MSP Unplugged

Hosted by Paco Lebron

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

This podcast is where we discuss different ways to run your I.T. business whether you are a one-person shop or leading a growing IT Service provider. This is the place for you.

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60 recent

July 31, 2026Episode 31133 min

Ryan McGill on Scaling MSP Operations & Turning Challenges into Growth

🎙️ In this episode of MSP Unplugged, we sit down with Ryan McGill to discuss his journey and practical strategies for running and scaling a successful managed services business. Ryan shares real-world insights on improving operations, streamlining delivery, and helping small MSP teams overcome common challenges. Whether you're looking to tighten processes, boost efficiency, or prepare for growth, this conversation delivers actionable takeaways tailored for MSPs under $3M in revenue and with lean teams. What You'll Learn: Ryan's background and path in the MSP industry Key operational lessons for small and growing MSPs Practical ways to improve service delivery and team efficiency Strategies for handling scaling challenges without losing quality Advice on turning operational friction into competitive advantages Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Welcome Ryan McGill [Add actual timestamps here] 👉 Resources & Links: Connect with Ryan McGill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mcgill-30927b31/ MSP Unplugged Community: https://www.mspunplugged.com What's one operational challenge your MSP is facing right now? Drop it in the comments! 🔥 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real-talk MSP growth and operations content every week. #MSP #MSPOperations #SmallMSP #MSPGrowth #RyanMcGill #ManagedServices #MSPUnplugged Purchase your tickets at https://techconunplugged.com

July 20, 2026Episode 31037 min

Business Outcome Conversations: The Next Phase of MSP Customer Penetration with Luis Giraldo

🎙️ In this episode of MSP Unplugged, Luis Giraldo, Chief Evangelist at ScalePad, shares his journey and powerful strategies for turning around struggling MSPs — with a special focus on QBRs (Quarterly Business Reviews) and why business outcome conversations are the next evolution in customer penetration. Luis explains how moving beyond technical check-ins to real business discussions can dramatically improve retention, expansion, and client relationships — especially for small MSP teams. What You'll Learn: Luis's path from MSP owner to helping hundreds of providers scale How to turn around a struggling MSP with better client engagement Why traditional technical QBRs are no longer enough — and how to run business outcome QBRs that drive real value Practical marketing and conversation frameworks that help you penetrate accounts deeper and become a trusted advisor Actionable tips for small MSPs (Less than $3M revenue, Less than 20 employees) to implement outcome-focused reviews without adding overhead Timestamps: 👉 Resources & Links: ScalePad: https://www.scalepad.com Connect with Luis Giraldo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisgiraldo/ MSP Unplugged Community: https://www.mspunplugged.com Purchase your tickets to TechCon Unplugged at https://techconunplugged.com If your QBRs feel like checkbox exercises, this episode will change how you approach client meetings forever. Drop your biggest QBR challenge in the comments! 🔥 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more MSP growth strategies. #MSP #QBR #BusinessOutcomes #CustomerSuccess #ScalePad #MSPRetention #SmallMSP #MSPMarketing #LuisGiraldo

July 20, 2026Episode 30935 min

MSP Revival Guide: Marketing Help, Leadership & Growth with Cynthia Schreiner (Pax8)

🎙️ In this powerful episode of MSP Unplugged, Cynthia Schreiner — Senior Manager of Channel Engagement at Pax8 — joins us to discuss her journey and proven strategies for reviving struggling MSPs. Drawing from her hands-on experience as a former MSP Business Administrator and her current role empowering partners at Pax8, Cynthia dives deep into the real challenges of turning around underperforming businesses. She shares practical marketing tactics, operational pivots, community-building approaches, and leadership insights that help MSP owners break out of stagnation and drive sustainable growth. If your MSP is struggling with client acquisition, visibility, retention, or overall momentum, this conversation offers actionable revival strategies tailored for small teams. What You'll Learn: * Proven methods for reviving struggling MSPs — from diagnosis to full turnaround * Marketing help that actually works for lean MSPs: positioning, lead generation, and differentiation * Operational and leadership shifts that reignite growth without burning out your team *The role of strong vendor partnerships (like Pax8) in recovery and scaling * Mindset and community tactics that prevent future struggles 👉 Resources & Links: Connect with Cynthia Schreiner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-schreiner/ Pax8 for MSPs: https://www.pax8.com MSP Unplugged Community: https://www.mspunplugged.com What's one marketing or revival challenge your MSP is facing right now? Share in the comments! 🔥 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real-talk MSP revival stories and growth strategies. Buy your tickets for TechCon Unplugged! https://www.techconunplugged.com #MSP #RevivingMSP #MSPMarketing #BusinessTurnaround #Pax8 #SmallMSP #MSPGrowth #MSPUnplugged #CynthiaSchreiner

July 6, 2026Episode 30834 min

From Struggling Business to Thriving MSP in Salt Lake City – Ed Lukacs of 2Fifteen Tech

🎙️ In this honest and inspiring episode of MSP Unplugged, we sit down with Ed Lukacs, CEO of 2Fifteen Tech in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ed opens up about his real journey building and turning around a struggling managed service provider. From early challenges and tough pivots to creating a thriving MSP that specializes in supporting creative agencies, PR firms, Apple-centric environments, and Google Workspace — this conversation is packed with practical lessons for any MSP owner feeling stuck. If you're running a small MSP (under $3M revenue, less than 20 employees) and looking for motivation + actionable strategies to reset, refocus, and grow, this episode delivers. What You'll Learn: The raw realities of turning around a struggling MSP business Key pivots that helped 2Fifteen Tech find its niche and scale Leadership lessons for MSP owners in tough times Serving creative and Apple-focused clients effectively Mindset shifts and operational changes that drive real results Advice for MSPs in any market (including Salt Lake City and beyond) 2Fifteen Tech: https://215.tech Connect with Ed Lukacs: [LinkedIn Profile] MSP Unplugged Community: https://www.mspunplugged.com Drop your biggest takeaway or current business challenge in the comments — Ed and the community are here to help! 🔥 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real-talk stories from MSP owners just like you. #MSP #MSPJourney #BusinessTurnaround #SmallMSP #2FifteenTech #SaltLakeCity #ManagedServices #MSPSuccess #EdLukacs

July 6, 2026Episode 30740 min

Stop Getting Breached: Matt Lee Shares MSP Cybersecurity Strategies for Under $3M Shops

🎙️ In this must-watch episode of MSP Unplugged, we welcome Matt Lee — Senior Director of Security and Compliance at Pax8, CISSP, CCSP, CFR, PNPT, and a leading voice in MSP cybersecurity. Matt has spent years raising the security bar for small and mid-sized MSPs. In this conversation, he breaks down practical, actionable strategies tailored for lean teams (under $3M revenue and Less 20 employees) who want to deliver strong cybersecurity without overwhelming overhead. Whether you're struggling with incident response planning, compliance, tool sprawl, or staying ahead of evolving threats, this episode delivers real-world insights from someone who truly understands the MSP world. What You'll Learn: Building effective incident response plans for small MSPs Navigating compliance (and why it matters even for tiny shops) Key cybersecurity trends and threats facing MSPs in 2026 How to shift risk and protect your clients (and your business) Practical tips for raising the "cybersecurity poverty line" in the SMB/MSP space Advice on tools, training, and building a security-first culture Connect with Matt Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cybermattlee/ Pax8: https://www.pax8.com Matt's Media & Resources: https://cybermattlee.com TechCon Unplugged Tickets: https://techconunplugged.com If you run a small MSP and want to level up your security game without the enterprise complexity, this is the episode for you! Drop your top takeaway or biggest security challenge in the comments 👇 🔥 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for weekly MSP growth, operations, and tech strategy content. #MSP #Cybersecurity #MSPUnplugged #MattLee #Pax8 #IncidentResponse #SmallMSP #Compliance #CyberThreats #ManagedServices

June 23, 2026Episode 30628 min

Stop Alert Fatigue: Blumira's Approach to MSP Cybersecurity in 2026

🎙️ In this episode of MSP Unplugged, we sit down with Greg Saenz from Blumira — a leading security operations platform built specifically for busy IT teams and MSPs. If you're running a small MSP (under $3M revenue and fewer than 20 employees), you know security is a massive opportunity — but also a huge headache. Blumira makes enterprise-grade SIEM, XDR, threat detection, and response simple, fast to deploy, and profitable for small teams. Learn how to add managed security services without hiring a full SOC, reduce alert fatigue, protect clients from ransomware, and grow your margins with a platform designed for MSPs. Perfect for bootstrapped MSP owners who want practical cybersecurity that doesn't overwhelm their limited resources. What You'll Learn: *How Blumira simplifies SIEM + XDR for small MSPs *Real-world deployment and daily operations for lean teams *The Blumira MSP Partner Program — incentives, support, and profitability *Cutting through alert noise with smart detections and response playbooks *Integrating security into your existing MSP stack without complexity *What's new in 2026 for MSP-focused security tools 👉 Resources & Links: Blumira MSP Partner Program: https://www.blumira.com/partners/managed-service-providers Blumira Demo: https://www.blumira.com/demo MSP Unplugged Community & Events: https://www.mspunplugged.com TechCon Unplugged: https://techconunplugged.com If you're an MSP owner struggling with security offerings, this episode delivers actionable insights you can use immediately. Drop your biggest security challenge in the comments below! 🔥 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more real-talk MSP growth, operations, and tech strategy every week. #MSP #Cybersecurity #SIEM #XDR #SmallMSP #MSPUnplugged #Blumira #ManagedServices #MSPGrowth #ThreatDetection

June 23, 2026Episode 30531 min

MSP Leadership Lessons from Nancy Henriquez – Head of Community at MSP Unplugged

🎙️ In this powerful episode of MSP Unplugged, we sit down with Nancy Henriquez – two-time MSP founder, award-winning industry leader, business coach, author of "Break-Fix to Breakthrough," and the new Head of Community at MSP Unplugged. Nancy shares her battle-tested insights on moving from reactive chaos to strategic growth, building high-performing teams, client onboarding that sticks, sales & marketing systems that actually work for small MSPs, and what it really takes to scale under $3M revenue without losing your sanity or culture. Whether you're a solo operator, running a 5-15 person shop, or feeling stuck at the $1-3M plateau, this conversation is packed with practical advice tailored to bootstrapped MSP owners. What You'll Learn: * How Nancy built and exited award-winning MSPs (including MSP 501 recognition) * Breaking the break-fix cycle and building repeatable processes Leadership, team building, and avoiding burnout as a small MSP *The power of community and why it matters more than ever in 2026 Insights from Pax8 Beyond and the evolving MSP landscape with SuperOps 👉 Resources & Links: Connect with Nancy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyhenriquez/ MSP Unplugged Community: mspunplugged.com Nancy's Book / Speaking: nancyhenriquez.com TechCon Unplugged Tickets: https://techConunplugged.com If you're an MSP owner with under $3M in revenue and fewer than 20 employees, this episode is for YOU. Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments! 🔥 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real-talk MSP growth strategies every week. #MSP #ManagedServices #MSPGrowth #SmallMSP #MSPUnplugged #NancyHenriquez #MSPLeadership #ITBusiness

