MSP Chat
MSP Chat is a podcast focused on managed service providers (MSPs). Hosted by Erick Simpson and Rich Freeman of Channel Mastered, it covers strategies, services, and success tips for IT providers. The show aims to help MSPs grow their businesses and succeed in the managed services industry. Each episode offers practical advice and insights from experienced industry authorities.
Episodes
Episode 143: Tech Trifecta
Coming to you live from TD SYNNEX's 2026 Inspire conference in Greenville, S.C., Erick and Rich discuss the distributor's both new and old identity as an outcome orchestrator, along with why your Q4 conversations with customers should focus on transitioning from technical services to strategic engagement in 2027. Then they're joined by Augie Staab, TD SYNNEX's Director of MSP Sales, and Meredith P
Bonus Episode: Dark Side, Light Side
In this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Kaseya, Erick and Rich discuss the large ongoing risk posed by deepfakes and other sophisticated AI threats, as well as what MSPs need to do about them, plus how MSPs can and should help their clients protect clients from social engineering threats with more than just passwords. Then they’re joined by Kaseya’s Matt Sywulak for a deep dive int
Episode 142: People, People, People
Coming to you live from the MSP Summit in Orlando, Erick and Rich discuss why Shield Technology Partners views cutting edge AI as a means to empower people rather than replace them and what MSPs can learn from that strategy, as well as why MSPs must make themselves “customer zero” for AI services before offering anything to clients. Then they’re joined by Omdia analyst Jay McBain for an expert tou
Episode 141: Sales Profanity
Erick and Rich explain why MSPs and their clients are far less insured against AI-related damages than they think they are, as well as why “what should I charge?” is the wrong first question MSPs should ask about a new service. Then they’re joined by Jeff Gaines of AI-forward MSP Treeline for a front-line view of AI in managed services today. And finally, one last thing: proof that “who’s a good b
Episode 140: Working Out
Erick and Rich discuss Flamingo's hybrid flat-rate/token-based pricing scheme for managed services software and whether or not it’s how all MSP vendors will eventually bill, as well as three strategies for augmenting profits and stickiness with your best clients by going deep with them on business outcomes. Then they’re joined by James Mignacca and Larry Meador, two cyber software vendors who now
Episode 139: Smokejumping
Erick and Rich discuss how a new tool from Clairify illustrates why context quality beats context quantity when it comes to AI tools for MSPs and their clients, as well as three tips for making sure your services prices don’t exceed their fresh-by date. Then they’re joined by MSP and ransomware recovery specialist Oli Thordarson for a front-line view of today’s ransomware threatscape. And finally,
Episode 138: Kill the Meeting!
Erick and Rich discuss CORE, a new offering from Integris that combines traditional monitoring and management with AI services, as well as four ways MSPs can waste less time on meetings. Then they’re joined by Mark Scott and Joel Abramson of Top Down Ventures for a venture capital perspective on investing and M&A in managed services today. And finally, one last thing: Even ChatGPT loves Snicke
Episode 137: Digital Twins Gone Rogue
Erick and Rich discuss the MSP opportunity in “digital workers” and the potential drawbacks worth considering before diving in, as well as techniques for making your business faster and more effective by granting decision making authority at every level. Then they’re joined by Ryan Walsh of Pax8 for an in-depth exploration of that company’s recently published white paper on The Agentic Workforce E
Episode 136: When SaaS Goes Surfing
Erick and Rich discuss Syncro’s big bet on Claude, ChatGPT, and other chatbots becoming the MSP’s RMM/PSA interface of choice plus three tips for ensuring every interaction with clients builds rather than erodes trust. Then they’re joined by David Schwartz, CEO of Pia, for an AI-native vendor’s point of view on the SaaSpocalypse, AI pricing, vibe coding, and more. And finally, one last thing: Two
Episode 135: Ding Dang Right
Erick and Rich discuss the thorny challenges MSPs face on AI pricing as well as strategies for never, ever sending clients an invoice that surprises them. Then they’re joined by Hexi Xiao, CEO of Bumblebee, for an experience- and expertise-based conversation about why AI agents are powerful and why they’re also not the cure-all answer to every business pain. And finally, one last thing: Why the ne
Episode 134: All Are Welcome
Live from GTIA’s 2026 ChannelCon event in San Diego, Erick and Rich discuss the importance of GTIA’s new regulatory and standards initiatives, as well as why MSPs should stay focused on the fundamentals despite constant technological change. Then they’re joined by GTIA’s Dan Wensley and MJ Shoer for their take on GTIA’s unique role in the channel and where the association plans to train its consid
Bonus Episode: Air Traffic Control
In this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Kaseya, Erick and Rich discuss AI’s role in declining member satisfaction with partner programs (it’s smaller than you might think) and three ways to ensure you talk to your clients about AI before someone else does. Then they’re joined by Paul Burke, the Kaseya VP of engineering in charge of the company’s AI-powered digital workforce, for a
Episode 133: The Electric Co.
