Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)

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 anyon...

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...

Uncle Marv launches a special three-part series, "Auvik vs Domotz," bringing together two experienced MSP leaders to compare the industry's top network monitoring platforms. Robinson Roca of Helient Technologies shares how Auvik’s intuitive interface, powerful NetFlow analytics, and seamless Autotask integration have transformed his team’s troubleshooting and client transparency. Meanwhile, Darcy...

Uncle Marv sits down with Joan Posivy—author, entrepreneur, and host of The Side Hustle Hero podcast—to unpack the real-world lessons behind building a successful side hustle. Joan’s story is anything but ordinary: from becoming Canada’s youngest bank manager to running a deli, self-storage business, and now a top-rated podcast, her journey is filled with pivots, persistence, and practical wisdom....

Andy Higgins, founder of IM Collaboration, shares his journey from early days in IT in England, Switzerland, and the US, to building a successful MSP business. He discusses his experience with major migrations (like Continental Tires), representing Switzerland at the ITU, and the importance of industry standards. Andy explains why he joined the National Society of IT Service Providers (NSITSP), th...

Uncle Marv sits down with Paul Daigle, founder of the Biz Advisory Board and a 30-year industry expert, for a candid conversation about what it takes to build, grow, and ultimately sell a successful MSP. Paul shares his journey from MSP owner to M&A advisor, revealing the pitfalls that keep many IT business owners from reaching their full potential. They explore why so many MSPs undervalue their b...

This week, Uncle Marv flies solo and tackles two hot topics for IT professionals and managed service providers: the art of project billing and the often-unspoken rules of MSP vendor etiquette. He shares a real-life story about a recent office move, breaking down his approach to project billing and how he handles client confusion or pushback. Marv also opens up the floor to the community, encouragi...

This episode offers a rare, honest look at what it takes to build and sustain a successful MSP over decades. David’s blend of technical expertise, business savvy, and willingness to adapt provides valuable lessons for IT business owners at any stage. Whether you’re looking to diversify, adopt new tech, or simply connect with peers, you’ll find actionable insights and inspiration. David Steele’s MS...

Join Uncle Marv and Robert Gillette from MSP Dojo in this engaging episode of the IT Business Podcast. They break down what it really takes to build a strong sales engine for MSPs, from overcoming the awkwardness of asking for money to the power of teamwork in the sales process. Robert offers a fresh perspective on sales, treating it as a co-op game where collaboration between sales, technical, an...

Uncle Marv sits down with James Abercrombie, known as the “Cyber Beard,” to discuss Acronis’ journey from a backup-only company to a full-featured MSP platform. James shares how listening to MSPs in the field has shaped Acronis’ evolution, leading to powerful integrations, advanced automation, and a true all-in-one solution for managed service providers. The conversation covers the importance of d...

This episode of Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast features Robert Gillette, founder of MSP Dojo, who brings a fresh perspective on what it really takes to grow an MSP beyond just marketing. Robert shares his journey from leading sales at a Bay Area MSP to coaching competitors and ultimately creating MSP Dojo—a platform where MSPs practice sales with each other in a high-pressure, low-risk environme...

Acronis has taken a bold step in addressing the challenges faced by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) worldwide through its innovative educational initiatives—the Acronis Academy and MSP Academy. In this engaging conversation, Jon McCarrick dives into how these programs provide vendor-neutral training to help technicians gain crucial skills, business owners navigate growth strategies, and sales tea...

Uncle Marv sits down with Lisa Johnson from AVC Technology at ASCII Edge in Orlando to discuss her company’s fascinating journey from its origins in 1971 to becoming a thriving managed services provider today. Key Highlights: A Love for Disney Meets IT Lisa shares her lifelong passion for Disney and how it ties into her frequent trips to Orlando with her husband Brian while running their remote bu...

In this episode of Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast, we continue our conversation with David Stinner, founder of Buffalo-based US itek. David opens up about the lessons he learned from early legal battles that shaped his entrepreneurial drive and how he scaled his MSP using innovative strategies like flat-rate pricing and outsourcing help desk services overseas. Key Topics Covered: From Legal Batt...

Why Listen? This episode provides a candid look at the evolution of an MSP from its humble beginnings to becoming a regional leader in IT services. David’s story is packed with actionable insights on scaling a business, overcoming customer objections, and leveraging tools for proactive service delivery. Show Notes David Stinner, founder and president of US itek, joins Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podc...

Why Listen? This episode offers relatable insights for IT professionals working in smaller markets or expanding their businesses into new regions. Ali Johnston’s stories about cybersecurity awareness and scaling managed services are both practical and inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating growth while maintaining client trust. Show Notes Ali Johnston, owner of Bel Tech Service...

In this episode of Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast , we dive into the tools and strategies that keep IT professionals ahead of the game. Uncle Marv opens up his trusted NetAlly go bag to reveal essential devices like the EtherScope and LinkSprinter, explaining how each tool simplifies network troubleshooting and testing. He shares insights from recent client projects, including office moves in Or...

Why Listen? This episode provides actionable advice for IT professionals looking to elevate their businesses through professionalism, education, and advocacy. Karl Palachuk’s insights will inspire listeners to embrace higher standards while preparing for legislative changes that impact their industry. Show Notes In this engaging episode of Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast, Karl Palachuk shares his...

Why Listen? This episode provides actionable insights for IT professionals looking to grow their businesses while maintaining flexibility and high-quality service. David’s relatable anecdotes and practical advice on networking, referrals, and team-building make it a valuable resource for anyone in the MSP space. Show Notes David Geiger’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring. Start...

Why Listen? This episode provides valuable insights into modern IT challenges like managing patches across diverse environments, securing endpoints against vulnerabilities, and scaling solutions for MSPs. Mike Walters offers practical advice on leveraging Action1’s unique features to improve efficiency without breaking the budget. Show Notes Action1 is changing the game in IT patch management, off...

Why Listen This episode provides actionable insights on disaster recovery, cybersecurity best practices, and building lasting client relationships—all from an MSP that has thrived in Florida’s challenging environment for 30 years. Whether you’re an established IT provider or just starting out, Laura’s stories and advice will inspire you to elevate your business. Show Notes Laura Casper of Link Tec...

Herman Pool joins Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast to share his expertise in marketing automation and business growth strategies for MSPs. As the founder of Vertical Action and Noticeable, Herman has developed tools and systems that go beyond traditional website services to include marketing fulfillment and coaching. He introduces his GROW system—Get Noticed, Build Relationships, Own the Sale, and...

In this episode, Tim Fitzpatrick returns to share his expertise on strategic marketing for MSPs and IT professionals. Tim breaks down his proven framework of strategy, planning, and leadership, explaining how each component works together to create a robust marketing engine that drives consistent results. Key highlights include: Why most MSPs fail at marketing by skipping the strategy phase and ju...

Uncle Marv returns after a whirlwind week at ASCII Edge Orlando 2025! This episode is packed with stories from six days away—his longest stretch out of town in decades—and features everything from client moves to conference networking highlights. Marv shares his experience troubleshooting camera systems under unusual circumstances and navigating cubicle chaos during a client’s office setup gone wr...

Uncle Marv welcomes Steve Copeland from Rhythms, the company behind the innovative “internet in a box” solution that’s making waves in the MSP world. Steve explains how their 5G-powered boxes are helping IT providers not only offer reliable backup internet but also create new revenue opportunities by sponsoring events and providing connectivity at scale. Creative Ways to Monetize Connectivity Stev...