Certifications play a pivotal role in the managed IT services industry, but which ones truly make a difference? In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive deep into the world of IT certifications. From foundational credentials like CompTIA A+ to advanced programs such as CMMC and vendor-specific badges like Fortinet and Datto, they break down which certifications are worth pursuing and why.Are you looking to stand out as an MSP or build a top-tier tea...
Nov 26, 2024•34 min•Ep. 88
Are incomplete projects holding your MSP back? In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony tackle a common challenge for managed service providers: stalled internal projects. They discuss why so many initiatives get 70-80% finished but never cross the finish line and explore practical strategies to drive momentum and achieve results.You'll learn actionable tips for improving internal project management, including the importance of setting realistic deadline...
Nov 19, 2024•47 min•Ep. 87
In this episode of All Things MSP, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive deep into the cybersecurity challenges MSPs face and reveal how teaming up with specialized cybersecurity experts can bolster security for clients and the MSP itself. With guests Adam Bennett, CEO of Crosshair Cyber, and Eric Weast, Owner of ECW Network & IT Solutions, the discussion highlights the critical need for MSPs to strengthen their own security practices to better serve clients.Adam and Eric outline common s...
Nov 12, 2024•50 min•Ep. 86
In this episode, All Things MSP dives into compliance with Rachell Weiss, Service Partner Manager at Thoropass. Compliance can feel overwhelming, but Rachell explains how Thoropass makes it accessible for managed service providers (MSPs) and their clients. We explore how MSPs can integrate compliance services to enhance client trust, increase “stickiness,” and create new revenue opportunities. Rachell details Thoropass’s unique approach as both a readiness and audit partner, allowing MSPs to str...
Nov 03, 2024•36 min•Ep. 85
In this episode, co-hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony welcome Matt Linn, Co-founder and COO of Thread, who discusses a revolutionary approach to managed IT services with a "no tickets" philosophy. Thread is on a mission to transform the traditional MSP-client interaction by minimizing reliance on ticketing systems and introducing integrated, real-time communication through chat, Slack, Teams, and mobile platforms. Matt shares insights on how Thread’s platform, with its "Magic Agents" AI, can s...
Oct 29, 2024•42 min•Ep. 84
In this episode of All Things/MSP, Justin and Eric explore one of the most critical shifts happening in the managed IT services industry: moving beyond commoditized services and working toward delivering real business outcomes for clients. They discuss the difference between simply fixing IT problems and helping clients grow by offering consultative solutions that address core business challenges. Through personal stories and industry insights, Justin shares how MSPs can identify opportunities f...
Oct 22, 2024•39 min•Ep. 83
In this episode of All Things MSP, we dive deep into the cybersecurity challenges facing managed service providers with guest Wayne Selk, VP of Cybersecurity Programs at CompTIA. Wayne shares his expert insights on how most MSPs struggle with cybersecurity—often failing to address internal vulnerabilities before advising clients. Discover actionable strategies MSPs can implement today to improve security measures, including the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology. We’ll also...
Oct 15, 2024•53 min•Ep. 82
In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, host Eric Anthony sits down with Arlin Sorensen, VP of Ecosystem Evangelism at ConnectWise, to dive deep into profitability strategies for managed service providers (MSPs). As MSPs face increasing uncertainty in today’s economic climate, many are struggling to maintain profitability—some even losing money. Arlin shares key insights into why 20% of MSPs report financial losses and provides actionable advice to reverse that trend. He explores the cruc...
Oct 09, 2024•28 min•Ep. 81
In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony take a deep dive into compliance for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, compliance has become a top priority for MSPs looking to protect their businesses and their clients. Justin and Eric explore the various frameworks, from NIST to HIPAA, that MSPs need to be aware of as we head into 2024.They break down the complexities of compliance, emphasizing that it’s not just abou...
Oct 01, 2024•38 min•Ep. 80
In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony explore the ongoing debate of whether larger managed service providers (MSPs) truly hold an advantage over smaller MSPs, especially as we approach 2025. With a rapidly evolving IT services landscape, they dive into why smaller MSPs remain not only relevant but essential for SMB clients.They highlight key growth opportunities for smaller firms, emphasizing the unique strengths that smaller MSPs can leverage to stay compe...
Sep 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 79
In this episode of All Things MSP, we sit down with Shrav Mehta, CEO of Secureframe, to explore the importance of compliance in today’s MSP landscape. Shrav shares valuable insights into how managed service providers can streamline their compliance processes using automation and AI, making security simpler and more efficient. Whether you're already working with frameworks like SOC 2 or ISO 27001, or just beginning to think about compliance, this episode is packed with actionable tips for IT serv...
Sep 17, 2024•39 min•Ep. 78
Hiring your first employee can make or break your Managed Service Provider (MSP) business. In this episode of All Things MSP, Eric Anthony and Justin Esgar dive into the nuances of making the right hire and how it impacts the long-term growth of your company. They break down the essential roles—admin, tech, sales, and marketing—that every MSP needs to scale effectively. Learn why many MSP owners mistakenly hire a salesperson too soon and how to determine which role will provide the best return o...
Sep 10, 2024•39 min•Ep. 77
In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive into critical topics that are transforming the Managed Service Provider (MSP) landscape. With the rapid evolution of technology, MSPs face new challenges and opportunities in security, identity management, and compliance.Justin shares his experiences and insights from a recent training event, emphasizing the importance of getting out of the everyday office environment to think strategically about business imp...
Sep 03, 2024•40 min•Ep. 76
In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive into the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and its growing presence in managed IT services. With their signature humor and candor, they explore whether AI is truly a revolutionary technology or just the latest tech fad being overhyped by vendors. Drawing parallels to past trends like IoT and dark mode, Justin and Eric question the necessity of AI in every product and discuss the impact this has on MSPs...
Aug 27, 2024•40 min•Ep. 75
In this episode of the All Things/MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive into the growing tension between Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and their vendors. The discussion kicks off with a recent frustrating experience where a vendor terminated a partnership over inactivity—sparking a broader conversation about outdated sales tactics, the shifting power dynamics in the MSP industry, and the importance of maintaining positive vendor relationships. Justin’s candid reflections on th...
Aug 21, 2024•30 min•Ep. 74
In this episode of the All Things/MSP Podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the role of a fractional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) within small Managed Service Providers (MSPs). As more MSPs begin touting vCISO services, the conversation examines whether smaller teams have the expertise and resources needed to deliver on such a critical function.The episode also explores the journey toward SOC 2 compliance—a critical diff...
Aug 10, 2024•35 min•Ep. 73
In this episode of All Things MSP, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive into the world of contracts and legal protections for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with expert attorney Brad Gross from Bradley Gross Attorney at Law. Brad brings over two decades of experience representing service providers, offering invaluable insights on how MSPs can safeguard their businesses through effective contracts. The discussion covers common mistakes MSPs make with their contracts, the importance of addre...
Aug 03, 2024•40 min•Ep. 72
In this episode of All Things MSP, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony sit down with Stuart Holtby, the founder of Get In Sync, a SaaS product designed to boost margins for managed service providers by tackling indecision and fear of change. Stuart shares his journey from starting an MSP in 1989 to creating a tool that helps IT service providers streamline their operations and enhance client relationships. Discover how Get In Sync can assist your MSP in making informed decisions, reduce client i...
Jul 27, 2024•47 min•Ep. 71
In this episode of All Things/MSP, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony delve into a variety of crucial topics for managed IT services providers. They kick off with a light-hearted discussion on the quirks of ChatGPT's image generation capabilities and transition into more serious matters like MSP pricing strategies. Justin shares a personal anecdote about a competitive pricing incident at a BNI meeting, offering insights on setting rates that reflect the quality of services provided.The conversa...
Jul 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 70
In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, we welcome Art Llamas from Ignite Technologies to share his experiences and key takeaways from the recent ACEs conference. As an MSP owner, Art provides invaluable insights into the benefits of attending industry conferences, focusing on the unique networking opportunities and the wealth of knowledge shared among peers. He discusses the importance of building relationships within the community, the practical applications of new tools and methodologi...
