MSP Chat

Erick and Rich discuss Lexful’s ambitions to build the ultimate AI-native data repository for MSPs, as well as proven strategies for updating your managed services prices between renewals. Then they’re joined by M&A expert Abraham Garver of FOCUS Investment Banking for an insider’s take on today’s exit environment for MSPs and the rise of “mega mega” MSPs with nine-figure top lines. And finally, one last thing: A Seattle Seahawks fan who’s even more excited about this weekend’s Super Bowl than Rich because a home team victory will result in his first haircut in over a decade. 

Discussed in this episode:
AI-Native IT Documentation Platform Redefines How MSPs Work, Solving Pain Points and Generating Value in Real Time
Mega MSPs Are Old News. Say Hello to the Mega Megas.
By Abraham Garver: Unlocking Higher MSP Multiples: How Peer Group M&A Outshines Conference Connections
Seahawks fan hasn’t cut his hair since Super Bowl 49 loss, won’t until Seattle wins again

 Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.

Erick and Rich discuss the impact that security and AI maturity are having on MSP valuations and three concrete techniques for increasing valuations by increasing EBITDA. Then they’re joined by Michael Assraf, CEO and founder of Flamingo, to explore that company’s unconventional open-source approach to MSP tooling. And finally, one last thing: A data-based look at the most overused buzzwords in email, and a confession by Erick and Rich that they use most of them. 

Discussed in this episode:

Flamingo home page (including links to OpenMSP and OpenFrame)
Flamingo’s Unorthodox Plan to Turn MSP Systems of Record into Loss Leaders
The Top 10 Most Overused Email Buzzwords 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.

Erick and Rich discuss what ConnectWise buying zofiQ says about the future of AI automation and tool stacks for MSPs and how to make sales excellence as important a part of your culture as technical excellence. Then they’re joined by two top executives from Thread for an inside look at AI-powered service desk automation from a leading vendor in the field. And finally, one last thing: an incident involving a Waymo in Phoenix that might inspire you to delay your first ride in a self-driving car. 

Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise To Acquire zofiQ—Bringing AI-Powered Automation to IT Solution Providers
MSP Chat interview with Lee Silverstone of zofiQ
A Channelholic article on Thread
Waymo passenger flees after car drives on Phoenix light rail tracks 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.

Erick and Rich discuss the easily overlooked opportunity for MSPs in AI prep work like implementing infrastructure and how MSPs can prepare themselves operationally to meet rising end user demand for AI services and solutions. Then they’re joined by Dave Sobel of The Business of Tech podcast to discuss his recent acquisition of an MSP community and education resource, and what it says about the current and future needs of smaller MSPs at a time when larger ones are commanding more attention. And finally, one last thing: How deepfake monkeys conquered St. Louis. 

Discussed in this episode:

Ingram Micro’s Crawl, Walk, Run Strategy for Partner AI
Omdia: Data centre, AI services and cloud marketplaces to drive partner growth in 2026
Gartner Forecasts Worldwide IT Spending to Grow 9.8% in 2026, Exceeding $6 Trillion For the First TimeThe Business of Tech podcast
MSP Radio Acquires Small Biz Thoughts and IT Service Provider University
A Welcome Investment in the Spirit of MSP Community
Monkeys are on the loose in St. Louis and AI is complicating efforts to capture them 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.

Erick and Rich discuss why the rise of AI-native “systems of action” poses a potential threat to the future of PSA solutions, as well as strategies for building an effective, valuation-boosting MSP leadership team. Then they’re joined by Kevin Lancaster, CEO of BetterTracker and Channel Program, for a must-hear conversation about what AI means for the long-term competitiveness of smaller MSPs. And finally, one last thing: a phishing attack involving actual fish, or aquatic creatures anyway. 

Discussed in this episode:
AI “Systems of Action” Have Worrying Implications for PSA Vendors
By Kevin Lancaster: MSPs, the AI $hit is about to get real
By Kevin Lancaster: The 2026 AI Maturity Model for MSPs
Microsoft Discovers MSPs. Again.
The Case of the $400,000 Massachusetts Lobster Heist 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.