MSP Acquisition Spotlight – Adam Bell
1. What’s it like not being your own boss anymore? Did that take some getting used to?
Yes and no. I do miss having the final say and the speed at which I could accomplish things in a smaller organization. However, there’s also a certain ease in having a boss—especially when it’s by choice. I’m still closely involved with my team, which has been beneficial for both them and me during this transition.
2. Selling your MSP is a big decision. Where did you go for guidance and advice?
I took time to pray about it and sought guidance from several trusted sources—my wife, financial advisor, tax advisor, lawyer, and fellow business owners.
3. How difficult was it to find the right buyer? What made you choose The 20 MSP in the end?
Finding the right buyer wasn’t easy, but I chose The 20 because of the strong relationship and potential for investment. As a member of The 20, I was already familiar with how they operate, so the decision to merge and scale made perfect sense.
4. What’s changed the most in your life since selling your MSP?
Instead of carrying the entire burden of running the company on my own, I now have a capable team to share the responsibilities. This shift has not only lightened my workload but has also allowed me to focus on areas where I can add the most value. Having the support of a strong team has brought a sense of balance, and as a result, I feel significantly less stress overall. It’s been a positive change for both the business and my personal well-being.
5. Since selling your MSP, is there something – inside or outside of work – that you’ve been able to focus on more?
Although I’m still quite busy, I’ve been able to carve out more time to focus on both my physical and mental well-being.
6. What do you miss most about running your own business?
I miss the independence and ability to make big decisions quickly.
7. What’s your best advice for someone thinking about selling their MSP?
Ensure you’re emotionally prepared to let go of the business you’ve built. Take the time to carefully weigh the risks and rewards of selling. Personally, I had clear retirement goals, which I was on track to achieve if everything went smoothly. However, by selling and merging with The 20, I was able to reduce risk while still meeting those retirement goals.
8. Can you talk about your current role? How has your day-to-day changed since selling your company?
My day-to-day responsibilities haven’t changed significantly—I’m still managing the same team. However, the number of clients we support has grown. When I was running my own business, I lacked the human resources needed to fully manage all aspects. Now, I have a dedicated team to handle financials, billing, client relationships, and technical support. This has enabled my team and me to manage a much larger client base effectively.
9. In your opinion, what’s the most important quality for success?
Hope alone is not a viable business strategy; true success is built on hard work and tenacity.
10. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am a functional introvert.
11. Describe your dream vacation in 3 words…
Relaxation, Sun, Fishing