the[STACK]

Pax8 Beyond 2026 made one thing clear: AI is no longer a future conversation—it's happening now.Join Dan Tomaszewski and Josh Liberman as they recap the conference and discuss what MSPs should take away from the industry's biggest conversations. They cover AI governance, Shadow AI, the role of AI agents, the evolving trusted advisor relationship, and why successful MSPs will focus on business outcomes—not just technology.Whether you're looking to strengthen your AI strategy or simply stay ahead of what's coming next, this episode offers practical insights every MSP can use.

Everyone is talking about AI—but what does it actually mean for MSPs?In this episode of the[STACK], Dan sits down with Dave Meister from Check Point to break down the biggest AI trends shaping the channel. From the evolution of the Managed Intelligence Provider (MIP) to new revenue opportunities, AI-powered security, and the risks of Shadow AI, this conversation cuts through the hype and focuses on practical business outcomes MSPs can act on today.If you're wondering where AI fits into your business strategy, this episode is a great place to start.

AI is changing the way businesses operate—but without the right guardrails, it can introduce serious security and compliance risks.Following their time at Pax8 Beyond, Dan and Reza discuss how MSPs can help clients embrace AI without sacrificing security. They cover AI governance, compliance, browser security, Agentic AI, and why proactive guidance—not reactive support—will define the next generation of successful MSPs.

The MSP sales process has changed—but has your sales strategy?Today's buyers aren't waiting for a sales call to start their research. They're reading reviews, listening to podcasts, exploring LinkedIn, using AI search tools, and building trust long before they ever contact an MSP.In this episode of the[STACK], Dan Tomaszewski sits down with Pete Busam, CEO of Equilibrium Consulting, to discuss how the modern buyer journey has evolved, why traditional sales funnels no longer tell the whole story, and what MSPs can do to improve their visibility, credibility, and growth in today's digital-first world.

Pax8 Beyond wasn't just another industry conference—it was a glimpse into the future of managed services.In this episode of the[STACK], Dan Tomaszewski sits down with Chance Weaver, Global VP of AI Adoption at Pax8, to unpack the event's biggest AI announcements and what they mean for MSPs. From the Managed Intelligence Provider (MIP) framework to new Managed Intelligence Services, they discuss how providers can start leading AI conversations, deliver meaningful business outcomes, and build the next generation of managed services.

The managed services industry is changing faster than ever. As AI, automation, governance, and business intelligence reshape the way organizations operate, MSPs are being challenged to think beyond traditional IT support. In this episode of the[STACK], Dan Tomaszewski sits down with Brian Doyle of vCIOToolbox to discuss the evolution from Managed Service Provider to Managed Intelligence Provider (MIP), why advisory services are becoming essential, and how MSPs can position themselves as strategic business partners instead of just technology providers.

For years, anyone could call themselves an MSP. But as the industry continues to mature, is it time for that to change?Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2026, Dan sits down with Cole Knuth of Texas A&M and MJ Shoer of GTIA to discuss the Consortium for Responsible IT Services, the push toward industry standards, and why defining what it means to be an MSP has never been more important.From self-regulation and government involvement to the future of MIPs and industry accreditation, this conversation explores one of the biggest shifts the managed services industry has seen in years.

Cybercriminals no longer need to break into networks—they simply log in.In this episode of the[STACK], Dan Tomaszewski welcomes Ben Eakin from Kzero to discuss the evolution of identity security and why authentication is becoming the frontline of cybersecurity. Learn how MSPs can combat phishing, credential theft, and identity-based attacks while improving usability through passwordless authentication, MFA, SSO, and simplified security workflows.

For years, email security conversations have focused on SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. But what happens after you've checked those boxes?In this episode of the[STACK], Dan Tomaszewski sits down with Alec Beglarian from EasyDMARC to explore why email security alone isn't enough. They discuss the shift from email authentication to email trust, the hidden deliverability issues MSPs often miss, and why email infrastructure requires ongoing monitoring just like any other critical business system.If your clients depend on email for invoices, customer communications, password resets, or revenue-generating activities, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

The biggest risks in your clients' environments may not be on their servers or endpoints—they may be hiding in SaaS applications nobody knows about. In this episode, Dan Tomaszewski and Michael Kraft explore how Shadow IT creates security, compliance, and operational challenges for businesses of all sizes. Learn how SaaS discovery can uncover hidden threats, eliminate unnecessary spending, and open the door to valuable conversations with your clients.

