. As well as a number of smaller regional MSPs. Kyle Hanslovan (@kylehanslovan) of Huntress Labs joins me on the podcast to give us his expert viewpoint on the risks these attacks pose and how IT service companies should be securing their environments to avoid being the next victim.
On the podcast, today is Chris Day CEO of Top Down Ventures.
Chris is a well-recognized member of the MSP channel, as the founder of IT Glue. IT Glue's remarkable growth curve and industry attention are unlike anything we've seen in the market. He recently exited IT Glue after selling to Kaseya. Now he's working with SaaS application entrepreneurs to provide capital and scaling strategies for their businesses.
In our discussion we catch up with Chris on the recent M&A activity of Glue and Fully Managed, the projects currently on deck at Top Down, and we discuss the current M&A madness in the MSP channel.
The products being managed by Top Down we mentioned