Uncle Marv welcomes Ryan Miller, Chief Information Security Officer at RootPoint, to discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity. They dive into the recent buzz around Ghost GPT, an AI-powered tool that's causing concern in the tech world. Ryan offers a balanced perspective, explaining that while such tools may make certain hacking tasks easier, they don't necessarily lower the barrier to entry for cybercriminals as much as some fear.

The conversation shifts to the challenges of managing IT security in today's landscape. Ryan shares insights on the importance of proper security practices, including the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and the risks associated with certain vendor requirements. He emphasizes the value of collaboration between IT professionals and employees, cautioning against practices that can alienate staff, such as overly aggressive phishing simulations.

Uncle Marv and Ryan also touch on the evolving nature of managed services, with Ryan highlighting RootPoint's approach of tailoring enterprise-level solutions for their clients. The episode wraps up with a humorous Florida Man story, providing a light-hearted end to an informative discussion on serious cybersecurity matters.

=== Links and Companies Mentioned

1. RootPoint - https://www.rootpoint.com/
2. AV Summary Report: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/av-summary-2024/
3. Florida Man Arrested Despite Having Ankle Monitor: https://tinyurl.com/3c6ap245
4. Florida Halo Law Protects First Responders: https://tinyurl.com/244p87x9
5. ThreatLocker - https://threatlocker.com/
6. Mitel - https://www.mitel.com/
7. Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item

• Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
• Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
• Item ID: CSR3UET
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• 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

In this episode of Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast, host Marv welcomes Cat Orsini, a marketing strategist with a fresh take on business growth. Cat dives into her journey from using manipulative "bro marketing" techniques to developing a more authentic, relationship-focused approach.

Cat introduces her concept of the Action Incubator and explains how she helps businesses create "firework experiences" to shorten sales cycles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different buyer types and tailoring marketing strategies accordingly. Cat also shares insights on common mistakes businesses make when trying to scale, including automating failure instead of success and treating networks like one-night stands.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Cat and Marv discuss the psychology behind decision-making in sales. Cat stresses the need to address both emotional and logical aspects of buying, providing valuable tips for IT service providers looking to build trust with potential clients.

Throughout the episode, Cat sprinkles in practical advice on time management, content creation, and the strategic use of data in marketing. She introduces her new Spark CRM system and explains how it helps turn networks into net worth.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for IT business owners looking to improve their marketing strategies and build stronger, more authentic relationships with clients.

=== Links and Companies Mentioned:

1. Action Incubator - https://actionincubator.com/

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item

• 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

In this engaging episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv sits down with George Bardissi, founder of bvoip and MSP Initiative. George opens up about his transition from running an MSP to creating a VoIP solution specifically designed for IT service providers. He discusses the challenges of balancing multiple ventures and the importance of valuing one's time in the MSP world.

George explains how bvoip's OneStream platform integrates deeply with popular PSA and ticketing systems, automating call logging and enhancing customer service for MSPs. He shares insights on why many MSPs hesitate to resell VoIP services and how BVOIP addresses these concerns.

The conversation also covers the origins of MSP Initiative, including the famous bus tour during the pandemic and the community-focused events it organizes. George emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful experiences and sharing authentic knowledge within the MSP community.

=== Companies Mentioned:

1. BVOIP - https://www.bvoip.com/
2. MSP Initiative - https://mspinitiative.com/
3. ConnectWise - https://www.connectwise.com/
4. Datto - https://www.datto.com/
5. Autotask - https://www.datto.com/products/autotask-psa/
6. Halo PSA - https://halopsa.com/
7. Syncro - https://syncromsp.com/
8. SuperOps.ai - https://superops.ai/
9. Zendesk - https://www.zendesk.com/
10. RingCentral - https://www.ringcentral.com/
11. Zoom - https://zoom.us/
12. Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/

=== LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item
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

In this special edition of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee takes listeners on a journey through his career and the evolution of his podcast. Starting from his early days in a computer repair shop to founding his own business in 1997, Marv shares how he discovered podcasting in 2014 and became part of the Podnutz community. He recounts his experience at the 2025 PodFest conference, highlighting the growth of the podcasting industry and its impact on his own show.

