Tom Bull of Two River Computer joins me for a practical conversation about building an MSP around trust, community, and the work clients actually need. Tom shares how his business grew from computer repair and consulting into managed IT, residential technology, Wi-Fi, smart-home projects, and cybersecurity, all while serving smaller businesses that larger MSPs often overlook. We talk about referral relationships, local visibility, Google reviews, and why listening to the customer can matter more than following every piece of conventional channel advice.We also get into the realities of controlled growth and modern security. Tom explains why he paused new-client onboarding when his team hit capacity, how he thinks about profit over revenue, and why he is careful about taking on work he cannot support well. We cover AI use policies, Microsoft 365 protection, SentinelOne Vigilance, Petra, ThreatLocker, Ubiquiti, SonicWall, backups, identity security, and the layered approach MSPs need to keep clients protected without overcomplicating the stack.=== Chapters01:52 Meet Tom Bull of Two River Computer04:22 Tom Bull’s Tech Career and MSP Origin Story10:01 Building a Community-Driven Local IT Business13:17 Growing an MSP by Giving Clients What They Want17:42 Small-Business MSP Niches, Pricing, and Referral Partnerships22:15 AI Policies, Shadow AI, and MSP Liability Concerns30:04 Building a Layered Security Stack With SentinelOne and Petra32:46 ThreatLocker, AutoElevate, and Application Control38:38 TechCon Unplugged, 1Stream, and TruGrid Sponsor Message41:09 Working on the Business and Finding MSP Profitability49:11 Local SEO, Google Reviews, and Profitable Hardware Sales53:10 Ubiquiti, Managed Switches, and Network Visibility56:49 SonicWall vs. Ubiquiti Gateway Security01:08:53 Developing Future Leaders at Two River Computer=== Guest: Tom Bull, Two River ComputerWebsite: https://www.tworivercomputer.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tworivercomputer=== EventsTechCon Unplugged: https://techconunplugged.com/Discount Code: TCUMarvin=== Companies / Vendors / Products / BooksSynchro: https://syncrosecure.com/SentinelOne Vigilance: https://www.sentinelone.com/services/vigilance/Petra Security: https://www.petrasecurity.com/Huntress: https://www.huntress.com/ThreatLocker: https://www.threatlocker.com/AutoElevate: https://www.cyberfox.com/platforms/autoelevate-by-cyberfox/SonicWall: https://www.sonicwall.com/Ubiquiti: https://ui.com/Proofpoint: https://www.proofpoint.com/Domotz: https://www.domotz.com/Auvik: https://www.auvik.com/Cork: https://www.corkinc.com/Tech Marketing Engine: https://techmarketingengine.com/The Pumpkin Plan: https://amzn.to/4yp2XxzDiscount Code: TCUMarvin=== SPONSORS:Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready=== SHOW MUSIC:Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem 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.

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