Building a Security‑First MSP With Jerem (EP 984)

If you’ve ever felt stuck between vendor noise, compliance pressure, and clients who only see you as “the computer guy,” this conversation is for you. Jerem and I dig into culture, cybersecurity, AI, and backup design—plus the uncomfortable stuff like staff training and saying no to shiny tools—so you can run a calmer, more profitable MSP.

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro – Live show setup and community update for Jason
• 04:46 Sponsor Segment – ThreatLocker, NetAlly, OneStream, TruGrid
• 07:56 Guest Intro – Meet Jerem Morris and Datatek in Mesa, Arizona
• 10:20 Building Datatek – Referral-only growth and people‑first IT
• 12:16 From Tech to Business Owner – Early lessons and first hire
• 14:32 Shifting to Security‑First – Becoming a true technology partner
• 19:20 Deep Client Relationships – No client‑facing tickets and more QBRs
• 29:36 Training & AI Guardrails – Staff education, AI policy, and user training
• 36:21 Backup Strategy – Beyond 3‑2‑1 with Synology and layered recovery
• 44:12 Tool Stack & Future of AI – Avoiding shiny objects and preparing MSPs for AI

Guests: Jerem Morris

• Datatek Website: https://datatekaz.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremmorris

Shout-outs:

• Jason Percival, NEPA Geeks: https://www.nepageeks.com

Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned

• NEPA Geeks: https://www.nepageeks.com
• Synology: https://www.synology.com
• Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365
• Microsoft Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot
• ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com
• Arizona Tech Week (Mesa): https://www.aztechweekmesa.com
• Boeing: https://www.boeing.com
• Meta (Meta Platforms): https://about.meta.com
• Netgear: https://www.netgear.com

=== SPONSORS:

• Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker
• Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
• Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip
• Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid
• Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready

=== SHOW MUSIC:

• Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
• Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
• Author Username: AlexanderRufire
• Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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