The PartnerTalks Podcast with Rick McCutcheon
This podcast offers a front-row seat to the people shaping the Microsoft Business Applications world. Host Rick McCutcheon chats with partners, MVPs, and experts about ideas, trends, and real-world lessons that help businesses grow and keep up.
Episodes
VOICES Conference Launch: A New Virtual Event for Microsoft Partner Marketers | Monica Hoyer, VOICES | Episode 330
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Monica Hoyer to discuss the launch of VOICES Conference, a new one-day virtual conference created specifically for marketers in the Microsoft Business Applications Partner ecosystem. Marketers working with Microsoft Business Applications often have limited opportunities to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from one an
Why Specialist ISVs Still Matter in Batch Manufacturing | Randy Smith, Vicinity Software | Episode 304
Batch manufacturing presents a unique set of challenges that traditional ERP implementations often fail to address. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Randy Smith of Vicinity Software to discuss why Microsoft Partners looking to grow their manufacturing practice need to understand the differences between discrete and process manufacturing. Drawing from decades of ex
Business Central Scheduling Still Breaks In Excel | Hendrik Bulens, Dime Software | Episode 307
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Hendrik Bulens, Managing Partner at Dime Software, to explore how AI is reshaping scheduling while still keeping human planners firmly in control. For many growing firms in field service, professional services, and engineering, planning often starts in Excel, Outlook, or informal manual systems. However, as volume increases and ope
Partners Can Turn Regression Testing Into Recurring Revenue | Dan Diefendorf, TheTestMart | Episode 305
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Dan Diefendorf of TheTestMart to explore how Partners can turn release readiness and testing into a durable, recurring revenue stream. As Microsoft continues its "innovation is constant" approach to business applications, organizations are required to validate that monthly, quarterly, and wave-based updates do not disrupt core busi
WennSoft Cloud Migration Opens a New Opportunity for Partners | Richard Haus, WennSoft | Episode 306
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Richard Haus, CEO of WennSoft, to discuss how the company's cloud strategy is helping field service and construction customers transition to the next generation of Microsoft Business Applications while creating new opportunities for Microsoft Partners. The conversation explores why the move from Dynamics GP to the cloud is about fa
Dirty Data and AI: Why Clean Records Are Becoming a Core Partner Service | Ryan Pennett, Paribus 365 | Episode 309
As Microsoft Partners accelerate their AI strategies, one long-standing challenge is becoming impossible to ignore: data quality. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Ryan Pennett of Paribus 365 to discuss why clean, well-governed data has become the foundation for successful AI initiatives within Microsoft Dynamics 365. Their conversation explores how duplicate recor
Payroll in Business Central: The Hidden Opportunity for Microsoft Partners | Lee Parent, Sylogist | Episode 329
Payroll is often viewed as a back-office function, but as Lee Parent of Sylogist explains, "paying people is a side effect of payroll." In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Lee to explore why payroll plays a much larger role in the success of organizations running Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Their discussion examines how embedded payroll supports financ
Building Scalable ERP Delivery Models for Microsoft Partners | Perry Prescott, Know Modern ERP | Episode 326
In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Perry Prescott of Know Modern ERP about how Microsoft Partners are adapting to the growing scale and complexity of Business Central and Dynamics 365 ERP projects. As implementations get larger, Partners are increasingly turning to partner-to-partner delivery models to expand capacity while maintaining control of the client experience. Th
Microsoft CSP Operations: Billing, AI, and the Future of Partner Growth | Ebrahim Nalwala, Work 365 | Episode 325
In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Ebrahim Nalwala, Co-founder and CRO of Work 365, about the growing complexity of Microsoft CSP operations. The discussion covers billing automation, subscription renewals, Azure usage management, price changes, customer self-service, and how Partners can prepare for usage-based billing and AI-driven business models. Ebrahim shares why cl
Why Directions for Enterprise 2026 Is a Must-Attend Event for Microsoft Partners | Torben Kragelund, Directions for Partners | Episode 326
In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon welcomes Torben Kragelund of Directions for Partners to discuss the future of one of the Microsoft ecosystem's most influential Partner communities. The conversation explores the launch of Directions for Enterprise 2026 in Copenhagen, a new event designed for Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management Partners, bringing the proven Directions m
Vibe 2.0: The Future of Microsoft Partner Collaboration | Liz Hallen, PartnerIn | Episode 324
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Liz Hallen, co-founder and co-owner of PartnerIn, to discuss the launch of Vibe 2.0 and the evolving role of peer-to-peer engagement within the Microsoft Partner ecosystem. Liz shares insights into what made the original Vibe event successful, why Partner-only roundtable discussions create more meaningful conversations than tradi
The Next Wave of ERP Finance Automation Starts with Trust | Kyle Gehrman, BILL | Episode 324
Here's an SEO-friendly podcast description version that's a bit tighter, more searchable, and optimized for Microsoft Dynamics / Business Central audiences: In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Kyle Gehrman about how finance automation is evolving inside Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and why trusted implementation Partners remain critical as AI adoption grows
