Transforming Your Business: From VAR to Successful MSP with David McKenna
06/15/23 • 18 min
What if you could transform your business by making one bold move? Discover how David McKenna from Running Computers did just that, shifting from a value-added reseller to a successful managed service provider. In this episode, David shares the journey of embracing Intel's server platforms and partnering with N-able, which ultimately led them from 500 customers to 12 – and why this was the best decision for their company.
Building trust with customers is vital, and David reveals how Running Computers has become a part of the decision-making process by understanding their clients' businesses. Find out why they don't have a sales team, and how organic referrals have been the key to their success.
Looking for strategies to ensure your company's long-term success? Listen as David McKenna shares how Running Computers has tackled pricing, avoided technology use by his children, incorporated travel into parenting, and focused on the right areas of the business. This is an insightful conversation you won't want to miss!
Join us for a front-row seat to see what’s next at N-able!
The 2025 All Partners Meeting is happening online, June 2 & 3. Hear directly from product leaders, explore the roadmap, and ask questions.
'Now that's it: Stories of MSP Success,' dives into the journeys of some of the trailblazers in our industry to find out how they used their passion for technology to help turn Managed Services into the thriving sector it is today.
Every episode is packed with the valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring anecdotes that lead our guests to the transformative moment when they knew..... Now, that's it.
This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers.
Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.
Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors.
The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe.
All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
What if you could transform your business by making one bold move? Discover how David McKenna from Running Computers did just that, shifting from a value-added reseller to a successful managed service provider. In this episode, David shares the journey of embracing Intel's server platforms and partnering with N-able, which ultimately led them from 500 customers to 12 – and why this was the best decision for their company.
Building trust with customers is vital, and David reveals how Running Computers has become a part of the decision-making process by understanding their clients' businesses. Find out why they don't have a sales team, and how organic referrals have been the key to their success.
Looking for strategies to ensure your company's long-term success? Listen as David McKenna shares how Running Computers has tackled pricing, avoided technology use by his children, incorporated travel into parenting, and focused on the right areas of the business. This is an insightful conversation you won't want to miss!
Join us for a front-row seat to see what’s next at N-able!
The 2025 All Partners Meeting is happening online, June 2 & 3. Hear directly from product leaders, explore the roadmap, and ask questions.
'Now that's it: Stories of MSP Success,' dives into the journeys of some of the trailblazers in our industry to find out how they used their passion for technology to help turn Managed Services into the thriving sector it is today.
Every episode is packed with the valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring anecdotes that lead our guests to the transformative moment when they knew..... Now, that's it.
This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers.
Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.
Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors.
The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe.
All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Previous Episode
IT Staffing to Top-Tier MSP with Tony Johnson of LemonTree
Ready to uncover the transformation saga of a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) from an IT staffing company? Buckle up as Tony Johnson, the man behind LemonTree's success, takes us through the thrilling journey of their metamorphosis. Tony candidly shares the challenges they faced embracing the managed service model in the early ‘90s and spells out the crucial role of customer intimacy, standardization, and the audacity to turn down clients who did not resonate with their DNA or technology stack. This first segment is an insider's peek at LemonTree's mantra for success and a masterclass in navigating change.
In the subsequent segment, we shift gears to explore LemonTree's outstanding customer service philosophy that was paramount in their transition to a top-tier MSP. Tony underlines proactive communication and problem-solving as the cornerstones of spectacular customer service that leaves clients yearning for more. He shares the riveting tale of how LemonTree implemented a customer satisfaction survey to ensure they were hitting the bull's eye with their customers’ needs. This innovation proved to be a game-changer that propelled them further towards success. Hold on tight as we journey through the inspiring narrative of LemonTree's evolution. You wouldn’t want to miss out on this enlightening conversation with Tony Johnson!
Join us for a front-row seat to see what’s next at N-able!
The 2025 All Partners Meeting is happening online, June 2 & 3. Hear directly from product leaders, explore the roadmap, and ask questions.
'Now that's it: Stories of MSP Success,' dives into the journeys of some of the trailblazers in our industry to find out how they used their passion for technology to help turn Managed Services into the thriving sector it is today.
Every episode is packed with the valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring anecdotes that lead our guests to the transformative moment when they knew..... Now, that's it.
This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers.
Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.
Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors.
The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe.
All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Next Episode
Passion to Profit: Scaling an MSP with Dan Kitchen, CEO of Razorblue Group
Ever wondered how to turn your passion for technology into a successful business? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dan Kitchen, CEO of Razorblue Group, as he walks us through his journey of growing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and overcoming the challenges that came with it. From scaling the business to making strategic acquisitions and outgrowing team members, Dan's story is a testament to passion, determination, and thriving success in the tech industry.
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of bringing people along on the journey, making a good impression with new customers, and navigating the world of finance and HR. Discover how Dan and his team leveraged their technical expertise to b make two acquisitions and expand their geographic presence. Plus, learn the ins and outs of onboarding new customers, managing a diverse range of devices and operating systems, and providing top-notch managed services. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Dan Kitchen and the Razorblue Group's remarkable story!
Join us for a front-row seat to see what’s next at N-able!
The 2025 All Partners Meeting is happening online, June 2 & 3. Hear directly from product leaders, explore the roadmap, and ask questions.
'Now that's it: Stories of MSP Success,' dives into the journeys of some of the trailblazers in our industry to find out how they used their passion for technology to help turn Managed Services into the thriving sector it is today.
Every episode is packed with the valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring anecdotes that lead our guests to the transformative moment when they knew..... Now, that's it.
This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers.
Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice.
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.
Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors.
The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe.
All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Now That's IT: Stories of MSP Success - Transforming Your Business: From VAR to Successful MSP with David McKenna
Transcript
Coming up on . Now That's It . David McKenna of Running Computers explains how a bold move changed the path of his company .
David McKennaWe went from 500 customers to 12 .
Pete RoythorneIt was the best decision And what they're doing today , nearly 30 years later , to continue to evolve the business .
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