Episode Details

Sean Lardo, better known around the channel as Mr. IT Nation, joined me for a special conversation following the announcement of the IT Nation PitchIT 2026 finalists: Lemhi, Synthreo, and Blacksmith InfoSec. After a 16-week competitive cohort built around coaching, refinement, and practice, these three companies are now preparing to take the stage at IT Nation Connect Global in Orlando.

=== Chapters

• 00:23 PitchIT 2026 Finalists Announcement
• 01:47 Meet Sean Lardo of IT Nation
• 03:07 Behind the PitchIT Finalist Reveal
• 06:01 How PitchIT Vendors Refine Their Message
• 08:40 Uncle Marv’s PitchIT Rankings and Prize Debate
• 11:12 MSP Feedback on PitchIT Vendor Interviews
• 13:22 Preparing Vendors for Real Sales Conversations
• 14:14 The Best Questions MSPs Should Ask Vendors
• 17:04 Evaluating Vendor Fit Beyond Price
• 19:12 What to Expect at PitchIT Orlando
• 21:09 Finalist Congratulations and IT Nation Connect Closing

=== Guest: Sean Lardo, ConnectWise / The IT Nation

• Website: https://www.connectwise.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanlardo

=== Companies / Vendors / Products / Books

• ConnectWise: https://www.connectwise.com/
• The IT Nation: https://itnation.connectwise.com/
• PitchIT: https://itnation.connectwise.com/pitchit
• IT Nation Connect Global: https://itnation.connectwise.com/connect-global
• Lemhi: https://lemhi.com/
• Synthreo: https://synthreo.ai/
• Blacksmith InfoSec: https://blacksmithinfosec.com/

=== SPONSORS:

• 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-logo-CSR3UET
• Author Username: AlexanderRufire
• Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
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