SMB Community Podcast

1.) MSP Question of the Week

Should you ban Non-compete Agreements?

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2.) Notes on The News

Big Tech firms lost its dream status due to layoffs and instability: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/28/how-working-for-big-tech-lost-dream-job-status.html

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3.) Five Minutes with A Smart Person - Bit-Wizards

Louis Erickson is the co-founder and COO, and Sam Blowes is the Director of Solution Consulting at Bit-Wizards--an award winning IT services provider based in Florida.

We discuss the importance of forming strong relationships with your clients as an MSP.

Check them out: https://bitwizards.com/

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Our upcoming events and more:

Register for James's class at ITSPU!

5W22 – MSP Professional Sales is live. Enroll today: https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/msp-professional-sales-program/

MASTERMIND LIVE – Tampa, FL – Junr 27-28th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!

Catch James at the SMBTechfest!

SMBTechfest – Irvince, CA – May 9-10th

https://www.smbtechfest.com/index.asp

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

https://thirdtier.net

https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdTierIT

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

Today's SMB Community Podcast is brought to you by Huntress Managed Security.

Cybersecurity is more than software—it's also the expertise needed to effectively fight against today's evolving threat landscape.

Huntress Managed Security is custom-built to provide human expertise and save your clients from cyber threats.

Huntress' suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions is powered by a 24/7, human-led SOC dedicated to around-the-clock monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

While you focus on growing your business, we provide first response to hackers.

Huntress has the #1 rated EDR for SMBs on G2 and a partner support Satisfaction score average of 99%.

To start a trial today, visit https://huntress.com/karl

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1.) MSP Question of The Week

Which do you prefer: iPhone or Android? Is there a clear winner?

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2.) Notes on The News

What are the current TOP Password Managers?

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-password-managers,review-3785.html

"Big Tech" censoring content...and other clickbait-y titles.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/09/tech/meta-social-media-nightcap/index.html

There are only two weeks left to submit your application for Channel Futures MSP501: https://www.channelfutures.com/about-msp-501

Host Amy weighs in how it helps market your company.

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Our upcoming events and more:

Register for James's class at ITSPU!

5W22 – MSP Professional Sales is live. Enroll today: https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/msp-professional-sales-program/

MASTERMIND LIVE – Tampa, FL – April 27-28th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!

Catch James at the SMBTechfest!

SMBTechfest – Irvince, CA – May 9-10th

https://www.smbtechfest.com/index.asp

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

https://thirdtier.net

https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdTierIT

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

Today's SMB Community Podcast is brought to you by Huntress Managed Security.

Cybersecurity is more than software—it's also the expertise needed to effectively fight against today's evolving threat landscape.

Huntress Managed Security is custom-built to provide human expertise and save your clients from cyber threats.

Huntress' suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions is powered by a 24/7, human-led SOC dedicated to around-the-clock monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

While you focus on growing your business, we provide first response to hackers.

Huntress has the #1 rated EDR for SMBs on G2 and a partner support Satisfaction score average of 99%.

To start a trial today, visit https://huntress.com/karl

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1.) The MSP Question of The Week

Should you charge for onsite travel?

And what's best--Price per seat or per device?

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2.) Notes on The News

The FBI is warning consumers against using public phone charging stations in order to avoid exposing their devices to malicious software...

...Apple loses top phonemaker spot to Samsung as iPhone shipments drop!

"Apple's smartphone shipments dropped about 10% in the first quarter of 2024, hurt by intensifying competition by Android smartphone makers aiming for the top spot, data from research firm IDC showed on Sunday."

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Our upcoming events and more:

Register for James's class at ITSPU!

5W22 – MSP Professional Sales starts April 23rd. Sign up now: https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/msp-professional-sales-program/

MASTERMIND LIVE – Tampa, FL – April 27-28th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!

Catch James at the SMBTechfest!

SMBTechfest – Irvince, CA – May 9-10th

https://www.smbtechfest.com/index.asp

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

https://thirdtier.net

https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdTierIT

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

ay's SMB Community Podcast is brought to you by Huntress Managed Security.

Cybersecurity is more than software—it's also the expertise needed to effectively fight against today's evolving threat landscape.

Huntress Managed Security is custom-built to provide human expertise and save your clients from cyber threats.

Huntress' suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions is powered by a 24/7, human-led SOC dedicated to around-the-clock monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

While you focus on growing your business, we provide first response to hackers.

Huntress has the #1 rated EDR for SMBs on G2 and a partner support Satisfaction score average of 99%.

To start a trial today, visit https://huntress.com/karl

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Karl caught up with Dima Kumets, Principal Product Manager at Huntress Labs focused on their Security Awareness Training product. It was an entertaining interview!

This interview focuses on the Security Awareness Training product, which features a truly engaging way for end users to learn about phishing attacks and other threats that arrive through email. Karl and Dima introduce you do the archvillain Didi and her role in educating clients - without irritating or alienating them!

About Dima Kumets: Prior to joining Huntress, Dima was the product lead on OpenDNS (acquired by Cisco and now Cisco Umbrella.) He leverages his 20+ years of experience in technology to help partners grow their security practices and better protect the small and medium size businesses we all rely on.

Partners can learn more at https://huntress.com/karl to sign up for a free trial.

And, MSPs can sign up for the "Neighborhood watch" program that gives you free internal use licenses for all products.

Thanks to Huntress for sponsoring this podcast.

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Our upcoming events and more:

Register for James's upcoming class at ITSPU!

5W22 – MSP Professional Sales starts April 23rd. Sign up now: https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/msp-professional-sales-program/

MASTERMIND LIVE – Tampa, FL – April 27-28th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!

Catch James at the SMBTechfest!

SMBTechfest – Irvince, CA – May 9-10th

https://www.smbtechfest.com/index.asp

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now : https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

https://thirdtier.net

https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdTierIT

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

Today's SMB Community Podcast is brought to you by Huntress Managed Security.

Cybersecurity is more than software—it's also the expertise needed to effectively fight against today's evolving threat landscape.

Huntress Managed Security is custom-built to provide human expertise and save your clients from cyber threats.

Huntress' suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions is powered by a 24/7, human-led SOC dedicated to around-the-clock monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

While you focus on growing your business, we provide first response to hackers.

Huntress has the #1 rated EDR for SMBs on G2 and a partner support Satisfaction score average of 99%.

To start a trial today, visit https://huntress.com/karl

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1.) MSP Question of The Week

Is there an opportunity there for MSPs to resell consulting service around copilot?

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2.) Notes on The News

Windows features disappearing in 2024: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2285358/10-windows-features-disappear-soon-2024.html

Google looking to purchase Hubspot: https://www.crn.com/news/cloud/google-parent-alphabet-eyes-hubspot-acquisition-report

United States Cyberforce: https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/03/25/united-states-cyber-force/

...and more!

---

Our upcoming events and more:

Register for James's upcoming class at ITSPU!

5W22 – MSP Professional Sales starts April 23rd. Sign up now: https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/msp-professional-sales-program/

MASTERMIND LIVE – Tampa, FL – April 27-28th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!

Catch James at the SMBTechfest!

SMBTechfest - Irvince, CA - May 9-10th

https://www.smbtechfest.com/index.asp

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now : https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

https://thirdtier.net

https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdTierIT

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

Today's SMB Community Podcast is brought to you by Huntress Managed Security.

Cybersecurity is more than software—it's also the expertise needed to effectively fight against today's evolving threat landscape.

Huntress Managed Security is custom-built to provide human expertise and save your clients from cyber threats.

Huntress' suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions is powered by a 24/7, human-led SOC dedicated to around-the-clock monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

While you focus on growing your business, we provide first response to hackers.

Huntress has the #1 rated EDR for SMBs on G2 and a partner support Satisfaction score average of 99%.

To start a trial today, visit https://huntress.com/karl

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1.) MSP Question of The Week

Is it worth the time to track MDF/Rebates from your vendors partners if you are a small MSP?

