Confessions of an IT Business Owner Podcast: Recent Episodes
ConnectBooster
Tune in to hear inspirational, honest stories about what it takes for a tech business to survive and thrive, from some of your favorite leaders in IT. Brought to you by ConnectBooster’s President and Co-Founder, Ryan Goodman.
In this episode, ConnectWise SVP, International Sales and Strategy Greg Lalle shares his thoughts on the channel’s future with host Ryan Goodman. From advances in managed services tools to the latest cybersecurity, he discusses how technology changes over the past two decades have affected the IT services business.
Today’s MSPs have to support a multitude of continually changing advancements and support a growing number of business models and infrastructure designs. While IT services firms are flourishing in this “age of technology” and enjoying a plethora of opportunities and solutions options, keeping up with the fast pace of innovation and continually changing clients' needs can be a real challenge.
While dealing with the complexities of innovation and working through issues related to industry consolidation, MSPs still have businesses to manage. How can IT entrepreneurs continue to grow sales and profitability with so many distractions? Tune into this episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner to find out.
IT Hall of Famer and Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC) CEO Frank Vitagliano discusses the growing and rapidly transforming value of IT distribution with host Ryan Goodman. With the continued rise of the cloud and evolving workplaces, MSPs and vendors can benefit greatly from these key industry partnerships
In addition to providing an overview of the health of distribution with consolidation and all the new investments, Frank shares his insight on the latest tools, offerings, and support programs that empower channel partners. Change is the operative word. Distributors are adapting services and business models to align with the changing needs of MSPs, VARs, and vendors.
How can IT services professionals leverage these relationships to scale their offerings and drive new incremental revenue? Check out this episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner to get all the details.
In this episode, Troy Gelsky, Director of Client Services at VAR Staffing, discusses the current labor shortage and ways to overcome that challenge with host Ryan Goodman. How can MSPs and other technology firms fill open positions and boost employee satisfaction (to avoid losing valued team members)?
Troy emphasizes that while there is always a shortage of quality talent, especially those with IT knowledge and experience, the pandemic is complicating the normal hiring and retention problems. Finding good people to fill gaps or expand the organization can be a major challenge for MSPs today.
Employing the standard hiring and retention techniques is a great start. However, after getting a taste of a WFH environment, recruits may be looking for more flexible workplace options and different time commitments. MSPs should rethink their recruitment processes and continually evaluate the pool of candidates in their communities. Now is the perfect time to mix things up.
What else can IT services professionals do to fill current job openings and potential new positions? Learn about some of the most cost-effective options in this best practices-laden episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner.
Colin Knox, CEO of Gradient MSP, joins Ryan Goodman in this episode to talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship and the value of industry benchmarks. Learn how he “stumbled” into the MSP market and turned his job at a small IT firm into a successful career building and leading channel organizations. After working his way through the ranks, he took a leap of faith and co-founded a new IT services company − and the timing was less than perfect. That was just the start of a long, challenging, and life-altering journey into the realms of entrepreneurship.
Those experiences, including building and selling several organizations, including MSP firms and Passportal, sparked Colin’s interest in data intelligence. In this episode, he explains the channel opportunities of his new venture, which helps IT services firms leverage information and benchmarking. This technology allows providers to increase their share in a potential $100 billion market.
How can MSPs use their own data to strengthen their business operations? Can information intelligence boost their margins? Check out this information-packed episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner for the answers.
In this special episode, Ryan Goodman discusses the value of expanding and tightening channel partnerships. With the transition to managed services from a break-fix model, your customers are leaning on you more than ever for a variety of needs. However, no one can be an expert in everything, but MSPs can leverage their top relationships to deliver the answers, solutions, and support their clients want today.
ConnectBooster partners can tap into a wealth of those types of customer opportunities. Ryan discusses a couple of ways for MSPs like you to provide electronic transaction capabilities to clients and develop new recurring revenue streams. Listen to the latest episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner to find out how.