Erick and Rich discuss Fusion, the new security platform from Sophos, and what it says about the meaning of platform in the security market today as well as three things every MSP can do to ensure their business improves every quarter. Then they’re joined by Yaron Baitch of managed services suite vendor IgnitHQ for a conversation about what it means to build a truly AI-native MSP tool stack in the
Episode 132: The Word is No
Erick and Rich discuss data from ConnectWise’s Service Leadership unit offering preliminary evidence that AI automation software for MSPs is having a productivity and profitability impact on early adopters, as well as suggestions for being smarter and more strategic about when to say yes to clients and when not to. Then Erick’s joined by Juan Fernandez of MSP as a Service to learn more about how t
Episode 131: Public Service
Live from Ingram Micro’s 2026 Trust X Alliance Unplugged event in (fabulous, trust them) Buffalo, N.Y., Erick and Rich discuss the role community and trust play in adapting to AI transformation and strategies for easing employee anxieties about what AI means for their job. Then Rich is joined by Bill Brandel, Ingram’s EVP and president, North America, for a conversation about how Ingram’s helping
Episode 130: VCAIISO
Erick and Rich discuss why service desk automation startup Squash believes there’s a close connection between AI automation for MSPs and governance and why they’re probably correct, as well as three steps MSPs can take to ready tomorrow’s generation of leaders today. Then they’re joined by Arve Kjoelen for a timely conversation about the security implications for MSPs and their customers posed by
Episode 129: Hungry and Confused
Erick and Rich discuss N-able’s Shadow AI Visibility solution and the larger opportunity it represents for MSPs to add AI services, plus why and how to build a multi-quarter AI and security roadmap for your clients today. Then they’re joined by James Farrow, CEO of Cyft, for an insider’s take on the present and future of AI productivity tooling for MSPs. And finally, one last thing: why the absolu
Episode 128: Feel the Burn
Erick and Rich discuss Rewst’s effort to democratize automation for everyone who works at MSPs and their agents too, plus three ways to address customer satisfaction issues before they ruin client relationships. Then Rich is joined by Rewst CRO Charlie Tomeo for a look at Rewst’s perspective on the present and future of automation for MSPs. And finally, one last thing: how an Australian air condit
Episode 127: Too Many Lamborghinis
Erick and Rich discuss ConnectWise’s new AI-native platform, the fate of its earlier Asio platform, and why today’s most successful MSPs solve business problems, not technology problems. Then they’re joined by Tony Anscombe of ESET for an insightful conversation about ESET’s 2026 SMB Cyber Readiness Index. And finally, one last thing: how a single recent incident proves both that a memory stick co
Episode 126: 1-0 Count
Coming to you live from Pax8 Beyond in Salt Lake City, Erick and Rich discuss the many ways Pax8 is trying to accelerate the path from managed service provider to managed intelligence provider, plus three things you can do to reduce recurring issues that consume resources, frustrate clients, and suppress profitability. Then they have two interviews for you, one with Rex Frank, Pax8’s VP of Academy
Episode 125: Impostor Syndrome
Erick and Rich discuss why the rapid emergence of usage-based AI pricing schemes is going to make “token economics” and AI spend management essential skills for MSPs as well as the importance of giving everyone inside an MSP an understanding of big picture business performance. Then they’re joined by John Harden to discuss client-facing AI service opportunities and how his new app Lemhi aims to he
Episode124: Fighting the Terminator
Erick and Rich discuss Veeam’s bold attempt to invent a whole new kind of data-focused platform for the age of AI, as well as why and how to earn your way to more and better client referrals. Then they’re joined by Danny Jenkins, CEO of ThreatLocker, for a thoughtful conversation about why AI security risks make left-of-boom, zero-trust security more important than ever. And finally, one last thin
Episode 123: More Cowbell
Coming to you live from Nerdio’s NerdioCon event in sunny Palm Springs, CA, Erick and Rich discuss why Anthropic’s new AI services venture for midsize businesses is the latest reason MSPs need to get moving on an AI strategy, as well as techniques for building a strategic, sticky AI roadmap for your customers. Then they’re joined by Nerdio President Joseph Landes for his take on underappreciated M
Bonus Episode: Delicious Feeling
In this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Datto, Erick and Rich discuss why cyber resilience services continue to be a source of revenue and growth for MSPs and what that says about how they should construct their service portfolio and refine their tool stack, as well as why client proposals are sales tools, not technical documents. Then they’re joined by Dan Tomaszewski, Kaseya’s EV
Episode 122: Place Your Bets
Live from the Kaseya Connect 2026 conference in Las Vegas, Erick and Rich discuss Kaseya’s giant AI platform rollout and strategies for turning your renewal process into a retention machine. Then they’re joined by Cynomi CEO David Primor for an insider’s take on the future of CISO services in the agentic AI era. And finally, one last thing: Who comes out ahead when a thief exchanges pasta for Lego
Episode 121: FOMO Pressure
Erick and Rich discuss why agentic AI makes business resilience versus just cyber resilience a necessity for end users and a strategic relationship builder for MSPs, as well as why and how MSPs can boost net revenue retention with their clients. Then they’re joined by Avihay Nathan of Palo Alto Networks for an insider’s take on both the challenges and opportunities of agentic AI security. And fina
Episode 120: Master of Time and Space
Erick and Rich discuss what Anthropic’s Mythos Preview model and Project Glasswing initiative portend for the future of security in managed services as well as how to turn your service desk into a powerful extension of your sales organization. Then, live from the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, they’re joined by Robert DeMarzo of conference host Informa for an insider’s take o
Bonus Episode: Zero Tolerance
In this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Datto, Erick and Rich talk about why there’s still plenty of growth potential in backup and security for MSPs and why their clients need help in both areas now more than ever, as well as why speed is the ultimate competitive advantage for MSPs and how to cultivate it. Then they’re joined by Kaseya’s Adam Marget for a look at why cyber resilie
Episode 119: Lopsided Biceps
Erick and Rich discuss why anyone using or selling LLM tokens badly needs FinOps help, as well as why an MSP’s onboarding process determines how long new clients stay, how much they spend, and how profitable they become. Then they’re joined by Rev.io’s Evan Rice for a conversation about why MSPs are the logical candidate to own the agentic layer at SMBs, and how they can go about doing it. And fin
Episode 118: That Newfangled Thing
Erick and Rich discuss Treeline, a new kind of venture capital-backed MSP with interesting implications for the competitive landscape, as well as tips for driving more business with clients by clarifying your value proposition. Then they’re joined by Michael Crean of SonicWall for a look at the interesting and sobering results of the company’s 2026 Cyber Protect Report. And finally, one last thing
Episode 117: Embrace the Cookie Cutter
Live from the 2026 RSA Conference in San Francisco, Erick and Rich discuss the puzzling lack of interest in AI governance among MSPs and a go-giver lead generation concept proven to work by Erick himself. Then they’re joined by Jeff Loehr and Joe Rojas of MSP consultancy Start Grow Manage for a fun and fact-filled conversation about lead generation, sales meeting success, employee motivation, and
Episode 116: Accidental F-Bomb
Erick and Rich discuss MSP-as-a-Service, a new outsourcing option for newcomers to managed services and existing MSPs who need more time to go all-in on building an AI practice, plus three practical steps any MSP can take to ensure they’re dedicating time to growth, margin protection, and leadership instead of fighting fires all day. Then they’re joined by ex-MSP and current thought leader Alex St
Episode 115: Stick the Landing
Erick and Rich talk about why Slide’s Series B funding round, the MSP Well initiative, and GTIA’s 2026 Community and Councils Forum all underscore why community is more important than ever in the channel. Then Erick explains why reviewing client profitability on anything other than a company-by-company basis is guesswork, and Rich speaks with GTIA research czar Carolyn April about the 2026 State o
Episode 114: Haves and Have Nots
Erick and Rich discuss recent evidence about security awareness and alert fatigue that show why outsourced, AI-based automation must play a critical part in how MSPs protect their clients, as well as practical ways to enforce proper security with your clients rather than rely on the good intentions of their employees. Then they’re joined by Robin Ody of Omdia for an in-depth conversation about the
Episode 113: Chatbot Doom Loop
Erick and Rich discuss the right and wrong way to think about automating customer relationships with AI, as well as the connection between scalable service delivery and attractive exit prices. Then they’re joined by ScalePad CEO Chris Day for a deep dive into some of the surprising findings in that company’s recent MSP Trends report. And finally, one last thing: prepping for your performance revie
Episode 112: No Seagulling
Erick and Rich discuss the reasons MSPs need to be implementing AI automation tools and the risk limits they should consider when doing so, as well as concrete strategies for growing profits and exit value by simplifying your tool stack and customer base. Then they’re joined by Pinar Ormeci of Lexful to discuss that company’s ambitious new AI-native system of record for MSPs. And finally, one last
Episode 111: The Wave is Here
Erick and Rich discuss why the channel’s AI maturity is stuck in a three-year rut according to IDC and what MSPs can do about it, plus strategies for converting focus and discipline into accelerated growth. Then they’re joined by the managing director of partner programs for Google Cloud, Phil Larson, for an insider’s take on opportunities for MSPs in cloud and AI. And finally, one last thing: how
Episode 110: Buying Into Florida
Erick and Rich discuss Lexful’s ambitions to build the ultimate AI-native data repository for MSPs, as well as proven strategies for updating your managed services prices between renewals. Then they’re joined by M&A expert Abraham Garver of FOCUS Investment Banking for an insider’s take on today’s exit environment for MSPs and the rise of “mega mega” MSPs with nine-figure top lines. And finall
Episode 109: Inherited Chaos
Erick and Rich discuss the impact that security and AI maturity are having on MSP valuations and three concrete techniques for increasing valuations by increasing EBITDA. Then they’re joined by Michael Assraf, CEO and founder of Flamingo, to explore that company’s unconventional open-source approach to MSP tooling. And finally, one last thing: A data-based look at the most overused buzzwords in em
Episode 108: You Got Chocolate in My Peanut Butter
Erick and Rich discuss what ConnectWise buying zofiQ says about the future of AI automation and tool stacks for MSPs and how to make sales excellence as important a part of your culture as technical excellence. Then they’re joined by two top executives from Thread for an inside look at AI-powered service desk automation from a leading vendor in the field. And finally, one last thing: an incident i
Episode 107: S’mores for the Channel
Erick and Rich discuss the easily overlooked opportunity for MSPs in AI prep work like implementing infrastructure and how MSPs can prepare themselves operationally to meet rising end user demand for AI services and solutions. Then they’re joined by Dave Sobel of The Business of Tech podcast to discuss his recent acquisition of an MSP community and education resource, and what it says about the cu
Episode 106: The AI Sh*t’s Getting Real
Erick and Rich discuss why the rise of AI-native “systems of action” poses a potential threat to the future of PSA solutions, as well as strategies for building an effective, valuation-boosting MSP leadership team. Then they’re joined by Kevin Lancaster, CEO of BetterTracker and Channel Program, for a must-hear conversation about what AI means for the long-term competitiveness of smaller MSPs. And
Episode 105: Slop!
Erick and Rich discuss overcoming the gap between employer enthusiasm toward AI and employee mistrust, plus strategies MSPs can use for transitioning from IT provider to business consultant. Then they’re joined by Jason Ulacio of informer to explore the thinking behind Microsoft’s Intune for MSP program and the opportunity that initiative presents MSPs. And finally, one last thing: guess what the
Episode 104: AI Dog Years
Erick and Rich discuss what MSPs should make of AI-native, venture-funded MSP rollup Shield Technology Partners working side-by-side with OpenAI and hiring a C-level Palantir executive as its new CEO, as well as how and why to design your MSP for exit readiness even if you’re not selling today. Then they’re joined by ConnectWise CEO Manny Rivelo to explore AI’s long-term implications for MSPs and
Episode 103: Controlled Chaos
Erick and Rich talk about strategies for changing endpoint and network management from increasingly commoditized services to profit engines, as well as three strategies for accelerating MSP growth in AI, cloud, and remote productivity. Then they’re joined by Cisco execs Tim Coogan and Elisabeth De Dobbeleer to discuss the new Cisco 360 partner program and the channel analysis behind it. And finall
Episode 102: Cyber Wargames
Erick and Rich discuss Veeam’s addition of AI data to its data protection mission and what that says more broadly about challenges and opportunities in security for MSPs, as well as concrete tactics for retaining good clients and filtering out bad ones in 2026. Then they’re joined by Corey Nachreiner of WatchGuard for a conversation about AI in security generally and agentic AI in security specifi
Episode 101: Trading Fours
Just in time for Thanksgiving, Erick and Rich celebrate 100 episodes of MSP Chat by trading thoughts on the show’s most thought-provoking, headline-grabbing, memory-making conversations. Then, just for fun, they share their favorite “One Last Thing” segments of the podcast in a conversation featuring return appearances by Charizard the Cheeto and Wally the emotional support alligator. Discussed in
Episode 100: Caffeine Foul
Or is it caffeine fowl? You decide after listening to Erick and Rich discuss why venture capital funds are flooding into makers of AI software for SMBs and MSPs, plus tips on the most effective ways for MSPs to get lead generation mileage out of brief local speaking opportunities. Then they’re joined by Jennifer Anaya, SVP of global marketing at Ingram Micro, and Cheryl Rang, Ingram’s VP of techno
Episode 99: Hugs for Customers
Erick and Rich talk about the refreshing candor with which ConnectWise acknowledged past mistakes at its IT Nation Connect event and whether or not MSPs will buy into its plans to do better going forward, as well as tips for getting attention and coverage from reporters like Rich. Then they’re joined by Slide co-founders Austin McChord and Michael Fass for an inside look at that company’s next-gen
Episode 98: AI is Coming for Us
Join Erick and Rich for a whirlwind visit to two tech conferences. First up is Ingram Micro’s ONE show, where they discuss the new definition of distribution in the age of AI as well as tactics for raising rates in response to rising costs without alienating your clients. Then, in a conversation recorded live at ConnectWise’s IT Nation 2025 conference, they bring you a conversation about the futur
Episode 97: Buzzword Soup of the Day
Erick and Rich discuss the MCP protocol’s underappreciated security risks and how to handle clients at financial risk due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Then they’re joined by Glenn Mathis, CEO of Integris, to discuss a giant MSP’s strategy for using AI internally, selling it to clients, avoiding commoditization, and more. And finally, one last thing: why haunted car washes are the Ha
Episode 96: Surfjacked
Erick and Rich discuss whether or not we’re in an AI bubble and how much MSPs should be worried if we are, before exploring strategies for increasing profitability and client retention by selling outcomes instead of tools. Then they’re joined by the co-founders of Titan, a venture capital-backed A.I. software company/MSP rollup that’s building something totally new in the history of managed servic
