Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Start Grow Manage, Jeff Loehr sits down with Stuart Garzarelli and Michael Ratka of Agiliti—a powerhouse MSP with a surprising origin story. Discover how a life-changing injury sparked Stuart's journey into tech, how both founders weathered the 2008 economic storm, and why “curiosity” and “tenacity” are more than just buzzwords at Agiliti—they're the backbone of their success.

You’ll hear how they evolved from firefighting IT issues to solving high-impact business problems, turning their clients into raving fans. Learn how they transitioned from techs to trusted advisors, the critical mistakes they avoided, and how manufacturers benefit from their laser-focused strategic approach. If you're an MSP founder ready to shift from chaos to clarity, you won’t want to miss this one.

🎧 Tune in for real talk, actionable insights, and the business truths every MSP owner needs to hear.

👤 Jeff
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffloehr/
https://twitter.com/jeffloehr

Connect w/ Agiliti ⭐️
Stewart Garzarelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarzarelli/
Michael Ratka https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ratka-2bbb7464/

⭐️ LEARN MORE: https://startgrowmanage.com/cta-yt

FOLLOW US 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
⚙️ Start Grow Manage
https://www.linkedin.com/company/start-grow-manage/
https://instagram.com/startgrowmanage https://www.facebook.com/StartGrowManage

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
https://startgrowmanage.com/apply

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail

🎧 In this episode of Start Grow Manage, Jeff Loehr chats with Michael Vertolli, President of ComTecSystems, about one of the most overlooked opportunities for MSPs—strategic partnerships. What starts as a story about installing mobile phones in the ‘90s quickly evolves into a deep dive on how ComTec transformed into a leading cloud and telecom consultancy. Mike doesn’t just talk theory—he lays out how smart partnerships can unlock new revenue, boost client loyalty, and help MSPs break out of the tech-only trap.

They also touch on the rise of AI in telecommunications, and why the key to long-term growth isn’t about selling more tech—it’s about solving real business problems. If you’re an MSP owner who wants to scale without being stuck in the weeds, this conversation is your blueprint.

Tune in to learn how to shift from overwhelmed technician to strategic business leader—and why collaboration might just be the most powerful tool in your growth toolbox.

👤 Jeff

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffloehr/

https://twitter.com/jeffloehr

Connect w/ Michael ⭐️

https://comtecsystems.net/partner-program/?utm_source=start%20manage%20grow&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=mike%20vertolli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vertolli-66b60112/

FOLLOW US 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

⚙️ Start Grow Manage https://www.linkedin.com/company/start-grow-manage/ https://instagram.com/startgrowmanage https://www.facebook.com/StartGrowManage

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ https://startgrowmanage.com/apply

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Start Grow Manage, Jeff Loehr chats with MSP hiring pro Mark Agovino, who’s spent the last two decades transforming how tech companies build teams. Mark breaks down why the old-school recruiting model is broken—and how his flat-fee, managed hiring service helps MSPs save big while hiring better. They dig into cultural fit, the power of behavioral interviewing, and how aligning with your core values is a game-changer. Plus, they preview the upcoming SWAT workshop, where MSPs will level up their client conversations.

👤 Jeff

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffloehr/

https://twitter.com/jeffloehr

Connect w/ Mark ⭐️

https://onboardtac.com

FOLLOW US 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

⚙️ Start Grow Manage https://www.linkedin.com/company/start-grow-manage/ https://instagram.com/startgrowmanage https://www.facebook.com/StartGrowManage

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ https://startgrowmanage.com/apply

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Start Grow Manage podcast, Jeff Loehr sits down with Sean Lentner of Lentner Technology for a no-BS look at what it really takes to grow in the MSP world. Sean shares how he ditched the tech-for-tech’s-sake mindset and started solving real business problems—working with everyone from finance giants to the Vatican. From startup lessons to streamlining workflows with AI, this episode is packed with sharp insights on building a business that runs smarter, not harder. If you're an MSP owner ready to shift from tech geek to business leader, you’ll want to hear this.

