This week, Uncle Marv catches up with Lynn Thames of Thames Consulting Group, who returns to the podcast after several years away—and a lot has changed. Lynn opens up about her journey from working solo out of her home to running a thriving boutique MSP with an office and a trusted employee. She shares the story of how she found the perfect team member (who started with zero IT background but tons of curiosity and hands-on skills), and how that hire transformed her work-life balance.

Lynn shares why she intentionally stays small, focusing on clients with five users or less and providing highly personalized service. She explains how this approach fills a gap left by larger MSPs and allows her to build lasting relationships. Lynn describes her process for finding and mentoring her first employee, highlighting the value of aptitude and attitude over formal IT training. This hire has freed up her time and brought new skills and perspectives to the business. 

Marv and Lynn discuss the unpredictable nature of office relocations, from missing cubicles to unplanned wiring work, and share tips for avoiding last-minute disasters. Instead of rigid bundles, Lynn tailors her offerings to each client’s needs, making IT support accessible and affordable for very small businesses.

With a reliable employee, Lynn can finally take real vacations and enjoy more flexibility—something she couldn’t do as a solo operator. Lynn talks about her preference for online peer groups over frequent conference travel, and how meaningful connections can be made both virtually and in person.

The episode wraps with entertaining “Florida Man” tales and some Philly sports banter, keeping things fun and relatable.

Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned (with URLs):

• Thames Consulting Group: https://thamescomputerconsulting.com/
• ASCII Edge / ASCII Cup (ASCII Group): https://events.ascii.com/
• Carl Hiaasen (Author): https://carlhiaasen.com/
• Florida Man Arrested with Wallet Full of Cocaine at Magic Kingdom: https://tinyurl.com/3umwcja7
• Barefoot Florida Man Wrangles 7-Foot Alligator with Trash Can: https://tinyurl.com/4s4kr47p

=== SPONSORS

• Premier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
• Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmz
• Production Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongard
• Travel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip
• Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid
• Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE

• Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
• Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
• Item ID: CSR3UET
• Author Username: AlexanderRufire
• Licensee: Marvin Bee
• Registered Project Name: IT Business Podcast
• License Date: January 1st, 2024
• Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast