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

If you’re an MSP owner, marketer, or tech pro who also loves Star Trek, this conversation is for you. Learn how to apply Starfleet‑style clarity, storytelling, and optimism to your business, get a peek behind the curtain of Trek productions and cruises, and discover new podcasts and documentaries to deepen your fandom.

This is the crossover episode every techie Trekkie has wanted: an honest, funny, and insightful look at how Star Tr...

Uncle Marv unveils his “Top 10 MSP Billing Blunders” drawn from years of running an IT services company, talking with peers, and swapping stories in the MSP community. 

• Learn how treating billing as a scheduled, recurring task prevents missed invoices.
• See why vague “services rendered” invoices confuse clients and delay payment.
• Implement “no work without a ticket” so every action is documented and billable.
• Use PSA, RMM, and tools...

For MSPs trying to go “Microsoft‑first” without blowing up their business, Ben Wilcox lays out the playbook ProArch uses every day. Hear how a 500‑person firm standardizes on Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender XDR, and automation while still leaving room for partners and third‑party tools where they actually add value.

Why Listen

• See why ProArch standardized on Microsoft security (Defender XDR, Intune, Purview) instead of juggling mu...

MSPs are being dragged into compliance whether they’re ready or not, and this episode gives you a practical roadmap from people who’ve already done it. Tim and Shanna break down how to launch compliance-as-a-service, reduce your legal exposure, and finally get paid for work you’re already doing for free.

Why Listen:

• Learn how Compliance Scorecard evolved from a simple checklist into a multi-module GRC platform built by an MSP for...

This NSITSP Member Spotlight dives into Cameron’s journey through higher education IT, a Fortune 500 manufacturing role, church AV/IT, and ultimately going all-in on his MSP in 2020. The conversation explores building recurring revenue from legacy software automation, setting financial and personal boundaries for leaving corporate, and elevating MSP professionalism so clients see you as a trusted strategic partner—not just the pers...

Looking for real-world tech, home, and office upgrades for Black Friday? Marv and Dawn spotlight Roborock robot mops, Plaud AI transcription, Keds conference shoes, active noise-canceling headphones, desk and chair splurges, and smart Christmas lights that daisy-chain cleanly. They wrap it all in an MSP-friendly conversation about IT Nation, podcasting gear, and how AI is quietly improving everyday workflows.​​

Products Mentioned: 

Curious why most MSPs get stuck in the “success prison” and how some break through to massive growth? This episode explores tangible strategies for setting and reaching impossible goals, plus expert tips for standing out in tech.

Takeaways: 

• Understand the difference between standards and best practices—and why best practices alone will commoditize your MSP
• Learn to set and commit to impossible goals for business growth
• Discover Ke...

Presented by Thread — the AI-powered service desk transforming MSP support, automation, and productivity for today’s IT leaders.

https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/thread/

In this lively episode from IT Nation Orlando, Uncle Marv is joined by Mike Estep, Chief Client Officer at Blackpoint Cyber, who discusses the evolution of MSP security products, including EDR Essentials and Compass One. The conversation centers on providing compreh...

Presented by Thread — the AI-powered service desk transforming MSP support, automation, and productivity for today’s IT leaders.

https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/thread/

Rob Rae breaks down the next era for IT businesses—Managed Intelligence Providers. Learn about real-world AI adoption, Pax8’s industry playbooks, and how events shape the MSP future.​ Rob uncovers the secrets behind Pax8’s AI Store, best practices for community-buil...

Presented by Thread — the AI-powered service desk transforming MSP support, automation, and productivity for today’s IT leaders.

https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/thread/

If you’re an MSP aiming to modernize your cybersecurity stack and stay ahead of technology shifts, this episode is your key resource. Mike and Jason share candid insights on automation, AI, and how to future-proof your business with OpenText’s evolving platform.

​Why...

Presented by Thread — the AI-powered service desk transforming MSP support, automation, and productivity for today’s IT leaders.

https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/thread/

Join Uncle Marv at IT Nation as he sits down with Adam Slutskin—co-founder, President, and CRO of CyberFOX—for a candid conversation about what it takes to succeed as an MSP, both as a provider and a vendor. Adam shares the inside story of how CyberFOX went from new...

Presented by Thread — the AI-powered service desk transforming MSP support, automation, and productivity for today’s IT leaders.

https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/thread/

Join Uncle Marv as he sits down with GTIA’s Dan Wensley and MJ Shoer for a candid discussion about elevating the IT industry. The guests share their experience transitioning from MSP and vendor roles to leading a nonprofit dedicated to empowering IT service provider...

Presented by Thread — the AI-powered service desk transforming MSP support, automation, and productivity for today’s IT leaders.

https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/thread/

Dive deep into the channel’s evolution with industry veteran Carolyn April of GTIA. Uncle Marv and Carolyn discuss the organization’s new nonprofit focus, major reports like the State of the Channel, and pressing issues like AI readiness and MSP accountability. Caro...

Presented by Thread — the AI-powered service desk transforming MSP support, automation, and productivity for today’s IT leaders.

https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/thread/

Uncle Marv welcomes revenue consultant Megan Killion, previously an agency owner, who shares behind-the-scenes lessons on MSP sales, client targeting, and the realities of lead generation in today’s noisy market. Listeners discover the value of proper niche focus, e...

Keith Ellis joins the show to challenge MSPs everywhere: Are you stuck in survival mode, repeating average practices, or ready for exponential growth? Through personal stories, battle-tested business wisdom, and examples from Microsoft, LinkedIn, and industry disruptors, this episode reveals how commitment, habits and bold thinking transform both mindset and profit. Resources and book recommendations include MagicQuestions.com and ...

Uncle Marv sits down with Callan Sapien of Synthreo to unpack how Synthreo evolved from early ML automation to an MSP-ready AI platform launched in the summer after an acquisition. They discuss the realities of the AI agent and copilot market, the need to focus on observable client problems, and the tension between high-margin opportunities and the security and governance required to deploy AI responsibly. Main topics include no-co...

In this live IT Nation recap episode, Uncle Marv threads travel anecdotes, conference takeaways, and practical MSP automation into a cohesive narrative. He shares a whirlwind tour that included Lakeland, Philly, and Orlando, culminating in conference reflections and a candid look at the event’s content breadth. The episode doubles as a field report on vendor engagement, with attention to the PitchIT competition and the reality that...

Join Uncle Marv and Eric Torres, VP of Channel and Community Engagement at Pax8, as they break down the latest in AI-powered MSP automation, cloud marketplaces, and the launch of Pax8’s pioneering agent store. Hear how the company is changing the way MSPs deliver value with customizable solutions and managed intelligence.​

Takeaways: 

• Pax8’s agent store enables MSPs to buy, sell, and create automation agents for new revenue strea...

Uncle Marv welcomes Kristin Spiotto, co-founder of Decoded, to discuss the company’s recent rebrand and expanded services tailored for tech firms. Kirstin explains why messaging clarity is the foundation for any successful marketing plan and how they build comprehensive marketing roadmaps that align with business goals such as ARR and client acquisition numbers. From leveraging AI responsibly to harnessing LinkedIn effectively, Kri...