Sam Sandusky Big Sur Technologies with guest Adam Kerrigan Intelligent Technical Solutions Episode 1

https://youtu.be/ByYHqiosBuw
Summary

In this engaging conversation, Sam Sandusky interviews Adam Kerrigan, who shares his journey in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry, including his experiences with mergers and acquisitions (M&A), insights from recent tech conferences, and the challenges faced by MSPs in sales and growth. Adam discusses the evolving landscape of the MSP market, the impact of private equity, and the importance of effective integration during acquisitions. The conversation highlights key lessons learned from past transactions and the dynamics of collaboration among MSPs. In this conversation, Adam Kerrigan discusses the complexities and emotional challenges faced by MSP owners during business transactions. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, understanding one’s identity, and the psychological impact of transitioning from owner to employee. Adam shares insights on the journey of MSP owners, the significance of timing in transactions, and the need for empathy and experience in guiding sellers. He also highlights the value of community and storytelling in building relationships within the business landscape.

Takeaways

Adam’s journey from corporate IT to MSP ownership.
The importance of finding good sales and marketing talent.
Insights from attending major tech conferences like IT Nation and DattoCon.
The polarizing nature of Kaseya in the MSP community.
M&A burnout among MSPs due to constant discussions.
The challenges of signing new clients in the MSP industry.
The trend of smaller MSPs coming together for acquisitions.
The significance of integration in M&A success.
Lessons learned from past transactions and their impact on trust.
The evolving addressable market for MSP acquisitions. Many MSP owners struggle to articulate what they want next in their careers.
The timeline for closing deals can vary significantly, from months to years.
Emotional attachment to a business can lead to poor decision-making during sales.
Transitioning from owner to employee can create an identity crisis for many.
There is a lack of resources to help owners navigate the emotional aspects of selling their business.
Self-reflection is crucial for understanding one’s next steps after a sale.
Experience in M&A can provide valuable insights for guiding sellers.
Building relationships through shared stories can foster community among MSPs.
Empathy is essential in understanding the challenges faced by sellers.
It’s important to recognize when it’s time to move on from a business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
08:25 M&A Trends and Strategies
14:12 Market Dynamics and Addressable Opportunities
24:09 Lessons Learned from Past Transactions
30:33 The Journey of MSP Owners: Timing and Readiness
35:46 Transitioning Roles: From Owner to Employee
41:01 Preparing for New Beginnings: The Importance of Reflection
48:40 Joining Forces: The Value of Community in Business
54:44 Building Relationships Through Shared Stories