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

What does it take to go from a one-man IT shop to a thriving 10-person business rooted in trust and professionalism? In this episode, I talk with Jason Thomas about his journey, the value of honest communication, and the tight-knit Chicago IT community that supports one another. You’ll hear how empathy, transparency, and taking time to recharge outside the business can fuel not just growth, but real transformation for your MSP.

Why ...

Uncle Marv hosts SonicWall’s finest—Lisa Compton and Julian Agapitos—for a packed roundtable all about the latest in firewall tech, MSP best practices, and business flexibility. We cover the move from Gen 6.5 to Gen 7 (and 8!), the new $99 TZ80 firewall, and how SonicWall’s cyber insurance and warranty options stack up. The conversation brings out hard truths about contracts, vendor transparency, SASE, ZTNA, and the magic of single...

What if you could move from a client call to an executive proposal in five minutes? In this eye-opening episode, Nicolas Fry explains how TurboDocx leverages AI, cryptography, and creative automation to streamline every step of the MSP sales process. Learn how you can stand toe-to-toe with the big IT firms, all while saving money and time. Plus, discover special features like free e-signatures, smart pricing, and robust audit trail...

Discover how security can actually win you new clients! In this can’t-miss episode, Anup Ghosh of ThreatMate reveals exactly how automated pen testing and attack simulations not only close deals but also create ongoing revenue for MSPs. Learn the difference between a basic scan and a “real” pen test, what MSPs must do to stay ahead in compliance, and the secrets of agentic platform architectures. If you’re looking to position your ...

Are you tired of customers dreading compliance and security talk? In this episode, I chat with Jared Casner of Blacksmith InfoSec, who’s making compliance accessible for every MSP and SMB. Discover their “paint-by-numbers” approach to policy management, seamless ConnectWise integrations, and how their flexible platform creates new revenue streams for tech pros. 

Holistic security isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a philosophy, and Blacksmi...

In this episode, I get the inside scoop from Reese Tuttle, whose passion for stopping cybercrime is rooted in family and real-world experience. We discuss AP2T Labs’ patent-pending training platform: from social media and business-based attacks to text, voice, and even physical mail scams. Reese details how their “edu moments” and instant feedback turn risk into learning, how their flexible API-first setup makes integrations painle...

Join me and Kip Fanta as we reveal how MSPs can break free from the “vendor” label and become true business partners. Learn why strategic management, AI-powered insights, and a collaborative approach are the keys to thriving in today’s IT landscape.

Kip shares how their two-sided platform enables both MSPs and clients to collaborate, capture ideas, and align technology investments with real business needs. We talk about the growing ...

Curious how today’s top MSPs are saving hours on QBRs and strategic planning? Alex Markov of Strategy Overview shares the inside scoop on their AI-powered platform, IT Glue integration, and how real-world feedback drives innovation.

Alex reveals the major updates since last year—including automated QBRs with Arya, expanded reporting for Office 365, and a robust IT planning module. We dig into the platform’s origins at Red Key Soluti...

Are you tired of chasing cold leads and competing with dozens of MSPs for the same customer? In this episode, I chat with Skofi, the mastermind behind Find My IT Partner, who’s on a mission to reinvent how IT providers and SMBs connect. We talk about the power of curated matches, the importance of trust, and why his platform is more “cyber matchmaking” than traditional lead gen. If you’re ready to move beyond word-of-mouth and disc...

Get ready for an insightful conversation with Bhadri Varadarajan of HitWit, a PitchIT finalist at IT Nation Connect 2025. We dive into the nuts and bolts of AI-powered knowledge sharing, from onboarding and interactive learning to customer engagement and support. Bhadri explains how HitWit’s platform helps MSPs deliver fast, knowledgeable responses and build an “AI muscle” that sets them apart in a competitive market. We cover the ...

Are you tired of feeling lost when it comes to MSP sales? This episode brings you the game-changing insights of Jean Templin, co-founder of NAYAK, who’s on a mission to help IT pros sell better, smarter, and faster. Learn how AI-driven coaching and emotional intelligence can transform your sales process and give you the confidence to close more deals—no matter your technical background.

What if you could walk into every sales call f...

Ever wondered what happens when a global IT giant acquires a renowned marketing firm? Tune in as Heather Simek and I unpack the Kaseya-TMT deal and its real impact on MSPs. From the inside scoop on industry rumors to how this move reshapes marketing, peer groups, and community, Heather brings her signature candor and expertise. Plus, we share stories about vendor contracts, FTC rulings, and the unique camaraderie that sets MSPs apa...

Are you an MSP owner still stuck handling procurement late into the night? In this episode, Rayanne Buchianico reveals how ABC Solutions’ new outsourced procurement service can give you your time—and your weekends—back. Hear how her team’s hands-on, white-labeled solution integrates seamlessly with your PSA, keeps your margins intact, and lets you focus on growing your business instead of chasing quotes and POs.

Why Listen:

• Learn...

Ever struggled to get your clients to care about cybersecurity? Adam Anderson from ThreatCaptain shares how their platform helps MSPs translate complex cyber risks into clear financial impacts that business leaders understand. Find out how one MSP turned a simple simulation into $7,000 in new monthly revenue, and why talking dollars and cents is the key to winning over CFOs. Tune in for actionable insights, real-world stories, and ...

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 security.

Why Listen:

• Real-world bre...

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 exit on their own terms.

Why Listen...

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 seamless integration with AD, Entra...

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 intelligence, how they score and sha...

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 realities of supporting clients durin...