In this episode, channel cybersecurity expert Joy Beland shares insight for MSPs on building a formidable data defense practice. The former IT services business owner and trainer discusses some of her early challenges and experiences, and hits hard on the opportunities and best practices for channel professionals.
Joy emphasizes the value of compliance frameworks and industry standards. As an educator in channel cybersecurity (who develops and conducts training for MSPs), she unveils some of the most valuable business and professional resources for the IT services community.
How can MSPs boost their teams’ cybersecurity proficiencies? What services do businesses really need to adequately protect their data and operations, and most importantly, their people, today? Listen to this episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner to find out.
In this episode, Mike Bloomfield, President Geek at Tekie Geeks, reveals a few of his unique and highly successful business philosophies with Ryan Goodman. Mike emphasizes the value of holding firm to your principles and doing the right things for you and your clients, even if that means turning away new sales. While saying “no” can be difficult, he shares why walking away at certain times is in your best interests.
Mike also discusses the challenges and opportunities of running a dual services model with Ryan. Tekie Geeks is a full-service MSP with a separate but equally valued consumer electronics division.
How does Mike and his team address the unique demands of two markets? When should you walk away from potential business opportunities? Listen to this episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner to find out.
Rayanne Buchianico, Owner of ABC Solutions LLC, Autotask Consultant, and podcaster shares recommendations on PSA configuration and best practices with Ryan Goodman. From quoting and accounting tools to other critical platforms for running MSP businesses, the IT services expert and CPA emphasizes the value of configuring these key integrations and implementing effective workflow.
Is your PSA holding you back? How could more automation benefit your operational efficiencies and bottom line? Check out this episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner for the answers.
For an IT services business owner with concerns about the trustworthiness of potential clients, what is the best way to minimize financial exposure and potential liabilities? Learn some of the tips for protecting your firm from the “unknowns” around transaction fraud in this timely podcast with Ryan Goodman, President of ConnectBooster.
Amy Babinchak, Owner of Harbor Computer Services and Third Tier, joins Ryan Goodman to discuss legislation specifically targeting MSPs. Ransomware and cyber threats are driving states like Louisiana to pass laws regulating the managed services and managed security services industry.
How will that affect your firm? What legislation is working its way through other states? Listen to this episode of Confessions of an IT Business Owner to find out.
Amy, her programs and businesses can be found online at:
https://thirdtier.net
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MSPRegulationAndLegislation
https://www.twitter.com/thirdtier
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RansomwarePrevention
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak
In this episode, Ryan talks to Patrick Metzger, CEO and founder of PM & Associates. Once a teacher and coach, and now one of roughly 400 Professional EOS Implementers® in the world, his passion is helping businesses grow, scale and achieve the impact they’re looking to make. Patrick’s coaching and facilitation expertise helps businesses, owners and leadership teams solve their biggest issues and work through their toughest discussions and challenges.
Patrick can be found online at:
https://patrick-metzger.com/
https://www.facebook.com/patrickmetzgercoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmetzgercoaching/
https://patrick-metzger.com/thepatrickmetzgershowpodcast/
In this episode, Ryan talks to Nancy Hammervik, Executive Vice President of Industry relations for CompTIA and CEO of the CompTIA Tech Careers Academy. As everyone in the IT industry knows, Nancy and her team have done amazing things for the tech community, specifically around research and education, as well as certifications.
CompTIA can be found online at:
https://www.comptia.org/
In this episode, Ryan talks to Marvin Bee, Owner and President of MB Systems and host of the Podnutz podcast. Marvin has a unique perspective on the channel as both an MSP and a media professional who talks to the movers and shakers in the industry. In our conversation, we touched on his unique IT experiences and insight from being an IT entrepreneur.