Episode 95: Kirk Versus Picard
Erick and Rich discuss the opportunity in cybersecurity for MSPs and the skills gap contributing to it, plus three strategies for coping with competition, client budget constraints, and profitability pressures. Then they moderate a panel discussion on operational excellence recorded live and onstage during the recent Kaseya DattoCon event in Miami. And finally, one last thing: why Cypress has as m
Episode 94: Right Industry, Right Time
Erick and Rich discuss what Kaseya buying INKY says about the strategies stand-alone security vendors must embrace to remain competitive in the future, and why stand-alone MSPs competing with rollups should employ those strategies too. Then they’re joined by legendary MSP guru and Kaseya Chief Community Officer Gary Pica for an insightful exploration of the past, present, and future of managed ser
Episode 93: Jet Engine on a Paper Plane
Erick and Rich talk about some flaws in that now famous MIT study suggesting that 95% of AI pilots end in failure, as well as three techniques for setting the right AI expectations with your clients. Then they're joined by TD SYNNEX executives Ed Morales and Tracy Holtz for wide-ranging conversations about AI and cloud computing recorded live at the recent TD SYNNEX Inspire conference. And finally
Episode 92: Sherlocked
Erick and Rich discuss Microsoft’s newfound interest in SMBs and their MSP partners as a source of cloud growth, plus three tips for avoiding client onboarding chaos. Then Rich is joined by Michael George and Dee Zepf of Syncro for a conversation about Microsoft’s large and expanding role in the world of SMB technology and what it means both for managed service providers and vendors like Syncro. A
Episode 91: Eaten Alive
Erick and Rich discuss Syncro CEO Michael George’s take on why Microsoft is destined to dominate the managed services landscape and what that means for MSPs and vendors alike, as well as techniques for protecting your clients from deepfake phishing attacks and other AI-powered cyberthreats. Then Rich is joined by Art Gross, CEO of Breach Secure Now, to discuss his new book, From Prompt to Profit:
Episode 90: Bullet Train
Erick and Rich discuss DarcyIQ and Titan, two companies whose rapid progress in AI for managed services underscores why MSPs need to take AI seriously ASAP, plus three tips for scaling your business without adding headcount. Then they’re joined by Arlin Sorensen of ConnectWise to discuss why MSPs need to think now about the legacy they’ll eventually leave behind, and start planning for that someda
Episode 89: Feature, Product, Platform
Erick and Rich talk about the growing need for virtual Chief AI Officers and what it means for an MSP to be one, plus tips on selling cybersecurity services without actually selling. Then they’re joined by Joel Abramson and Mark Scott of Top Down Ventures for a venture capital investor’s take on today’s managed services market. And finally, one last thing: the gritty tale of a woman who spent thre
Episode 88: From the Server Room to the Boardroom
Erick and Rich discuss the present-day opportunity for MSPs in cloud FinOps and the emerging need for AI FinOps, plus some proven advice for managing service desk capacity for maximum efficiency and minimum employee churn. Then Rich is joined by Kaseya CEO Rania Succar for an in-depth look at her thoughts on AI solutions for SMBs, MCP interfaces, community, culture, and more. And finally, one last
Episode 87: Growing or Dying
Erick and Rich discuss the multiple issues (and yes, AI is one of them) leading more MSPs to consider joining forces with a rollup rather than go it alone, plus three criteria MSPs should apply when evaluating vendor partner programs. Then they’re joined by Canalys analyst Jay McBain for an insight-packed look at the massive opportunity for MSPs in AI, and why getting in on it early is so importan
Episode 86: The enSaaSification of Everything
