If you run an MSP and are already exhausted in week one of 2026, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar—and very useful. Marv turns a week of ISP upgrades, hospital time, and junior-tech misadventures into a concrete set of New Year resolutions you can actually implement.

=== Why Listen

• Hear real-world stories: ISP upgrades over Christmas, SD-WAN cutovers, and co-managed headaches.
• Learn why underpricing attracts bargain hunters and destroys margins—and how to fix it.
• Get a simple framework for quarterly (or monthly) margin audits by service category.
• See how to separate “basic support” from “cybersecurity” using surcharges or tiered bundles.
• Understand why disciplined client onboarding, baselines, and security gap plans reduce tickets and churn.
• Pick up a practical “no after-hours alerts” rule to protect your and your team’s mental health.
• Discover the value of peer mastermind groups and free communities like ASCII Spark, Pax8 groups, IT Nation, and SMB Community.
• Enjoy a fun MSP-themed “Top 10 things clients say before the server crashes” list.

=== Links from the Show

• MSP Radio (by Dave Sobel): https://www.mspradio.com
• Small Biz Thoughts (Carl Palachuk): https://www.smallbizthoughts.com
• ASCII / ASCII Spark: https://www.ascii.com
• Pax8: https://www.pax8.com
• ConnectWise IT Nation: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation
• SMB Community (Karl Palachuk’s community): https://www.smallbizthoughts.org
• PodFest Expo: https://podfestexpo.com
• Star Trek Prodigy: https://www.startrek.com/shows/star-trek-prodigy

=== SPONSORS:

• Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker
• Legacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
• Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmz
• Production Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongard
• Travel 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

SHOW INFORMATION:

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you rely on Small Biz Thoughts, IT Service Provider University, or The Business of Tech, this conversation is your roadmap to what’s changing and what’s not. Hear directly from Dave Sobel and Karl Palachuk about the acquisition, the five‑year plan, and how this new ecosystem can help you build a stronger MSP in 2026.

=== Why listen

• Understand why MSP Radio acquired Small Biz Thoughts and IT Service Provider University.
• Hear Karl explain why he sold, what “stewardship” means, and why he’s not going anywhere.
• Learn how SBT community members will now gain access to Business of Tech plus content, vendor briefings, and insider reports.
• Get insight into Dave’s multi‑year business plan and his “chocolate and marshmallow” analogy for combining brands.
• Discover how the new structure keeps Karl’s books, SOPs, and checklists alive and updated rather than shelved.
• See how both Dave and Karl think about vendor relationships, ethics, and independent, fact‑driven analysis.
• Hear practical ways MSPs can plug into the combined ecosystem for training, coaching, and community.

=== Mentioned on the show

• MSP Radio (company/umbrella): https://www.mspradio.com
• The Business of Tech (podcast/media): https://www.businessof.tech
• Small Biz Thoughts: https://www.smallbizthoughts.com
• IT Service Provider University (ITSPU): https://www.itspu.com
• Relax Focus Succeed (book): https://amzn.to/44W2I10
• Killing IT Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-killing-it-podcast/id1463295432

=== SPONSORS:

• Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker
• Legacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
• Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmz
• Production Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongard
• Travel 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

SHOW INFORMATION:

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv shares a sarcastic Top 10 list of what MSPs are “excited” about in 2026, including AI that fixes everything, clients who finally get cybersecurity, and the 37th AI‑powered RMM. He digs into stack sprawl, compliance frameworks, cyber insurance requirements, and the myth of 100% client compliance while encouraging MSPs to focus on outcomes like better security, more uptime, and real business continuity.​

Top 10 Things MSPs Are Totally Excited About in 2026

• AI That Fixes Everything — Except Itself
• Clients Who Finally “Get” Cybersecurity
• Vendors Promising Fewer Portals (Again)
• The Cloud Migration That Never Ends
• New Acronyms To Confuse Everyone
• Compliance Audits As a Hobby
• The Return of the SMB IT Budget Unicorn
• The 37th AI-Powered RMM Solution
• MSP Conferences With More Buzzwords Than Beer
• Finally Achieving 100% Client Compliance

SHOW INFORMATION:

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast