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

This episode explores why professionalism, certification, and ethics matter more than ever in the IT sector. Diana Giles talks about her rise as a recognized industry leader, the transition from side hustle to full-time business, and the benefits of clear communication for IT consultants. Hear insights from Diana’s teaching career and community involvement!​Diana also demystifies the need for certifications and the impact of evolving industry standards, all while reaffirming the importance of integrity and raising the bar for IT service providers everywhere.​Companies, Products, Books MentionedNational Society of IT Service Providers (NSITSP): https://www.nsitsp.org/Skyline IT Management: https://www.skylineitmgmt.com/ASCII Group: https://www.ascii.com/Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365SPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

This episode opens with a bombshell: Synology finally reversed its drive compatibility policy for NAS units, allowing IT pros and businesses to use third-party drives again—a move that’s sent shockwaves through online forums and social media. I discuss the implications for MSPs and what it means for client storage setups. Next, DattoCon coverage reveals Kaseya’s acquisition of Inky, integrating cutting-edge AI email security into its MSP platform. I share community feedback, weigh pros and cons, and offer practical advice on adapting your stack.Listener shoutouts go to Diana Giles, Kyle Kenyon, and Troy Casper, with peer forum updates and troubleshooting tales. Personal gripes about vendor portals and credit card changes bring real MSP business struggles to the surface. Finally, hands-on reviews of Datto and EnGenius Wi-Fi access points showcase practical insights for network management. Upcoming events like ASCII Cup and IT Nation roundWhy Listen: Synology lifts third-party drive limitsInky AI email tech now part of KaseyaMSP vendor frustrations—address & billing changes explainedReal-world Wi-Fi access point comparisons: Datto vs EngeniusCompanies, Products, Books MentionedSynology: https://www.synology.comDatto: https://www.datto.comKaseya: https://www.kaseya.comInky: https://www.inky.comEnGenius: https://www.engeniustech.comUbiquity: https://www.ui.comUGreen: https://www.ugreen.comN-able: https://www.n-able.comBitdefender: https://www.bitdefender.comHuntress: https://www.huntress.comBlackpoint Cyber: https://blackpointcyber.comDomotz: https://www.domotz.comAction1: https://www.action1.comSPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNMLSPONSOR MUSICItem Title: Upbeat CorporateItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-corporate-HHAM5NZAuthor Username: music_waves_productionItem License Code: WXBA2N3UDPSPONSOR MUSIC:Item Title: An Summer Ambient CorporateItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/an-summer-ambient-corporate-GAVTRPCAuthor Username: Cozy_VibesItem License Code: TUN8XQDGWV SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Hear from Bradley Gross, one of the tech industry’s top attorneys and founder of Bradley Gross, PA. With over 20 years representing MSPs, Brad shares what every IT pro must know as lawsuits skyrocket around ransomware events. The conversation covers the specifics of contract language, rising legal standards, and how vendor agreements now shape your liabilities. Listeners also get actionable resources, advice on insurance policies to review, and Marv and Brad’s take on setting real-world client expectations that keep everyone safer. Actionable TakeawaysReevaluate your insurance: Confirm you have updated cyber, E&O, and liability policies tailored for cyber threats.Review and update your contracts: Ensure documents detail your services, limitations, and clarify what’s not covered.Educate your clients upfront: Proactively manage customer expectations to preempt knee-jerk blame and legal action.Companies, Products, and Books MentionedLaw Office of Bradley Gross, PA: https://bradleygross.comTechnology Broadcast (podcast): https://bradleygross.podbean.com/Acronis: https://www.acronis.comSentinelOne: https://www.sentinelone.comFortinet: https://www.fortinet.comSPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Join Uncle Marv and veteran MSP Tom Wyant as they dive deep into the Ubiquiti ecosystem for IT professionals. Discover real-world tips for replacing SonicWall and Cisco hardware, advanced UniFi management, and transitioning to cost-effective network hardware for MSPs. Whether you’re an Ingenious, Synology, or Cisco fan, get candid pros and cons plus actionable advice designed for IT business owners.Actionable TakeawaysConsider Ubiquiti for new deployments and client upgrades: it offers robust features, is easy to manage, and dramatically reduces ongoing licensing costs.Always stock spare hardware and leverage 5-year replacement warranties to provide seamless support and minimize downtime for clients.Use Synology not just for storage, but for virtualization, backup, and value-added MSP services; maximize the compatibility features for deploying third-party devices and apps.Amazon LinksApple iPad 11-inch: https://amzn.to/4nTH6cs16-in-1 Thunderbolt Docking Station: https://amzn.to/472VLwiPhilips Sonicare Protection Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush: https://amzn.to/42mtBd1Companies, Products, and Books MentionedUbiquiti: https://www.ui.com/Synology: https://www.synology.com/SonicWall: https://www.sonicwall.com/Engenious: https://www.engeniustech.com/Hostifi: https://hostifi.com/Meraki: https://meraki.cisco.com/Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/UniFi Store: https://store.ui.com/Reolink: https://reolink.com/Philips Sonicare: https://www.usa.philips.com/Domotz: https://www.domotz.com/Datto: https://www.datto.com/Keeper: https://www.keepersecurity.com/CrowdStrike: https://www.crowdstrike.com/SPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNMLSPONSOR MUSICItem Title: Upbeat CorporateItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-corporate-HHAM5NZAuthor Username: music_waves_productionItem License Code: WXBA2N3UDPSPONSOR MUSIC:Item Title: An Summer Ambient CorporateItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/an-summer-ambient-corporate-GAVTRPCAuthor Username: Cozy_VibesItem License Code: TUN8XQDGWV SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

This episode explores the journey of Kevin Dutkiewicz launching Tech Brews, his approach to serving underserved small businesses, the struggles with business administration, and the philosophy of running a modern MSP without the typical minimums. Uncle Marv and Kevin debate the realities of break-fix models, Trunk Slammer myths, and community-driven solutions. Listeners gain insight into tech stacks, vendor management, legacy client support, and why being active in groups like MSP Geek is vital for IT pros. Geek out with discussions on home automation, Code Mash, and what truly helps an MSP succeed in today’s dynamic market.Actionable TakeawaysFocus on providing IT support to small businesses with affordable, accessible service—there’s an untapped market below typical MSP minimums.Evolve your toolset (ticketing, quoting, documentation) as your business matures and scales.Be intentional with work/life boundaries and stay active in community groups to sharpen your skills and network.Companies, Products, and Books MentionedTech Brews: https://www.techbrews.co/OIT VoIP: https://www.oit.coHalo PSA: https://halopsa.comHudu: https://hudu.com/Sophos: https://sophos.comHuntress: https://huntress.comIT Glue: https://itglue.comClickUp (Project Management Platform): https://clickup.comZomentum (Quoting): https://www.zomentum.comCode Mash Conference: https://codemash.orgMSP Geek: https://www.mspgeek.orgTony Packo’s Restaurant: https://tonypackos.comSPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv sits down again with Jermaine Clark, Sherweb’s Senior Manager of AI Readiness, for a lively discussion about how managed service providers can drive real business results with AI. Jermaine walks through Sherweb’s robust AI initiatives, including training, certification, and hands-on guides for automating onboarding, ticketing, and customer service. The episode covers practical frameworks for integrating AI based on MSP business models, current trends in tech adoption, and strategies to avoid common pitfalls like shiny object syndrome. Jermaine’s insights are drawn from years of MSP experience and a passion for helping IT businesses scale and innovate.Actionable TakeawaysUse Sherweb’s 90-day blueprint to assess internal processes, automate repetitive tasks, and create scalable business models.Leverage AI agents for automating onboarding, ticket triage, and customer support to reduce human error and boost consistency.Focus on upskilling your staff with AI-powered learning platforms, certifications, and real use-case training for team growth.Companies, Products, Books MentionedSherweb: https://www.sherweb.comMicrosoft Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilotPerplexity: https://www.perplexity.aiOpenAI / ChatGPT: https://openai.comGemini (Google AI): https://gemini.google.comSlack: https://slack.comMicrosoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-softwareSPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Jermaine Clark of Sherweb sits down with Uncle Marv to discuss what AI readiness means for MSPs, sharing practical advice, personal stories, and vendor insights. The conversation tackles how the rapid adoption of AI has shifted the balance between MSP expertise and client knowledge, emphasizing the need for a security-first approach and regular data governance. Jermaine recounts his journey from saving sea turtles to leading Sherweb’s AI initiatives, offering humorous and relatable anecdotes from cross-industry experiences. The episode guides listeners through the strategic steps MSPs should take to stay relevant—upgrading systems, empowering teams, and leveraging robust cloud solutions. Listeners will get actionable recommendations, hear about real-world training, and find out why adaptation and ethical deployment are key to thriving in today’s IT environment.Why Listen:Learn practical steps for AI readiness specifically for MSPs.Explore the urgency of securing data and client environments as AI spreads.Unlock lessons from Jermaine’s career pivot—from biology to IT success.Get up to speed on Sherweb’s cloud, security, and backup solutions.Discover how to empower and train IT teams for AI-driven support.Enjoy memories, tech humor, and candid advice on staying competitive.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned:Sherweb: https://www.sherweb.com/Microsoft Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilotAppRiver: https://www.appriver.com/Matrix (film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/Johnny Mnemonic (film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113481/Blade Runner (film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083658/iRobot (book): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I,_RobotSPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Ever felt pressured to keep quiet in your business or IT community? Uncle Marv unpacks what Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback teaches IT pros about the freedom to speak in the face of political and industry pressure. With real stories of cyberbullying, shady marketers, and systemic bias, Marv reminds us that doing the right thing means accepting the risk—and the impact—of going public. You’ll get personal experiences, cautionary tales, plus clear advice for handling DEI, solo tech reality checks, and the uncomfortable but necessary conversations all professionals should have.3 Most Actionable Takeaways:Stand up for honest speech in business—even when there’s personal or professional riskCall out unethical practices and support marginalized colleagues to foster real diversity and inclusionDon’t judge IT pros by stereotypes; boost professionalism and unity in the MSP spaceSPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

I’m joined by Matt Yesbeck, the innovative co-founder of MSPX, a groundbreaking online marketplace empowering MSPs to buy, sell, and value managed services contracts with confidence. Matt brings deep industry experience as a builder of smart, secure business solutions for IT providers. Together, we unpack the new features of MSPX 2.0, including trust scores, escrow-backed transactions, and tools for contract evaluation that are driving real change in the managed services sector. Whether you’re looking to grow or streamline your MSP business, this episode gives you actionable insights for scaling up and standing out.Why Listen:Discover what’s new in MSPX 2.0Learn how trust scores and onboarding build confidenceFind out about escrow-backed transactionsDive into the Client Compass tool for portfolio healthGet inspired by community-driven MSP dealsCompanies, Products, and Books Mentioned:MSPX Marketplace: https://mspx.storeYesteck IT Services: https://yesteck.ioMonjur (Legal/MSA partner): https://monjur.comASCII (peer group/partner): https://www.ascii.comChannelnomics (advisor): https://www.channelnomics.comClient Compass (tool): https://clientcompass.mspx.storePax8: https://www.pax8.comSPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you want a truly no-BS look at life as a Managed Service Provider, this is the episode you can’t miss. I’m joined by Bret Erickson—owner of Passkey Technology up in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and a founding force within the National Society of IT Service Providers (NSITSP). Bret shares how he went from gigging as a musician all over the country to leading a tech business that’s thrived since the late ‘90s. Trust me, there’s some wisdom here you won’t find anywhere else.We dive into what it really means to run an MSP in today’s tech jungle: hybrid service models that actually work, why the “unlimited help desk” isn’t always smart, and how surviving vendor bundling is the new name of the game. Bret talks candidly about balancing old-school networking chops with new remote management platforms—plus the pros and cons of going all-in on Microsoft Intune versus keeping your stack best-of-breed.If you care about professionalism, industry reputation, and smart business moves, you’ll love hearing Bret’s take on joining NSITSP and working to standardize best practices for MSPs. He’s a committee veteran with real skin in the game.We also geek out over tools like Kaseya 365 Ops, ThreatLocker for application control, and the future of endpoint security. Bret brings up community topics like the CMMC framework and CIS Controls—essential reading for anyone who wants to step up their compliance game.Companies, Products and Books mentioned: Passkey Technology: https://www.passkeyinc.com/NSITSP: https://www.nsitsp.org/Kaseya 365 Ops: https://www.kaseya.com/resource/k365-ops-for-msps/Microsoft Intune: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/business/endpoint-security/microsoft-defender-endpointSaaS Alerts: https://saasalerts.com/Huntress Security: https://www.huntress.com/CMMC (DoD Information): https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Cyber-Security-Resources/CMMC-20/CIS Controls: https://www.cisecurity.org/controlsPax8 Beyond Conference: https://www.pax8.com/events/beyond/SPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast