All Things MSP

In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, recorded live on-site at IT Nation Connect 2025, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony sit down with two pivotal figures from Pax8 to discuss the evolving landscape of the Managed Service Provider industry.

First, we are joined by Urvish Badiani, VP of Sales at Pax8. Urvish dives deep into the Pax8 marketplace, explaining how the platform has evolved beyond a simple storefront into a comprehensive resource for MSPs looking to scale. We discuss the importance of data-driven growth, the new tools available to partners, and how Pax8 is helping MSPs navigate the complexities of modern cloud sales.

Then, the conversation shifts to a more nostalgic and community-focused gear with the "man, the myth, the legend," Rob Rae, CVP of Community and Partner Experience at Pax8. Rob reflects on the history of IT Nation, sharing how the event has transformed from a small gathering into the massive community hub it is today. Beyond the business talk, Rob and Eric swap hilarious and relatable travel horror stories that every road warrior in the IT channel will appreciate.

Thank You to Our Sponsors We could not do what we do without the support of our incredible sponsors. Please check them out:
Gozynta: https://atmsp.link/gozynta
EasyDMARC: https://atmsp.link/easydmarc
Nodeware: https://atmsp.link/nodeware
Helpt: https://atmsp.link/helpt
Compliance Scorecard: https://atmsp.link/compliancescorecard
Movebot: https://atmsp.link/movebot

Guest Information
Urvish Badiani (VP of Sales, Pax8): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ubadiani/
Rob Rae (CVP of Community and Partner Experience, Pax8): https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtrae/
Pax8 Website: https://www.pax8.com

Host Information
Justin Esgar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/
Eric Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/

All Things MSP Resources
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony are live on location at IT Nation Connect 2025, bringing you conversations with the movers and shakers of the managed services world. This week features a powerhouse double-header that addresses two of the most critical pillars of a successful MSP: operational efficiency in project management and robust identity security.

First up, we dive deep into the world of project delivery with Mike Psenka, CEO of Moovila. For many MSPs, project management is a chaotic juggling act of spreadsheets, manual dispatching, and missed deadlines. Mike challenges this status quo by introducing the concept of the "Perfect Project"—a state where accountability is clear, and schedules are autonomous. He explains how Moovila is leveraging AI and intelligent algorithms to remove the friction from resource allocation, ensuring that the right technician is assigned to the right task at the exact right time. We also discuss their new "Mentor Plus" platform, an in-app learning management system that acts as a virtual coach, helping technicians upskill in real-time. Plus, we get the backstory on Moovila’s fan-favorite bovine branding and how the MSP community helped shape their identity.

In the second half of the show, we are joined by industry veteran Adam Slutskin, Co-founder of CyberFOX. Adam shares his perspective on the "spirit of the channel," reflecting on years of growth, acquisition, and the unique camaraderie that defines the MSP ecosystem. The conversation then shifts to the pressing reality of today’s cyber threats. Adam argues that traditional perimeter defense is no longer enough; today, identity is the new perimeter. He breaks down the critical necessity of Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Identity Access Management (IAM), explaining how CyberFOX helps MSPs secure their internal environments and their clients against identity-based attacks. It is a compelling look at why locking down privileged accounts is the next frontier in compliance and security.

Whether you are looking to streamline your project backlogs or tighten your security posture, this episode offers the strategic insights you need.

Connect with our Guests:
Mike Psenka (Moovila)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-psenka-208a97a/
Website: https://www.moovila.com

Adam Slutskin (CyberFOX)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslutskin/
Website: https://www.cyberfox.com

Connect with the Hosts:
Justin Esgar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/

Eric Anthony
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/

Connect with All Things MSP:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Gozynta: https://atmsp.link/gozynta
EasyDMARC: https://atmsp.link/easydmarc
Nodeware: https://atmsp.link/nodeware
Helpt: https://atmsp.link/helpt
Compliance Scorecard: https://atmsp.link/compliancescorecard
Movebot: https://atmsp.link/movebot

In this special double-feature episode recorded live at IT Nation Connect in Orlando, we dive into two critical strategies for modern MSPs: rethinking how you sell cybersecurity and redefining how you use AI.

First, host Justin Esgar sits down with Adam Anderson, CEO of Threat Captain. Adam challenges the traditional "bottom-up" sales approach where MSPs try to convince technical points of contact to buy security. Instead, he advocates for a "top-down" strategy, using financial impact data to build trust with business owners and C-suite leadership. Adam explains how shifting the conversation from "endpoints" to "risk tolerance" can get you a seat at the table and overcome budget objections before they even happen.

Next, producer Eric Anthony interviews Mark Ralls, President of Auvik. Mark shares his unique philosophy on Artificial Intelligence, viewing AI not as a replacement for technicians, but as "abundant interns"—capable of infinite work but requiring verification. They discuss Auvik’s new SaaS management capabilities, the challenge of "Shadow GenAI," and how smart alert suppression is reducing noise by up to 75% for partners.
Show Links

Threat Captain: https://threatcaptain.com/
Adam Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamandersonceo/

Auvik: https://www.auvik.com/
Mark Ralls on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rallsmark/

Justin Esgar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/
Eric Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/

Connect with All Things MSP
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp
LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

Thank you to our Sponsor
Gozynta: atmsp.link/gozynta
EasyDMARC: atmsp.link/easydmarc
Nodeware: atmsp.link/nodeware
Helpt: atmsp.link/helpt
Compliance Scorecard: atmsp.link/compliancescorecard
Movebot: atmsp.link/movebot

Welcome to a very special, slightly hungry, and arguably chaotic episode of the All Things MSP podcast! This week, Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony go solo to bring you a crossover event nobody asked for but everyone needs: Off Menu: MSP Edition.

Inspired by the hit podcast with Ed Gamble and James Acaster, your hosts enter the dream restaurant to select their perfect "MSP Meal." But instead of starters and desserts, we are talking about the perfect tech stack and the tools that would make up their fantasy Managed Service Provider.

From the "water for the table" (the essential tools you can't live without) to the "main course" (the core service offering), Justin and Eric debate, argue, and laugh their way through building a business from a menu of infinite possibilities. Will they choose a legacy RMM or a cloud-native starter? Is the "dessert" a massive exit or a perfect work-life balance?

Grab a snack, pull up a chair at the Dream Restaurant, and join us for this special game show episode.

A massive thank you to our premier sponsors who keep this show on the menu:

Gozynta: atmsp.link/gozynta

EasyDMARC: atmsp.link/easydmarc

Nodeware: atmsp.link/nodeware

Helpt: atmsp.link/helpt

Compliance Scorecard: atmsp.link/compliancescorecard

Movebot: atmsp.link/movebot

Connect with your Hosts:

Justin Esgar: LinkedIn | Virtua Computers

Eric Anthony: LinkedIn

Join the Community:

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/

YouTube: youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

Welcome to a special episode of the All Things MSP podcast! This is a live recording of host Justin Esgar's presentation, "Scared? Do it Anyway! Growth Lessons from the Edge of your Comfort Zone," delivered at IT Nation Connect Global.

Justin challenges the conventional wisdom of waiting until you’re "ready," arguing that your comfort zone is likely the single biggest threat to your future success. Through personal anecdotes—including losing $20,000 on a hotel block for his first conference and selling only one copy of an app he spent $80,000 developing —Justin drives home the point that action builds clarity, and confidence comes from doing, not waiting.

He introduces the practical Three Stage Stretch Model for intentionally pushing past fear without being reckless:
1 - Spot the Stretch: Identify opportunities that excite you but also make you sweat.
2 - Reframe the Fear: Ask, "Will this help me grow?" instead of "Am I ready?".
3 - Say Yes Strategically: Use micro action plans to test the waters and build momentum.

Whether you’re an MSP, a vendor, or a leader, this episode will help you see fear not as a red flag, but as a highlighter pointing to a potential breakthrough. Justin encourages you to commit to your next stretch move, emphasizing that fear does not equal failure. He also offers an anecdote about a consultant who was afraid to raise rates, but retained 99.98% of clients and got compliments on the new pricing!

Find Justin Esgar online:
Justin Esgar (Host/CEO, Virtua Computers): https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/

Connect with the All Things MSP Community:
Facebook Group (6,000+ members): https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

Listen to the full podcast here:
Apple Podcasts: https://atmsp.link/applepodcasts
Spotify: https://atmsp.link/spotify
Audible: https://atmsp.link/audible

Watch on YouTube: https://atmsp.link/YTpodcast

This week on the All Things MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive deep into the essential, yet often uncomfortable, topic of getting yourself out there to grow your Managed Service Provider business. Following their time at IT Nation, Justin shares the tactics he uses to secure speaking engagements, panel spots, and private meetings with high-level industry people.

For MSP owners, especially those who identify as introverts, the episode provides actionable steps on how to move from hiding behind a keyboard to making crucial, in-person connections. Justin emphasizes that landing these opportunities—whether it’s a speaking gig or a private meeting at a conference like Unify—isn’t about luck, but about being direct and specific in your asks. Learn why asking for a concise 15 minutes of someone's time is much more effective than a vague request.