Security teams are overwhelmed with alerts, technicians are battling tool fatigue, and MSPs are constantly being told they need yet another product. In this episode, Rob Allen from ThreatLocker shares why the traditional approach isn't scaling and how MSPs can shift from reactive security to proactive control. If you're looking to simplify your security stack without sacrificing protection, this conversation is for you.

Most MSPs focus on selling Microsoft licenses… but very few are maximizing the incentives behind them. In this episode, Dan Tomaszewski talks with Liz Nunez from OpenText about how MSPs can unlock additional profitability through Microsoft rebates, partner benefits, co-sell opportunities, and strategic growth programs. Whether you’re a one-person shop or a mature MSP, this episode will change the way you look at your Microsoft partnership.

Moving data sounds simple… until it isn’t. Dan Tomaszewski welcomes Ramiro Millan from Movebot to break down the real-world challenges MSPs face during migration projects and how better tools, better processes, and better visibility can eliminate migration chaos. If your team has ever dealt with failed cutovers, weekend fire drills, or client pressure during migrations, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the[STACK], Dan Tomaszewski is joined by Chris Wanamaker, Senior Channel Account Executive at Sophos, to tackle the growing crisis of alert fatigue within the MSP community. Drawing on his experience as a former MSP owner, Chris explains why traditional EDR can often create an unsustainable operational burden that leads to technician burnout and missed threats. Discover how shifting to a managed detection and response (MDR) model allows you to offload the 3:00 AM triage loop and refocus your team on high-value growth and strategy.

Time is money—and most MSPs are wasting both on manual configuration. In this episode, Amanda Makowsky explains how to streamline policies, reduce complexity, and take back control of your stack. It’s a smarter, faster way to manage and secure your environments.

The AI buzz is loud, but clarity is rare. In this episode, Dan is joined by Pax8's Dave Wiseman, and they unpack what AI actually means for MSP operations, service delivery, and client relationships. From simple automation to long-term strategy, they share practical ways MSPs can start small and scale smart. If you want actionable insight instead of hype, this episode delivers.

Passwords are still the #1 attack vector — and MSPs are paying the price. In this episode of The Stack, Dan Tomaszewski sits down with Danny Obaseki of KZero to break down why MFA isn’t enough anymore. We dig into passwordless authentication, how it reduces risk and tickets, and why identity is now the frontline of MSP security.

Have you ever rolled out a security tool only to find that users are working around it to avoid the hassle? Mailprotector Sales Engineer Ty Smith breaks down the "recipient problem" and why most encryption tools fail at the finish line. Ty shares insights from his extensive background in the channel to help MSPs identify the hidden gaps in their security stack that only surface during a QBR or audit. Tune in to learn how to make secure communication invisible, effortless, and truly compliant.

Most MSPs talk about differentiation. Mike Bloomfield built it into his DNA.In this episode, he shares how Tekie Geek turned culture into a true growth engine—one that drives team engagement, client loyalty, and long-term retention. It’s not about gimmicks—it’s about creating an experience your clients won’t leave. And yes… there may be capes involved.

AI is everywhere—on every stage, every session, every MSP’s “bingo card.” But what does actually using it look like?Live from Zero Trust World, Dan Tomaszewski sits down with Trevor Hardy to break down how they’re turning AI into real efficiency, better client outcomes, and scalable growth.This isn’t theory—it’s how to go from experimenting to executing.

Behind every successful MSP is a community that helped them get there.Recorded live at Zero Trust World, this episode features Greg Jones sharing the story behind his new book and the global community that brought it to life. Joined by Dan, they explore lessons on growth, leadership, and giving back. It’s a reminder that success in this industry is never a solo journey.

If your stack is growing faster than your margins, it’s time to rethink your approach. In this episode, Dan talks with Kam Ismail of Check Point about how MSPs can reduce complexity, eliminate wasted time, and turn security into a high-margin service. They share practical ways to simplify operations and scale smarter. This is how modern MSPs win.

What if the next stage of MSP growth doesn’t require adding more headcount? In this episode of the[STACK], Dan sits down with Josh Hohbein of CentrixIT live from IT Nation to explore how AI, automation, and digital workforces are changing the way MSPs scale. From ticket workflows to back-office processes, they break down how to reclaim time, reduce overhead, and drive smarter growth. If you’re thinking about what comes next for your MSP, this conversation is a must-listen.

Recorded live from IT Nation in Orlando, Dan was joined by Justin Esgar for a candid conversation on fear, growth, and leadership in the MSP space. They explored how calculated risks, accountability, and getting comfortable with discomfort can unlock the next level of business growth. From public speaking to bigger client opportunities, this episode is all about pushing past fear and moving forward.