Directions North America, AI Strategy and the Future of Business Central Partners | Amy Homan, Directions NA | Episode 322
In this PartnerTalks episode, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Amy Homan, president of Directions North America, about the biggest conversations shaping this year's Directions NA event and the evolving Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. The discussion explores the growing involvement of GP Partners in the Business Central community, Microsoft's role in guiding the channel forward, and the questions Partners
Bridging Excel and Dynamics 365 Business Central Reporting with Exsion365 | Elielma Silva, Exsion365 | Episode 321
In this PartnerTalks episode, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Elielma Silva of Exsion365 about how finance teams continue to rely on Excel for Business Central reporting, and how Exsion Reporting bridges that gap with a powerful Excel-based solution connected directly to Dynamics 365 Business Central. The discussion explores why Excel remains the preferred tool for many finance users, how Microsoft Pa
How Manufacturers Reduce Manual ERP Data Entry with CADTALK Software | John Thomas, CADTALK Software | Episode 320
In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with John Thomas of CADTALK Software to explore how manufacturers can eliminate manual data entry by connecting CAD, PDM and PLM systems directly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance & Operations. The conversation dives into the real-world challenges discrete, industrial and engineered-to-order manufacturers face, inclu
Business Central Marketing Automation Gap Draws Touchdown | Lama Khalil, Touchdown | Episode 317
In this episode, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Lama Khalil, Channel Manager at Touchdown, to explore how marketing automation is evolving across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Dynamics 365, Power Apps, Dataverse, and Business Central. They discuss how Touchdown's Business Central connector helps Microsoft Partners reduce disconnected customer data by bringing marketing automation closer to ER
CRM, Projects and AI Without the Headache: A Smarter Path for SMBs | Steve Mordue, RapidStart Apps
SMB customers do not need enterprise complexity just to get value from CRM, project management, field service or AI. In this PartnerTalks conversation, Steve Mordue explains to Rick McCutcheon how RapidStart Apps has been built for smaller organizations that want simpler business applications, lower costs and faster adoption inside the Microsoft ecosystem. Steve outlines where things are heading
Inside Manufacturing ERP Innovation with Dynalogic: AI, Business Central, and Vertical Depth | Martin Smit, Dynalogic | Episode 319
Manufacturing partners don't need broader ERP conversations. They need deeper, more specialized solutions built around how manufacturers actually operate. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Martin Smit of Dynalogic to explore how the team is extending Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for real-world manufacturing scenarios. The conversation dives into config
The Future of B2B Payments in Business Central | Jeremy Boogaart, PayTrace
In this episode of Partner Talks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Jeremy Alexander Boogaart of PayTrace to explore the future of B2B payments within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The conversation dives into real-world payment workflows that matter most to distributors, manufacturers, and B2B sellers, including partial shipments, deposits, cards on file, recurring billing, and paymen
Flywire Pitches Business Central Integration for Partners | Aimee Schumaker, Flywire
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Aimee Schumaker from Flywire to explore how Flywire is positioning its integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as a strategic opportunity for partners. The conversation dives into how embedded payments and invoice-to-cash solutions are becoming a critical extension of the Business Central ecosystem. As finance te
Business Central Talent is Becoming a Channel Issue | Shawn Dorward, SA Global
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Shawn Dorward to unpack a growing challenge in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ecosystem: talent is no longer just an HR issue, it is becoming a serious channel constraint. As demand for Business Central expertise accelerates, partners are under increasing pressure to recruit, train, and retain skilled professionals f
Launching Tech Careers: How TechFluent Prepares Microsoft Business Apps Talent | Carol Smock, TechFluent | Episode 315
Newly credentialed professionals are entering the Microsoft business applications ecosystem with in-demand skills and strong career momentum. In this episode, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Carol Smock, Executive Director of TechFluent, to explore how the organization is opening doors for talent from under-resourced communities. Carol shares how TechFluent delivers mentorship, certification-focuse
Why Distributors Struggle with Order Efficiency and How to Fix It in Business Central | Jesse Clem, Cavallo | Episode 318
Distributors transitioning to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are under increasing operational pressure, especially when it comes to managing backorders, inventory reservations, and protecting margins. In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Jesse Clem from Cavallo about where these challenges show up and how distributors can address them more effectively. Jesse shares
From Concrete to Code: Sven Mahn on AI, Dynamics 365, and Building Smarter Delivery Systems | Sven Mahn, Sven Mahn IT GmbH & Co. KG | Episode 316
In this PartnerTalks episode, recorded ahead of DynamicsMinds, we sit down with Sven Mahn of Sven Mahn IT GmbH & Co. KG to explore a remarkable journey from concrete work to leading a modern Microsoft-focused consulting company. Sven shares how his team works across Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, the Power Platform, Dataverse, and emerging AI-driven development practic
How Praxedo Helps Business Central Users Modernize Field Service Operations | James Koursaris, Praxedo | Episode 314