Marv proudly announces that the IT Business Podcast has seen significant growth, with unique listeners increasing from 7,094 in 2023 to 8,607 in 2024. He emphasizes the show's commitment to providing valuable content to help IT business owners run their operations better, smarter, and faster.

The episode also touches on current events, including the ongoing California wildfire crisis, and stresses the importance of community in the MSP industry. Marv discusses various MSP communities and organizations, cautioning against becoming "just another membership organization with little value."

Diversity in tech is another key topic, with Marv highlighting the current state of representation and its importance for innovation and success in the global market. He also addresses the thriving nature of the MSP space, with a focus on profitability and growth expectations for 2025.

Looking ahead, Marv shares his plans for the podcast in 2025, including attending industry conferences and potentially expanding marketing efforts. He encourages listeners to support the show through various means and promises to continue delivering actionable advice, industry news, and insightful interviews.

=== Links and Companies Mentioned:

1. PodFest Expo - podfestexpo.com
2. Podnutz - podnutz.com
3. ASCII - ascii.com
4. IT Nation - connectwise.com/theitnation
5. Pax8 Beyond - pax8.com
6. ThreatLocker - threatlocker.com

=== LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item
Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
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Item ID: CSR3UET
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License Date: January 1st, 2024
Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML

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=== 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

In this episode, Uncle Marv welcomes Michelle Accardi, CEO of Liongard, and Brooke Lee, the new VP of Community and Channel, to discuss Liongard's recent successes and future plans. The conversation kicks off with Michelle explaining Liongard's rapid growth, including new integrations and high-profile hires like David Powell as CRO.

Brooke shares her excitement about joining Liongard and her plans to strengthen community engagement through webinars, partner advisory councils, and the Liongard Academy. The discussion then dives into Liongard's advanced automated documentation, cyber asset discovery, and asset inventory features, highlighting how these tools can benefit MSPs.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Michelle and Brooke discuss the upcoming RoarCon events, which will now be hosted guest format events focusing on intimate, educational experiences for partners. The episode wraps up with a humorous Florida Man segment, featuring rejected personalized license plates and a quirky story from Sheriff Grady Judd.

Throughout the show, Uncle Marv's witty banter and the guests' enthusiasm create an engaging and informative atmosphere, making this episode a must-listen for MSPs and tech enthusiasts alike.

=== Websites and Companies Mentioned:

• Liongard - https://www.liongard.com
• IT Glue - https://www.itglue.com
• CyberFOX - https://www.cyberfox.com/
• Rejected Florida Vanity License Plates for 2024 - https://tinyurl.com/bdrme8p8
• Florida Man ... with a horse - https://tinyurl.com/4x2rhxxw
• Deloitte - https://www.deloitte.com
• Zero Trust World, February 19-21, 2025: https://zerotrustworld.threatlocker.com/
• The Florida Man Games, March 1, 2025: https://www.thefloridamangames.com/

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item

This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for one Single Use for this Registered Project.

• 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

For any queries related to this license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new or Envato Elements Pty Ltd (ABN 87 613 824 258) PO Box 16122, Collins St West, VIC 8007, Australia

=== 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

Uncle Marv brings us a special edition of the IT Business Podcast, diving into the recent shakeup at Kaseya. Fred Voccola, CEO for the past decade, is transitioning to Vice Chairman after leading the company to over $1.5 billion in annual recurring revenue. This move comes as Kaseya eyes a potential public offering.

To break down this news, Uncle Marv brings on Dave Sobel, host of MSP Radio and former vendor channel member. Dave offers insights into the timing of the announcement, the implications for Kaseya's future, and how this fits into broader industry trends.

The conversation touches on the polarizing nature of Kaseya in the MSP community, the company's aggressive sales tactics, and the trend of long-term contracts in the industry. Dave cautions against emotional reactions to vendor strategies, encouraging MSPs to focus on customer experience instead.

The podcast wraps up with speculation about Kaseya's next CEO and the likelihood of an IPO in the near future. Dave suggests that while Kaseya is positioning for potential public offering, current market conditions and the mixed performance of MSP companies in the public market might delay such plans.

