Analytics/Analysis

Scott Scroggin, Director of Strategic Initiatives at ConnectWise, discussed the current M&A landscape for MSPs, highlighting high valuations and strong M&A activity despite some uncertainty due to AI and hyper-automation. He noted the scarcity of high-quality partners and the increasing role of private equity. Scroggin emphasized the importance of smaller MSPs leveraging AI for business consultancy to enhance their valuation. He introduced the Evolve Essentials program for MSPs with $7 million in revenue, providing an 18-month curriculum and benchmarking tools. The IT Nation Grow program focuses on business transition, aiming to help MSPs navigate transactions and secure positive outcomes.

George Sierchio from Cogent Growth Partners discussed the current market environment for MSPs, emphasizing that the 2025 market has returned to normal after the 2024 presidential election cycle. He highlighted the importance of staying updated with technology, particularly security and AI, for business viability. Sierchio advised MSP owners on the strategic timing of buying or selling, stressing the need for a good fit and opportunity. He recommended merging with similar-sized companies as a cost-effective strategy for growth, cautioning against bottom-feeder acquisitions. He also emphasized the importance of professional advice and proper preparation for M&A transactions.

Here are a couple high-level thoughts from last week's IT Nation hosted by ConnectWise in Orlando. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again - it’s the Rose Bowl of events in our space and ya’ gotta go at least once. 

Here are some pillars!

To be or not to be an employee or entrepreneur? Admittedly these are goofy times out there in the macro economy! 

Employment

First - a fresh look at those seeking a J O B. Ya’ gotta do what ya gotta do. There was a fantastic LinkedIn news piece late last week called “The Great Freeze” and is that basis for my post up here. Basically the goofy employment market is like an unkind Goldilocks. Employers don’t want to hire but they don’t want to fire. Existing employees are “frozen” and hangin’ in there. This analysis is close to the mark. 

Second - does posting an “Open To Work” logo on your LinkedIn profile hurt or help.

Fall musings here. Penny production is ceasing and it raises the couple questions.

1. Do channel partners (MSPs, VARs, resellers care? 

2. And do the clients of these channel partners care?

 Jim Roddy, President & CEO for the Retail Solution Provider Association (RSPA) weighed in. “Our VAR and ISV members are mostly focused on electronic payments because solution providers receive a slice of that revenue.”

Coinstar - a recent article on the demise of the penny extensively quoted the CEO of Coinstar.

It’s here again. The End-Of-Life (EOL) for a Microsoft desktop operating system. Been there done that, eh? Who can forget the security risk hype of Windows XP in April 2014? Now, Windows 10 is EOL after a ten year life and the messaging is no more security updates (without a support fee). 

A couple of community and SMB ecosystem thoughts. 

Migrations lag. If anything was learned from the Windows XP EOL era,

Greeting SMB Nation members!

A short and simple request. Can you take 1-min to complete our 2026 MSP Forecast Survey. The deadline is Saturday, October 18th and we will publish the results. 

The link is: https://logictreeit.page.link/SgA4vJ7QP1zHVVKq7 

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Albert Lotito, based in Pennsylvania, works for Global Tech Solutions, an MSP with around 1,000 clients. As a Service Delivery Manager, he oversees dispatch, training, quality assurance, and analytics, including the implementation of new products like Thread. Albert prefers smaller conferences for better networking. His company is shifting focus from the nursing home industry to commercial clients like manufacturing and finance, leveraging AI to streamline processes and improve customer service. Despite concerns about losing personal touch, Albert emphasizes that their business is fundamentally about customer service, using AI to enhance efficiency and maintain strong client relationships.

Harry Brelsford interviews Chris Orris at Channel Con 2025 in Nashville, discussing his background in Saudi Arabia, Virginia Tech, and the retail industry. Chris, who lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, founded "The Burnouts," a brand aimed at redefining the term "burnout" to help employees and businesses improve company culture. He emphasizes the importance of intentional social media presence and employer support for employee passions. Harry shares his own experience with burnout and his involvement in multiple ventures. Both express interest in meeting again at IT Nation.

Harry Brelsford interviews Mark Alayev, the founder of Thread, about his background and the company's vision. Alayev shares his journey from an MSP intern to building Thread, emphasizing the concept of "service magic" which aims to enhance customer experiences and efficiency for MSPs. Thread recently introduced voice AI and service intelligence to streamline administrative tasks, allowing technicians to focus on human interactions. Harry draws parallels between Thread's innovative approach and his own experiences at Microsoft, highlighting the importance of counterculture thinking and strong points of view in driving technological change.

When you reach complete taking at looksy at the wonderful affirmation and accolades from SMB MSP community leader Karl Palachuck, I encourage you to reflect on how we built a thriving grass roots community that is very rate these days. The motion we engaged in has built life long relationships where we have laughed, cried, hugged and even fought over 20 plus years. 

Michael George discussed the evolution and future of Syncro, a company he joined in early 2024. Syncro aims to create a world-class RMM and PSA combined platform, leveraging the significant market share of Microsoft in the small to medium business sector. George highlighted the upcoming announcement of a new product category at the Kaseya conference, focusing on simplifying IT stacks and enhancing security. He emphasized the importance of AI in cybersecurity and the need for MSPs to stay ahead of evolving threats. George also mentioned Syncro's presence in Austin, Texas, and his personal experiences living between Boston and Naples, Florida.