May 19, 2026Episode 30336 min

How to Scale an MSP with Partners: Derrick Wlodarz (FireLogic) Returns

Derrick Wlodarz, Founder & President of FireLogic, returns to MSP Unplugged for a deep dive into long-term MSP growth and the power of strategic partnerships. In this returning guest episode, Derrick shares: What's changed at FireLogic since his last appearance How he's scaled the business over 15+ years from startup to a respected Chicago-area MSP The evolution of his approach to vendor and technology partners How to choose, manage, and get real value from partnerships (without partner sprawl) Lessons learned about scaling sustainably while building strong strategic alliances Advice for MSP owners looking to grow smarter in 2026 If you're an MSP owner focused on long-term growth, building better vendor relationships, or scaling without burning out, this conversation is full of practical, battle-tested wisdom from someone who's been in the trenches for over 15 years. Host: Paco Lebron Podcast: MSP Unplugged – The place to learn how to run your MSP. 🔗 Connect with Derrick & FireLogic • FireLogic: firelogic.com • LinkedIn: Search "Derrick Wlodarz FireLogic" Tune in every week for real talk on running and growing your MSP. Watch the full video on YouTube.com/MSPUnplugged. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Don't forget to grab your tickets for TechCon Unplugged Chicago – Sept 17-19 at https://techConUnplugged.com Thank you for watching/listening — we'll see you next time on MSP Unplugged.

May 12, 2026Episode 30236 min

Simplifying Cybersecurity for MSPs: Joe Sykora (CEO of Coro) on Tool Sprawl and AI in 2026

Joe Sykora, CEO of Coro Cybersecurity, joins MSP Unplugged to discuss how MSPs can simplify their security stack, reduce tool sprawl, and deliver better protection to small and mid-sized businesses. In this episode, Joe shares: Why traditional multi-tool cybersecurity approaches are failing most MSPs How Coro's all-in-one, single-agent platform is changing the game for lean MSP teams The role of automation and AI in reducing alert fatigue What a truly MSP-friendly cybersecurity solution looks like in 2026 Practical advice on turning cybersecurity from a cost center into a profitable growth driver Insights from his extensive channel experience as a former MSP owner and vendor leader Whether you're struggling with too many security tools or looking to build a more efficient and profitable security offering, this conversation delivers actionable insights you can use immediately. Host: Paco Lebron Podcast: MSP Unplugged – The place to learn how to run your MSP. 🔗 Connect with Joe & Coro Cybersecurity • Coro Cybersecurity: coro.net • Coro Partner Program (Coro Compass) Tune in every week for real talk on running and growing your MSP. Watch the full video on YouTube.com/MSPUnplugged. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Don't forget to grab your tickets for TechCon Unplugged Chicago – Sept 17-19 at https://www.techConUnplugged.com Thank you for watching/listening — we'll see you next time on MSP Unplugged.

April 24, 2026Episode 30126 min

From Corporate IT Director to MSP Owner: Ron Cervantes on Building C Solutions IT

Ron Cervantes, Founder and President of C Solutions IT in Orlando, Florida, joins MSP Unplugged to share his journey from corporate IT Director (managing IT for one of the largest transportation companies in the U.S.) to building and scaling a successful managed services provider. In this episode, Ron opens up about: Transitioning from enterprise IT to running his own MSP The early struggles and key pivots that helped him grow C Solutions IT Lessons learned serving small and mid-sized businesses in the Orlando market Building a strong team and delivering high-touch IT support + cybersecurity What he's seeing in the industry right now and advice for MSP owners at any stage Whether you're thinking about making the jump from corporate to entrepreneurship, currently in the early or growth stages of your MSP, or just want real-world insights from a fellow practitioner, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and relatable stories. Host: Paco Lebron Podcast: MSP Unplugged – The place to learn how to run your MSP. 🔗 Connect with Ron & C Solutions IT • Website: csolutionsit.com • LinkedIn: Ron Cervantes | LinkedIn Tune in every week for real talk on running and growing your MSP. Watch the full video on YouTube.com/MSPUnplugged. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Don't forget to grab your tickets for TechCon Unplugged Chicago – Sept 17-19 at https://www.techConUnplugged.com Thank you for listening — we'll see you next time on MSP Unplugged.