Welcome to another episode of Evolved Radio Podcast! Today, we’re talking Sales strategies and tactics with my guest, Megan Killion, chief consultant with MKC Agency. We start off by discussing finding strength in adversity. Megan shares her story about an incredibly challenging period in her life and what she learned. This was an unexpected rabbit hole we went down, but it’s relevant since business development means getting a lot of “No”s, which can be so uncomfortable for people that they never start. Then Megan shares practical tactics on qualifying leads, understanding client needs, and framing discussions to turn prospects into customers. This episode is packed with useful tactics that you can use immediately to grow your business. So let’s go.   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 the Evolved Radio Podcast,  In today's episode, I’m joined by industry expert Gerwai Todd CEO of Timezest and Pia. We delve into the transformative role of AI technology in ticket management, highlighting its ability to automate and streamline service desk operations. We chat about the role of dispatcher and how it can be done in different ways in MSPs. We also discuss how AI and RPA tools are not only enhancing efficiency but also creating new career opportunities within MSPs. Join us for an insightful episode that explores how automation and AI are revolutionizing service management, boosting productivity, and reshaping the future of MSPs.   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 Evolved Radio Podcast! Today we have an insightful discussion lined up with cybersecurity expert Wes Spencer. We explore the critical need for governance and how cyber insurance is a catalyst for improved security practices in small businesses. We also touch on the hype cycle in the cybersecurity industry and the need to move beyond a tool-centric focus. We also discuss strategies for protecting our kids in the digital age, from screen time limits to open conversations about social media. Finally, we chat about the influence of private equity in the MSP market and if that is a net negative or positive. Wes is a bright mind in our industry and is also willing to speak honestly and openly. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I’m sure you will, too. Let’s dive 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.

In today's episode, my guest Steve Copeland and I are talking about a bunch of nerdy tech stuff, but also some serious business opportunities. We’re covering 5G technology and how your MSP could potentially leverage the technology for a differentiated service offering. We chat about the AI and it’s impact on the technology space and especially data privacy. We also chat about the cloud and why some companies are opting to on-prem their servers again. Get ready for a fascinating discussion that will leave you thinking about how these advancements will shape our world!   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 I’m speaking with  Kory Kogan VP of content development at Franklin Covey. Kory and I dive deep into the world of project management. Kory shares invaluable insights on the practical skill of managing projects, whether they're official or unofficial. We'll explore how breaking down tasks and setting specific deadlines can reduce risks. The discussion extends to the attributes of successful unofficial project managers, emphasizing that good organizational and people skills can often outweigh technical expertise. Kory provides actionable advice for those managing teams without formal authority, stressing the importance of high trust leadership behaviors such as respect, listening, and accountability. Kory also highlights how everyone is a project manager in some capacity in their life, so I’m sure this episode will be valuable to everyone. Kory is the author of the book Project Management for the unofficial project manager.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast! In today’s episode I chat with industry veteran Rob Rae CVP @ Pax8. Together, we explore the dynamics of technology conferences, from choosing locations and handling logistics to balancing networking opportunities amidst distractions. Rob shares insights from his experience running the PAX8 Beyond event and delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transitioning from live to virtual events and back. The conversation also highlights the ever-changing landscape for managed service providers (MSPs), examining the shift from traditional distribution to a more marketplace-centered model and how this impacts the SMB IT sector. We delve into the evolving consumer behavior, the rise of antisocial selling, and the crucial role of MSPs in navigating cybersecurity and product choices for clients. We also take a deep dive into the potential and pitfalls of AI adoption, urging MSPs to stay proactive and adaptable. Rob offers a cautious yet optimistic take on monetizing AI and emphasizes the importance of consultation and co-managed IT opportunities. Join us as we uncover the future of technology events, the transformative role of AI, and the continuing evolution of the MSP and IT landscape! 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 Evolved Radio Podcast. Join us as Matt Linn, the COO of Thread, shares insights from his journey from account management to spearheading innovative chat solutions in the MSP space with Thread. We'll explore the dynamic integration of internal ticketing systems with platforms like Microsoft Teams, address the real-time benefits of chats for triggering workflows, and consider the pressing challenges and opportunities of evolving chat support models in the MSP industry. We’ll also explore how AI will have a major role to play in chat support. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the critical role chat platforms play in IT support and how it’s set to revolutionize the IT service industry. 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 back to the Evolved Radio Podcast. Today's episode features Dr. Heather Denniston, a former chiropractor turned wellness specialist who's here to share her insights into maintaining energy and focus during our workday—especially for those of us in the high-stress technology sector. We dive into practical strategies for overcoming the infamous afternoon slump, as Heather recommends simple recharging techniques you can use. We also navigate the crucial role of setting clear boundaries to conserve energy and touch upon a client's innovative approach of using out-of-office emails to signal availability. Heather's transition to wellness was fueled by her personal health journey, embodying the narratives that often inspire those in the health and wellness space. Together, we discuss combating decision fatigue, the pitfalls of a hyper-distracted world, and how retraining our focus through methods like the Pomodoro technique can significantly cut through the noise. Moreover, we examine the steep rise in workplace distractions and burnout in the post-pandemic era, as indicated by reports from giants like Microsoft and Deloitte. From the importance of restorative breaks to the impact of office food culture on our well-being, we leave no stone unturned in exploring how small lifestyle tweaks can make a mammoth difference in our productivity and health. Stay with us as we uncover the myths of multitasking, the all-too-common issue of decision fatigue, and why leaders must play a pivotal role in fostering a communication culture that respects personal time and mental wellness. So, if you're seeking ways to build resilience, improve focus, and adopt a sustainable work-life balance, join us on this enlightening journey with Heather. Let's get Evolved.

Today, we welcome Joel Abramson, managing partner at TopDown. In this episode, we will explore the ever-relevant topic of maximizing productivity in an increasingly remote and digital work environment. Joel shares his insights on the challenges that businesses face, such as the distractions of technology and the need for better tools to monitor productivity. Together, we delve into Produce 8, an innovative response to the plateaued productivity issues. We'll also discuss how the pandemic has brought new concerns over employee productivity to the forefront for many CEOs. Joel illuminates the fine line between automation benefits and the additional burdens it can place on technicians. Join us as we examine strategies to avoid burnout and boredom by focusing on meaningful work, setting intentional goals, and unlocking efficiencies with better workflow and tool optimization. We'll tackle the tricky balance of keeping an eye on the bottom line while improving the work experience to boost engagement and productivity. We're here to equip you with the tools and thought processes needed to not just survive but thrive in the modern business landscape. So let's evolve your approach to managing time and engagement with Joel Abramson on the Evolved Radio Podcast. 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 back to Evolved Radio Podcast, today we are diving into the groundbreaking revolutionary world of the AI. My guest today is, Jimmy Hatzell, a man who’s not just fascinated by the capabilities of AI but also turned that fascination into a MSP focused AI startup. Together, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of AI in the world of Managed Service Providers. Jimmy and I reflect on how far the ecosystem has advanced in such a short period. We nerd out abit on the underlying technology behind generative AI, and how it's prompting millions of users and companies to latch onto the LLM bandwagon. Jimmy takes us through his personal journey with AI - from a eureka moment with his father-in-law to starting his own company, focusing on how small businesses can maximize their use of AI.  We’ll look at the breathtaking pace of technological evolution versus the sluggish crawl of regulation and guess what the future holds.  Will MSPs manage LLM infrastructure? Will we see a return to on-premises solutions? Stick around for predictions and our deep dive into these predictive waters. 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.

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.

