Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

• Windows 11: Forced Update Alert (EP 822)

  Main Theme & Key TakeawaysThis episode centers on resilience-how IT professionals juggle demanding projects, unexpected technical hurdles, and personal upheaval, all while staying ahead of industry changes. Marv’s firsthand stories and practical advice make this episode a masterclass in adaptability, resourcefulness, and the importance of community in tech.Three Most Intriguing MomentsMarv’s behind-the-scenes account of completing a massive, months-long Office 365 migration-what went wrong, what he’d never do again, and the surprising “gotchas” every IT pro should hear.A suspenseful network troubleshooting saga: how a 95% successful client office move was nearly derailed by mysterious VPN dropouts and duplicate IP conflicts, with a cliffhanger to be resolved in future episodes.The personal side of IT: Marv’s candid update on managing critical client work while both his mother and father-in-law faced serious hospitalizations, highlighting the human side of tech.NewsMicrosoft Confirms Windows 11 24H2 Update Cannot Be Canceled: https://tinyurl.com/2jtyn3h9SonicWall debuts new firewalls and managed cybersecurity service: https://tinyurl.com/4pas3c98D&H and SonicWall Partner to Offer Comprehensive MXDR Solutions: https://tinyurl.com/ycdcvtyfCompanies, Products, and Books MentionedSonicWall: https://www.sonicwall.com/Solutions Granted: https://solutionsgranted.com/D&H Distributing: www.dandh.comTechCon Unplugged: https://mspunplugged.com/techcon-unplugged/Florida Man StoriesFlorida Man: Pipe Bombs and Cardboard License Plate: https://tinyurl.com/89av2w82Florida Woman: Alligator Attack While Canoeing: https://tinyurl.com/mryhu6fpKangaroo on the loose in Centra Florida: https://tinyurl.com/mtzdwe4t=== SPONSORSPremier 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/designerready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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  35:43
• The Myth of the MSP Easy Button (EP 821)

  In this compact midweek episode, Uncle Marv opens by explaining his upcoming client office move in Tampa, which involves coordinating with cable providers, moving copiers, handling door access systems, and managing ISP cutover with limited preparation time.He then covers significant industry news from the recent Kaseya Connect 2025 conference, including the release of Kaseya 365 Ops platform, a new SIEM solution, and notably, free Datto backup hardware with three-year commitments. Additional news highlights ESET's integration with Kaseya VSA X, Huntress's enhanced identity threat protection that has already protected over 1.8 million identities, and Synchro's new XMM platform that consolidates RMM, PSA, and Microsoft 365 management.The episode's main focus is a candid exploration of why IT business "isn't supposed to be easy," illustrated through three recent conversations. Uncle Marv recounts discussions with a junior MSP owner expecting to immediately charge premium rates without building value, an industry veteran struggling to adapt to cloud-based solutions and remote work realities, and a larger MSP facing inventory and distribution challenges. Throughout these stories, Uncle Marv emphasizes that different business stages bring different problems, and there are no magical solutions or easy buttons in IT service delivery.The show concludes with humorous Florida news stories about a man attempting a break-in while completely naked and a woman arrested for selling human bones through her curiosity shop.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned:Kaseya, kaseya.comDatto, datto.comESET, eset.comHuntress, huntress.comSyncro: https://syncromsp.com/TD SYNNEX, tdsynnex.comIngram Micro, ingrammicro.comD&H, dandh.comGiant Rocket Ship, giantrocketship.comNSITSP (National Society of IT Service Providers), nsitsp.orgFlorida Man:Naked Florida Man Caught Breaking into Woman's Home: https://tinyurl.com/26yrtbebFlorida Woman Arrested for Selling Human Bones: https://tinyurl.com/523ck5ny=== SPONSORSPremier 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/trugrid=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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  46:09
• NSITSP Spotlight: Steve Kazan (EP 820)

  Uncle Marv sits down with Steve Kazan, founder and CEO of Inner Onion and current president of NSITSP. Steve shares his unique perspective on helping international tech companies break into the U.S. market and offers a wealth of wisdom for managed service providers (MSPs) looking to stand out and grow. Drawing on two decades of experience across sectors like cybersecurity, SaaS, AI, and IoT, Steve discusses the importance of strategic planning, building trust, and adapting to the fast-paced world of technology.Listeners will hear Steve’s take on why so many international companies struggle to gain traction in the U.S.-and what separates the winners from those who fade away. He stresses the need for thorough planning, strong branding, and understanding U.S. business culture, especially for newcomers. The conversation also highlights the critical role of relationships, the challenges of staff turnover, and why a long-term mindset is essential for both vendors and MSPs.Steve also opens up about his work with NSITSP, the push for greater professionalism in the IT industry, and the urgent issues facing MSPs, including state tax threats and cybersecurity funding cuts. He encourages MSPs to adopt codes of ethics, get involved in advocacy, and leverage the power of community to raise the bar for the entire industry.List of Companies, Products, and Books MentionedInner Onion LLC: https://www.inneronion.com/NSITSP (National Society of IT Service Providers): https://nsitsp.org/CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency): https://www.cisa.gov/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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  32:34
• NSITSP Spotlight: Keith Nelson (EP 819)

  Keith Nelson reveals how a relentless focus on customer service and measurable business outcomes has powered his 26-year streak of zero downtime at Vistem Solutions. His passion for advocacy—both for special needs communities and for MSPs navigating new regulations—offers listeners a blueprint for building resilient, high-impact IT businesses. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to stand out in the crowded MSP landscape.Keith Nelson’s IT Journey and Vistem Solutions: Keith shares how he built Vistem Solutions into a leading MSP, supporting critical infrastructure like the LA/Long Beach shipping port with 26 years of uninterrupted service. He explains the importance of aligning technology with business outcomes and how this approach drives client loyalty.Customer Service as a Differentiator: Keith argues that technical skills are secondary to customer service in the MSP space. He prefers hiring people with strong interpersonal skills and training them on technical aspects, believing that relationships and service quality are the real keys to success.Special Needs Advocacy and Community Impact: Drawing from personal experience as a parent and coach, Keith describes his work in special needs advocacy, including founding sports programs and workforce initiatives. He connects these efforts to broader business values like dignity, inclusion, and measurable results.Legislation, Compliance, and the Role of NSITSP: Keith discusses the inevitability of regulation in the IT industry and stresses the importance of MSPs having a seat at the table. He shares his experiences advising on policy, the dangers of over-legislation, and practical steps for MSPs to get involved locally.Avoiding Commoditization in IT Services: Keith warns against the “race to the bottom” in pricing and commoditization. He encourages MSPs to focus on value, relationships, and unique expertise to avoid being squeezed out by larger competitors.=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLTime-Stamped Chapters (TEST)0:11 – Introduction & Guest Welcome: Keith Nelson of Vistam Solutions1:28 – Vistam Solutions: Automation & Port Projects2:04 – 26 Years of 100% Uptime at LA/Long Beach Ports3:08 – Keith’s Background: Caltech, Oracle, and Business Alignment4:39 – Becoming an MSP: From Big Projects to Sticky Clients6:02 – East vs. West Coast Mindset & Blue Collar Appreciation7:34 – Special Needs Advocacy & Coaching Champions10:11 – Balancing Family, Business, and Community11:26 – Customer Service: The Key to MSP Growth12:27 – NSITSP, Legislation, and Compliance Challenges15:44 – Raising Professionalism & Training in IT17:04 – Avoiding Commoditization in the MSP Industry18:32 – NSITSP’s Legislative Work & Industry Representation19:36 – How MSPs Can Get Involved Locally22:01 – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Keith Nelson === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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  23:13
• Boutique MSP Success: Lynn Thames (EP 818)

  This week, Uncle Marv catches up with Lynn Thames of Thames Consulting Group, who returns to the podcast after several years away—and a lot has changed. Lynn opens up about her journey from working solo out of her home to running a thriving boutique MSP with an office and a trusted employee. She shares the story of how she found the perfect team member (who started with zero IT background but tons of curiosity and hands-on skills), and how that hire transformed her work-life balance.Lynn shares why she intentionally stays small, focusing on clients with five users or less and providing highly personalized service. She explains how this approach fills a gap left by larger MSPs and allows her to build lasting relationships. Lynn describes her process for finding and mentoring her first employee, highlighting the value of aptitude and attitude over formal IT training. This hire has freed up her time and brought new skills and perspectives to the business. Marv and Lynn discuss the unpredictable nature of office relocations, from missing cubicles to unplanned wiring work, and share tips for avoiding last-minute disasters. Instead of rigid bundles, Lynn tailors her offerings to each client’s needs, making IT support accessible and affordable for very small businesses.With a reliable employee, Lynn can finally take real vacations and enjoy more flexibility—something she couldn’t do as a solo operator. Lynn talks about her preference for online peer groups over frequent conference travel, and how meaningful connections can be made both virtually and in person.The episode wraps with entertaining “Florida Man” tales and some Philly sports banter, keeping things fun and relatable.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned (with URLs):Thames Consulting Group: https://thamescomputerconsulting.com/ASCII Edge / ASCII Cup (ASCII Group): https://events.ascii.com/Carl Hiaasen (Author): https://carlhiaasen.com/Florida Man Arrested with Wallet Full of Cocaine at Magic Kingdom: https://tinyurl.com/3umwcja7Barefoot Florida Man Wrangles 7-Foot Alligator with Trash Can: https://tinyurl.com/4s4kr47p=== SPONSORSPremier 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/designerready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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