WIN

WIN

By Carrie Richardson Fox and Crow GroupBusinessEntrepreneurshipMarketingManagement
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WIN episodes

  • Rob Senatore WINS by surrounding himself with WINNERS.

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     From Sprint to CEO: Rob Senatore’s Journey with Data2Go Wireless

    In this episode of the WIN podcast, host Carrie Richardson interviews Rob Senatore, CEO of Data2Go Wireless. 

    Rob shares his inspiring journey from being a sales rep at Sprint to becoming the CEO of a thriving wireless company. He discusses the pivotal moments, challenges, and lessons learned along the way, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Rob emphasizes the importance of adaptability, team building, and strategic planning in achieving business success.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Early Career at Sprint: Rob's experience as a sales rep and the influence of small business clients.
    • Taking the Plunge: The decision to leave Sprint and start his own business with his wife’s support.
    • Major Breakthrough: Involvement in New York City's taxi and limo commission technology upgrade.
    • Birth of Data2Go Wireless: Developing a software platform to unify multiple wireless carriers.
    • Challenges and Lessons: Early struggles with variable charge items and the importance of prepaid billing engines.
    • Financial Wisdom: The value of clean books, strategic budgeting, and transitioning from an LLC to a C Corp.
    • Leadership and Team Building: Importance of surrounding oneself with a strong team and trusting their expertise.
    • Future Growth: Plans for Data2Go Wireless, including new products and strategic partnerships.

    Guest Quotes:

    • “You have to process the information correctly. But once you process it... you just have to go with it.”
    • “Every mistake that you create for yourself or that you have to go through is going to bring you closer to the goal.”
    • “The only thing that's for sure is that things will change and that you have to roll with the punches.”

    Guest Information:

    • Name: Rob Senatore
    • Title: CEO of Data2Go Wireless
    • Company Website: Data2Go Wireless


    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    21 min
  • Rodrigo Acuna WINS by Helping Hispanic Millennials Build Wealth

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     Bridging the Financial Gap: Rodrigo Acuna on Empowering Latino Communities

    In this episode, host Carrie Richardson sits down with Rodrigo Acuna, co-founder of IM Financial, to discuss his journey from Mexico City to the United States, and his passion for empowering Latino communities through financial literacy and inclusion. 

    Rodrigo shares his experiences in investment banking, consulting, and fintech, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in providing financial services to underserved communities. This insightful conversation covers the importance of education, the impact of mentorship, and the innovative strategies Rodrigo and his team are implementing to bridge the financial gap for Latinos.

    Episode Highlights

    • Rodrigo’s Background: Growing up in Mexico City, studying economics, and early career in investment banking.
    • Career Transition: Moving to the US, working for McKinsey, and navigating the challenges of consulting.
    • Financial Literacy Initiatives: Rodrigo’s involvement in teaching financial literacy to disenfranchised communities and school children.
    • IM Financial’s Mission: Addressing the financial needs of underserved Latino communities through innovative products and partnerships.
    • Personal Stories: Rodrigo’s experiences with financial challenges as an immigrant and his passion for teaching and mentoring.
    • Future Goals: Plans for launching IM Financial’s marketplace to provide accessible financial services and education.

    Guest Information

    Rodrigo Acuna

    • Position: Co-founder of IM Financial
    • LinkedIn: Rodrigo Acuna
    • Twitter: @RodrigoAcuna

    Links and Resources Mentioned

    • IM Financial: im.financial
    • McKinsey & Company: mckinsey.com
    • NYU Stern School of Business: stern.nyu.edu
    • Morgan Stanley: morganstanley.com




    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    33 min
  • Joe Alapat Tells Us How Liongard is WINNING with a New CEO

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    Hi!  It's Carrie - and the beginning of this podcast starts really abruptly because Joe and I started chatting immediately and we completely forgot to do the intro.

    I want to remind MSPs that Liongard ROARCon is open for registration now!

    Ian and I have limited passes to share, so if it's before July 20 2024 and you are the owner of an MSP that would like to attend, reach out to Carrie on Linkedin!

    Joe Alapat is WINNING by Hiring a New CEO

    In this engaging episode, Joe Alapat, co-founder of Liongard, shares his journey from being the CEO of an MSP to a pivotal role in a growing software firm. Joe discusses the cultural differences among founders from various countries, the challenges and rewards of cybersecurity, and the strategic shift in Liongard’s focus under new leadership. 

    Episode Highlights:

    • Leadership Transitions: Joe reflects on transitioning from CEO to co-founder and the dynamics of reporting to a new CEO in his own company.
    • Family and Work Balance: Joe emphasizes the importance of family and how frequent travel impacts personal life.
    • Cybersecurity Focus: The conversation delves into the critical aspect of cybersecurity, emphasizing proactive measures over reactive strategies.
    • Product Vision: Joe talks about Liongard's product evolution and the importance of focusing on the original vision to drive innovation and customer satisfaction.

    Guest Quotes:

    • "People mistake my excitement for anger; it's just a South Indian trait to be passionate and love debating." - Joe Alapat
    • "If I'm not speaking, should I go? It's important to balance travel with family time." - Joe Alapat
    • "Every dollar spent left of boom is more productive than spending it right of boom." - Joe Alapat
    • "Liongard is not Joe Alapat. Liongard is its own entity with its own personality." - Joe Alapat

    Guest Information: Joe Alapat is the co-founder of Liongard, a software firm specializing in cybersecurity and IT management. With a background as a CEO of an MSP, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge in managing and securing IT environments at scale. He is passionate about product design, user experience, and driving innovation in cybersecurity.

    Links and Resources Mentioned:

    • Liongard
    • Book: "Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey A. Moore


    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    22 min
  • Scaling Successfully: WINNING M&A Strategies for MSPs

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    Christopher Vollmond-Carstens, M&A, NTIVA

    In this episode of WIN ("What's Important Now?"), host Carrie Richardson dives into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) within the managed service provider (MSP) industry with Christopher Vollmond-Carstens, M&A Director at NTIVA. 

    Christopher shares invaluable insights on preparing MSPs for acquisition, the importance of cultural alignment, and the key attributes NTIVA looks for in potential acquisitions. Whether you're an MSP owner considering a sale or simply interested in the M&A landscape, this episode offers practical advice and strategic insights.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Introduction to NTIVA and its M&A strategy
    • The concept of "empire builders" in the MSP space
    • Key factors that make NTIVA an attractive partner for MSPs
    • Essential criteria for MSPs to be considered for acquisition
    • Red flags and deal breakers in potential acquisitions
    • Preparing your MSP for sale: Short-term and long-term strategies
    • The importance of operational maturity and leadership
    • Impact of industry specialization on valuation
    • Understanding the M&A process timeline and relationship building
    • Current trends and future outlook in the MSP M&A space

    Notable Quotes:

    • Christopher Vollmond-Carstens: "We exist to grow each other. Technology is the accelerator, but people are at the core."
    • Carrie Richardson: "You're not looking for a boat with a hole in the bottom of it."
    • Christopher Vollmond-Carstens: "This is not a shotgun Hollywood wedding. This is something that should take time to establish and develop."

    Guest Information:

    Christopher Vollmond-Carstens is the M&A Director at NTIVA. With a strategic focus on expanding NTIVA's market presence through acquisitions, Christopher brings a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of M&As in the MSP space.

    Links and Resources Mentioned:

    • NTIVA Website: NTIVA
    • Christopher Vollmand-Carstens LinkedIn: Christopher Vollmand-Carstens
    • Service Leadership Industry Benchmarking: Service Leadership


    #MSPMergers #BusinessGrowth #NTIVA #MergersAndAcquisitions #ExitStrategy #Leadership #OperationalMaturity #IndustrySpecialization #Podcast


    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    36 min
  • David Dulany Helps SaaS teams WIN by choosing the right Sales Technology Stack

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    David Dulany, Founder of Tenbound

    In this episode of the WIN podcast, host Carrie Richardson sits down with David Dulany, the founder of Tenbound, a premier research and advisory firm in the B2B tech space. They discuss the journey of Tenbound, the evolution of sales technology, and the intricacies of building a successful sales development team. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, David shares invaluable advice for entrepreneurs and sales leaders alike. Tune in to discover the latest trends in sales technology and learn how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of B2B sales.

    Episode Highlights:

    • [00:01:00] - David's journey from running a sales development team at OpenDNS to founding Tenbound.
    • [00:02:00] - The importance of finding a niche and the success of MSP-focused strategies.
    • [00:03:00] - Overview of Tenbound's mission and services.
    • [00:04:00] - The impact of sales technology on business growth.
    • [00:06:00] - Legal and ethical considerations in using sales technology.
    • [00:10:00] - Challenges and solutions in training SDRs and managing sales teams.
    • [00:12:00] - The pros and cons of parallel dialers and other sales tools.
    • [00:16:00] - The evolution of cold calling and telemarketing strategies.
    • [00:20:00] - Insights into entrepreneurship and the importance of product-market fit.
    • [00:24:00] - Predictions for the future of sales technology and practical advice for building a sales team.

    Memorable Quotes:

    • "Finding product market fit is everything, whether it's product market fit or service." - David Dulany
    • "You don't need a hundred different tools, and the way that people manage the technology is problematic." - David Dulany
    • "If you're the smartest person in the room, then you're in the wrong room." - David Dulany

    Guest Information:

    David Dulany is the founder of Tenbound, a research and advisory firm focused on sales development and technology. With a rich background in sales and marketing, David has been instrumental in shaping the B2B tech landscape through innovative strategies and cutting-edge solutions. Connect with David on LinkedIn.

    Links and Resources Mentioned:

    • Tenbound: Website
    • OpenDNS: Website
    • Delegate Solutions: Website
    • Managed Sales Pros: Website




    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    32 min
  • Pedro Lerma WINS by building brands while breaking barriers

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    Pedro Lerma - EY Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee 2024

    In this episode of "WIN: What's Important Now," host Carrie Richardson sits down with Pedro Lerma, the founder of Lerma, an innovative advertising agency based in Dallas. Pedro shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early experiences in construction and bar ownership to creating impactful Super Bowl commercials. 

    As a nominee for EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Pedro discusses the significance of leadership, the role of technology in advertising, and his commitment to representing underrepresented groups in his work. 

    Tune in for insights on building a successful business, embracing innovation, and the power of inclusive storytelling.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Pedro Lerma’s early exposure to entrepreneurship through his uncle’s construction company.
    • The journey of starting and selling a bar in Wichita Falls, Texas.
    • Building a digital practice within The Richards Group in 1998.
    • Launching Richards Lerma and eventually becoming independent in 2021.
    • The impact of having commercials in the Super Bowl for "He Gets Us" and avocados from Mexico.
    • Embracing technology and innovation, including the use of AI to address bias in advertising.
    • The importance of leading brand storytelling with underrepresented groups.
    • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the advertising industry.

    Guest Quotes:

    • "I embraced this idea of loving change and not being afraid of it."
    • "Lead your brand storytelling with the underrepresented, and you will absolutely connect with that group, but it has a halo effect that will appeal to much broader audiences."
    • "Study leadership, learn to be a great communicator, and take risks early in your career."

    Guest Information:

    • Name: Pedro Lerma
    • Title: Founder of Lerma, Advertising Agency
    • Website: Lerma Agency
    • Notable Recognition: EY Entrepreneur of the Year nominee, Advertising Age’s Small Agency of the Year 2022 and 2023

    Links and Resources Mentioned:

    • Lerma Agency: Lerma Agency
    • "He Gets Us" Campaign: He Gets Us
    • Advertising Publications: Ad Week, Advertising Age
    • Books Recommended by Pedro:
      • "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
      • "Primal Leadership" by Daniel Goleman



    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    24 min
  • Carlson Choi WINs with a focus on partnerships instead of transactions

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    In this episode of WIN, host Carrie Richardson sits down with Carson Choi, CEO of Cork, to discuss his dynamic career path from enterprise leadership to founding Cork, a company that revolutionizes cyber insurance with a unique cyber warranty product. Carson shares his insights on the MSP space, the challenges of cyber risk management, and how Cork is providing MSPs with new opportunities for revenue and enhanced client protection.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Carson Choi's diverse career journey from video games and toys to the restaurant industry and MSP space.
    • The inspiration behind Cork and the problems it aims to solve in the cyber insurance market.
    • How Cork’s cyber warranty offers both preventive measures and financial recovery for MSPs and their clients.
    • The unique features of Cork's platform, including real-time alerts and integration with existing security stacks.
    • Success stories and strategies for MSPs to upsell and integrate cyber warranty into their service offerings.
    • Carson’s vision for Cork’s growth and the importance of treating MSPs as partners rather than customers.

    Guest Quotes:

    • "My life has always been about looking at things differently and driving transformational approaches."
    • "We created Cork to solve a unique problem specifically for the channel business."
    • "The cyber warranty is like a bridge finance between the incident and remediation."

    Guest Information: Carson Choi is the CEO of Cork, a company that provides innovative cyber warranty solutions for MSPs. With a diverse background in enterprise leadership, video games, toys, and the restaurant industry, Carson brings a unique perspective to the MSP space. He previously served as the Chief Digital Officer for Jollibee Foods and Datto.

    Links and Resources Mentioned:

    • Cork's Website
    • Jollibee Foods
    • Datto
    • PAX 8 Beyond

    #CyberInsurance #MSP #CyberWarranty #DigitalTransformation #CyberSecurity #RevenueGrowth #SmallBusinessIT #CyberPrevention #CyberRecovery #Entrepreneurship


    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    29 min
  • Dave Marcinkowski WINS by Innovating in a Tech-Adverse Industry

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    Episode Summary

    In this episode of Win What's Important Now, host Carrie Richardson interviews Dave Marcinkowski, founder of Madera Residential and nominee for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. Dave shares his entrepreneurial journey from his early days as a bookkeeper to leading multiple successful ventures in real estate, property technology (prop tech), and financial technology (fintech). The conversation delves into the challenges and innovations that have defined Madera Residential, as well as Dave's vision for the future of real estate and technology integration.

    Episode Highlights

    • Dave’s Background and Early Career: Transition from economics graduate to real estate entrepreneur.
    • Founding Madera Residential: The initial challenges and successes, including the impact of Hurricane Ike and the 2008 financial crisis.
    • Innovations in Property Technology: Development of Quext and its impact on the real estate industry.
    • Fintech Solutions for Renters: Introduction of Rent Plus and other fintech initiatives aimed at improving renters’ financial health.
    • Future of Real Estate and Technology: Scaling Madera Residential and expanding into new markets.
    • Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Dave’s insights on persistence, innovation, and the importance of building a supportive team.

    Guest Quotes

    • "I think you know you're an entrepreneur when you're taking a risk, it doesn’t go well, and you have the passion and the heart to fight through it."
    • "The real estate industry is way behind as it relates to technology. We're a 'this is how we've always done it' industry."
    • "Living in a multifamily world is different and as an industry, we have to adapt to that."

    Guest Information

    Dave Marcinkowski is the founder of Madera Residential, a leading real estate investment company based in Lubbock, Texas. With over 32 years in the apartment industry, Dave has spearheaded numerous initiatives in property technology and financial technology, helping to modernize and improve the multifamily housing sector. Dave is a nominee for the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award.

    Links and Resources Mentioned

    • Madera Residential
    • Quext
    • EY Entrepreneur of the Year
    • Rent Plus
    • Amazon Web Services





    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    29 min
  • Shaun Vlassis WINS by Innovating Threat Detection

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    Shaun Vlassis Wins By Innovating Threat Detection

    In this episode of "What's Important Now?" host Carrie Richardson sits down with Shaun Vlassis, founder of Illuminate Security, to explore the creation and impact of his innovative crowdsourced threat hunting platform, Blue Hat. Shaun shares his journey from working at top financial institutions to establishing his own business, tackling industry challenges, and leveraging crowdsourced expertise to enhance cybersecurity defenses.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Shaun's background in detection and response over two decades.
    • Insights into the challenges faced by the cybersecurity industry.
    • The conception and development of the Blue Hat platform.
    • Advantages of crowdsourced threat hunting compared to traditional methods.
    • The balance between technology and expertise in security operations.
    • Shaun's transition from practitioner to entrepreneur.
    • Overcoming obstacles in investment and enterprise sales cycles.
    • The future of cybersecurity and the role of innovation in the industry.

    Guest Quotes:

    1. "We've been doing the same approach to solving cybersecurity problems for decades, yet expecting different results." – Shaun Vlassis
    2. "The Blue Hat platform takes the same crowdsourced model from offensive security and applies it to the defensive side, making it more effective and scalable." – Shaun Vlassis
    3. "Starting a business requires making as many mistakes as quickly as possible to figure out what works." – Shaun Vlassis

    Guest Information:

    Name: Shaun Vlassis
    Title: Founder of Illuminate Security
    LinkedIn: Shaun Vlassis on LinkedIn
    Company Website: Illuminate Security

    Links and Resources Mentioned:

    • RSA Conference: RSA Conference Website
    • Bugcrowd: Bugcrowd Website
    • HackerOne: HackerOne Website
    • Salesforce: Salesforce Website
    • AWS (Amazon Web Services): AWS Website
    • HubSpot: HubSpot Website
    • Xero: Xero Website


    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    28 min
  • Josh Kotler wants other MSPs to WIN by Selling Before the Bubble Bursts

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    In today's episode of "What's Important Now," we had the pleasure of speaking with Josh Kotler, a seasoned investor in the managed services space and a partner at Axial Reade. Josh shared his journey from founding Western Digitech to his recent ventures, providing valuable insights into the MSP industry and the M&A process.

    Josh's story began in 1998 when he joined Western Digitech, a company founded by his partner in 1994. Starting as a small garage-based operation, they grew the business into a successful MSP. In 2014, Josh bought out his partner, and under his leadership, Western Digitech experienced significant growth, reaching a run rate of about $7 million upon his exit.

    The decision to sell Western Digitech  was not taken lightly. Initially, Josh had no intention of selling, but an unsolicited offer from a peer in early 2019 sparked the idea that it might be time to consider an exit. After weighing multiple offers and engaging in deep discussions with Compass MSP, Josh found the right strategic fit and closed the deal on December 23, 2019.

    Josh played a pivotal role in Compass MSP's growth, serving as COO and interim CEO, and leading several successful add-on acquisitions.

    Eventually, Josh decided to step back from his active role at Compass MSP, allowing him to focus on other investments and opportunities. In February 2023, he co-founded Sansom Street Capital and acquired Elevative Networks, diving back into the MSP business. Additionally, he invested in channel companies and joined Axial Reade as an operating partner, focusing on building strong MSP brands through strategic acquisitions.

    Josh and I discussed the challenges facing smaller MSPs, particularly those with EBITDA below $1 million. He emphasized the importance of scale in managing risk effectively and the tough decision owners face: either work hard to grow their business or roll their equity into a larger organization for better appreciation and security.

    We also touched on the impending "bubble" of older MSP owners looking to exit in the next few years. Josh warned that a rush to sell could depress prices due to supply and demand dynamics. He advised owners to plan ahead and consider exiting before the bubble hits or commit to a longer-term strategy to build value.

    As the conversation wrapped up, Josh highlighted the need for MSP owners to make a plan for their exit. With many potential sellers in the market, it's crucial not to stagnate and to take proactive steps to ensure a successful financial outcome.

    Josh's insights provided a wealth of knowledge for anyone in the MSP space considering their future. His experience and strategic approach to M&A offer valuable lessons on growth, risk management, and the importance of timing when it comes to selling a business.


    Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

    They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

    Learn more at:

    Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

    Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

    Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

     
    Book time with Carrie here!


    Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

    27 min

About WIN

From the publisher's feed

I'm Carrie Richardson, and this is WIN: a podcast for MSP owners and IT channel sales leaders who are done guessing at sales and marketing and ready to get good at it on…