In this episode, I’m joined by my long-time friend and marketing expert, Matt Rouse, co-founder of Hook SEO and author of “Will AI take my job?” Together, we delve into the world of small and medium-sized business (SMB) marketing and explore the fascinating role that artificial intelligence plays in this domain. From their personal experiences in the industry to the essential strategies and tactics that maximize digital advertising ROI, we cover it all. We also reveal their insights on leveraging AI tools to enhance SEO, advertising, and content creation. So, get ready to dive deep into the world of SMB marketing and AI as we uncover valuable tips and strategies for businesses of all sizes. Let's jump right 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 back to another episode of Evolved Radio Podcast! In today's episode, Todd is joined by Jake Gregorich, VP of Growth for Lyra Technology Group, to discuss some fascinating topics related to the challenges and strategies involved in exiting a business. Together, they dive into the concept of the "Death Valley" in the 1 to 5 Million range, where businesses face difficulties due to lack of buyer interest, low selling prices, and stalled organic growth. But fear not, because our experts are here to guide you with tactical and strategic approaches to overcome this hurdle. They explore the importance of implementing cybersecurity measures and running opt-out campaigns to ensure clients adopt best practices, ultimately leading to impressive year-over-year growth of 8 to 10%. Additionally, our speakers share their insight on being more prescriptive about the technology stack, challenging the idea of assuming client preferences and instead advocating for what they believe is best. Furthermore, they delve into the fascinating world of successful managed service providers (MSPs) and the key factors that contributed to their achievements. By appointing a second in command and giving them equity, these MSPs experienced significant growth and even achieved valuations 10 times higher than the initial value. Our experts provide valuable insights on finding the right person to drive growth in your business and the benefits of promoting them, including potentially granting them a stake in your business. But that's not all! Todd and Jake also shed light on the division between the external-facing aspects of a business and its internal operations. Through various examples, they illustrate the potential pitfalls of centralization and the importance of preserving culture and customer relationships during integration into larger businesses. In terms of marketing and sales strategies, our speakers stress the value of being present in the same places as your ideal customers. Whether it's through multichannel marketing, retargeting warm leads, or even speaking at events, it's all about gaining authority and credibility in the eyes of your target audience. So, for an episode packed with actionable advice and insights on business exit strategies, growth, marketing, and more, tune in to this exciting episode of Evolved Radio Podcast!   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. Some links that were mentioned in the episode. training.apple.com macadmins.org

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.

On this episode of Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m speaking with Orrin Klopper, CEO of Netsurit, a veteran of the IT industry since 1997. Orrin shares his journey from high school to becoming a leading figure in the field. But it's not just Orrin's personal story that we explore in this episode. We also discuss the current state of the managed service provider (MSP) industry. Orrin sheds light on the consolidation happening within the industry, driven by private equity firms and the desire for liquidity events. We learn about the challenges MSPs face in finding new customers and the impact of emerging technologies, particularly AI. Furthermore, Orrin reveals his company's unique approach to customer support agreements, highlighting the importance of incentivizing customers to follow recommendations. We also explore their company's "managed innovation" service and how it differentiates them from competitors. Moving beyond the industry, Orrin shares valuable insights into building a purposeful and supportive culture within an organization. We discuss the importance of supporting employees' dreams and aligning the company's purpose with that of their clients. We also dive into their programmatic approach to management, focusing on personal and professional development. Throughout the episode, Orrin emphasizes the significance of cultural alignment and differentiation in an industry where IT services are becoming increasingly commoditized. Join us on this episode as we explore the MSP industry and the power of supporting the dreams of the doers. Don't miss out on the valuable insights shared by Orrin, a true industry expert with a passion for growth and purpose This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses. Training built for your MSP specific needs.

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 I’m joined by Phil Edgell of Edge Consulting. Phil and I met early in our tech careers and went on a similar journey in an explosive growth phase at the company we worked at. Phil’s experience is extremely wide-ranging, from starting as a tech to leading a world-class IT company and building the sale channel for several high-growth SaaS companies like Hootsuite and Revenue.io.  In this episode, Phil shares his insights on winning more business, the importance of role-playing, why cold calling gets a bad rap and actionable tips on identifying your ideal customer. Please enjoy this insightful conversation with Phil. This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Evolved Training Courses. Training built for MSPs.

Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast I’m chatting with Alex Dow, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Mirai security.  Alex is an old friend and someone I deeply respect for his experience and knowledge of cybersecurity. He’s worked in the federal security space, securing the Olympics, and now runs a fast-growing security consulting firm in Vancouver.  Alex is also returning guest on the podcast. He originally joined me way back on episode 11 when we talked about drone racing. On today’s episode, we’re discussing the security mindset. What is a “good enough” cyber security strategy? The buying psychology of the business that is looking for security services, a ton of war stories from Alex’s travels in the security world. We even dip into the details of the recent LastPass security breach. Please enjoy my conversation with Alex. 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 chatting with Shane Mishler from SD Tech. Shane and I discuss the power of partnership. The lessons he’s learned in running an IT business with his business partner. We chat about the pros and cons of having a business partner.  I explore how Shane and his partner share the responsibilities of the business and ensure effective communication between them. We also dig into how partnerships should be considered with clients and vendors.  This is a great conversation for anyone who owns a business with someone or is considering taking on a partner. This episode is brought to you by Evolved Training. Training courses built for MSPs.

Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast I’m joined by Matt Call, Assistant Professor of Management at Mays school of business @ Texas A&M. Matt’s research seeks to understand how organizations can create and capture value from their workforce, with a particular interest in star employees. His work has been featured in Wall Street Journal and numerous academic journals. We chat about identifying high performers, the downside risks of high performers, and how they should influence our thinking about stars as managers as well as members of teams. It’s a fascinating and practical discussion about how to increase the collaboration and cohesiveness of your teams. Please enjoy my discussion with Matt. This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management training.

Today on the podcast I’m joined by Alastair Woolcock, CSO with Revenue.io. Alastair has had an incredible career in technology sales, strategy, and industry analysis. Today Alastair is rolling those skills together to help build a sales enablement platform with Revenue.io. It’s a very cool technology that we touch on at the end of the interview. Alastair shares his thoughts and experience on the art and science of being successful at sales, the people, the tool, and the technology. Please enjoy my conversation with Alastair.

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.

Hey, welcome to a special episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast. The episode today is a little something different.  You may have seen me and some podcast friends promoting the MSP podcast crossover event. You have the chance to win $1000 cash. You just need to post on social media with the hashtag #MSPPodCastCrossover. That will enter you in the draw if you post within 24 hours of us posting this episode.  So the episode today is a fun gameshow-style event where myself and other MSP industry experts are answering some surprisingly difficult retro tech questions. It’s a fun event and you can play along with us. Then at the end, you’ll hear each of us tease our podcasts, so you can go check those out on your podcast platform of choice.  I hope you enjoy this fun episode.

Today on the Evolved Radio podcast I’m chatting with Kevin Crowe. Kevin is the Executive VP of Customer Experience with Long View Systems.  If you’ve ever heard me tell my origin story about working in an early hyper-growth company, I’m talking about my days at Long View. Even back then Kevin was a fantastic storyteller and an adventurer.  In the episode today Kevin talks about how his adventures, like doing 240-mile endurance races prepared him to tackle all kinds of challenges in his life. Including a life alternating condition. The lessons here are about challenge and adversity are useful in business and life, so please enjoy this entertaining and enlightening conversation with Kevin Crowe.

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.

Work from home (WFH) and hybrid work models are here to stay. Today on the podcast I'm doing a solo show to detail some of the ideas I have about how MSPs need to shift their management models. The opportunities and the pitfalls of this change being forced on the work world.

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 on the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m chatting with Catherine Mattaskie, founder of The Performance Company. Catherine and I talk about a topic that is important to everyone, learning.  Everyone spends huge part of their life learning, but we’re making a mistake in our approach to learning. You may have heard the terms “Visual Learner,” but in fact, there are many more modalities that we can leverage. If we understand how we learn and process information, learning becomes easier and our ability to acquire and use the information we’re learning grows dramatically.  Understanding these learning modalities is crucial in business as well. Knowing how your staff, your peers, and your clients learn can be a massive competitive advantage for your ability to communicate.  So let’s dive in with Catherine as we discuss how to unlock your Inner Genius.

Today is a special episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast. I’m chatting with Jay Brister, Chief Business Development Officer with General Fusion. General Fusion is a Canadian company and one of the leaders in the race to develop commercial fusion energy. Fusion technology has been around for 70 years but has historically remained elusive. Recently things have changed. Funding of private companies has been rushing into the space as technological advancements are being announced regularly. Today I chat with Jay about the state of the industry and why General Fusions approach holds so much promise to bring the world a clean and safe source of power to bring us into the future of energy production.

