Building Resilient MSPs with David Steele (EP 812)

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 MSP Origin Story: David shares how he and his partner left corporate IT roles to start their own business, initially focusing on development and network support. Their hands-on experience in manufacturing gave them a practical edge and shaped their client approach.

Transitioning from Break-Fix to Managed Services: The move to managed services in 2008 was a turning point, providing more predictable revenue and growth. David explains how this shift changed their business model and client relationships.

Diversification and Niche Markets: Serving a mix of healthcare, nonprofit, and manufacturing clients has been key to stability and growth. David discusses the pros and cons of specializing versus diversifying, and how his team balances both.

Embracing AI and Cloud Tools: David’s team uses a range of AI tools for programming, content creation, and office productivity. He highlights the generational differences in tech adoption and the importance of staying current with certifications.

The Value of Community and Events: Attending ASCII Edge opened new doors for networking, learning, and even business opportunities. David emphasizes the openness and support found in the MSP community, which contrasts with the competitive nature of local markets.

Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned (with URLs):

• Intrada Technologies — https://www.intradatech.com/
• ASCII Edge / ASCII Group — https://www.ascii.com
• ConnectWise IT Nation — https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation
• D&H — https://www.dandh.com
• SonicWall — https://www.sonicwall.com
• Cisco — https://www.cisco.com
• Fortinet — https://www.fortinet.com
• Microsoft 365 — https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365
• Google (Gemini) — https://gemini.google.com
• Jasper AI — https://www.jasper.ai
• ChatGPT (OpenAI) — https://chat.openai.com
• Copilot (Microsoft) — https://copilot.microsoft.com

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