Jul 13, 2024•38 min•Ep. 69
In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony sit down with Frank Raimondi, VP of Channel Alliances at IGI Cyberlabs and Nodeware, to delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity for managed IT service providers. Frank shares his extensive experience in building robust partnerships and explains the crucial differences between vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. He highlights how Nodeware's innovative approach helps MSPs maintain a secure environ...
Jul 06, 2024•41 min•Ep. 68
In this episode of All Things MSP, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony sit down with Adam Engst from TidBits to explore the transformative power of AI in the managed IT services industry. Adam shares his expert insights on how AI can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and offer new opportunities for MSPs. They delve into practical uses of AI, from improving communication and client interactions to automating repetitive tasks and leveraging AI-driven content creation. Adam also discusse...
Jun 29, 2024•47 min•Ep. 67
In this episode of the "All Things MSP" podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive deep into the transformative potential of Skunkworks projects for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) during the summer slowdown. They discuss how businesses can harness the typically quieter summer months to foster creativity, solve long-standing issues, and drive growth. Discover the historical origins of Skunkworks from its inception at Lockheed Martin to its modern-day application in boosting company innov...
Jun 22, 2024•32 min•Ep. 66
In this episode of the All Things/MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony delve into the gritty realities of managing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) business. They discuss the essential mindset shifts and hands-on approaches that small MSPs need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. From handling client stress to the importance of getting your hands dirty, Justin and Eric share personal stories and practical advice to help MSP owners navigate their daily challenges.Discover how ...
Jun 13, 2024•32 min•Ep. 65
In this episode of the All Things/MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony sit down with Shaun Spencer, an executive performance coach with a rich background in professional athletics and business coaching. Shaun delves into the transformative power of coaching for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and how it can revolutionize business operations.Shaun shares his journey coaching and empowering business professionals, providing actionable insights into overcoming common business challenge...
Jun 08, 2024•40 min•Ep. 64
In this episode of the All Things/MSP Podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony tackle the critical issue of technical debt within managed service providers (MSPs). From outdated infrastructure to inefficient processes and security lapses, technical debt can drag down an MSP's performance and profitability. Join us as Justin and Eric share practical strategies for identifying and eliminating technical debt, helping you streamline your operations, improve service delivery, and ultimately boost...
May 28, 2024•54 min•Ep. 63
In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive deep into the contentious issue of standardization in IT services. They discuss why a one-size-fits-all approach often fails and how IT service providers can strike the right balance between standardization and customization to meet diverse client needs. Drawing from real-life examples and industry insights, they explore the risks of commoditization and share strategies for MSPs to differentiate their service...
May 25, 2024•29 min•Ep. 62
In this insightful episode of All Things MSP, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony delve into Kaseya's latest initiatives and what they mean for managed IT service providers. The discussion focuses on Kaseya’s renewed pledge to MSP partnerships, analyzing the implications of their promises and their new pricing strategies. Listen as they debate the effectiveness of Kaseya's approach to partnerships and how these strategies could influence MSP operations and profitability. This episode is essentia...
May 14, 2024•28 min•Ep. 61
In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive deep into the nuances of sales strategies tailored for managed IT service providers. They explore how MSPs can streamline operations and enhance profitability by simplifying their sales cycles and product offerings. The discussion reveals practical tips on emotional selling, highlighting its impact on customer acquisition and retention. Additionally, they break down effective pricing models and the significan...
May 07, 2024•34 min•Ep. 60
Join hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony on the All Things MSP podcast as they dive into a discussion with Shawn Walsh and Dave Cava, partners at Encore Strategic and authors of "The Pumpkin Plans for Managed Service Providers." Discover how these industry veterans took their businesses from humble beginnings to multimillion-dollar enterprises and how their book, endorsed by Mike Michalowicz, can guide your MSP on a similar path of focused growth and increased profitability. Whether you're manag...
Apr 30, 2024•39 min•Ep. 59
