Chad Muckenfuss and Jason Kaufman from Telarus discuss a successful cloud partnership case study featuring Ancero. The opportunity began with a mid-sized company (50 desktops, 89 Microsoft 365 users across multiple locations) frustrated with multiple MSPs and seeking consolidation. Through an agnostic assessment, they identified the client's need for simplified management, Microsoft 365 expansion, Azure data center migration, and cybersecurity improvements aligned with CIS framework requirements. The solution involved partnering with Ancero as both an MSP and MSSP to address regulatory compliance needs in the finance sector, including PCI and other frameworks. The engagement started at $6,600 MRR and grew 50% to $9,500 MRR within a couple of months, demonstrating successful land-and-expand methodology. The client achieved comprehensive cybersecurity and MSP services for less than the cost of one or two employees, while eliminating vendor management headaches.
In this episode, host Josh Lupresto reflects on the significant milestones and achievements of the Next Level BizTech podcast throughout 2025. He discusses the evolution of the podcast format, highlights key technology trends, and explores the impact of AI on the industry. The conversation also looks ahead to 2026, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared for future developments in technology solutions.
This episode of Inside the Win features Sam Nelson and Michael Baillargeon discussing a major customer success story that began with a casual conversation at a barbecue. They detail how a transportation company with 12-13 New England locations was struggling with fragmented UCaaS contracts - each site had different pricing and end dates on the same platform. Through strategic consultation, they identified key pain points including dispatchers being tied to physical phones, multiple disconnected applications, and inability to work remotely between locations. The solution involved consolidating contracts under a unified platform with advanced features like call recording, sentiment analysis, and multi-channel communication (SMS, email, voice). What started as a $2,500 MRC opportunity created a domino effect, expanding from New England to Texas, the Midwest, and Southeast. The company has 150-175 total locations with 30-40 already converted, turning this into a six-figure contract within 18 months. The episode emphasizes the importance of early engagement and understanding customer workflows to identify transformation opportunities.
In this episode, Josh Lupresto and Chris White discuss the concept of 'Other Centered Selling,' a transformative approach to sales that prioritizes the needs and interests of the customer over traditional self-centered sales tactics. Chris shares his journey from IT professional to sales engineer and author, emphasizing the importance of serving others in the sales process. The conversation explores practical applications of this mindset, the significance of resetting priorities before meetings, and the value of focusing on fundamentals in sales.
Inside the Win takes you behind the scenes as Telarus experts break down real customer challenges and reveal how strategic partnerships turn ambitious ideas into real-world success. In this episode, VP of Networking & Mobility Graeme Scott and Senior Engineer Brinton “Gundy” Gunderson explore a seemingly simple request for a massive 10-gig circuit that led to uncovering a rapidly growing startup with a thin DevOps-led IT team. What began as a bandwidth question evolved into a full architectural deep dive, connecting gaps between construction managers, IT stakeholders, and operational teams. The Telarus team uncovered critical needs around resiliency, network design, security, access control, and site-deployment timelines that fiber alone couldn’t support. By listening closely and educating the client through each phase, the team transformed a single-circuit inquiry into a million-dollar infrastructure opportunity with ongoing recurring revenue. This episode highlights how curiosity, collaboration, and solution mapping can unlock long-term strategic wins for partners and customers alike.
In this episode, Josh Lupresto and Billy Houghton discuss the evolving landscape of customer experience (CX) through the lens of artificial intelligence (AI). They explore the importance of continuous education, the journey of CX transformations, and the need for organizations to adapt to technological advancements. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding business processes, optimizing them for efficiency, and the role of advisors in guiding organizations through these changes. They also touch on the future of AI in enhancing customer experiences and the importance of building confidence in technology solutions.
This episode of Inside the Win features VP of Cybersecurity Sumara Riaz and Solutions Architect Trevor Burnside discussing a successful cybersecurity partnership with a life science company. The client, with fewer than 200 employees and a lean IT team, was seeking cybersecurity solutions as they prepared to go public after receiving funding. The tech adviser managed the relationship by focusing on business outcomes rather than technology details, positioning cybersecurity as a business enabler rather than just a cost center. The client ultimately selected their recommended vendor after establishing trust and confidence through technical expertise that matched the decision maker's background in managed services. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, bringing in specialized expertise when needed, and building trust in cybersecurity partnerships.
In this conversation, Hardy Myers discusses the evolution of AI agents, emphasizing their ability to interact in a human-like manner. He highlights the importance of empathy in these interactions and how it enhances the customer experience.
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In the video, Chad Muckenfuss and Mike Kowalski discuss a recent success in AI within the healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for businesses to strategize their AI approaches. They highlight the importance of building a solid data foundation, particularly in a field with strict compliance requirements. The project, which spans nine weeks and involves multiple phases, focuses on predictive analysis and data management, with significant financial backing from Azure. As the project begins, the team plans to track its progress and engage in follow-up discussions to ensure success.
We're revisiting a popular episode: Tech Stack Mastery Secrets to sell across Cloud, Connectivity, and Security. Our guest is long-time partner Steve Davis from NDS. Steve has an amazingly winding backstory as to how he got started in this space, and the theme is that he didn't take no for an answer! Steve, a prior Marine, leveraged what he learned there to start developing his passion for fitness into technology and ultimately found himself face-to-face with enterprise decision-makers. Not only has he done an incredible job crossing over the tech stack, but he's also a newly minted CISSP, so he shares with us that journey and how it's changed his conversations on security and technology more broadly. Don't miss this one!
In this episode of Inside the Win, Sam Nelson, the VP of CX, and Meagan Thai discuss the financial insights from a recent project with a dental equipment manufacturer. They highlight the company's challenges, particularly their need for a unified communication solution that includes video capabilities. The timeline from discovery to execution was notably swift, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear communication and understanding customer requirements. The conversation also touches on the use of AI tools to assist teams in gathering requirements effectively. The episode concludes with a promise for more insights in future episodes.
In this episode, Josh Lupresto speaks with Tony Lauro, Senior Director of Security Technology and Strategy at Akamai, about the critical issues surrounding cybersecurity, particularly focusing on shadow IT and complacency. They discuss Tony's journey into cybersecurity, the importance of understanding the basics, and the role of micro-segmentation in enhancing security. The conversation also covers Akamai's cloud solutions, the emerging field of AI security, and the need for organizations to remain vigilant against next-gen threats. The episode concludes with insights into Akamai's roadmap and future directions in cybersecurity.
In the video, Graeme Scott and Josh Haselhorst delve into a real-world case involving a global resort management company that needed to replace its firewalls. They discuss the importance of asking the right questions to uncover deeper issues, such as logistics and operations challenges, rather than just focusing on the immediate need for new firewalls. The conversation reveals that understanding the customer's true pain points can lead to unexpected sales opportunities and a more streamlined process. They emphasize the significance of flexibility in sales discussions and the necessity of collaboration with engineers for success. The session wraps up with a commitment to future discussions and continued learning.
In this episode, Josh Lupresto and Jason Stein discuss the critical theme of complacency in cybersecurity during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. They explore how complacency can lead to significant breaches, share real-world examples, and emphasize the importance of engaging customers in meaningful conversations about security. The discussion also highlights the role of users in cybersecurity breaches, the evolution of cyber threats, and the necessity of security awareness training. Additionally, they delve into the risks associated with AI and how to frame these risks for clients, ultimately urging listeners to take proactive steps in their cybersecurity practices.
We're introducing a new series we call: Inside the Win. In this episode, Jason Stein and Trevor Burnside of Telarus delve into the complexities of cybersecurity through a case study involving a software company in the entertainment industry. The client faced significant challenges after a ransomware attack, revealing a lack of dedicated cybersecurity personnel and a robust security framework. The discussion highlights the importance of building trust with clients and staying engaged throughout the deal process, even when initial responses are negative. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships and proactive engagement in addressing cybersecurity issues.
In this episode, Josh Lupresto and Sumera Riaz discuss the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity, particularly in light of the Quantum World Congress. They explore the implications of quantum technology on encryption, the urgency of adopting post-quantum cryptography standards, and how businesses can prepare for the quantum future. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trust and proactive measures in safeguarding data against emerging quantum threats.
In this revisited episode, Josh Lupresto discusses the art of asking the right questions to open doors in technology sales. He outlines ten key questions that can help sales professionals engage with clients, understand their needs, and identify opportunities for AI and automation. The conversation encompasses various themes, including the current application of AI, identifying bottlenecks, enhancing the customer experience, evaluating vendor technology, addressing data privacy concerns, and planning for future technology roadmaps. Josh emphasizes the importance of building relationships and being a trusted advisor to clients.
In this episode, Josh Lupresto and Adam Burke discuss the intricacies of selling technology solutions, focusing on common myths, mistakes, and strategies for success in the channel. They explore the importance of understanding partner motivations, recognizing red flags in client engagements, and the significance of starting small with projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for a focus on business outcomes and adapting to changing buying cycles, particularly in the context of AI and automation. Adam shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences in the industry, highlighting the importance of effective negotiation and the role of partners in delivering complex technology solutions.
No shortage of hot topics in AI! Listen today as I chat with Sam Nelson, VP of CX at Telarus. Today's session is titled - AI Agents: What's new and interesting in AI and what does it mean for you? Today, we dive into what's changed in AI Products since Sam and I last spoke. We also talk about Anthropic's latest release of their product titled "Computer Use" and how powerful that is. In addition, we talk about how Salesforce is planting a flag with its Agentforce offering. And, of course, Sam drops some great tips on how to leverage this knowledge to your competitive advantage and be a thought leader with your customers and prospects. Welcome to the next gold rush!
What do latency, legacy gear, and local cloud have in common? Everything—if you're Ron Colbert. In this episode, we explore how a data center expert turned cloud strategist is helping customers decipher the signals for change. From real-world wins with Azure Local to uncovering hidden gold in IBM workloads, Ron shares the discovery questions that close deals, the database traps to avoid, and why RLM’s approach is rewriting the partner playbook. If you’re selling cloud, this is the edge you’ve been looking for.