#77 – From the Trenches: Fractional Tech Leadership and the Consultative MSP Shift (Steve Brickner – Kraken Technology Solutions)

In this episode of From the Trenches on the BMK Vision Podcast, Josh Peterson sits down with Steve Brickner, Founder/CEO of Kraken Technology Solutions, for a grounded conversation about where MSPs are headed next—and why the market is rewarding leadership more than ticket throughput.   Steve shares his path from construction into IT, why early-stage MSPs need the ability to pivot quickly, and how “fractional technology leadership” is becoming the new wedge for trust, retention, and higher-value client relationships.   ⸻   🎙 What We Cover in This Episode Reframing MSP value: from tickets to technology leadership Fractional leadership and the consultative MSP model Why cybersecurity became table-stakes—and what comes after IT as a growth driver (not just a cost center) Translating security and tech decisions into CFO-ready ROI language Relationship-first prospecting: community, chambers, and content Webinars vs podcasts in 2026: attention, intent, and repurposing Podcast production stack ideas (Riverside + automated switching)   ⸻   👤 Guest Links Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebrickner981ba9242  Company Website: https://krakentechnology.io/    ⸻   🚀 Subscribe & Follow BMK Vision YouTube (Video Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@beringmckinleyvision?sub_confirmation=1   Learn More About the Vision Platform: https://beringmckinley.com/vision   Apply to Be a Guest: https://beringmckinley.com/blog#speaker-form