#45 – From the Trenches: Enterprise Roots, AI Strategy & MSP Fundamentals (Corey Kirkendoll – 5K Technical Services)

In this episode of From the Trenches, Josh Peterson sits down with Corey Kirkendoll, a seasoned enterprise technologist (IBM, Cisco, Dell, EMC), MSP CEO, CISSP, CCIE, and one of the most well-rounded strategy thinkers in the channel. Corey brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and strong business acumen—powered by his MBA and decades of real-world leadership.   Josh and Corey explore the current era MSPs are navigating: AI adoption, cybersecurity maturity, service standardization, business outcomes, automation, operational fundamentals, and the mindset shifts required to stay competitive. Corey discusses why automation only works when fundamentals are strong, why AI requires real governance and data protection, and how MSPs can build entirely new revenue streams by becoming fractional AI strategy partners.   This conversation is packed with clarity, business logic, and actionable insight—delivered in Corey’s signature practical and no-nonsense style. If you lead an MSP or are thinking about the future of your business, this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn How Corey’s enterprise IT experience shaped 5K Technical Services Why MSPs must lead with business conversations, not technical ones The cultural lessons Corey learned living and working in Australia Why AI forces a higher cybersecurity standard How to discuss governance, DLP, and risk with SMB clients The rise of RAG, co-pilot, and AI-assisted processes Why most MSPs must fix fundamentals before automating Policy > procedure > automation — the order that actually works How MSPs can create AI strategy offerings and new revenue models Why utilization, gross profit, and PSA data still matter The vision and leadership needed to guide modern MSP teams Guest Information   Corey L. Kirkendoll President & CEO – 5K Technical Services Website: https://www.5ktech.com Co-host: MSP Unplugged Podcast Links & Resources   Explore the BMK Vision platform → https://beringmckinley.com/vision Apply to be a podcast guest → https://beringmckinley.com/bering-mckinley-podcast-blog Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@beringmckinleyvision?sub_confirmation=1 About From the Trenches   The From the Trenches series is part of the BMK Vision Podcast, where MSP leaders share real, unscripted conversations about business, leadership, cybersecurity, AI, and the operational realities of running a technology company today.