Episode Details

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