👤 Jeff

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffloehr/

https://twitter.com/jeffloehr

Connect w/ Sean ⭐️

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-lentner/overlay/about-this-profile/

https://lentner.com

📞 Schedule a free coaching session

https://pages.startgrowmanage.com/book-a-free-coaching-session

FOLLOW US 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

⚙️ Start Grow Manage https://www.linkedin.com/company/start-grow-manage/ https://instagram.com/startgrowmanage https://www.facebook.com/StartGrowManage

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ https://startgrowmanage.com/apply

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ In this episode of Start Grow Manage, Joe Rojas sits down with John Harden from Auvik to unpack how AI is shaking up the MSP world. From the growing threat of shadow IT to the need for smarter attack surface monitoring, John shares how MSPs can lead the charge—not just in tech, but in educating clients and driving strategy. They explore how to stay ahead of AI regulation, avoid common pitfalls, and actually use AI to grow. Plus, Joe invites you to a free SWOT workshop designed to help MSPs scale smarter—not harder.

👤 Joe

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerojas/

👤 John Harden

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-harden/

https://www.auvik.com/

📞 Schedule a free coaching session

https://pages.startgrowmanage.com/book-a-free-coaching-session

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, co-host Jeff Loehr chats with MSP recruiter TJ Jackson about why core values are the secret to building strong, high-performing teams. They explore how aligning hires with company values creates harmony, boosts retention, and drives growth. TJ also shares why embracing discomfort is key and how collaboration leads to long-term success. Spoiler: Technical skills? Those can be taught. Core values? Not so much.

👤 Jeff

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffloehr/

https://twitter.com/jeffloehr

Connect w/ TJ ⭐️
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjaxn/

📞 Schedule a free coaching session

https://pages.startgrowmanage.com/book-a-free-coaching-session

📖 Chapters 📖

01:06 – TJ Jackson’s Biggest ‘Aha!’ Moment

02:02 – Core Values: Your Secret Weapon

03:48 – The Real Key to Workplace Harmony

09:28 – Why Discomfort Fuels Growth

18:15 – The $100M Lesson You Need to Hear

18:42 – Embracing Failure: The Growth Hack

20:17 – Stronger Teams Start Here

22:33 – Collaboration: The Ultimate Advantage

23:46 – Apprenticeships: Your Success Shortcut

26:29 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect

FOLLOW US 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

⚙️ Start Grow Manage https://www.linkedin.com/company/start-grow-manage/ https://instagram.com/startgrowmanage https://www.facebook.com/StartGrowManage

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ https://startgrowmanage.com/apply

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail

Tired of feeling like you just have a job instead of running a business? 💡

In this session, Jeff Loehr and Joe Rojas from Start Grow Manage reveal how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can build businesses that run without them. Learn practical tips on standing out in a competitive market, improving client communication, and scaling your operations for more freedom. Plus, discover how the MSP Accelerator can help you differentiate your services, understand your customers, and boost profitability.

🚀 Ready to take your MSP to the next level? Hit play and start building the business you deserve!

👤 Jeff Loehr

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffloehr/

https://twitter.com/jeffloehr

👤 Joe Rojas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerojas/

📞 Schedule a free coaching session

https://pages.startgrowmanage.com/book-a-free-coaching-session

FOLLOW US 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

⚙️ Start Grow Manage https://www.linkedin.com/company/start-grow-manage/ https://instagram.com/startgrowmanage https://www.facebook.com/StartGrowManage

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 👋_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ https://startgrowmanage.com/apply

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail

In this Start Grow Manage episode, Jeff Loehr talks with Andrew Down and Logan from Vendasta about revenue-driven marketing for MSPs. Beyond uptime and efficiency, growth matters!
Vendasta’s AI-powered tools—CRM, social media management, and more—help MSPs generate leads, engage customers, and close deals. They discuss understanding customer needs, setting realistic expectations, and consistent marketing.

👤 Jeff
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffloehr/

https://twitter.com/jeffloehr

Connect w/ Andrew ⭐️
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdown/

Connect w/ Logan ⭐️
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganochitwa/

See Vendasta at CP EXPO 📍
https://www.vendasta.com/cpexpo2025/

Learn More 📖
https://www.vendasta.com/newsroom/vendasta-launches-yesware/

📞 Schedule a free coaching session
https://pages.startgrowmanage.com/book-a-free-coaching-session

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn