Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

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Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast episodes

  • Obliterating the Box with Nancy Henriquez (EP 827)
    Uncle Marv sits down with Nancy Henriquez, CEO of Sybil Consulting Group and a force for change in the MSP community. Nancy shares her journey from launching a break-fix shop at 22, building and selling her own MSP, working with SuperOps, and finally founding Sybil Consulting. She explains the origin of her company’s name, rooted in Greek mythology, and how her consulting approach is anything but conventional.Nancy discusses why she rejects cookie-cutter strategies, focusing instead on helping MSPs align their business models with personal values and ideal clients. She shares examples of how personal growth unlocks business growth and details her process for helping clients transition from break-fix to managed services. The conversation covers the importance of self-assessment, redefining success, and why “best practices” are just guidelines—not laws. Nancy also opens up about her own evolution, ongoing training, and her mission to create lasting impact for MSPs and small businesses.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned:
    • Sybil Consulting Group — https://sybilconsultinggroup.com/
    • Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program — https://www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000-small-businesses/
    • Gary Pica’s Program (TruMethods) — https://www.trumethods.com/
    • MSP 501 List — https://www.channelfutures.com/msp-501
      === 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
    32 min
  • History Lessons for Modern Cyber Risk (EP 826)
    Uncle Marv welcomes Nick Shevelyov, former CIO of Silicon Valley Bank and CEO of VCSO.AI, for a masterclass in cybersecurity storytelling and risk management. Nick shares how his unique journey—defending the innovation economy, banking tech giants, and advising boards—led him to write “Cyber War and Peace,” a book that uses analogies from history to make cyber risk relatable and actionable.Topics Discussed:
    • The value of historical analogies in explaining cybersecurity
    • Board-level communication: Making cyber risk understandable and actionable
    • Managing technical debt and legacy systems in fast-moving environments
    • Building observability and setting baselines for network health
    • The balance of security and privacy in compliance and operations
    • Nick’s favorite exercises and templates for risk management
    • How to avoid survivor bias and think holistically about defense
    • Upcoming book on cognitive biases and behavioral economics in cyber risk
    Key Resources & Links:
    • VCSO.AI: https://vcso.ai
    • Cyber War and Peace: https://amzn.to/3ZsrPFA
    • NACD Technology Risk Guidance: https://www.nacdonline.org
    • Diligent Board Platform: https://diligent.com
    • CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog
    • FIRST EPSS: https://www.first.org/epss
    === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE
    • Licensee: Marvin Bee
    • Registered Project Name: IT Business Podcast
    • Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
    • Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
    • Author Username: AlexanderRufire
    • 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
    48 min
  • Surviving MSP Pressure & Burnout (EP 825)
    Industry News: Chrome & Windows 10: Chrome’s password manager gets a major upgrade, offering one-click fixes for weak or compromised passwords, while Microsoft issues a crucial Windows 10 patch to fix a bug locking users out. Marv and Dawn break down what these updates mean for MSPs and their clients.MSP Differentiation & Business Models: Dawn discusses the commoditization of IT services and urges MSPs to identify their unique strengths, lean into what sets them apart, and avoid the trap of following “one right way” to run an MSP.Mental Health & Burnout in IT: The pressures of the MSP world are real, from client expectations to cyber threats. Dawn and Marv get honest about mental health, burnout, and the importance of self-care and peer support.Peer Groups & Community: Peer relationships are a lifeline for troubleshooting, advice, and sanity checks. The hosts share stories of how quick calls and informal networks have saved the day.Vendor Relationships & Etiquette: What makes a good vendor-MSP relationship? Dawn and Marv share pet peeves, best practices, and a few rants about vendor overload and CRM mismanagement.Real-World Troubleshooting with Domotz: Dawn recounts a recent network issue solved with Domotz and Marv shares how the right monitoring tools can turn a tech headache into a win.Florida Man Stories & Lighthearted Moments: No episode is complete without a wild Florida Man story and some laughs about “not my pants” and bigamy in the Sunshine State.Links
    • Florida Man named Innocent not so innocent: https://em8k.short.gy/dRw42e
    • Florida Man marries three women at same time: https://em8k.short.gy/8QM9zC
    • MSP Etiquette Survey (for vendors): https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/p/vendor-survey/
    • Vendor Etiquette Survey (for MSPs): https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/p/msp-survey/
    Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned
    • Third Element Consulting — https://www.3rdelementconsulting.com/
    • IT Nation Secure (Conference) — https://itnation.connectwise.com/secure
    • PAX 8 Beyond (Conference) — https://www.pax8beyond.com/
    • N-Able (Backup Vendor) — https://www.n-able.com/
    === 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
    • Licensee: Marvin Bee
    • Registered Project Name: IT Business Podcast
    • Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
    • Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
    • Author Username: AlexanderRufire
    • 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
    1 hr 6 min
  • TechCon Unplugged Hits the Road (EP 824)
    Uncle Marv welcomes back Paco Lebron for an episode packed with honest MSP talk, laughs, and a fresh take on community events. Hear why TechCon Unplugged is hitting the road this year, moving away from the big annual gathering to a more intimate, city-based tour designed to spark real connections and practical conversations. Paco pulls back the curtain on the challenges of standardizing IT stacks-swapping Araknis for Unify, wrestling with BYOD headaches, and the never-ending quest to make operations smoother for both clients and techs.They don’t shy away from the tough stuff: burnout, the grind of podcasting, and the flood of industry events that can leave even the most seasoned MSPs overwhelmed. Marv and Paco trade stories about Microsoft’s nonprofit licensing shake-up, the art of recurring revenue, and why sometimes you just have to make the hard call on legacy clients and products. Personal moments shine through, from family health updates to the latest Florida Man gator encounter, reminding us that behind every business is a real human story.Alligator with Lawn Chair Knocks on Doors: https://youtu.be/PHJgVDm4EKA?si=etrGplY60mqhYN7XCompanies, Products, and Books Mentioned 
    • ProdigyTeks – https://prodigyteks.com
    • MSP Unplugged – https://mspunplugged.com
    • TechCon Unplugged – https://mspunplugged.com/techcon-unplugged
    • AppRiver – https://appriver.com
    • Microsoft – https://microsoft.com
    • Huntress – https://huntress.com
    • Snap One (Araknis) – https://www.snapone.com/shop/en/snap/araknis
    • Unify (Ubiquiti) – https://ui.com
    • EnGenius – https://www.engeniustech.com
    • SonicWall – https://www.sonicwall.com
    • Fortinet – https://www.fortinet.com
    • Palo Alto Networks – https://www.paloaltonetworks.com
    • Cisco – https://www.cisco.com
    • TruGrid – https://trugrid.com
    • Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft) –https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/virtual-desktop/
    • Auvik – https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/auvik/
    • Domotz – https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/domotz/
    • MSP Camp – https://msp-camp.com
    • ScaleCon – https://scalecon.com
    • iTech Solutions – https://itech-solutions.com/
    Products
    • Microsoft Defender – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/threat-protection/microsoft-defender
    • Unify U6 Pro Access Points – https://amzn.to/4371Gx6
    • WattBox – https://www.snapone.com/shop/en/snap/wattbox
    • LinkRunner AT 4000 (NetAlly) – https://amzn.to/3SIwI9L
    • Fluke LinkIQ – https://amzn.to/4mhasS7
    • EtherScope (NetAlly) – https://amzn.to/45ajCtq
    Books & Podcasts
    • School of Podcasting (Dave Jackson) – https://schoolofpodcasting.com
    • Health of IT Podcast (Diana Giles) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-health-of-i-t/id1748637556
    • Uncle Marv’s Unhealthy Podcast – https://www.unhealthypodcast.com/
    === SPONSORS
    • Premier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
    • Others: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/sponsors/
    === 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
    57 min
  • Giant Rocketship: Smarter Ticketing (EP 823)
    In this lively episode of Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast, Marvin Bee sits down with Dustin Puryear, CEO and founder of Giant Rocketship, for a candid, insightful, and often hilarious conversation about the real-world challenges of automating helpdesk operations. Dustin, a former MSP owner himself, shares how Giant Rocketship is changing the game for IT service providers by using AI to optimize ticket flow, rebalance workloads, and keep both techs and clients happy-without losing the human touch that sets great MSPs apart.Why Listen?
    • Get actionable strategies for automating your MSP’s helpdesk without losing the human touch.
    • Learn how to prioritize VIP clients and optimize tech workloads using AI.
    • Hear real-world stories and honest advice from someone who’s been in the MSP trenches.
    • Find out what’s coming next in MSP automation-and how to stay ahead of the curve.
    Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned
    • Giant Rocketship – https://giantrocketship.com
    • ConnectWise – https://connectwise.com
    • Autotask – https://datto.com/products/autotask-psa
    • DattoCon – https://dattocon.com
    • MSP GeekCon – https://mspgeekcon.com
    === SPONSORS
    • Premier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
    === 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
    51 min
  • Windows 11: Forced Update Alert (EP 822)
    Main Theme & Key TakeawaysThis episode centers on resilience-how IT professionals juggle demanding projects, unexpected technical hurdles, and personal upheaval, all while staying ahead of industry changes. Marv’s firsthand stories and practical advice make this episode a masterclass in adaptability, resourcefulness, and the importance of community in tech.Three Most Intriguing Moments
    • Marv’s behind-the-scenes account of completing a massive, months-long Office 365 migration-what went wrong, what he’d never do again, and the surprising “gotchas” every IT pro should hear.
    • A suspenseful network troubleshooting saga: how a 95% successful client office move was nearly derailed by mysterious VPN dropouts and duplicate IP conflicts, with a cliffhanger to be resolved in future episodes.
    • The personal side of IT: Marv’s candid update on managing critical client work while both his mother and father-in-law faced serious hospitalizations, highlighting the human side of tech.
    News
    • Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 24H2 Update Cannot Be Canceled: https://tinyurl.com/2jtyn3h9
    • SonicWall debuts new firewalls and managed cybersecurity service: https://tinyurl.com/4pas3c98
    • D&H and SonicWall Partner to Offer Comprehensive MXDR Solutions: https://tinyurl.com/ycdcvtyf
    Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned
    • SonicWall: https://www.sonicwall.com/
    • Solutions Granted: https://solutionsgranted.com/
    • D&H Distributing: www.dandh.com
    • TechCon Unplugged: https://mspunplugged.com/techcon-unplugged/
    Florida Man Stories
    • Florida Man: Pipe Bombs and Cardboard License Plate: https://tinyurl.com/89av2w82
    • Florida Woman: Alligator Attack While Canoeing: https://tinyurl.com/mryhu6fp
    • Kangaroo on the loose in Centra Florida: https://tinyurl.com/mtzdwe4t
    === 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
    36 min
  • The Myth of the MSP Easy Button (EP 821)
    In this compact midweek episode, Uncle Marv opens by explaining his upcoming client office move in Tampa, which involves coordinating with cable providers, moving copiers, handling door access systems, and managing ISP cutover with limited preparation time.He then covers significant industry news from the recent Kaseya Connect 2025 conference, including the release of Kaseya 365 Ops platform, a new SIEM solution, and notably, free Datto backup hardware with three-year commitments. Additional news highlights ESET's integration with Kaseya VSA X, Huntress's enhanced identity threat protection that has already protected over 1.8 million identities, and Synchro's new XMM platform that consolidates RMM, PSA, and Microsoft 365 management.The episode's main focus is a candid exploration of why IT business "isn't supposed to be easy," illustrated through three recent conversations. Uncle Marv recounts discussions with a junior MSP owner expecting to immediately charge premium rates without building value, an industry veteran struggling to adapt to cloud-based solutions and remote work realities, and a larger MSP facing inventory and distribution challenges. Throughout these stories, Uncle Marv emphasizes that different business stages bring different problems, and there are no magical solutions or easy buttons in IT service delivery.The show concludes with humorous Florida news stories about a man attempting a break-in while completely naked and a woman arrested for selling human bones through her curiosity shop.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned:
    • Kaseya, kaseya.com
    • Datto, datto.com
    • ESET, eset.com
    • Huntress, huntress.com
    • Syncro: https://syncromsp.com/
    • TD SYNNEX, tdsynnex.com
    • Ingram Micro, ingrammicro.com
    • D&H, dandh.com
    • Giant Rocket Ship, giantrocketship.com
    • NSITSP (National Society of IT Service Providers), nsitsp.org
    Florida Man:
    • Naked Florida Man Caught Breaking into Woman's Home: https://tinyurl.com/26yrtbeb
    • Florida Woman Arrested for Selling Human Bones: https://tinyurl.com/523ck5ny
    === 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
    === 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
    47 min
  • NSITSP Spotlight: Steve Kazan (EP 820)