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2.) Notes on The News

April fool's joke? Gmail announced 20 years ago today: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/20-years-ago-people-thought-googles-gmail-launch-was-an-april-fools-day-joke

Microsoft copilot released today: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/copilot-for-microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-ga-announcement/m-p/3934648

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/30/tech/att-data-leak/index.html

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3.) Five Minutes with A Smart Person - Tim Fitzpatrick of Rialto Marketing

Check out the preview for our full interview with Tim Fitzpatrick of Rialto Marketing www.RialtoMarketing.com

www.revenueroadblockscorecard.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpfitzpatrick

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Our upcoming events and more:

Register for James's upcoming class at ITSPU!

5W22 - MSP Professional Sales starts April 23rd. Sign up now: https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/msp-professional-sales-program/

MASTERMIND LIVE – Tampa, FL – April 27-28th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!

Sign up now : https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

https://thirdtier.net

https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdTierIT

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

Today's SMB Community Podcast is brought to you by Huntress Managed Security.

Cybersecurity is more than software—it's also the expertise needed to effectively fight against today's evolving threat landscape.

Huntress Managed Security is custom-built to provide human expertise and save your clients from cyber threats.

Huntress' suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions is powered by a 24/7, human-led SOC dedicated to around-the-clock monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

While you focus on growing your business, we provide first response to hackers.

Huntress has the #1 rated EDR for SMBs on G2 and a partner support Satisfaction score average of 99%.

To start a trial today, visit https://huntress.com/karl

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Check out the bonus Killing IT content on MSP Radio's Business of Tech podcast! Today's a great day to subscribe to that: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/

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Topic 1: The Current State of Mergers, Acquisition, and MSP Consolidation

Mergers and Acquisitions are alive and well in the MSP channel. Jay McBain from Canalys predicts a growth of M&A of 50% in 2024. In addition to MSPs themselves, he says that we’ll see some major vendors acquired as well.

The promise of these larger organizations is always that they’ll bring efficiency and profit. So far, that hasn’t happened. But that’s the promise.

Karl thinks this is a GREAT marketing opportunity for MSPs.

Related Links: https://greenwichgp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MA-Demand-for-Managed-Service-Providers-in-2024.pdf 

https://www.channelfutures.com/mergers-acquisitions/msp-m-a-staying-hot-what-to-expect 

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Topic 2: The Practical Application for AI in Small Business

Are we there yet?

While AI is the most popular topic in technology, the question remains: what can we use AI for that will produce actual business value? Some industries have made great progress with AI, including manufacturing and medicine. According to a recent study, more than 93% of manufacturers (from start-ups to global giants) are already using AI in some form. 

What are the implications and opportunities for MSPs and solution providers to sell their services to manufacturing clients? And what lessons can we learn to accelerate the adoption of AI in other industries?

Related Link: https://research.aimultiple.com/manufacturing-ai/

-- -- --

Topic 3: How to best use predictions and analysis from guys like us.

Summary of the Larry Walsh article linked below:  “IT spending growth projections should be taken with caution as they are directional and subject to change. While major analyst firms forecast healthy growth, the market is not uniformly strong, with several countries experiencing recession. Partner confidence is also dampened due to negative macroeconomic trends. Despite fluctuations in forecasts, investors, vendors, and partners rely on them for strategic planning. Channelnomics predicts conditions in the first half of 2024 to resemble 2023, with substantial improvement in the second half. Robust growth in IT spending is expected in 2025 and potentially 2026, driven by investments in artificial intelligence, data management services, and infrastructure refreshes.”

Article by Larry Walsh, Channelnomics:  https://channelnomics.com/taking-it-spending-forecasts-with-grain-of-salt/ 

See also: "With a projected 6.8% surge in global IT investment in 2024, organizations are positioned at the brink of transformative growth. According to Gartner, worldwide IT spending it expected to total $5 trillion in 2024. This represents a 6.8 percent increase over 2023. And while this is an increase, it’s down from the previous forecast of 8 percent." https://www.teamdynamix.com/strategic-it-spending-in-2024-navigating-growth-and-innovation/  

:-)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Amy and James are back!

1.) MSP Question of The Week:

Should you force remote workers back in to the office?

And do workers prefer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payment?

