If you’ve ever felt stuck between vendor noise, compliance pressure, and clients who only see you as “the computer guy,” this conversation is for you. Jerem and I dig into culture, cybersecurity, AI, and backup design—plus the uncomfortable stuff like staff training and saying no to shiny tools—so you can run a calmer, more profitable MSP. Chapters 00:00 Intro – Live show setup and community update for Jason 04:46 Sponsor Segment – ThreatLocker, NetAlly, OneStream, TruGrid 07:56 Guest Intro – Meet Jerem Morris and Datatek in Mesa, Arizona 10:20 Building Datatek – Referral-only growth and people‑first IT 12:16 From Tech to Business Owner – Early lessons and first hire 14:32 Shifting to Security‑First – Becoming a true technology partner 19:20 Deep Client Relationships – No client‑facing tickets and more QBRs 29:36 Training & AI Guardrails – Staff education, AI policy, and user training 36:21 Backup Strategy – Beyond 3‑2‑1 with Synology and layered recovery 44:12 Tool Stack & Future of AI – Avoiding shiny objects and preparing MSPs for AI Guests: Jerem Morris Datatek Website: https://datatekaz.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremmorris Shout-outs: Jason Percival, NEPA Geeks: https://www.nepageeks.com Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned NEPA Geeks: https://www.nepageeks.com Synology: https://www.synology.com Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365 Microsoft Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com Arizona Tech Week (Mesa): https://www.aztechweekmesa.com Boeing: https://www.boeing.com Meta (Meta Platforms): https://about.meta.com Netgear: https://www.netgear.com === SPONSORS: Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related