Today on the Evolved Radio podcast, I'm chatting with Ben Worthen, CEO of Message Lab, an award-winning agency that combines journalism, data, and design to create content that resonates with any audience. Having studied how more than 1 million people engage with online content, Ben is the go-to expert when it comes to customer engagement and brand storytelling. This episode is packed with practical takeaways that will help you improve your marketing by engaging with people in the correct way and at the correct point in their journey. I especially liked Ben's concept of the idea store.

Today on the podcast I'm joined by Bad Ass IT guy, Ben Brennan, Founder of QSTAC. Now I call him badass cause he did write a book called "Badass IT support." That idea of delivering top-shelf badass support forms the basis of what we talk about in our discussion on the podcast today. We talk about Ben's experience rising up in the ranks of IT and what it taught him about IT that led him to develop his customer satisfaction software QSTAC. Ben is also a trained therapist, so his perspective on the psychology of work is an area we really connected on. We also talk a bit about Ben's journey as an entrepreneur starting a software company. There's lots to get in to here, so I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ben.

Joining me today on the Evolved Radio Podcast is Stephen Pasiciel with Kerkhoff Technologies. Head of coaching, culture, and talent development. Stephen and I discuss emotional intelligence or EQ. Emotional intelligence is often a stronger indicator of people's future success. However, it's an amorphic subject that isn't well understood by most. We talk about coaching, and how you can check in with people beyond the "hey how ya' doin'?" We talk mental health and what leaders should be looking for in their staff as red flags. We also help define EQ and emotional intelligence to better understand these terms in a business context.  Please enjoy this important conversation with Stephen.

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.

My first guest to kick off this series is Brad Ruben, President of Archway Computers. Brad's business isn't a typical MSP. Brad's early experiences in the IT industry shaped some of his decisions about how he runs things. His approach is intentional and has served him really well in growing the company. Brad's primary role in the business is sales, so we also chat about how he thinks about sales and growth. Please enjoy this insightful conversation with Brad.

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 the podcast I'm joined again by Eric Rieger of Webit. Eric and I are chatting about the important topic of Mental health. It's a heavy topic, but one that doesn't get enough of the spotlight. The IT industry can be an extremely challenging field. Lots of demands, risks, and an extreme pace of change. Now after almost 2 years of a pandemic, the cracks are starting to show in even the most stoic of us all. In the conversation today, Eric shares his challenges with mental health. We also chat about some management practices that can help. So if you're struggling with a mental health challenge or even if you're not there's great info for everyone in this episode of the podcast. Please relax for an hour zone out and enjoy the episode.

Today on the podcast I'm joined by Eric Rieger with WebIT. Eric has been running his MSP for 25 years and has learned many lessons through his growth. One that has had a profound impact on his business is using a system called open-book management. This is the practice of being highly transparent with your finances. Sharing as much financial information as possible with your staff and using it to instill a sense of ownership and awareness of the company finances. We also talk about his experience in developing an employee stock ownership program or ESOP. Eric's insights here are super valuable and align very closely with what I've observed in leveraging open-book management practices. So please enjoy this enlightening conversation with Eric Rieger.

Today on Evolved Radio I'm chatting with Jay McBain, Principal Analyst at Forrester Research. Jay is a well-recognized and trusted voice in the IT Channel. He lives and breathes this stuff. He's super passionate about the industry trends and our industry future. I get Jay's insights on the evolution of the distributors, the role of community in the channel, and his perspective on potential regulation of the IT industry.

Today on the podcast I'm joined by Matt Lee, CISSP, Director of technology and security with Iconic IT. Matt and I chat about his experience and lessons learned in growing an MSP from a handful of staff to a multi-million dollar business. We talk about staffing, team structure, client management, and tech stack. There are a ton of insights that you may find familiar in your growth story. There are also come great takeaways that could help you in your business. Matt is a great guy, very open and honest and this was a fun discussion that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Today on Evolved Radio I joined again by Piers Steel. Piers is a Professor at the University of Calgary. He has an interesting field of study, procrastination. I had Piers on the podcast a couple of years back in episode 41. We explored the psychological roots of procrastination. Today Piers and I hit on something that I'm sure you have felt in the past year, Quarantine Procrastination. We also chat about some systems to help you and of course, end up talking about productivity since we're both a bit obsessed with the topic. Enjoy the discussion and I hope you find it interesting and helpful.