Marvin can be found online at:
https://mbsystems.net/
https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv
https://www.facebook.com/podnutzpro
https://twitter.com/podnutzpro
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8se7g23P_Qg7qS0YpJd0KQ
https://www.facebook.com/mbsystemsinc/
Today I have the distinct pleasure of talking to Rayanne Buchianico, Owner of ABC Solutions. She runs an accounting firm with a national footprint that supports many IT services firms and she also provides Autotask consulting to MSPs. Rayanne is a well-known and well-respected financial voice in the MSP community.
Rayanne and ABC Solutions can be found online at:
https://www.abcsolutionsfl.com
In this episode Ryan talks to Amy Babinchak, Owner of three IT-related businesses; Harbor Computer Services, Third Tier, and Sell My MSP. A technical professional with advanced skills in networking design, management, and implementation, she has been working in the SMB IT community for more than 20 years. Under Amy’s leadership, Harbor Computer Services won the Microsoft Partner of the Year award in 2010, one of the most prestigious awards in the channel.
Amy, her programs and businesses can be found online at:
https://thirdtier.net
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MSPRegulationAndLegislation
https://www.twitter.com/thirdtier
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RansomwarePrevention
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak
In this episode, Ryan interviews Karl Palachuk, author, Owner of Small Business Thinker, and president of the Great Little Book Publishing Company. Karl is an icon in the channel as a former MSP, an in-demand industry speaker, and a respected thought leader.
Karl W. Palachuk has been an IT Consultant since 1995 and is one of the pioneers of the managed services business model. He is the author of more than twenty books, most of which are also available as audio books.
He is the founder of the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community and maintains four blogs, including Small Biz Thoughts and Relax Focus Succeed.
Karl has owned several small businesses, including two very successful Managed Service companies in Sacramento, CA. He received his first Microsoft certification in 1995 and his first MCSE in 1999. He was an active, hands-on Systems Engineer until January of 2017.
He now provides coaching and consulting services to IT professionals of all sizes.
Karl can be found online at:
https://www.smallbizthoughts.org
http://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk
http://www.twitter.com/karlpalachuk
http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk
https://www.instagram.com/karlpalachuk
https://www.youtube.com/user/smallbizthoughts
In this episode, Ryan interviews Jerry Koutavas, president of the ASCII Group. Those of you familiar with the association know he and his team have done some amazing things for the MSP community, especially around education and member benefits.
The ASCII Group can be found online at:
http://www.ascii.com
https://twitter.com/asciigroup
https://www.facebook.com/TheASCIIGroup
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascii
Today I have the distinct pleasure of talking to Brian Weiss, CEO and Founder of ITECH Solutions, an MSP based in San Luis Obispo, California. This is an insightful conversation as Brian shares how he and his team were able to overcome some major obstacles over the past couple of years and, despite all the challenges, strengthen and grow the business.
ITECH Solutions can be found online at:
https://itech-solutions.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjweiss/
From Brian:
Brian Weiss is a California native from San Luis Obispo and started working with computers as early as 1996 while still in high school. After graduating he worked for a small mom & pop computer shop while attending college focusing on computer & network services. A few years later, he left college to start his own IT Company initially working as an independent contractor before starting ITECH Solutions in 2005. ITECH Solutions started out as a break/fix IT company and has grown to a full-fledged managed IT service provider managing over 2000 devices primarily servicing the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Brian also looks to invest in SaaS companies, one of the most recent is www.overwatchid.com, one of the first companies to offer a full suite of services for IAM, SSO, PAM, and MFA.
In 2019, Brian Weiss was selected as “Top CEO of the Year" for 2019 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) and awarded the “Innovator of the Year” Datto Gold Award for his outstanding leadership and commitment to his industry. Today Brian spends most of his time focusing keeping up with the latest security threats and protection helping keep clients and other MSP’s secure. Brian is also involved in several nonprofits and always looking for ways to give back to the community.
"One hundred years from now, it won't matter what car we drove, what kind of house we lived in, how much we had in our bank account, nor what our clothes looked like - all that will matter is how we raised our children!"