Eric and Justin also discuss the critical role of understanding your "why" and your potential customer’s "why". They stress the importance of meeting customers where they are—whether that’s via email, phone, or even text—and the non-replicable energy of face-to-face meetings in a post-pandemic world for closing deals and building rapport. The hosts encourage listeners to start with small, uncomfortable steps—like cold calls or even a five-second cold shower challenge—to build up the resilience needed for bigger challenges like public speaking. They stress that the worst outcome of putting yourself out there is far from catastrophic, and preparation is key to overcoming fear. Ultimately, growth happens when you stretch yourself and do things you haven't done before.

Connect with the Hosts:
Justin Esgar (Host of the All Things/MSP podcast, Owner/CEO of Virtua Computers):
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/
Eric Anthony (Founder and Producer of the All Things/MSP podcast):
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/

Listen to the All Things MSP Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://atmsp.link/applepodcasts
Spotify: https://atmsp.link/spotify
Audible: https://atmsp.link/audible
YouTube: https://atmsp.link/YTpodcast

Join the All Things MSP Community:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

A Big Thank You to Our Premier Sponsors:
Gozynta (atmsp.link/gozynta): Making operating an MSP suck less.
EasyDMARC (atmsp.link/easydmarc): Level up your email domain security and turn DMARC into a revenue stream.
Nodeware (atmsp.link/nodeware)
Helpt (atmsp.link/helpt)
Compliance Scorecard (atmsp.link/compliancescorecard)
Movebot (atmsp.link/movebot)

In this critical episode, Hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony sit down with Trevor Hardy, the "Cyber Cowboy," Founder and Head Nerd of NEXTGen Tech LLC, to dive deep into a topic often overlooked in the heat of a crisis: client communication during an IT incident.
Trevor introduces his powerful concept, the "Right-of-Boom Mindset," which challenges MSPs to shift their focus from the immediate event to the recovery and resilience that follows. This episode isn't just about RTO and RPO; it's about RCE—Resilient Client Enablement. Learn why transparency and honesty are non-negotiable, and how saying "I don't know" can actually build more trust than trying to be a superhero.

Discover:
- Why setting communication expectations with your clients is the most important pre-incident tool you have.
- The difference between a reactive (Left-of-Boom) and a resilient (Right-of-Boom) business posture.
- The essential information to share—and what to absolutely withhold—when a client's business is on fire.
- How to build a trusted relationship so strong that a security incident becomes a test of resilience, not a moment of potential separation.

Don't let your technical prowess be overshadowed by poor communication. Tune in to master the art of talking to your clients when it matters most.

Guest Links:
* Trevor Hardy (NEXTGen IT): https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-hardy-b3b7b859/

Host Links:
* Justin Esgar (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/
* Eric Anthony (Producer/Founder): https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/

Thank you to our Premier Sponsors! Your support makes the All Things/MSP Podcast possible. Please check them out:
* Gozynta: atmsp.link/gozynta
* EasyDMARC: atmsp.link/easydmarc
* Nodeware: atmsp.link/nodeware
* Helpt: atmsp.link/helpt
* Compliance Scorecard: atmsp.link/compliancescorecard
* Movebot: atmsp.link/movebot

Connect with the All Things/MSP Community:
* Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp
* LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
* YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

Listen to the Podcast on Your Favorite Platform:
* Apple Podcasts: https://atmsp.link/applepodcasts
* Spotify: https://atmsp.link/spotify
* Audible: https://atmsp.link/audible
* YouTube: https://atmsp.link/YTpodcast

Welcome to the All Things MSP Podcast, Episode 136!

In this episode, Justin Esgar (Owner/CEO of Virtua Computers) and producer Eric Anthony dissect a major event that shook the tech world this past week: the massive Amazon AWS/DNS failure. 

The hosts analyze the outage, discussing the resulting memes (like the viral Ryan Gosling smoking on a bench) and the lingering problems that stretched for days. The core discussion is not about the technical breakdown, but the MSP’s crucial role as the trusted IT advisor during a crisis.

Key takeaways for MSP owners include:

Communication is Key: Why it's the MSP's responsibility to proactively inform customers about vendor-side outages, even if the MSP has no control over the service.

The Contract Clause: An essential reminder to review clauses in your service agreement regarding vendor downtime and communication protocols.

The "No Finger Pointing" Rule: The importance of maintaining a positive outlook and not blaming the vendor (even AWS itself). This approach helps position the MSP as the solution and the steady hand, monitoring the situation and reporting updates.