Field service management is one of the biggest growth opportunities in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ecosystem. In this PartnerTalks episode, Rick McCutcheon speaks with James Koursaris, MBA, General Manager of Praxedo North America, about how Praxedo helps organizations modernize field service operations after outgrowing manual scheduling, spreadsheets, and inflexible deployment mod
Why Managed Services Is Growing for Business Central Partners | Poize2, Scott Burkhardt | Episode 303
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Scott Burkhardt, founder of Poize2, about why the real work in Dynamics 365 Business Central often begins after go-live and how managed services are becoming central to the Microsoft Partner business model. Burkhardt explains why many ERP customers underestimate the effort required to maintain, optimize, and continuously improve clo
Why Excel Reporting Still Wins | Velixo, Duffy Cohen | Episode 302
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Duffy Cohen, Vice President of Partnerships at Velixo, about the evolving role of financial reporting in Dynamics 365 Business Central and why the ERP-to-Excel workflow remains a major opportunity for Microsoft Partners. The discussion explores the widely used three-layer reporting model, where ERP data flows from Business Central i
Headless Commerce, P2P Delivery and AI Agents in Dynamics 365 | Gustavo Roland, Evenica | Episode 301
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Gustavo Roland of Evenica about how Partner-to-Partner collaboration is helping retailers reduce risk in complex Dynamics 365 Commerce implementations. The discussion explores how implementation risk increasingly stems from workflow configuration and cross-system dependencies rather than software defects alone. As organizations depl
What Microsoft is Telling Partners About AI in 2026 | Cecilia Flombaum, Microsoft | Episode 326
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Cecilia Flombaum, Ecosystem Lead for Business & Industry Solutions at Microsoft, about how AI is fundamentally reshaping the role of Partners in enterprise technology adoption. Flombaum explains why AI differs from previous platform shifts such as the move from on-premises systems to the cloud. While earlier transitions primarily ch
Trust But Verify: Real-World AI Agents in ERP and CRM | Lee Witkop, Boyer & Associates | Episode 299
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Lee Witkop, CEO of Boyer & Associates, about how Microsoft Dynamics partners are moving beyond basic Copilot enablement toward retrieval-first AI agents that deliver governed insights directly within Microsoft 365. Witkop explains why many mid-market organizations are prioritizing practical AI use cases that respect security roles a
Growing a Finance & Supply Chain Practice with ISVs | Karolis Aleknavičius, ERP Mechanics | Episode 298
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Karolis Aleknavičius, co-founder of ERP Mechanics, about how relationships and strategic ISV partnerships are shaping growth opportunities in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. Aleknavičius shares the story behind ERP Mechanics, from an early focus on technical recovery and integration work within Dynamics environments to delivering
AI Inside Business Central: How RUX Software Helps Partners Move Faster | Natalie Lemke, RUX Software | Episode 297
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Natalie Lemke, Founder and CEO of RUX Software, about building a vertical-focused ISV for asset-heavy industries on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Lemke shares her journey from ERP customer to consultant to product builder, explaining how early experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV shaped her belief in the power of indust
From Dataverse to Business Central: mscrm-addons' Next Move | Michael Dohr, mscrm-addons | Episode 296
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Michael Dohr, COO of mscrm-addons, to discuss the company's expansion into Dynamics 365 Business Central and what it means for partners struggling with document and report customization in ERP projects. Known for its popular Documents Core Pack and automation tools in Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement and the Power Platform, mscrm-a
Why In-Person Microsoft Events Matter More Than Ever | Heather Cook, Microsoft | Episode 295
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Heather Cook, Principal Customer Experience Manager at Microsoft, about the powerful return of in-person professional events and why face-to-face networking continues to shape careers across the technology industry. Drawing on her work with the Microsoft 365 engineering community, Cook explains how consistent participation in confer
What Microsoft Wants From Partners in 2026 | Bob McAdam, Tasklet | Episode 294
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon welcomes Bob McAdam, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Tasklet, for a timely conversation on Microsoft's push for Partners to operate at the technology frontier. As AI and Copilot move from buzzwords to real-world deployment, Microsoft is challenging Dynamics partners to lead customers with practical innovation, not just messaging. McAdam share
Building a Business Central Practice From Scratch, Lessons From a 6-Time Microsoft MVP | Shannon Mullins, A BC Consulting Group | Episode 293
In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Shannon Mullins, six-time Microsoft MVP and CEO of A BC Consulting Group, to unpack one of the biggest realities facing Microsoft Business Central partners today: before AI, most ERP customers still need to get to the cloud. Drawing on 25 years of experience spanning Dynamics GP through Dynamics 365 Business Central, Shannon expl
How Microsoft SMB Partners Can Grow an AI Business | Eric Fink, Microsoft
In this episode of the PartnerTalks podcast, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Eric Fink from Microsoft's SMB Channel team about what it takes for partners to grow an AI solutions business. Eric explains how Microsoft defines success for SMB partners, how partners should think about productivity versus full AI transformation, and what Microsoft means by Frontier partners. The conversation covers Dy
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