Erick and Rich discuss early examples of how MSPs are re-tooling their workforce for the age of agentic AI as well as effective, empathetic techniques for addressing underperforming staff members. Then they’re joined by Chris Black, technical advisor at Xurrent, for a look at that company’s “right of observability” product strategy, and what it says about evolving MSP tool requirements as they gro
Episode 85: Thinking Bigger
Erick and Rich discuss why LLMs, chatbots, and MCP could combine to revolutionize the way technicians interact with RMM, PSA, and other line-of-business systems, as well as how delivering business resilience rather mere uptime can be a ticket to sticky, profitable client relationships. Then they’re joined by Ryan Morris, who serves MSP Chat parent company Channel Mastered as chief channel program
Episode 84: If You Build It, Will They Come?
Live and side by side at GTIA’s ChannelCon event in Nashville, Erick and Rich discuss Pax8’s bold plan to re-invent marketplaces for the agentic AI era, and a roadmap MSPs can use to get started in AI services before it’s too late. Then they’re joined by back-to-back interview guests—Will Brooks from UKON and Eric Altamura from SPECTRA—to explore two of several emerging models for turning cyber in
Episode 83: Private Equity Without Private Equity
Erick and Rich discuss the pros and cons for MSPs of placing bets on today’s emerging crop of startup AI automation vendors and the best practice roadmap for helping clients make AI-driven business model shifts. Then they’re joined by Juan Fernandez, founder of MSP Owners Group, to discuss that recently launched company’s unique, private equity-free approach to building a PE-style MSP platform. An
Episode 82: Break-Fix of the Future
Wondering about the future of managed services? Erick and Rich (who’s back after a multi-week absence) explain why new research from Barracuda suggests offering consultative security and AI services to midsize businesses is a big part of the answer. Then they share three specific tips for cross-selling and upselling services like that to your existing client base, before getting a big-picture pers
Episode 81: Sewer Gators are Real!
This week, Erick flies solo and dives into the newly released 2025 MSP 501 rankings from Channel Futures—the industry’s gold standard for identifying top-performing managed service providers. He breaks down why this data-driven list matters, how it boosts credibility, attracts vendors, and fuels internal momentum, and highlights the top trends driving this year’s winners—like AI adoption, security
Episode 80: This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
A staggering 16 billion credentials linked to major services—Apple, Facebook, Google, and more—have just been confirmed leaked and Erick explores the grim reality and potential aftermath, and what it means for MSPs, as well as the types of AI services MSPs can deliver to their customers to increase their strategic value to them as well as their recurring revenue. Then, Erick is joined by Pax8’s Ch
Episode 79: Pax8, Nerdio & Making AI Real for MSPs
Fresh from the floor at Pax8 Beyond 25, Erick and Rich break down one of the event’s biggest announcements: the launch of PAX8’s new Integrations Hub and what it reveals about the evolving role of distribution, marketplaces, and the push for vendor interoperability in the cloud-first era; and how MSPs are using AI to write RFPs, win funding, and transform their client relationships.Then Erick is j
Episode 78: The Holy Triangle
Speaking just after this week’s ConnectWise IT Nation Secure event, Erick and Rich discuss the simplified new ConnectWise Pro subscription plan and best practices for optimizing your client agreements before an exit. Then they’re joined by John Pagliuca, president and CEO of N-able, and Mike Adler, N-able’s chief technology and product officer, for a discussion about why N-able believes MSPs shoul
Episode 77: 75 Days of Uptime
Erick and Rich ponder the tradeoffs of using an all-inclusive managed services platform versus going with best of breed as well as techniques for migrating managed service clients to a standardized services stack. Then they’re joined by Yoav Susz, general manager for the U.S. at Atera, to discuss Atera Autopilot, a fully autonomous AI-powered help desk tool now in general availability. And finally