Ryan interviews James Foxall, President and CEO of Tigerpaw. His company’s PSA platform has helped scores of MSPs better manage their businesses over the past couple of decades. In addition to running a successful channel software company, James is an advocate of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a non-profit that helps business owners achieve their personal and professional goals.
Source
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, Mark Loveys, CEO of Datagate Innovation, talks about owning a software business and the steps he’s taken to grow it exponentially.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, Ryan Morris, Principal Consultant at Morris Management Partners, talks about the challenges and struggles related to owning and growing a consulting and business development firm and how he overcame them.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, Dan Shapero, President of TeamLogicIT, talks about the challenges and struggles related to owning and growing an IT services franchise business and how he overcame them.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, Raffi Jamgotchian, CTO of Triada Networks, talks about the challenges and struggles related to owning and growing an IT business and how he overcame them.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, Rick Jordan, CEO of ReachOut IT, talks about the challenges and struggles related to owning and growing an IT business and how he overcame them.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, Zac Cramer, CEO of IT Assurance, talks with us about his journey of learning to love being a small company, creating a diverse work force, and becoming a better leader.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Will Nobles, CEO of Vector Choice.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some experiences related to Owning and Growing an IT Business from the Perspective of a Peer Group, and how Steve Alexander, CEO of MSP Ignite helps his members overcome them.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some experiences related to Mergers and Acquisitions from the perspective of Rick Murphy, CEO of Cogent Growth Partners.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some experiences related to Mergers and Acquisitions from the perspective of Mike Harvath, CEO of Revenue Rocket.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Barbara Paluszkiewicz, CEO of CDNTechnologies.com.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of a Peer Group with Dennis O’Connell, Vice President of taylorbusinessgroup.com.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you'll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Scott Wittstock, CEO of Fidelis Inc.
This episode is sponsored by 5stepmarketing.com and BVOIP.com. Check out Josh Whitford and his offering at 5stepmarketing.com/audit, and learn more about the perfect channel only offering for your IT firm and MSP business at BVOIP.com.
Tim Conkle, CEO of Roland Technology Group and The20 talks about the challenges and struggles related to owning and growing an IT business and how he overcame them.
Roland Technology Group can be found online at rolandtechnology.com, and The20 can be found at the20.com.
A special thanks to our sponsors: 5 Step Marketing and BVOIP.
Peter Kardel, CEO of Clever Ducks talks about the challenges and struggles related to owning and growing an IT business and how he overcame them.
Clever Ducks can be found online at cleverducks.com/
A special thanks to our sponsors: 5 Step Marketing and BVOIP.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Chad Lauterbach, CEO of Be Structured Technology Group.
This episode is sponsored by 5stepmarketing.com and BVOIP.com. Check out Josh Whitford and his offering at 5stepmarketing.com/audit, and learn more about the perfect channel only offering for your IT firm and MSP business at BVOIP.com.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Chris Schalleur, CEO of Christo IT Services.
This episode is sponsored by 5stepmarketing.com and BVOIP.com. Check out Josh Whitford and his offering at 5stepmarketing.com/audit, and learn more about the perfect channel only offering for your IT firm and MSP business at BVOIP.com.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Jason Etheridge, CEO of Logic Speak.
This episode is sponsored by 5stepmarketing.com and BVOIP.com. Check out Josh Whitford and his offering at 5stepmarketing.com/audit, and learn more about the perfect channel only offering for your IT firm and MSP business at BVOIP.com.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Joy Beland, CEO of Pink Hat Technologies.
This episode is sponsored by 5stepmarketing.com and BVOIP.com. Check out Josh Whitford and his offering at 5stepmarketing.com/audit, and learn more about the perfect channel only offering for your IT firm and MSP business at BVOIP.com.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Angel Rojas, CEO of DataCorps Technology Solutions.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Bob DeLisa, CEO of Cooperative Systems.
Welcome to the Confessions of an IT Business Owner podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn about some profound struggles related to owning and growing an IT business from the perspective of Scott Spiro, CEO of Computer Solutions Group.