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

The Ingram Micro cyber incident sent shockwaves through the IT world, but it’s more than just a headline—it’s a wake-up call for MSPs and IT providers everywhere. In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Crean to discuss the real impact, the lessons we all need to learn, and why compassion and community matter most when crisis hits. Let’s turn disruption into an opportunity for growth and better sec...

Ever wish you could turn those low-fit contracts into real cash—or acquire new clients without the headaches of traditional M&A? Matt Yesbeck, co-founder of MSPX, reveals how his platform is turning managed service contracts into currency. Hear the story behind the first marketplace designed for MSPs to buy, sell, and value contracts, and learn how it’s giving providers new ways to grow, pivot, or...

Are your clients tired of juggling passwords and MFA codes? In this episode, I sit down with Ahmad Al-Hidiq from EverKey to discuss how their universal smart key technology is making authentication seamless—no more codes, no more friction. Find out how MSPs can deliver effortless, secure access that employees will actually love. Why Listen: Discover how proximity authentication works Learn about s...

I’m joined by the one and only Mackenzie Brown from Blackpoint Cyber. We’re live at PAX8 Beyond in Denver, people-watching and talking all things cybersecurity. Mackenzie shares her latest “aha” moments in MSP security, including the ongoing challenges with ConnectWise and ScreenConnect, and why patching is still a pain point for many providers. We get into Blackpoint’s unique approach to threat i...

I welcome back two of my favorite MSP leaders: Dawn Sizer and Brian Weiss. We start with a bang—ThreatLocker is officially sponsoring the livestream! Dawn, a long-time advocate, shares how ThreatLocker’s zero trust approach has changed the game for her clients, while Brian gives us a behind-the-scenes look at managing security policies and the benefits of the Cyber Hero program. We dive into the r...

What happens when AI disruption starts from the bottom up? This episode features Craig Donovan from PAX8, who reveals how MSPs are now leading the charge in AI adoption, not just following the enterprise. Learn about the Managed Intelligence Toolkit, the shift to workflow-driven solutions, and how PAX8 is helping partners transform their businesses and relationships with customers. Billing headach...

What does it take to stand out in the crowded MSP security market? Larry Meador shares the inside story of Cavelo’s rise, from their MSP roots to launching new configuration management features. Discover how Cavelo’s platform helps MSPs find and protect sensitive data, while offering enterprise-grade quality at MSP-friendly prices. Why Listen: Discover how Cavelo helps MSPs consolidate security to...

Ever wondered why DMARC reports are so confusing and rarely read? Palisade’s solution changes the game by analyzing email data and offering actionable fixes automatically. Taylor reveals how MSPs can finally overcome the technical hurdles of email compliance, streamline enforcement, and generate new revenue streams—all while improving client trust and deliverability. Why listen: Understand the com...

What if your security training ran itself, effortlessly protecting your clients from human error? Nihil Morjaria of uSecure explains how their platform automates everything from onboarding to dark web monitoring, giving MSPs more time for complex projects. With award-winning results and a focus on real-life scenarios, uSecure is changing the game for security awareness. Tune in to hear how short,...

Ever wonder how top MSPs break through the noise and get deals done? Dmitrius Garcia, president and co-founder of XAmplify, joins Uncle Marv to share the company’s journey from product-centric to service-first. Learn how XAmplify’s AI agent and analytics platform are helping MSPs turn complex jargon into clear value propositions, track every campaign, and build stronger relationships with vendors—...

Pinar Ormeci shares how Timus Networks is empowering MSPs with always-on zero trust, granular firewall policies, and rich reporting. The episode covers the company’s move to Tampa, their focus on the channel, and the latest innovations in network security. Why Listen: Learn how shared gateways make SASE accessible for small clients Discover smart VPN fallback for seamless connectivity See how Timu...

How do you keep your MSP thriving after selling? The answer lies in the community-driven vision of the MSP Owners Group. Juan Fernandez shares why this model is so different from traditional private equity buyouts—focusing on leaders who want to stay, grow, and mentor the next generation. Discover why Prodigy Techs and Cool Technology are among the first to join, and how this new era of service pr...

Peter from TruGrid joins Uncle Marv to tackle the myths and realities of RDP security. Peter explains why RDP isn’t the problem—it’s how it’s protected. He shares how TruGrid’s innovative architecture, built on SASE and Zero Trust, is making remote access safer and easier for MSPs, especially in the age of BYOD and cloud adoption. Why Listen: Bust myths about RDP and VPN security Learn how TruGrid...

Live from PAX 8 Beyond, Uncle Marv chats with Leonard from Rythmz, the MSP-first company bringing portable internet to events and emergencies. Their rugged Pelican cases house bonded SIM cards for unlimited, high-priority data, perfect for powering small chamber events or a 100,000-person concert. Leonard shares how MSPs are cashing in by charging setup and daily fees, turning Wi-Fi into a revenue...

Live from Pax8 Beyond, Uncle Marv catches up with Brian Weiss, the Tech Stoic, who’s revolutionizing IT with Stoic philosophy. Running iTech Solutions, Brian focuses on people, process, and technology—helping clients navigate outages with practical solutions like backup internet or power redundancies. His Stoic mindset keeps his team grounded, emphasizing empathy and continuous improvement. Brian’...

Uncle Marv welcomes Kathleen Lord, Chief Revenue Officer at Zensai, to the show live from Pax8 Beyond in Denver. They dive into why compliance is broken and how MSPs can bridge the gap between technology implementation and user adoption. Kathleen explains how Zensai’s learning management system, built natively into Microsoft Teams, makes training simple, scalable, and cost-effective for both MSPs...

Ever wondered what it’s like to face a client who suddenly wants to pay less—while secretly discovering they’ve already shopped around and found your rates are actually half the competition? Uncle Marv shares a jaw-dropping story about pricing, client loyalty, and the emotional rollercoaster of running an IT business.  Should you run DHCP on a server, a firewall, or both? Uncle Marv breaks down th...

Ever wonder why some MSPs struggle with Macs while others thrive? Justin Esgar, founder of an Apple-focused MSP and host of All Things MSP, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to manage Macs at scale. From hilarious conference stories to the secrets of Mac deployment and security, this episode is packed with actionable insights for MSPs who want to level up their Apple game—or finally d...

What does it take to stand out in the MSP world? Join Uncle Marv and event management expert Amy Slater as they unpack the power of community, collaboration, and smart event planning. From organizing intimate Lunch and Learns to orchestrating large-scale panels, Amy reveals how Innovative Events supports MSPs and small businesses in finding their voice and expanding their reach. Tune in for inside...

Join Uncle Marv and Brook Lee as they swap stories from the road, sharing the secrets to building authentic vendor relationships and the value of thinking outside the box. From event etiquette to real-world onboarding challenges, they share stories and strategies that will help you spot the best fit for your business. Plus, get ready for a world tour of food, travel, and unforgettable networking m...

Ever feel like your MSP is drowning in data but starved for context? Jeffrey Newton, co-founder of CYFT, shares how his AI-driven platform is giving MSPs real-time situational awareness—automating documentation, enriching tickets, and ensuring techs have the right info before they even pick up a call. Listen to why “best practice” may not always be in your best interest and how CYFT is changing th...

If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own home lab or wondered how to get started with Synology, Unraid, or TrueNAS, this episode is for you. Uncle Marv and Mike Wieger break down the pros and cons of each platform, explain the magic of Docker and containerization, and share practical tips for home automation and security. Get inspired to tinker, break, and learn—just like the pros do! Why Liste...

What if you could manage hundreds of Intune tenants without ever repeating the same task? Colin Britton shares how Devicie’s runbooks and automation tools make it possible, while also providing deep insights into endpoint health and security. Learn about their new Reporting Connector for Edge for Business and how it brings browser security into focus for modern IT environments.  Why Listen: Find o...

Eric Torres joins Uncle Marv to discuss the power of community, peer groups, and collaboration in the MSP industry. Eric shares his personal journey, the importance of vendor partnerships, and how PAX 8 is helping MSPs transition to MSP 3.0—where AI and intelligence drive business success. Eric shares his journey from Milwaukee to Melbourne, his passion for travel, and the importance of profession...

What does it take to lead product in a company that’s always pushing boundaries? Libby McIlhany shares her journey from software engineer to Chief Product Officer at PAX 8, revealing how she and her team are shaping the future of the IT marketplace. From the dot-com crash to the AI revolution, this episode is a masterclass in tech leadership. Why Listen: Gain perspective on the evolution of the IT...