Welcome to Tech Ties & Human Vibes! In this episode, hosts Adam Nelson and Nancy Henriquez are joined by special guest Jason Smith from The Monolith Group.Jason brings his expertise to the table, revealing how entrepreneurs can keep more of what they earn through smart financial and tax planning. He explains how to use strategies like institutional debt to fund life insurance policies, creating a tax-free way to protect business assets and ensure a smooth succession.You'll also learn about:--- Succession Planning and how to prepare your business for the future.--- The importance of "Key Man" policies for protecting your company from a sudden loss.--- Valuable tax tips, from the R&D tax credit to a little-known rule called the Augusta Rule.--- How to use AI as a tool to navigate the ever-changing tax code.--- Why finding a collaborative CPA is a game-changer for your business.This episode is packed with essential information for any business owner looking to secure their financial future and build a lasting legacy.Connect with Jason SmithCell: 817-726-6859Email: jason.smith@themonolithgroup.comTo keep the conversation going and get exclusive tips from our speakers, join our community at sibylcommunity.com.
Welcome to Tech Ties & Human Vibes! In this episode, hosts Adam Nelson and Nancy Henriquez sit down with Steve Taylor, Lead Content Manager at Alternative Payments.
Steve takes us on an incredible journey from his early days as an IT enthusiast to a seasoned MSP owner, sharing the challenges and lessons that led him to his current role. He explains how his company is revolutionizing payments for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), helping them automate accounts receivable, cut down on collection times, and boost cash flow.
Tune in to hear Steve's story and learn how Alternative Payments is helping MSPs run a smoother, more profitable business.
Welcome to Tech Ties & Human Vibes, the show that explores how human creativity and connection drive innovation in the AI era. In this episode, hosts Adam Nelson and Nancy Henriquez welcome guest Chris Marocchi, a sales executive and consultant specializing in enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for the manufacturing, distribution, and construction industries.
Chris demystifies what ERP and MSPs (Managed Service Providers) are and reveals the surprising challenges small- and mid-sized businesses face with old technology—from outdated DOS systems to companies still running on Excel spreadsheets. He shares powerful stories, like the candy manufacturer that cut a week-long audit down to a single report, and explains why many businesses are lagging behind in adopting new tech. Learn how modern, cloud-based ERP systems can solve common pain points like inventory management, compliance, and process automation. Chris also discusses the future of AI in ERP and offers valuable advice for businesses looking to upgrade their systems.
Chris Marocchi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismarocchi/
Sr. Account Executive
Net At Work
cmarocchi@netatwork.com
In this captivating episode of Tech Ties & Human Vibes, hosts Adam Nelson and Nancy Henriquez dive deep with special guest Robert "Stuffy" Stufflebeem, owner of Stufflebeem Technologies, LLC. 🚀Stuffy, a tech veteran with a fascinating background working for the federal government and an intelligence organization, shares his unique perspective on how security has evolved from the Cold War era of physical locks and radio waves to today's digital threats.Stuffy challenges the status quo of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), arguing that they should transition from being "the IT guy" who fixes printers to a proactive business advisor focused on reducing risk and liability for their clients.He discusses the importance of educating clients, building relationships, and professionalizing the industry. Stuffy's central piece of advice? Stop selling and start educating. 💡 Tune in to learn why the MSP model should be more like a proactive doctor and how building a collaborative network with your peers is key to success.Key Takeaways:--- The Evolution of Security: How modern cyber threats share core concepts with old-school espionage.--- The MSP Transformation: The critical shift from being reactive "repairmen" to proactive risk management advisors.--- The Power of Education: Why "stop selling and start educating" is the most effective way to build trust and grow your business.Networking with Peers: Why other MSPs are comrades, not competitors.Connect with Stuffy:--- Email: Robert@Stufflebeem.com--- LinkedIn: Robert Stufflebeem--- Phone: (703) 361-9500
In this episode of Tech Ties & Human Vibes, hosts Adam Nelson and Nancy Henriquez sit down with Gianna Whitver, the Co-Founder & CEO of the Cybersecurity Marketing Society.Gianna shares her journey from a career at a Fortune 50 company to building a global community for cybersecurity marketers from the ground up. She discusses:
Gianna also talks about her side passion for beekeeping and the fascinating lesson in partnership that can be learned from how geese fly. This episode is packed with valuable insights for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the human side of the tech world.Guest Links:
Welcome to Tech Ties & Human Vibes! 🚀In this episode, hosts Nancy Henriquez and Adam Nelson sit down with the incredible Michelle Ragusa McBain, a true force in the technology channel ecosystem. With over 20 years of experience at giants like Cisco, Office Depot, and SonicWall, Michelle shares her remarkable journey from a Wall Street dream to becoming a global channel chief.Michelle's story is a testament to perseverance and passion. You'll hear how she navigated her career, learned to trust her instincts, and even landed a job at Cisco by selling "six of them" even though she didn't know what a router was! 🤣We dive deep into the future of technology, exploring:--- The impact of AI and cybersecurity in a rapidly changing world.--- The importance of quality over quantity when it comes to vendor partnerships.--- The essential role of human connection and trust in a digital-first industry.Michelle also shares her famous geese analogy 🦢, which perfectly illustrates the power of true partnership and community.Don't miss this inspiring conversation that reminds us that behind every piece of technology is a human story.Connect with Michelle:🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleragusamcbain/Join the Community:💬 Want to continue the conversation? Head over to our community at sibylcommunity.com for exclusive tips and more!
In this episode of "Tech Ties and Human Vibes," we dive into the world of business messaging with our guest from Heymarket. Learn how this innovative platform is helping businesses, from small shops to large enterprises, streamline communication and improve customer engagement.
What's Inside This Episode? 🎧
The podcast kicks off by exploring the interesting origin story of the company name and its connection to Chicago's Heymarket district. You'll hear about the personal anecdote that inspired Heymarket's founder to create a tool that separates personal and professional texting, which is a relatable problem for many small business owners.
** Then, we get into the nuts and bolts of what Heymarket does. It's not just a marketing tool! It's a comprehensive platform for all your business communication needs. Key topics include:
** Diverse Use Cases: Discover how the platform can be used for everything from sales and customer support to employee communications and recruiting.
** API and Integrations: Learn about Heymarket's robust integrations with popular CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot, and how their API and Zapier connector offer even more flexibility.
** Partner Program: Get the inside scoop on the new partner program, including options for resellers and referrals, and the company's commitment to mutual growth.
** Compliance: A crucial discussion on Heymarket's dedication to HIPAA and GDPR compliance, which is especially important for businesses in regulated industries like healthcare.
** The Power of Feedback: Hear how Heymarket actively listens to customer and partner feedback to continuously improve its platform and features.
Connect with Heymarket 🤝
Interested in learning more or exploring a partnership? You can connect with Josh Darretta on LinkedIn or reach out via email. Whether you're a potential customer, a partner, or just curious about the platform, Heymarket is open to conversation and collaboration.
partner@heymarket.com
In this episode, we sit down with Gerry Dermatol, principal of DumaTek, a company dedicated to introducing cutting-edge technology and methodologies to the Philippines.Gerry, a US Navy veteran who was born in the US but raised in the Philippines, shares his unique perspective on bridging the gap between American innovation and the Filipino community. Drawing on his extensive network and deep understanding of Filipino culture, Gerry discusses his mission to empower the youth and drive economic growth.We delve into his groundbreaking efforts, from introducing quantum computing to high school students to his current work in cybersecurity and operational technology (OT). Gerry highlights the challenges and opportunities of implementing new technologies in the Philippines, including cultural nuances and the need for simplified, accessible education. He also shares insights on the critical convergence of IT and OT, and how his company, DumaTek, is providing a solution that automates traditionally manual and time-consuming processes.Join us as we explore Gerry’s journey and his passion for bringing transformative technology to the Philippines.Find out more about Gerry's work:-- Website: dumatek.com-- Email: gerry@dumatek.com-- Phone: (714) 460-5508
In this episode of "Tech Ties & Human Vibes," hosts Adam Nelson and Nancy Henriquez are joined by Brian Stoner, SVP of Growth at Judy Security. The discussion centers on the need for a simplified, all-in-one approach to cybersecurity in an era of ever-increasing threats.Brian shares his extensive experience in the industry, including his time at McAfee, and explains how this background shaped Judy Security's unique approach to partnerships and client support. He highlights how many managed service providers (MSPs) are forced to stack multiple tools on top of each other, creating a complex and often inefficient defense.Judy Security offers a different path, providing a single solution that consolidates essential security functions. The conversation also explores the importance of strong, collaborative partnerships with MSPs, offering what they call a "white glove service" to help businesses of all sizes grow and stay protected.Tune in to learn more about:➡ The flaws in the "tool-stacking" approach to cybersecurity.➡ How Judy Security's single-solution platform simplifies protection.➡ The importance of a "white glove" approach to client and partner support.➡ Brian's experience at McAfee and how it influenced Judy's partnership model.#AllInOneSecurity #ITServices #ChannelPartnerships #WhiteGloveService #CyberDefense #AIinSecurity #McAfee #TechnologyTrends
In this episode of "Tech Ties & Human Vibes," hosts Adam Nelson and Nancy Henriquez sit down with the co-founders of Zecurity, a company on a mission to redefine cybersecurity. Vic Friday, President and Chief Technology Officer, and David Ronn, CEO and Chief Legal Officer, share their journey and the revolutionary technology they've developed to combat modern cyber threats.Vic, a veteran with over 25 years in the field, provides a fascinating look back at the history of computing. He explains how security evolved from the tightly controlled mainframe systems of the '80s to the vulnerable, interconnected world we live in today. He argues that while software solutions are valuable, their inherent hackability makes them an incomplete defense.This is where Zecurity comes in. Vic and David reveal how they've moved beyond traditional software-based cybersecurity to create a unique hardware solution. Their patented technology introduces a physical element into the security equation, making it impossible for remote actors to manipulate or corrupt systems. They even touch on how this approach can protect critical infrastructure like water treatment plants from coordinated attacks, a threat that is becoming more and more real.Tune in to learn more about:➡ The evolution of cybersecurity from the mainframe era to the internet age.➡ Why all software—including AI—is vulnerable to attack.➡ Zecurity's innovative hardware solution and how it prevents cyberattacks before they can happen.➡ How this technology can protect essential systems, from financial data to public utilities, with a low-cost, effective solution. @Zecuritytech #CyberThreats #DataProtection #CriticalInfrastructure #WaterSecurity #SoftwareSecurity #HardwareVsSoftware #CyberDefense #PreventativeSecurity #TechHistory #PatentedTechnology
Welcome to Tech Ties & Human Vibes! In this episode, hosts Adam Nelson and Nancy Henriquez dive deep into the world of strategic technology with Leslie Farmer, COO of Sibyl Consulting Group.Get ready to learn about:-- "The Leslie Experience": What it is and how this unique brand of customer service helps businesses thrive.-- Small Business Tech Challenges: The most common hurdles for SMEs and how to overcome the fear of new technology.-- The Power of Collaboration: Why the MSP community prioritizes helping each other over competition.-- Finding Your Purpose: How a purpose-driven approach can shape your personal and professional life.This episode is packed with valuable insights on everything from dot matrix printers to the future of collaboration. If you’re a business owner, a tech professional, or just a curious mind, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.To connect with our speakers and continue the discussion, visit sibylcommunity.com.
Welcome to Tech Ties and Human Vibes, the podcast where technology meets the human touch! In this insightful episode, hosts Adam and Nancy welcome a seasoned expert from AT Meetup who dives deep into the art of effective communication, soft skills, and executive presence, especially crucial for leaders in the tech sector.Discover why intellect and technical background aren't enough without the ability to communicate your ideas in a way that truly resonates. Our guest breaks down the vital components of influence, revealing why non-verbal communication (body language) accounts for a staggering 55% of your impact!-- Learn how APP Meetup helps MSPs, TSPs, and other tech leaders:-- Build trust and inspire their audiences beyond just words.-- Overcome limiting beliefs and speaking anxiety by reframing their mindset.-- Master preparation, active listening, and emotional intelligence (EQ) for any "stage" – from one-on-one conversations to large conferences.-- "Find their voice" and leverage their unique strengths to become more influential.This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes (including insights into a twin dynamic!), and a powerful message about the importance of focusing on what you're great at to truly mine opportunities. If you're a leader looking to enhance your communication, boost your executive presence, and connect more effectively, this is a must-watch!Key Topics Covered:-- The critical role of soft skills in the tech sector.-- Components of effective communication: words, tonality, and body language.-- Overcoming speaking anxiety and limiting beliefs.-- Strategies for preparing for any speaking engagement.-- The importance of knowing your strengths and finding your unique voice.-- Leveraging relationships and outside perspectives for growth.Guest: David Suk BrownWebsite: www.appmeetup.comConnect with our Guest: www.linkedin.com/in/davidsbrownsr
In this eye-opening episode of Tech Ties and Human Vibes, we dive deep into the world of positive psychology and discover a surprising truth: 70% of people don't know their top strengths! Our expert guest, a former rabbi, lawyer, and philosophy professor, reveals how this "strength blindness" holds us back and shares powerful insights on maximizing what you already do well. Learn why focusing on your strengths is 9 times more effective than fixing weaknesses, especially as AI reshapes our world. We'll explore how companies can invest in "psychological capital" to help employees flourish, not just survive, in the age of automation. Plus, get actionable steps to identify your own unique strengths and apply them for peak performance and greater fulfillment.
Guest Speaker: Alfredo Borodowski
Welcome to Tech Ties and Human Vibes! In this episode, hosts Adam and Nancy sit down with Jason L. Rorie, a seasoned expert with nearly 30 years in IT and cybersecurity, and the founder of Triad Infosec.
Jason dives deep into the world of cyber leadership, explaining what it means to have cybersecurity 'a seat at the table' within an organization, from HR to finance. He shares his unique journey from running an MSP to specializing in the 'paperwork side of cyber,' focusing on risk mitigation, compliance strategies, and ensuring proactive protection for businesses.
Learn about the critical importance of regular security awareness training (beyond a yearly video!) and why phishing simulations, voice cloning, and deepfake awareness are essential in today's threat landscape. Jason recounts a sobering story of a business lost due to lack of proactive measures and explains why bad actors are now a multi-trillion dollar 'business' focused on extortion.
Discover how Jason helps MSPs and their clients build resilience and navigate complex compliance requirements like CMMC, emphasizing that preparedness isn't just for regulated industries. Tune in for vital insights into protecting your business in an increasingly complex digital world.
Key Topics Covered:
Guest: Jason L. Rorie, Founder of Triad Infosec LLC
Website: https://www.triadinfosec.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrorie/
#Cybersecurity #CyberLeadership #Compliance #MSPs #RiskManagement #Ransomware #DataProtection #TechTiesAndHumanVibes #JasonLRorie #TriadInfosec
Adam and Nancy from "Tech Ties & Human Vibes" dive into the art of effective coaching in business and beyond. This episode explores the critical role of authenticity and relationship building in coaching, highlighting how understanding individual needs and fostering trust can lead to lasting success. They discuss the importance of finding your purpose and taking time to appreciate your journey, even amidst the daily hustle. Learn how to overcome challenges like the fear of rejection and why "everyone is in sales" when it comes to building connections and making an impact.
Welcome to Tech Ties and Human Vibes! In this episode, join Adam and Nancy as they dive deep into the fascinating intersection of technology and humanity. With AI rapidly transforming every industry, how do we maintain our sense of purpose and leverage our unique human qualities? From the surprising speed of AI adoption compared to past tech trends, to the ethical responsibilities of leading this new era, Adam and Nancy explore how we can not only adapt but thrive. They discuss the concept of "discerning strength" in anticipating future changes, the rise of AI employees, and the ongoing need to "upgrade our own software" to stay ahead. Discover why focusing on our inherent purpose is more critical than ever in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines.
Join us as we dive into the future of Managed Service Providers (MSPs)! Inspired by Scott Chasen's keynote at Pax8 Beyond, we explore the exciting shift from MSPs to Managed Intelligent Providers (MIPs). Discover how AI is transforming the IT landscape, why offering closed-loop AI systems to clients is crucial, and the importance of leadership for MSPs navigating this new era. Are you ready to evolve? Tune in to understand the challenges and opportunities ahead!
In Part 2 of their conversation, Nancy shares the pivotal moments in her entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding a break-fix shop while raising young children to the transformative experience of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program. Discover how this led to the strategic shift towards a successful MSP, the importance of community, and the valuable lessons learned about business growth, leadership, and knowing when to pivot.
Adam and Nancy dive into the common fear of change among business owners and why proactively embracing innovation is crucial for staying ahead. They explore how understanding customer needs and industry trends can drive necessary shifts, using examples like Blockbuster, Netflix, and the evolving tech stacks of modern businesses. Discover how MSPs can become "coaches of change" for their clients.
Ever wondered if your trade show investment truly pays off? In this episode of Tech Ties and Human Vibes, Adam and Nancy sit down with industry veteran Tim Bookout, who unveils his proven formulas for maximizing your return on investment (ROI) at trade shows. Learn actionable strategies for boosting sales, fostering growth, retaining clients, and even saving on lead generation expenses. Tim also shares invaluable tips for booth staff, from crafting the perfect opening line to avoiding common pitfalls. Don't miss out on transforming your next trade show from an expense to a powerhouse for growth!Tim Bookout | The Trade Group®Senior Account ExecutiveT 214-764-7107 M 214-529-0282tbookout@tradegroup.com