Episode 76: Human to Human
Erick and Rich discuss why vendors are introducing partner loyalty programs and how MSPs can cement their position as trusted advisors while locking in revenue by aligning IT budget discussions with a client’s financial planning cycles. Then they’re joined by Jessica McDowell, TD SYNNEX’s senior vice president of North American marketing and digital customer success, for a conversation about AI, c
Episode 75: Dropping the AI Bomb
Inspired by the panel discussion they led at a recent conference, Erick and Rich discuss how real MSPs are making real money in AI, as well as three proven techniques for increasing the value of your managed services business in a crowded M&A market. Then they’re joined by Jason Beal, Americas president at Exclusive Networks, and Andrew Warren, the company’s North America vice president of sa
Episode 74: No Timmies Allowed
Erick and Rich discuss efforts by Kaseya and Syncro to eliminate the seams between “seamlessly integrated” products by fusing them all into one solution, as well as strategic, non-salesy ways to upsell your clients. Then they take you live to the panel session they co-moderated at this year’s IT Glue GlueXperience event in Las Vegas in which three MSPs shared their hard-earned growth and success t
Episode 73: Naked Farm to Table
Erick and Rich discuss the long-term implications for MSPs of new research on agentic AI from Microsoft and N-able, as well as how and why MSPs should get back to often forgotten sales basics. Then they’re joined live from the Kaseya Connect conference in Las Vegas by Mike Puglia, GM of Kaseya’s security suite, for a conversation about why MSPs need fully managed SIEM solutions. And finally, one l
Episode 72: Certificate Tsunami
Erick and Rich discuss how economic uncertainty is affecting IT spending plans, as well as what MSPs can do to navigate declining markets, supply chain disruptions, and other challenges to service delivery and profits. Then they’re joined by Mark Bloom, senior director of North America channel sales at Sectigo, for a look at the TLS certificate management opportunity and why MSPs not already provi
Episode 71: Don’t Buy Voldemort
Erick and Rich discuss why AI might be the spur MSPs need to take SaaS app management as seriously as they do device management, as well as why and how to avoid the dangers that come with letting too few clients account for too much revenue. Then they’re joined by Matt Lee, Pax8’s senior director of security and compliance, for a thought-provoking conversation about everything from the impact of a
Episode 70: Cheer Not Fear
Erick and Rich discuss the tailwinds and headwinds that Slide, Datto founder Austin McChord’s new BDR venture, is likely to face in the MSP marketplace as well the secrets to charging user-based prices that reflect your service delivery costs accurately and get you the margins you deserve. Then they’re joined by Sanjib Sahoo, president of the global platform group at Ingram Micro, for a thought le
Episode 69: Bad News Quickly, Good News Slowly
Erick and Rich discuss the gap between how much business leaders want AI solutions and how unsatisfied they are with the solutions they’re getting, and why most MSPs should have at least one tech doing nothing but Level 1 help desk work. Then they’re joined by Xavier Gonzalez, chief communications officer at Kaseya, for a look at what communications professionals do and why MSPs need one. And fina
Episode 68: Throwing Flags
Erick and Rich discuss HP’s solution-focused strategy for avoiding hardware commoditization and three tactics for improving MRR predictability. Then they’re joined by Tim Golden of Compliance Scorecard for an expert’s take on why and how to get into the burgeoning market for compliance services. And finally, one last thing: Why investment firm Aberdeen renamed itself Abrdn and then came to regret
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Bad Friends
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Dateline NBC
Back to the 80s Radio
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Bible Tea
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