This is a must-listen for any MSP looking to sharpen their crisis communication plan and strengthen client trust.

Join the Conversation & Community
The All Things MSP Podcast started as a vibrant Facebook Group and now supports over 6,000 members! We encourage you to join the community for continuous learning, networking, and support:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

Your Hosts:
Justin Esgar (Host, Owner/CEO of Virtua Computers): https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/
Eric Anthony (Founder and Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/

Thank You to Our Premier Sponsors
This episode is made possible by our fantastic sponsors. Please check them out and support the companies that support the MSP community!
Gozynta: atmsp.link/gozynta
EasyDMARC: atmsp.link/easydmarc
Nodeware: atmsp.link/nodeware
Helpt: atmsp.link/helpt
Compliance Scorecard: atmsp.link/compliancescorecard
Movebot: atmsp.link/movebot

This week, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony pull back the curtain on a recent crisis within Justin's company that highlights a universal MSP challenge: the dangerous intersection of trust, poor documentation, and automated billing.

Justin shares a raw, real-time story about discovering that custom API calls, built by a former programmer to connect HaloPSA with third-party resellers, had failed to update for months. This led to the company being shorted $60–$70 per month on a single customer — a problem likely compounding across multiple clients.

The hosts dive deep into the operational fallout: spending three hours trying to locate undocumented API keys and wrestling with missing configuration data. The discussion naturally evolves into the broader need for MSPs to implement a "trust but verify" culture. They stress that relying on a single employee’s assurance without operational or financial controls is a fatal flaw.

You'll also hear another cautionary tale: how a computer recycled four years ago suddenly reappeared and re-enrolled in their systems from China, exposing a critical gap in their hardware off-boarding process. This is a must-listen for any MSP owner, manager, or technician who wants to learn how to:

Mitigate risk when relying on proprietary API integrations.
 - Establish controls to monitor for automation or vendor breakages.
 - Implement documentation SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to capture critical business logic, even for internal projects.
 - Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://atmsp.link/YTpodcast

 Listen on your favorite platform:
 - Apple Podcasts: https://atmsp.link/applepodcasts
 - Spotify: https://atmsp.link/spotify
 - Audible: https://atmsp.link/audible

Connect with the Hosts:
Justin Esgar (Host, Owner/CEO of Virtua Computers): https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/
Eric Anthony (Founder and Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/

Join the All Things MSP Community:
 - Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp
 - LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
 - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

A huge thank you to our Premier Sponsors:
 - Gozynta: atmsp.link/gozynta
 - EasyDMARC: atmsp.link/easydmarc
 - Nodeware: atmsp.link/nodeware
 - Helpt: atmsp.link/helpt
 - Compliance Scorecard: atmsp.link/compliancescorecard
 - Movebot: atmsp.link/movebot

The All Things MSP podcast is a Biz POW LLC production.

Welcome to Episode 134 of the All Things MSP Podcast with hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony!

This week, Justin and Eric dive straight into the rapidly evolving world of AI video generation, specifically the viral new tool, Sora. They kick off the episode by sharing their own hilarious and slightly unsettling experiences with generating AI videos of themselves—highlighting how the technology, while impressive, still has a long way to go, especially with voice and realism. Justin mentions his AI-generated doppelgänger looks "on death's door," providing a great, visual reason to check out the video version!

The conversation quickly shifts to the high-level events and travel that define the MSP circuit. Justin, fresh off a trip to DataCon, shares his excitement about upcoming speaking engagements at ASMC (Automation, Security, and Management Conference) and the massive ConnectWise IT Nation event, encouraging listeners to connect with him on the road.

A key focus of this episode is the value of content creation for MSPs. Justin and Eric stress the importance of consistently generating short videos, whether they're "fails" or successes, and posting them to the All Things MSP Facebook Group. This initiative isn't just for laughs; it's about building a learning environment, practicing your on-camera skills, and showcasing your personality. They emphasize that the community is a supportive, judgment-free zone where MSPs can learn from each other's attempts.

Finally, Eric wraps up the episode with a call to action for the All Things MSP community, reminding listeners that the group started on Facebook and now supports over 6,000 members, with active pages on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Check Out the AI Video Fails and More:

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://atmsp.link/YTpodcast

Connect with the Hosts:
Justin Esgar (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/
Eric Anthony (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/

Join the All Things MSP Community:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsmsp
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsmsp/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsMSP

Listen to the Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://atmsp.link/applepodcasts
Spotify: https://atmsp.link/spotify
Audible: https://atmsp.link/audible

A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Gozynta (https://atmsp.link/gozynta)
EasyDMARC (https://atmsp.link/easydmarc)