Tell us a little about your MSP…
I started Tech Junkies in January of 2007 in Hays, KS (I’ll wait for you to Google Maps that). I was working full time for a local ISP and fixing computers on the side. I started making more money from my side gig than my full-time job, so I decided to venture out on my own. I used my older brother’s four wheeler as collateral, got a loan for $8,100, signed a lease on a retail space, quit my job, cashed out what little I had in my company retirement, then went home and told my wife what I had done (I strongly recommend you put that last item first)! She was a bit shocked, but supportive. We were doing retail computer repair initially, but quickly started to transition into managed services for local businesses. Seeing need in our area for both residential and business IT solutions, we continue to offer both, utilizing a MSP service model.
How long have you been a member of The 20?
I was in The 20 before it was really ‘The 20.’ I was on the first call with Tim that started to form the concept of The 20. Since that time, I have been all in with The 20 model. I have seen it grow from just a concept to what it has become today. I guess I’d be considered the OG of The 20.
Why did your MSP originally look to partner with The 20?
After hearing the concept, I was on board right away. My goal with Tech Junkies was to scale on a massive level. I saw partnering with Tim and The 20 as my best option to do so.
Tell us about the biggest change in your business since joining The 20.
Starting day 1 we could handle almost any client that walked in the door. Coming back from the first meeting in Dallas I closed my biggest deal up to that point. Before The 20 I would have been gun shy to take on such a large client. However, with The 20 on my side it was an easy process to onboard and support.
What do you like most about being a member of The 20?
The community. We have all become such a tight community between the partners, The 20 Leadership, and even The 20 staff. I have forged business relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime.
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
The ability to execute. I think some people just lack the ability to execute on ideas. Talk it great but it’s the walk that will make you money.
What are your biggest business challenges?
Lead generation. I don’t think I’ll ever be happy with the leads we are getting, I’ll always want more.
What are your areas of focus for 2019?
We are focusing on adding a comprehensive Cybersecurity Solution for all of our current clients and prospects. We handle managed IT services one way… the right way. We now offer a layered approached to cybersecurity defense based on the relationships that we have built through The 20.
What advice would you share with an MSP looking to scale their business?
Join The 20! Don’t re-invent the wheel. Let The 20 bring their expertise to the table on the operations and service delivery. You as a business owner should be focusing on marketing and sales.
What book are you currently reading?
Scaling Up byVern Harnish (I’m always re-reading / listening to it).
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss.
Favorite blogs / podcasts
GaryVee – I usually have GaryVee or some other audio playing in the background all day.