AI is opening the door to bigger business conversations for MSPs than ever before. In this live episode from IT Nation, Dan and Matt Lee dive into how AI is changing cybersecurity, risk discussions, automation, and the way MSPs create value for their clients. This is a must-listen for MSPs looking to lead smarter conversations in the boardroom.

What if your client environments could actually "self-heal" before a ticket was even created? I sat down with Kyle Bove to explore how AI-driven automation is shifting the needle from reactive firefighting to truly proactive, preventative operations. We discuss using identity as your foundation and how to reclaim your senior techs' time for the strategic projects that actually drive revenue. It’s time to move beyond the "maturity mirage" and build a business that scales without the constant hiring grind.

What do cybersecurity, process maturity, and AI readiness all have in common? According to Brian Weiss of iTech Solutions — everything. In this special edition episode from Zero Trust World, Dan and Brian break down how MSPs can strengthen their security posture, improve operational efficiency, and build the foundation needed for AI-driven growth. This is a must-listen for MSP leaders focused on scaling smarter.

Can you really afford not to invest time in community? Recorded live at Zero Trust World, Dan and John Douglass discuss why events, peer groups, and industry relationships deliver real ROI for MSPs. From accountability and idea sharing to solving business and technical challenges faster, this episode explores why community may be one of the smartest investments an MSP leader can make.

Passwords continue to be the primary vector for breaches, but Danny Obaseki joins the show to explain why the solution isn't just "longer strings of characters." He unpacks the mechanics of passwordless authentication and provides a tactical roadmap for MSPs looking to harden their clients' defenses against credential theft. From leveraging public key cryptography to rolling out phishing-resistant MFA, Danny highlights how to protect high-risk users first without disrupting their daily workflows. Tune in to learn how to transition from being a password manager to a true security leader.

Live from Zero Trust World, Dan Tomaszewski and Pete Busam of Equilibrium Consulting tackle the "jargon trap" that often stalls MSP sales. While technologists naturally speak in acronyms like NIST and CMMC, executives are primarily focused on governance, risk, and ROI. This episode explores how to bridge that communication gap by translating complex security tools into clear, high-level business outcomes. Learn to tailor your message to different members of the C-suite to move past "deer in the headlights" moments and finally get to a "yes."

Microsoft Intune has quietly become one of the most important tools in the Microsoft security ecosystem. In this episode of the[STACK], Dan sits down with Derik Belair and Roby Brisson from Augmentt to explore why MSPs need to take a more intentional approach to managing it. From device compliance and conditional access to standardization across tenants, Intune touches every layer of modern security. Done right, it can strengthen security posture while opening the door to higher recurring services revenue.

"Shadow AI" is the new frontier of risk, and your clients are likely already using it without your guidance. Dan and Alex Farling discuss why MSPs must lead the AI charge by first mastering these tools internally to drive efficiency and security. Discover how to transition your technicians from simply closing tickets to spotting high-level business vulnerabilities before they become breaches.

MSPs who stop evolving risk getting left behind. In this episode of the[STACK], Dan Tomaszewski welcomes Miles Walker from Kaseya to discuss cybersecurity trends, the rise of phishing and downtime risks, and why security services continue to be one of the biggest growth opportunities for MSPs. They also explore new developments in the Kaseya ecosystem, including the addition of INKY and the launch of a new partner community. If you're thinking about how to future-proof your MSP, this conversation is packed with insights.

Most MSPs don’t have a technical problem. They have a positioning problem.This episode dives into speed-to-contact, data-driven prospecting, and why being first with meaningful insight dramatically increases your chances of winning. If growth has felt harder lately, this conversation will reframe how you approach sales in 2026.

CMMC is a marathon, not a sprint, and if you're waiting for your clients to bring it up first, you're already behind the curve. In this episode, Chris Henderson from Huntress joins Dan to debunk the "magic wand" compliance myths and explain why readiness is a 12–18 month journey of deliberate work. Learn how the final rules for Security Protection Assets (SPA) have changed the game, allowing smaller MSPs to support DoD clients without getting buried in FedRAMP costs. Stop reacting to deadlines and start leading the conversation with confidence.

You read the articles. You hear the interviews. Sometimes you think, “I could add more to this conversation.”This episode with CJ Arlotta dives into how MSPs can move from silent operators to recognized thought leaders by building real relationships with journalists, contributing expertise, and owning the AI and cybersecurity narrative.Stop hiding in plain sight.

Attackers know your backup is your escape hatch, which is why they’re targeting your storage keys before they ever hit the production data. Josh Flores breaks down the uncomfortable questions MSPs need to ask about their own internal hardening, MFA, and immutable storage. Learn how to practice what you preach so your own internal systems don't become the weakest link during a client crisis.

Migrating your clients from on-prem SharePoint doesn't have to be a fire drill; it’s an opportunity to modernize their business while driving revenue for yours. In this episode, Colin Hogg and Ramiro Millan from Movebot explain why the "junk drawer" approach to data migration is a mistake and how to use this transition to clean up permissions and legacy files. Discover a structured playbook that moves data at scale—up to 500GB per day—without the need for constant technician babysitting.

Why do most MSPs avoid Technology Business Reviews like the plague? In this episode of the[STACK], Brian Doyle from vCIOToolbox joins Dan Tomaszewski to break down the blockers that keep MSPs from staying consistent with their strategy. Learn how to ditch the "thud factor" of heavy technical reports and use intelligent automation to cut your TBR prep time from hours down to just minutes.

Most cyberattacks don’t start with malware — they start with reconnaissance. In this episode of the[STACK], Dan sits down with Joshua Mohr of ThreatLocker to break down how attackers map MSP environments long before a breach ever happens. Learn how network control and Zero Trust can stop threats at first contact — before they even connect.

Join Dan Tomaszewski and guest Mike DePalma of OpenText as they discuss the massive influx of enterprise vendors moving into the IT channel. Mike explains why global giants are finally prioritizing the SMB market and how MSPs can leverage this shift to gain more influence and better support. This session provides a tactical blueprint for taking control of your vendor relationships and using account managers as strategic assets to drive operational efficiency.

Email is still the #1 entry point for attackers—and misconfiguration is doing more damage than malware. Dan and special guest, Cody Ekle, break down why so many MSPs are scoring poorly on email health checks, even when they think everything is set up correctly. This episode shows how hidden email gaps can cost you security, trust, and even clients.

Dan Tomaszewski sits down with Pete Busam, Founder of Equilibrium Consulting, to explore the shifting landscape of MSP marketing and sales. Pete explains how to leverage AI as an enabler rather than a "lazy" replacement for your brand voice, while stressing the importance of getting back to human-to-human basics. Learn how the most successful MSPs are using data and discipline to align their brand message with the outcomes that drive long-term client loyalty.

The AI buzz is loud, but clarity is rare. In this episode, Dan is joined by Pax8's Dave Wiseman, and they unpack what AI actually means for MSP operations, service delivery, and client relationships. From simple automation to long-term strategy, they share practical ways MSPs can start small and scale smart. If you want actionable insight instead of hype, this episode delivers.

Passwords are still the #1 attack vector — and MSPs are paying the price. In this episode of The Stack, Dan Tomaszewski sits down with Danny Obaseki of KZero to break down why MFA isn’t enough anymore. We dig into passwordless authentication, how it reduces risk and tickets, and why identity is now the frontline of MSP security.

Are you losing money through missed billing? Andy Cormier joins Dan Tomaszewski to detail the shocking revenue leaks caused by manual add-on and license management, showcasing how "Universal Billing" eliminates this profit drain. Andy, an MSP veteran, also explores the need to integrate daily Microsoft tasks directly into your core RMM/PSA to streamline operations and deliver a consistently better client experience.

Your clients think they aren’t using AI—but they already are, and most of it is happening in the shadows. Dan and Joshua Liberman unpack how AI is slipping into everyday workflows, why that creates massive security and compliance risks, and how MSPs can turn this chaos into deeper client engagement. They explore the rise of weaponized AI, evolving business expectations, and what MSPs should be doing right now. This conversation will change how you approach AI with your clients.

What happens when an MSP stops chasing payments and starts automating them instead? Dan and Adam Crandall dive into the mindset and mechanics of fixing cash flow once and for all. They explore how early invoicing, automated reminders, and smarter payment options can reduce DSO dramatically. If predictable revenue and fewer Friday-night billing sessions sound good, tune in.

Are AI-driven compliance tools promising you the world? In this episode, we talk with the founders of Blacksmith InfoSec to cut through the baloney and find out what AI can really do for MSP compliance. Learn why automation can accelerate your journey, but why a human must always remain in the loop to prevent blind spots, non-deterministic risks, and costly hallucinations in security auditing.

AI adoption, SaaS overload, and surprise offboarding requests are creating new attack paths MSPs can’t see. Dan and Nathan Archie discuss why identity governance is now mission-critical and how providers can protect clients from massive liability. Plus, they reveal how MSPs can turn governance into a scalable, profitable new service.