Analytics/Analysis

Scott Scroggin: The Value of Peer Groups

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 Forecasts M&A

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.

The Great Freeze: Employment v Entrepreneurship

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.

Guess What Day It Is? Win10 EOL

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,

IT Nation Global Connect 2025 Wrap!

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!

Do Channel Partners care about the sad demise of the penny and currency in general?

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.

ASK: Complete our 2026 MSP Forecast Survey

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

(eom)