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3.) Notes on The News

N-able 2024 MSP Challenges and Opps – CEO article: https://www.channele2e.com/perspective/n-able-ceo-pagliuca-2024-msp-challenges-opportunities

How the top MSP business owners are using AI in their business: https://www.crn.com/news/managed-services/2024/10-msp-execs-on-how-they-re-using-ai-tools-in-2024

What AI we've been using: https://www.perplexity.ai/

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2.) Five Minutes with A Smart Person - Fernando Leon

Host James sit down with smart person Fernando Leon, Vice President of Sales/Marketing of Single Point of Contact.

They discuss White Label IT Service platform that helps MSP's scale.

Contact: [email protected] www.singlepointoc.com

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Our upcoming events:

AUSTIN TX – MASTERMIND LIVE (March 28-29th)

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

Today's SMB Community Podcast is brought to you by Huntress Managed Security.

Cybersecurity is more than software—it's also the expertise needed to effectively fight against today's evolving threat landscape.

Huntress Managed Security is custom-built to provide human expertise and save your clients from cyber threats.

Huntress' suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions is powered by a 24/7, human-led SOC dedicated to around-the-clock monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

While you focus on growing your business, we provide first response to hackers.

Huntress has the #1 rated EDR for SMBs on G2 and a partner support Satisfaction score average of 99%.

To start a trial today, visit https://huntress.com/karl

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We follow Karl Palachuk as he makes his way through Channel Partners Expo 2024!

Thank you to our guests (in order):

Dave Seibert of SMBTechFest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveseibert99

https://www.smbtechfest.com/index.asp

Michelle Ragusa McBain of Sonicwall

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleragusamcbain

https://www.sonicwall.com/leadership/michelle-ragusa-mcbain/

Mikey Pruitt of DNSFilter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roadtociso

https://www.dnsfilter.com/

Kathleen Martin of Advancing Leadership Network (ALN)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/advancing-leadership-network/

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Our upcoming events:

AUSTIN TX – MASTERMIND LIVE (March 28-29th)

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

Sponsor Memo: Huntress

Today's SMB Community Podcast is brought to you by Huntress Managed Security.

Cybersecurity is more than software—it's also the expertise needed to effectively fight against today's evolving threat landscape.

Huntress Managed Security is custom-built to provide human expertise and save your clients from cyber threats.

Huntress' suite of fully managed cybersecurity solutions is powered by a 24/7, human-led SOC dedicated to around-the-clock monitoring, expert investigation, and rapid response.

While you focus on growing your business, we provide first response to hackers.

Huntress has the #1 rated EDR for SMBs on G2 and a partner support Satisfaction score average of 99%.

To start a trial today, visit https://huntress.com/karl

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Karl interviewed Stephen Thomas from Asigra. Thomas oversees global revenue and shapes the sales and customer success strategy. He is an accomplished executive With over 25 years of experience in building and guiding sales and customer success teams within the rapidly expanding sectors of Enterprise SaaS.

With over 25 years of experience in building and guiding sales and customer success teams within the rapidly expanding sectors of Enterprise SaaS (Cybersecurity and Data Protection), Stephen Thomas is an accomplished executive.

Prior to taking on his current role at Asigra, where he oversees global revenue and shapes the sales and customer success strategy, he was the Chief Revenue Officer at RiskOptics (formerly Reciprocity). Stephen's leadership experience extends to companies like Arcserve, Armor, Cyberbit, and Symantec.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he has further honed his skills as a Certified LEANSTACK Coach, CIPP, and CISSP.

Asigra is launching a new SaaS management tool in April, but partners can join their beta program now and receive a $2,500 service credit to work with. The product site is https://saasassured.com. Look for the Insider Circle link to join their Beta program. You can join now, so you'll be set for the April 1st launch.

Many partners are missing out on revenue by not offering their clients the ability to back up all their SAAS applications (Hubspot, QuickBooks, etc.). Clients know they need to do this. they might even assume you're doing it. And if you're not, someone else might be. That means another vendor is already approved to be paid by them for IT services. That mean's there's another IT consultant in your client's office!

Transparency note: Asigra was a sponsor for the 2023 SMB Online Conference.

—

Our upcoming events:

AUSTIN TX – MASTERMIND LIVE (March 28-29th)

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.