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  • Greg Sharp on Agreements, Growth, and Building Real Value in Your MSP
    2025/10/13

    Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: MSP Service Delivery Mastery.

    I’m Jeni Clift, joined by my husband and longtime business partner, Nick. Together, we’ve spent nearly 30 years building, scaling, and eventually exiting our own MSP business.

    Over those years, we learned that great service delivery isn’t just about technology, it’s about how you lead, communicate, and build trust with your clients.

    In this episode, we sit down with Greg Sharp, CEO and Founder of ZenContract, and a leader who’s helped hundreds of MSPs bring structure, protection, and professionalism to the way they work.

    After building and selling his own MSP, Base 2, for a 10× multiple, Greg turned his hard-won lessons into a mission: helping MSPs use clarity, consistency, and automation to strengthen client relationships and safeguard their businesses.

    Here’s what we covered together:
    ✅ Why “agreements” are about partnership, not lock-in
    ✅ How better systems and contracts can increase business value
    ✅ The painful mistake that inspired ZenContract and how it’s helping MSPs scale smarter
    ✅ What every MSP should do
    years before they plan to exit

    🎧 Listen in for real-world lessons on growth, leadership, and protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

    👉 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: Greg Sharp
    🌐 Learn more about ZenContract: https://www.zencontract.com
    🎧 Listen to this and more episodes on Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514171/episodes
    🌐 Explore the full archive: https://www.ctrl-alt-deliver.blog/episodes

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    38 分
  • AI, Speed, and Sales: James Vickery on What Really Separates High-Performing MSPs
    2025/10/06

    Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: MSP Service Delivery Mastery.
    I’m Jeni Clift, joined by my husband and longtime business partner, Nick. Together, we’ve spent nearly 30 years building, scaling, and eventually exiting our own MSP business.

    Over that time, we learned that success in the MSP world isn’t just about the latest tools or trends — it’s about dependability, culture, and the ability to keep pace with changing client expectations.

    In this episode, we sit down with James Vickery — CEO of Benchmark 365. From building and selling his own MSP, to pioneering global service delivery models, to now helping MSPs worldwide scale profitably, James has spent more than two decades shaping what high-performing MSPs really look like.

    Here’s what we covered together:
    ✅ Why AI is speeding up market expectations — and what that means for MSPs who can’t just “AI everything”
    ✅ Why dependability matters more than dashboards when it comes to long-term client retention
    ✅ How offshore success comes from culture, structure, and redundancy — not just cost savings
    ✅ The surprising truth: the only difference between a low-performing and high-performing MSP is sales
    ✅ Practical steps MSP leaders can take today to build scalable, resilient, and client-focused businesses

    We created this podcast to share the kinds of conversations we wish we’d had more of while running our own MSP — real, practical advice from leaders who’ve been in the trenches and built businesses that last.

    Whether you’re leading an MSP, building global teams, or simply looking for ways to keep clients happier while scaling smarter, this episode with James Vickery is packed with insights you can put into practice right away.

    👉 Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvb365
    🌐 Learn more about Benchmark 365: https://benchmark365.com/
    🎧 Listen to this and more episodes on Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514171/episodes
    🌐 Explore the full archive: https://www.ctrl-alt-deliver.blog/episodes

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    39 分
  • Happy People, Simple Systems: Brian Dosal’s MSP Lessons
    2025/09/29

    Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: MSP Service Delivery Mastery.
    I’m Jeni Clift, joined by my husband and longtime business partner, Nick. Together, we’ve spent nearly 30 years building, scaling, and eventually exiting our own MSP business.

    Over that time, we learned that delivering great service isn’t just about technology — it’s about how you build your culture, keep things simple for clients, and create accountability within your team.

    In this episode, we sit down with Brian Dosal — CEO of Strety and co-founder of BrightGauge. From growing up in a family MSP, to building one of the MSP industry’s go-to reporting platforms, to now leading a SaaS company focused on EOS, Brian has lived the journey from startup to successful exit and back again.

    Here’s what we covered together:
    ✅ Why MSPs are really “selling insurance” — and how to keep client reporting simple and effective
    ✅ How BrightGauge grew by focusing on clarity, culture, and client trust
    ✅ Why happy people create happy services — and how culture multiplies client success
    ✅ The danger of over-automation in EOS, and why accountability should always come first
    ✅ Practical lessons for MSP leaders who want to simplify, scale, and strengthen their business foundations

    We created this podcast to share the conversations we wish we’d had more of while running our own MSP — real, practical advice from people who’ve been through the trenches and built businesses that last.

    Whether you’re scaling an MSP today, building a SaaS tool, or simply want to strengthen your service delivery, this episode with Brian Dosal is packed with insights you can apply right away.

    👉 Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdosal/
    🌐 Learn more about Strety: https://strety.com/
    🎧 Listen to this and more episodes on Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514171/episodes
    🌐 Explore the full archive: https://www.ctrl-alt-deliver.blog/episodes

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    34 分
  • Begin With the End in Mind: Kerry Boulton on Building a Business That Lasts
    2025/09/21

    Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: MSP Service Delivery Mastery.
    I’m Jeni Clift, joined by my husband and longtime business partner, Nick. Together, we’ve spent nearly 30 years building, scaling, and eventually exiting our own MSP business.

    Over that time, we learned that true success in business isn’t just about growth — it’s about building something that can thrive without you. The way you prepare for succession, transition, and even exit determines whether your business remains valuable long after you’ve stepped away.

    In this episode, I sit down with Kerry Boulton — Exit Strategy Coach, Value Builder, and former EOS Implementer. Kerry helps founders design businesses that are ready for any future, whether that means selling, succession, or scaling with confidence.

    Here’s what we covered together:
    ✅ Why every business should be “you-proof” — able to run without the founder
    ✅ How to begin with the end in mind and design your business for future value
    ✅ The Five Ds that can force an unplanned exit — and how to prepare for them
    ✅ Why the most important investor in your business is you
    ✅ Practical steps to future-proof your business 3–5 years before selling

    We created this podcast to share the conversations we wish we’d had more of while running our own MSP — real, practical advice from people who’ve been through the journey and built businesses that last.

    Whether you’re years away from selling or simply want to strengthen your foundation, this episode with Kerry is packed with insights you can put into action right now.

    👉 Connect with Kerry on LinkedIn: Kerry Boulton
    🌐 Get her book, The Uncensored Truth about Exit Strategies: Exit Strategy Group
    🎧 Listen to this and more episodes on Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2514171/episodes
    🌐 Explore the full archive: https://www.ctrl-alt-deliver.blog/episodes

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    38 分
  • From First Hello to Final Goodbye: Oscar Clift on Onboarding & Offboarding
    2025/09/15

    Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: MSP Service Delivery Mastery.
    I’m Jeni Clift, joined by my husband and longtime business partner, Nick. Together, we’ve spent nearly 30 years building, scaling, and eventually exiting our own MSP business.

    Over the years, we learned that real success in the MSP world isn’t just about the technology you deliver — it’s about how you deliver it. From first impressions to lasting partnerships, the way you onboard, support, and even offboard clients defines your reputation and growth.

    In this episode, we sit down with Oscar Clift, Service Delivery Manager at Morphability — and yes, our son. Oscar has grown up in the MSP space and now helps MSPs streamline operations, strengthen client relationships, and drive growth through structured onboarding and service delivery processes.

    Here’s what we covered together:
    ✅ Why first impressions — for both clients and employees — shape the success of every relationship
    ✅ The importance of having a written, structured onboarding plan (not just one in your head)
    ✅ Why MSPs should charge for onboarding to highlight its value and set clear expectations
    ✅ How to make offboarding smooth and professional so clients may return in the future
    ✅ The role of empathy, communication, and small personal touches in creating client confidence

    We created this podcast to share the conversations we wish we’d had more of while running our own MSP — real, practical advice from people who’ve lived the challenges and found better ways forward.

    Whether you’re onboarding your next big client, welcoming a new team member, or even navigating the exit of a long-term relationship, this episode with Oscar is packed with practical strategies you can put into action right away.

    👉 Connect with Oscar on LinkedIn: Oscar Clift
    🌐 Learn more about Morphability: https://www.morphability.au
    🎧 Listen to this and more episodes on Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514171/episodes
    🌐 Explore the full archive: https://www.ctrl-alt-deliver.blog/episodes

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    32 分
  • The Virtual Hug of Service Delivery: Aaron Lake on 17 Years with Imagine Now IT
    2025/09/08

    Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: MSP Service Delivery Mastery.
    I’m Jeni Clift, joined by my husband and longtime business partner, Nick. Together, we’ve spent nearly 30 years building, scaling, and eventually exiting our own MSP business.

    Over the years, we learned that real success in the MSP world isn’t just about the technology you deliver — it’s about how you deliver it. Building accountable teams, creating consistent client experiences, and knowing when to adapt your model are what keep clients loyal and your business sustainable.

    In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Lake, General Manager of Imagine Now IT. Aaron’s been with the company for almost 17 years, starting his tech journey in a small computer shop back in 2003 before helping shape Imagine Now IT into the service-driven MSP it is today. Along the way, he’s built teams, developed client relationships, and formed a leadership style that puts empathy and listening at the heart of service delivery.

    Here’s what we covered together:
    ✅ Why Aaron calls empathy in MSPs a
    “virtual hug” — and why listening matters even more than fixing the problem fast
    ✅ The art of teaching without “driving the mouse” — and how patience builds stronger teams and more confident clients
    ✅ The future of automation — what “agent-to-agent” systems could mean for MSPs, and why the human element will always be essential
    ✅ A practical look at balancing SLAs and client satisfaction without burning out your team
    ✅ What Aaron would do differently if he were starting an MSP today — and the lessons learned from nearly two decades in the trenches

    We created this podcast to share the conversations we wish we’d had more of while running our own MSP — real, practical advice from people who’ve lived the challenges and come out stronger.

    Whether you’re helping a stressed-out client, training your next superstar tech, or wondering how automation will change your role, this episode with Aaron is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

    🌐 Learn more about Imagine Now IT: https://www.imaginenowit.com.au
    🎧 Listen to this and more episodes on Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514171/episodes
    🌐 Explore the full archive: https://www.ctrl-alt-deliver.blog/episodes

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    31 分
  • Trust, Care, and Community: MSP Lessons with David Bugeja
    2025/09/01

    Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: MSP Service Delivery Mastery.
    I’m Jeni Clift, joined by my husband and longtime business partner, Nick. Together, we’ve spent nearly 30 years building, scaling, and eventually exiting our own MSP business.

    What we’ve learned is this: real success in the MSP world isn’t just about the technology you deliver — it’s about how you deliver it. Building strong vendor relationships, creating consistent client experiences, and staying adaptable are what keep clients loyal and your business sustainable.

    In this episode, we sit down with David Bugeja, General Manager at Manage Protect. David’s career spans nearly 20 years across both MSPs and vendors, and for the past eight years he’s been helping MSPs across Australia deliver cloud solutions that are simple, secure, and truly partner-focused.

    Here’s what we covered together:
    ✅ Why the most successful MSP–vendor relationships aren’t about the cheapest product — but about trust, shared values, and growing together
    ✅ How David reframes AI for MSPs as a tool to give time back, not a threat to jobs
    ✅ Why listening — and showing partners their feedback matters — is a superpower for keeping relationships strong
    ✅ The “save the day” story of migrating 121 million objects and 104 TB of data to protect MSP partners from an end-of-life backup product
    ✅ The five core values that guide Manage Protect — and why David wishes he had a “magic button” to instantly know if new hires truly live them
    ✅ Why no MSP should go it alone — and how communities like SMBiT Pro, GTIA, and IT Nation give leaders the support, knowledge, and trust you can’t build in isolation

    We created this podcast to share the conversations we wish we’d had more of while running our own MSP — practical advice from people who’ve lived the challenges and come out stronger.

    Whether you’re driving between client sites, catching up on admin, or simply curious about where the MSP industry is heading, this episode is packed with insights you can apply today.

    👉 Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bugeja-au/
    🌐 Learn more about Manage Protect: https://www.manageprotect.com/
    🎧 Listen to this and more episodes of Ctrl-Alt-Deliver here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514171/episodes
    🌐 Explore the full archive: https://www.ctrl-alt-deliver.blog/episodes

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    26 分
  • Scaling Smart: How Scott Jefferis Grew an MSP from $0 to $2.4M
    2025/08/25

    Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: MSP Service Delivery Mastery.
    I’m Jeni Clift, joined by my husband and longtime business partner, Nick. Together, we’ve spent nearly 30 years building, scaling, and eventually exiting our own MSP business.

    Over the years, we learned that real success in the MSP world isn’t just about the technology you deliver — it’s about how you deliver it. Building accountable teams, creating consistent client experiences, and knowing when to adapt your model are what keep clients loyal and your business sustainable.

    In this episode, we sit down with Scott Jefferis, Director of Revolve IT — an MSP he co-founded in 2020 at the very start of the pandemic. In just five years, Revolve IT has grown from zero to $2.4 million, with 20% being their smallest growth year. Along the way, Scott has also expanded into managed print with the acquisition of Southern Cross Office Equipment, while staying laser-focused on client experience and sustainable scaling.

    Here’s what we covered together:
    ✅ How Scott grew Revolve IT from $0 to $2.4M in five years — and why learning from early mistakes was key to avoiding costly detours
    ✅ Why setting client expectations during onboarding prevents SLA chaos and keeps both profitability and satisfaction in balance
    ✅ The real-world challenge of ticket triage — and how Scott balances automation, AI, and the human touch to get it right
    ✅ Two “save the day” stories: surviving an NBN cable cut with seamless 5G failover, and doubling a client’s team in days during a cyclone response
    ✅ The one thing Scott would do differently if starting again today — and why processes and documentation are the unsung heroes of MSP growth

    We created this podcast to share the conversations we wish we’d had more of while running our own MSP — real, practical advice from people who’ve lived the challenges and come out stronger.

    Whether you’re in the office, in the field, or stuck waiting for that one “quick” Windows update, this episode’s the perfect companion.

    👉 Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jefferis-77808343/
    🌐 Learn more about Revolve IT: https://revolveit.com.au/
    🎧 Listen to this and more episodes on Ctrl-Alt-Deliver: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514171/episodes
    🌐 Explore the full archive: https://www.ctrl-alt-deliver.blog/episodes

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    22 分