Ever wonder why some companies run cost-efficient, high-performance data centers while others bleed cash on the wrong setup? Most companies make critical mistakes when choosing a data center - errors that cost them millions. The problem? They focus on the wrong factors, fall for industry myths, and overlook the real deal-breakers.

In this episode, Max Clark breaks down what truly matters when selecting a data center—from hidden cost traps and location strategy to network infrastructure, fiber routing, and tax implications. He exposes why businesses often get it wrong and reveals a smarter, more strategic approach to high-stakes data center decisions. Whether you're evaluating colocation, cloud interconnects, or building your own facility, this episode will help you make informed choices that cut costs, minimize risk, and future-proof your operations.

Your data center decision will either save you millions or cost you millions. Don’t guess... tune in now and get it right!

***

Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***

P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***

Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark

Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Page 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#datacenter #datacenters #BusinessTips #businessadvice #b2b #businesssuccess #businessstrategy #technology #tech #techindustry #techcommunity   #ceo #cfo #businessgrowth #Podcast

Your team is busy. Your dashboards are full. Your goals look great on paper. So why does it still feel like nothing's moving?

If everything’s labeled “critical,” then nothing truly is—and that’s where execution falls apart.

In this episode, Max Clark sits down with Scott Levy, CEO of ResultMaps, to dismantle the illusion of productivity hiding behind today’s most popular frameworks. They dig into the real reasons EOS, OKRs, and other systems fall flat in execution—hint: it’s not the tool, it’s how you use it. From prioritization mistakes to the dangers of surface-level alignment, this conversation is packed with raw truths and practical insights for business leaders, COOs, and founders navigating chaos in fast-growing teams.

If you’ve ever said, “We’re doing all the right things, but still not getting results”—this one’s for you!

***
Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
X: X.com/maxclark
Business Page 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

You just found a vendor who promises everything you need. But something feels… off. You ask for pricing, and they hesitate. They promise to “put their A-team on your project.” Should you be worried? Absolutely.

In this episode, Max Clark reveals the two biggest vendor red flags that businesses often ignore - until it’s too late. You’ll discover why a supplier without a clear price list is a major red flag and how the “A-team” promise could signal bigger operational issues. Max breaks down how to spot unreliable vendors, avoid bad deals, and ensure your business only works with high-quality suppliers.

Don’t let these red flags drain your time and money. Tune in now and learn how to protect your business!

***
Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***
P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***
Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark
Business Page 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#BusinessTips #businessadvice #b2b #businesssuccess #businessstrategy

#technology #tech #techindustry #techcommunity   #ceo #cfo #businessgrowth #TechDeepDive #Podcast

Are you paying for IT that isn’t actually working? Many businesses trust MSPs to manage their IT, but not all providers deliver real value. Hidden inefficiencies, security gaps, and wasted costs could be lurking in your tech stack—without you even realizing it.

In this episode, Max Clark, Founder of ITBroker.com, sits down with Eric Hasenstab, VP of Client Technology Solutions at Thrive, to pull back the curtain on the biggest gaps in MSP services today. They uncover the red flags to watch out for, why some MSPs fail to deliver real IT solutions, and how leading businesses are leveraging next-gen managed services to drive efficiency, security, and growth. Eric also shares insider strategies for choosing the right MSP and avoiding costly IT mistakes.

Don’t let bad IT decisions hold your business back. Tune in to discover what smart companies know that you don’t (yet) and learn how to ensure your IT investment actually pays off.

Time Stamp: 

0:00 Unveiling Eric Hasenstab: VP of Client Technology Solutions at Thrive

2:53 What Thrive Is and What Solutions They Offer

5:36 Operational Focus of Thrive

7:50 What Is the Customer Journey with You for Microsoft 365

14:50 Thrive and the MSP Landscape: Empowering SMEs

24:16 Empowering SMBs: Tailored Solutions by Thrive

36:10 Delivering Solutions to Clients

49:00 POD Implementation with Thrive

57:36 Smooth Sailing: Onboarding and Offboarding Insights

1:01:21 Exploring Thrive’s Equipment Based Management Services

1:07:09 Beyond the Clock: Unveiling After-Hours Support

1:08:41 Thrive vs. Assure: A Comparative Discernment

1:14:00 Exploring Desktop as a Service with Thrive

1:15:00 Thrive's Global Support

1:16:00 Extracting Key Takeaways from the Discourse

1:17:48 Parting Words from Eric Hasenstab

****

🔍 Find the best IT suppliers without boring sales calls.

ITBroker.com checks out hundreds of suppliers each year for our clients. Tech Deep Dive lets you follow along without the pain. Join us as we explore each supplier, what problems they fix, how they do it, and if they match your needs.

****

👋 P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

****

🌐 Let's connect:

Website: www.itbroker.com

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark

Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Pages

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

***

#Cybersecurity #cloud #automation  #microsoft #connectivity #network   #cyberattack #cybercrime #businessadvice #businessmanagemen #CEO #cfo #cto #businessleaders #tech #technology #startup

Imagine this: Your business grinds to a halt. No internet. No cloud access. No communication. Now, picture yourself scrambling to get things back online—only to find out you signed the wrong contract, picked the wrong provider, or didn’t have real redundancy in place. Sound like a nightmare? It happens more often than you think.

In this episode, Max Clark breaks down the 5 essential ways to get network to your business, the hidden pitfalls most companies overlook, and how to build redundancy the right way. You’ll learn why some providers aren’t as “independent” as they seem, the difference between fiber, fixed wireless, and cable, and how to avoid expensive mistakes when signing a lease. Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or just making sure your business stays online, this is a must-watch guide to securing reliable connectivity.

Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Hit play now and make sure your business internet setup isn’t a ticking time bomb!
***
Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***
P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***
Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark
Business Page 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#network #networkengineer #connectivity #internet #networkinfrastructure
#technology #tech #techindustry #techcommunity   #ceo #cfo #businessgrowth  #Podcast

Struggling to keep up with today’s evolving cybersecurity threats? The traditional ways of securing your network no longer cut it, especially with more businesses shifting to the cloud and managing remote workforces. That’s where SASE comes in.

In this episode, Max dives deep into SASE, the game-changing cybersecurity strategy that combines the best of SD-WAN, next-gen firewalls, ZTNA, and more, all under one roof. Max explains why SASE is quickly becoming the ultimate solution for organizations looking to bolster their network security while enhancing performance. You’ll learn how SASE can simplify your infrastructure, reduce complexity, and keep your data safe—whether you’re protecting remote workers or managing cloud resources.

Ready to take your cybersecurity to the next level? Tune in and discover why SASE is the hack you’ve been looking for!

***
Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***
P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***
Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark
Business Page 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cyberattack #cybercrime #cyberdefense #Cybersecurity #SASE #technology #tech #techindustry #techcommunity   #informationtechnology #ceo #cfo #cto #businessgrowth #TechDeepDive #Podcast

Every lost customer is lost revenue. Poor customer experience isn’t just frustrating - it’s expensive. Every missed opportunity to engage, every slow response, and every unempowered agent could be costing your business more than you realize. The companies that get CX right don’t just retain customers - they turn them into lifelong advocates.

Max Clark is joined by Adam Settle, Chief Product Officer at SharpenCX, to break down the most common CX mistakes businesses make and how to fix them fast. They discuss why agent experience directly impacts customer satisfaction, how technology can make or break customer interactions, and the CX strategies that separate winning brands from the rest.

If you’re not actively optimizing your CX, you’re already falling behind. Don’t let these mistakes keep costing you customers! Tune in now and take your customer experience to the next level!

0:00 - Introducing Adam Settle, Chief Product Officer at SharpenCX 
2:40 - The Journey of SharpenCX
4:20 - Elevating the Agent Experience: Redefining Customer Support
9:00 - Ideal Customers of SharpenCX: Who Can Benefit from the Solution?
10:42 - SharpenCX and Credit Unions
11:43 - SharpenCX and Partnerships
14:23 - Supporting Mobile Interaction with SharpenCX
15:50 - The SharpenCX Solution Turnaround: Streamlining Contact Center Operations
25:17 - Building Customer Loyalty with SharpenCX: The Key Strategies
34:55 - Technology-Driven Agent Experience: SharpenCX's Approach
38:27 - Creating New Customer Experiences: How SharpenCX Empowers Agents
51:00 - Implementation Timeline: What to Expect with SharpenCX Solutions
58:14 - The Exciting Future of Contact Centers: A Glimpse Ahead
1:03:05 - ACR as the Defining Metric: Tracking Success with SharpenCX
1:06:25 - Balancing Customer and Agent Experiences: SharpenCX's Focus

Don't miss this opportunity to dive into the world of customer service technology and discover how to revolutionize your company's customer interactions. 🚀

****
🔍 Find the best IT suppliers without boring sales calls.
ITBroker.com checks out hundreds of suppliers each year for our clients. Tech Deep Dive lets you follow along without the pain. Join us as we explore each supplier, what problems they fix, how they do it, and if they match your needs.

****
👋 P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

****
🌐 Let's connect:
Website: www.itbroker.com
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Pages
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#callcenter #contactcenter #customersupport #customerservice   #callcenterservices #customersupportexecutive #tech #technology #ceo #cfo #cto #businessleaders #sharpenCX #ITBroker #TechDeepDive

Are your network challenges slowing down your business? What if there’s a solution that could streamline connectivity, optimize performance, and make your IT infrastructure more efficient without the headache? The answer might be SD-WAN, but is your organization leveraging its full potential?

In this episode, Max Clark dives deep into the magic of SD-WAN, breaking down its key benefits and how it solves critical network issues that many businesses are overlooking. He explains how SD-WAN enhances performance by prioritizing latency-sensitive applications, optimizes bandwidth usage, and offers redundancy for network failover. Learn why SD-WAN is an essential tool for today’s hybrid and remote workforces and how it can future-proof your infrastructure while solving problems you may not even realize are there.

Ready to supercharge your network? Tune in to discover how SD-WAN can transform your IT operations and boost business productivity!

***
Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***
P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***
Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark
Business Page 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cloud #internet #data #dektopservices #IOT #connectivity #Cybersecurity #cyberattack #cybercrime #businessadvice #businessmanagemen #CEO #cfo #cto #businessleaders #tech #technology #startup

Are you stuck in the day-to-day grind of managing IT resources?
You’re not alone. Many IT teams find themselves overwhelmed, caught in the cycle of staffing, equipment, and managing complex systems. But what if there was a smarter way to get more done, free up your time, and drive real value for the business?

In this episode, Max reveals the secret strategy that top IT teams are using with Managed Service Providers (MSPs). He dives deep into the dynamics between business executives and IT teams, showing how outsourcing to MSPs can help free up internal resources, allowing IT teams to focus on high-value work. Max explains the benefits of MSPs in scaling operations, improving processes, and providing business continuity—without the fear of losing jobs or control. If you’re looking to maximize your IT team's potential and take your company’s operations to the next level, this episode is for you.

Don’t let outdated practices hold you back.
Learn how MSPs can be your ticket to efficiency, scalability, and growth. Tune in now to unlock the secret strategy that could transform your IT operations!

***

Billions & Billions of eyeballs, six continents, 10k+ servers, and plenty of lessons learned over 2+ decades in I.T.

If you're looking for quick tips on optimizing tech, managing suppliers, and growing a business, 20 Minutes Max is the space for you.

Here I talk about things that come up during my day and share insights on taking your business to the next level. In less than 20 minutes, you'll walk away with actionable advice and strategies for success. Take advantage of this valuable resource for CEOs, CFOs, and business leaders.

***

P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

***

Website: www.itbroker.com

Let's connect:

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark

Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Page 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cloud #internet #data #dektopservices #IOT #connectivity #Cybersecurity #cyberattack #cybercrime #businessadvice #businessmanagemen #CEO #cfo #cto #businessleaders #tech #technology #startup

Most people spend Christmas unwrapping gifts, not dealing with a cyberattack. But for one company, a ransomware attack on Christmas Day turned their holiday into a crisis. Cybercriminals don’t take holidays - so how do you defend against threats when your team is offline?

In this episode, Max Clark speaks with Dani Pickens, RVP of Channel Sales West, and Tim Bandos, EVP of Cybersecurity Services at Xcitium, to break down the high-stakes response to a Christmas Day attack. They reveal how pre-authorized emergency action saved the day, why cybercriminals work in organized shifts (yes, even taking lunch breaks), and the critical security gaps businesses need to fix - before disaster strikes.

Cyber threats don’t take time off - and neither should your defenses. Tune in now to make sure your business is prepared!

Time Stamp: 
0:33 - Introducing Dani Pickens and Tim Bandos
1:08 - Discovering the story and journey of Xcitium 
5:40 - How does Xcitium work with companies that already have existing security solutions deployed?
9:40 - Overview of Xcitium's service offerings
14:45 - Is auto mode an available feature for Xcitium's platform?
29:16 - Xcitium's MDR (Managed Detection and Response) solution for the masses
44:00 - Deployment options for Xcitium's services
52:29 - Predictions for future cyber attacks
54:34 - Discussion of higher risk profiles and how to mitigate them
1:02:39 - Overview of Xcitium's onboarding process for new clients
1:04:00 - How Xcitium helps prospects overcome uncertainty and become comfortable with the platform
1:06:29 - Final thoughts and remarks from Dani Pickens and Tim Bandos
 
****
🔍 Find the best IT suppliers without boring sales calls.
ITBroker.com checks out hundreds of suppliers each year for our clients. Tech Deep Dive lets you follow along without the pain. Join us as we explore each supplier, what problems they fix, how they do it, and if they match your needs.

****
👋 P.S. Did you like the show? New episodes will be released weekly, so please subscribe and stay up-to-date!

****
🌐 Let's connect:
Website: www.itbroker.com
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/maxclark
Twitter: twitter.com/maxclark

Business Pages
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itbrokerdotcom
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itbrokerdotcom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITBrokerdotcom

#cyberattack #cybercrime #cyberdefense #Cybersecurity #cyberawareness
#technology #tech #techindustry #techcommunity   #informationtechnology #cto
#ceo #cfo #ceos #cfos #businessgrowth #xcitium #TechDeepDive #Podcast #techconsulting 
#techcompanies