    Uncle Marv sits down with Steve Kazan, founder and CEO of Inner Onion and current president of NSITSP. Steve shares his unique perspective on helping international tech companies break into the U.S. market and offers a wealth of wisdom for managed service providers (MSPs) looking to stand out and grow. Drawing on two decades of experience across sectors like cybersecurity, SaaS, AI, and IoT, Steve discusses the importance of strategic planning, building trust, and adapting to the fast-paced world of technology.Listeners will hear Steve’s take on why so many international companies struggle to gain traction in the U.S.-and what separates the winners from those who fade away. He stresses the need for thorough planning, strong branding, and understanding U.S. business culture, especially for newcomers. The conversation also highlights the critical role of relationships, the challenges of staff turnover, and why a long-term mindset is essential for both vendors and MSPs.Steve also opens up about his work with NSITSP, the push for greater professionalism in the IT industry, and the urgent issues facing MSPs, including state tax threats and cybersecurity funding cuts. He encourages MSPs to adopt codes of ethics, get involved in advocacy, and leverage the power of community to raise the bar for the entire industry.List of Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned
    • Inner Onion LLC: https://www.inneronion.com/
    • NSITSP (National Society of IT Service Providers): https://nsitsp.org/
    • CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency): https://www.cisa.gov/
    === SPONSORS
    • Premier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
    === 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
    33 min
  • NSITSP Spotlight: Keith Nelson (EP 819)
    Keith Nelson reveals how a relentless focus on customer service and measurable business outcomes has powered his 26-year streak of zero downtime at Vistem Solutions. His passion for advocacy—both for special needs communities and for MSPs navigating new regulations—offers listeners a blueprint for building resilient, high-impact IT businesses. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to stand out in the crowded MSP landscape.Keith Nelson’s IT Journey and Vistem Solutions: Keith shares how he built Vistem Solutions into a leading MSP, supporting critical infrastructure like the LA/Long Beach shipping port with 26 years of uninterrupted service. He explains the importance of aligning technology with business outcomes and how this approach drives client loyalty.Customer Service as a Differentiator: Keith argues that technical skills are secondary to customer service in the MSP space. He prefers hiring people with strong interpersonal skills and training them on technical aspects, believing that relationships and service quality are the real keys to success.Special Needs Advocacy and Community Impact: Drawing from personal experience as a parent and coach, Keith describes his work in special needs advocacy, including founding sports programs and workforce initiatives. He connects these efforts to broader business values like dignity, inclusion, and measurable results.Legislation, Compliance, and the Role of NSITSP: Keith discusses the inevitability of regulation in the IT industry and stresses the importance of MSPs having a seat at the table. He shares his experiences advising on policy, the dangers of over-legislation, and practical steps for MSPs to get involved locally.Avoiding Commoditization in IT Services: Keith warns against the “race to the bottom” in pricing and commoditization. He encourages MSPs to focus on value, relationships, and unique expertise to avoid being squeezed out by larger competitors.=== SPONSORS
    • Premier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
    === 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
    Time-Stamped Chapters (TEST)
    • 0:11 – Introduction & Guest Welcome: Keith Nelson of Vistam Solutions
    • 1:28 – Vistam Solutions: Automation & Port Projects
    • 2:04 – 26 Years of 100% Uptime at LA/Long Beach Ports
    • 3:08 – Keith’s Background: Caltech, Oracle, and Business Alignment
    • 4:39 – Becoming an MSP: From Big Projects to Sticky Clients
    • 6:02 – East vs. West Coast Mindset & Blue Collar Appreciation
    • 7:34 – Special Needs Advocacy & Coaching Champions
    • 10:11 – Balancing Family, Business, and Community
    • 11:26 – Customer Service: The Key to MSP Growth
    • 12:27 – NSITSP, Legislation, and Compliance Challenges
    • 15:44 – Raising Professionalism & Training in IT
    • 17:04 – Avoiding Commoditization in the MSP Industry
    • 18:32 – NSITSP’s Legislative Work & Industry Representation
    • 19:36 – How MSPs Can Get Involved Locally
    • 22:01 – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Keith Nelson
    === 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
    24 min
  • Boutique MSP Success: Lynn Thames (EP 818)
    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
    1 hr 3 min

About Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The IT Business Podcast is a show for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and IT Professionals providing business network support and managed services. The podcast aims to provide actionable advice and…