Mike Hanauer, a consultant specializing in MSPs, discussed his recent activities, including his role as Chief Revenue Officer at Total and the relaunch of his consulting firm, Green Lake. He focuses on interim leadership for MSPs and post-acquisition integration, emphasizing the importance of retention and proper pricing and packaging. Harry Brelsford, a board member of a community private equity group, shared his experiences with post-acquisition integration and the resilience of the MSP sector. They both highlighted the critical role of MSPs in protecting small and medium businesses, especially during economic uncertainties.
Action Items
- [ ] @Harry Brelsford - Reach out to Mike to continue the conversation.
- [ ] Write down a detailed project plan and playbook for post-acquisition integration.
Outline
Mike Hanauer's Background and Recent Activities
- Harry Brelsford introduces Mike Hanauer, noting their long-term relationship and the timing of the podcast recording in November.
- Mike Hanauer shares his recent role as Chief Revenue Officer at Total for about a year and a half, and his current involvement as an investor and consultant.
- Mike discusses the focus of his consulting firm, Green Lake, which includes helping MSPs with interim leadership and post-acquisition integration.
- He highlights the importance of retention and proper pricing and packaging in M&A activities to ensure business expansion.
Challenges and Strategies in MSP Consulting
- Harry Brelsford emphasizes the importance of post-acquisition integration, sharing his experience with a community private equity group.
- Mike Hanauer elaborates on the complexities of merging data and auto tasks, and his role in the integration team.
- Harry Brelsford discusses the competitive nature of MSP events and the importance of recognizing the broader economic impact of MSPs.
- Mike Hanauer explains the unique role of MSPs in protecting small and medium businesses, which is often overlooked by larger cybersecurity companies.
Economic Resilience and Community Impact
- Harry Brelsford mentions his 2026 MSP forecast, which has received positive feedback at both executive and vendor levels.
- He discusses the counter-cyclical and cyclical nature of the MSP industry, noting its resilience during the financial crisis.
- Mike Hanauer reflects on the pandemic's impact on MSPs, highlighting their essential role and the importance of protecting local businesses.
- Harry Brelsford and Mike Hanauer discuss the significance of Small Business Saturday, encouraging support for local businesses.
Closing Remarks and Future Plans
- Harry Brelsford expresses his appreciation for Mike Hanauer's insights and contributions to the discussion.
- Mike Hanauer reiterates his commitment to supporting MSPs and helping them navigate the challenges of growth and integration.
- Harry Brelsford emphasizes the importance of community and local support, encouraging listeners to participate in Small Business Saturday.
- The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and a commitment to future collaboration.