SMB Community Podcast

Overview:
In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, Amy interviews Steve Shattuck, VP of Global Partner Ecosystem and Business Development at GoTo. Steve shares his extensive background with AI from his tenure at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and discusses the transformative impact AI is having on the MSP industry. They delve into how AI can enhance rather than eliminate technician roles, the potential for AI to level the playing field between small and large MSPs, and the integration of AI in GoTo's product suite like LogMeIn Resolve. Key topics include automating mundane tasks, enhancing documentation processes, language translation in support, and the importance of developing a strategic AI approach for businesses. The episode concludes with Steve emphasizing the broader impact of breaking down communication barriers globally through AI. 
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast
00:30 Meet Steve Shattuck: AI Expert and Outdoor Enthusiast 
04:49 AI's Impact on MSPs and Technicians
07:41 Leveraging AI for Enhanced MSP Services
24:16 AI and Language Translation in IT Support
28:27 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
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New Book Release:

I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats.

Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve.

Available now on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/f2NKASI
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Sponsor Memo:
Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).
If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.
There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.
For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

Overview:
In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, our host James Kernan welcomes Justin Maxwell of Big Life Financial to discuss crucial changes in the tax law surrounding R&D tax credits for tech companies. They delve into the history and importance of the R&D tax credits, misconceptions about qualification, and the significant financial benefits these credits can bring. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of having a cohesive team of financial advisors and offers a complimentary review for businesses to determine their eligibility. Don't miss this insightful conversation that could be a game-changer for your business's financial strategy. 
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:50 Meet Justin Maxwell
04:44 The Importance of Financial Cohesion
07:22 Understanding R&D Tax Credits
12:38 Eligibility and Process for R&D Credits
23:49 Maximizing Your Tax Savings
25:59 Conclusion and Contact Information
---
New Book Release:

I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats.

Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve.

Available now on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/f2NKASI
---
Sponsor Memo:
Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).
If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.
There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.
For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

Overview:
Exploring the Future of MSPs: AI, Cybersecurity, and Building Trust In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews Tim Thomson, founder of Cyber Trends, who shares insights on the future opportunities for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in 2026. They discuss the role of AI and automation, the importance of cybersecurity and compliance, and strategies for proving value to clients. Tim explains his journey from founding his first MSP in 2002 to building a consulting firm that helps MSPs grow and scale. He emphasizes the need for MSPs to build personal brands and leverage partnerships to succeed in an evolving industry. The episode provides actionable advice for MSPs looking to capitalize on technology trends and improve their business outcomes. 
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast
00:26 Meet Tim: From MSP Founder to Consultant
02:07 Tim's Journey: Building and Scaling an MSP
04:29 Tim's Consulting Firm and Services
07:06 Opportunities for MSPs in 2026: AI and Automation
17:21 Cybersecurity and Compliance: A Growing Need
21:36 Proving Your Value: Building Trust and Personal Branding
30:01 Conclusion and Contact Information
---
New Book Release:

I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats.

Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve.

Available now on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/f2NKASI
---
Sponsor Memo:
Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).
If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.
There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.
For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

Overview:
In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss their upcoming travel plans and the busy start to 2026. They tackle a key listener question about how much to invest in training for IT teams, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and proposing strategies for incorporating both free and paid training within organizations. Additionally, they cover recent news in the tech industry, including Walmart's drone delivery expansion, layoffs in Kaseya, and the latest updates from companies like Ninja One, CrowdStrike, and others. The episode also touches on future technological predictions and top job listings for 2026.
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Greetings 
01:18 Kicking Off 2026: Busy Times Ahead
01:47 MSP Question of the Week: Investing in Team Training 
02:24 Strategies for Effective Employee Training
09:49 News Highlights: Industry Updates and Trends
15:47 AI and Future Technologies
20:27 Top Jobs and Opportunities in 2026
21:40 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
---
New Book Release:

I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats.

Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve.

Available now on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/f2NKASI
---
Sponsor Memo:
Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).
If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.
There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.
For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

Overview:
In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the key challenges and opportunities MSPs (Managed Service Providers) will face in 2026. They emphasize the importance of AI integration, staff training, tool consolidation, and strategic partnerships. They also highlight the need for MSPs to focus on soft skills and personal customer interactions, as AI takes over more technical tasks. The episode concludes with positive news about U.S. productivity and an announcement about the acquisition of Small Biz Thoughts and IT Service Provider University by MSP Radio. 
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:35 Holiday Season Reflections
01:42 MSP Question of the Week: Challenges and Opportunities for MSPs in 2026 
10:35 Tool Consolidation and Operational Efficiency
14:30 Client Expectations and Value Demonstration
19:07 Big News: MSP Radio Acquisition
20:51 Closing Remarks
---
New Book Release:

I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats.

Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve.

Available now on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/f2NKASI
---
Sponsor Memo:
Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).
If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.
There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.
For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com