People/Companies Mentioned:

1. Kaseya - www.kaseya.com
2. ConnectWise - www.connectwise.com
3. Datto - www.datto.com
4. SolarWinds - www.solarwinds.com
5. OpenAI - www.openai.com
6. Anthropic - www.anthropic.com
7. HP - www.hp.com
8. Dell - www.dell.com
9. Cisco - www.cisco.com
10. Microsoft - www.microsoft.com

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item

This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for one Single Use for this Registered Project.

• 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

For any queries related to this license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new or Envato Elements Pty Ltd (ABN 87 613 824 258) PO Box 16122, Collins St West, VIC 8007, Australia

=== 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

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 for the IT Business Podcast! Uncle Marv starts the year with a bang, sharing the latest industry moves and shakeups. From new job announcements to promotions, he covers it all, including the big news at LionGuard with Brook Lee and David Powell joining the team.

Marv touches on upcoming guests and events, including the Florida Man Games in March and his attendance at ThreatLocker's Zero Trust World in February. He also teases exciting new content focused on NetAlly tools, promising in-depth, practical demonstrations for IT professionals.

The episode takes a personal turn as Marv reflects on loyalty in the industry, sharing touching stories of long-time connections leading to new opportunities. He also introduces new ways for listeners to support the show, from Amazon affiliate links to Ko-Fi donations.

Wrapping up, Marv gives a heartfelt tribute to his late friend Amy Coons, revealing the profound impact she had on his decision to start his own IT business. It's a poignant reminder of the personal connections that shape our professional journeys.

Links:

• David Powell appointed new Chief Revenue Officer at Liongard: https://tinyurl.com/ycrupr58
• Brook Lee appointed as the new Vice President of Community and Channel at Liongard: https://tinyurl.com/8r7v6tmn
• Pia announces CEO Gerwai Todd’s departure: https://tinyurl.com/3z3bbz9y
• Anker 60W USB Charger - https://amzn.to/4fO0i71
• Zero Trust World, February 19-21, 2025: https://zerotrustworld.threatlocker.com/
• The Florida Man Games, March 1, 2025: https://www.thefloridamangames.com/

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item

This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for one Single Use for this Registered Project.

• 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

For any queries related to this license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new or Envato Elements Pty Ltd (ABN 87 613 824 258) PO Box 16122, Collins St West, VIC 8007, Australia

=== 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

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/9O0yF-u9P3g

Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast ends 2024 with a bang in this special holiday episode. The show features two groups of guests from the MSP industry, including familiar faces and new additions.

The first group dives into discussions about business growth, project management challenges, and the evolving MSP landscape. Tom Bull and Stan Louissaint share insights from their Jersey-based operations, while Lynn Williams represents ASCII Group, celebrating their 40th anniversary. Brian Weiss talks about his company's pivot to a Microsoft-first approach and their recent office purchase.

The second group brings more diverse perspectives. Dawn Sizer shares a frustrating experience with a PEO integration, while Joe Balsarotti shows off his impressive autograph collection. Bradley Gross, the "attorney for all technicians," discusses the increasing recognition of legal needs in the MSP world. Brandon Martens from TruGrid and Matt Linn from Thread offer vendor perspectives on working with MSPs.

Uncle Marv announces the podcast award winners, with Dave Scott of Scott Growth Strategies taking home two awards for Best Episode and Best Guest of 2024. Moovila took home the Best Vendor Swag for 2024, accepted by Kate Schlarf, the VP for Growth Marketing for Moovila. Dave Scott of Scott Growth Strategies taking home two awards for Best Episode and Best Guest of 2024.

The show concludes with a gift card giveaway and a teaser for Uncle Marv's coverage of the upcoming Florida Man Games in March 2025.

Websites and Links:

1. ASCII Group - www.ascii.com
2. Thread - www.thread.com
3. Moovila - https://www.moovila.com/
4. Scott Growth Strategies - www.scottgrowthstrategies.com
5. Florida Man Games - https://www.thefloridamangames.com/

=== 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