This episode dives into the first big MSP headline of 2026 as Dave Sobel and Karl Palachuk walk through the acquisition of Small Biz Thoughts by MSP Radio. They unpack the business plan, the future of the SBT community and ITSPU, and how combining battle‑tested playbooks with daily news and analysis aims to level up MSP owners worldwide.​

This episode uses a satirical Top 10 list to spotlight what MSPs will really face in 2026—AI hype, security culture problems, tool sprawl, compliance pressure, and event overload—while driving home that success comes from outcome‑based services, strong processes, and a prepared team.

This special holiday episode is the final live show of the year and the home of the 2025 ITB Podcast Awards, complete with guests, giveaways, and a heartfelt monologue from Uncle Marv. MSP leaders and vendors unpack the year in AI, automation, conferences, swag, hiring, and booth etiquette while celebrating top episodes, guests, and sponsors like ThreatLocker, LionGard, Bvoip, and TruGrid.

Uncle Marv brings together marketer and lifelong Trekkie Kristin Spiotto, MSP and convention regular Joe Balsarotti, and legendary Star Trek insider Lolita Fatjo for a fast‑moving, story‑packed conversation about Trek and tech. The group explores how Starfleet principles, clear “North Star” goals, and great character‑driven storytelling influence everything from MSP operations to modern marketing. They also share behind‑the‑scenes convention stories, the changing TV/film landscape, and where Star Trek is boldly going next. === SPONSORS: Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Legacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmz Production Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongard Travel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML

Uncle Marv breaks down the “Top 10 MSP Billing Blunders” that dig into the billing mistakes MSPs make every month: treating invoicing as an afterthought, giving away work, mismanaging discounts, flat-fee risk, and making it hard for customers to pay.

Ben Wilcox, CTO/CISO at ProArch, joins Uncle Marv to share how a global Microsoft‑first MSP runs cloud modernization, managed security, and AI projects across the Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem. Hear how ProArch uses Intune, Azure AD, Defender XDR, Purview, Nerdio, and automation to reduce tooling, harden identity, and scale a 24/7 SOC, plus how MSPs can partner with ProArch for complex Microsoft work.​

Uncle Marv sits down with Compliance Scorecard’s founder Tim Golden and channel veteran Shanna Utgard to unpack how MSPs can turn compliance from a painful checkbox exercise into a profitable, defensible service offering. They dive into risk conversations, cyber insurance, frameworks like CMMC and HIPAA, and why documenting client decisions is now essential for avoiding lawsuits.​

In this NSITSP Member Spotlight, Uncle Marv sits down with Cameron Brister of Square PlanIT, an MSP based in Monroe, Louisiana, to trace his journey from college intern and web developer to full-time MSP owner. Cameron shares how a long-running side hustle turned into a thriving managed services business, the role of automation in landing early clients, and why he believes in democratizing technology instead of just “saying no” as IT.​

Black Friday gadgets, AI tools, and holiday hacks take center stage in this fun, fast-paced preview episode with Uncle Marv and returning favorite Dawn Sizer from Third Element Consulting. Listeners get real-world recommendations on conference gear, cable testers, AI note-taking, coffee rigs, and even Christmas lights, all framed around how MSPs and IT pros actually live and work.​

Uncle Marv and Keith Ellis dive deep into the difference between standards and best practices, tackling why “average” is no longer enough for MSPs. The conversation offers actionable advice and frameworks for breaking free from industry commoditization and the “success prison” so many tech entrepreneurs face.​

Mike Estep from Blackpoint Cyber joins Uncle Marv to discuss the latest in MSP security, the launch of Compass One, EDR Essentials, and strategies for managing engineer burnout, live from IT Nation Orlando.​

Rob Rae, Pax8’s Vice President of Community, joins Uncle Marv to explore the shift from MSPs to Managed Intelligence Providers, revealing how AI-driven platforms, playbooks, and industry events are rapidly changing the IT channel landscape. Listeners gain firsthand insight into community building, Pax8’s AI initiatives, and event strategy.

Mike DePalma and Jason Myers from OpenText join me live at IT Nation to share actionable strategies for modern MSPs, detail OpenText’s latest cybersecurity solutions—including EDR, MDR, and the Aviator AI platform—and debate where MSPs are headed next in a rapidly-changing IT landscape.​

Longtime channel leader Adam Slutskin of CyberFOX shares honest insights on growth, product innovation, and building a positive MSP-centric culture—plus a behind-the-scenes look at price promises and product evolution.​

Uncle Marv interviews GTIA CEO Dan Wensley and Chief Community Officer MJ Shoer live at IT Nation Orlando to discuss GTIA’s transformation, global reach, and unmatched value for IT service providers. The duo breaks down why membership means access to vendor-neutral research, business education, philanthropy, and a global peer community.​

Carolyn April, Vice President of Research and Market Intelligence at GTIA, joins the podcast to break down the big transition from CompTIA, the future of the channel, and why MSP standards and AI readiness matter more than ever.

Megan Killion joins Uncle Marv live at IT Nation Orlando to dive into her journey from agency owner to MSP revenue consultant, exploring the realities and best practices in sales, lead generation, and the evolving MSP landscape.​

Keith Ellis, bestselling author and “Impossible Success Coach,” joins Uncle Marv to challenge traditional MSP thinking, share innovative goal-setting frameworks, and reveal how tech entrepreneurs can commit to—and achieve—‘impossible’ goals.​

Callan Sapien from Synthreo discusses the evolution from early AI automation to MSP-ready, no-code/low-code AI platforms. The conversation covers market dynamics, how MSPs can identify real client problems, and the importance of balancing AI risk with business value through AI-assisted workflows and guardrails.​

Uncle Marv recaps a whirlwind stretch of ASCII and IT Nation-related travel, conference sessions, and vendor swag. A guest appearance by Sean Lardo adds insider perspectives on event execution and the PitchIT program.