Profitable Small MSP Growth with Tom Bull (EP 1079)

Tom Bull of Two River Computer joins me for a practical conversation about building an MSP around trust, community, and the work clients actually need. Tom shares how his business grew from computer repair and consulting into managed IT, residential technology, Wi-Fi, smart-home projects, and cybersecurity, all while serving smaller businesses that larger MSPs often overlook. We talk about referral relationships, local visibility, Google reviews, and why listening to the customer can matter more than following every piece of conventional channel advice.

We also get into the realities of controlled growth and modern security. Tom explains why he paused new-client onboarding when his team hit capacity, how he thinks about profit over revenue, and why he is careful about taking on work he cannot support well. We cover AI use policies, Microsoft 365 protection, SentinelOne Vigilance, Petra, ThreatLocker, Ubiquiti, SonicWall, backups, identity security, and the layered approach MSPs need to keep clients protected without overcomplicating the stack.

=== Chapters

• 01:52 Meet Tom Bull of Two River Computer
• 04:22 Tom Bull’s Tech Career and MSP Origin Story
• 10:01 Building a Community-Driven Local IT Business
• 13:17 Growing an MSP by Giving Clients What They Want
• 17:42 Small-Business MSP Niches, Pricing, and Referral Partnerships
• 22:15 AI Policies, Shadow AI, and MSP Liability Concerns
• 30:04 Building a Layered Security Stack With SentinelOne and Petra
• 32:46 ThreatLocker, AutoElevate, and Application Control
• 38:38 TechCon Unplugged, 1Stream, and TruGrid Sponsor Message
• 41:09 Working on the Business and Finding MSP Profitability
• 49:11 Local SEO, Google Reviews, and Profitable Hardware Sales
• 53:10 Ubiquiti, Managed Switches, and Network Visibility
• 56:49 SonicWall vs. Ubiquiti Gateway Security
• 01:08:53 Developing Future Leaders at Two River Computer

=== Guest: Tom Bull, Two River Computer

• Website: https://www.tworivercomputer.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tworivercomputer

=== Events

• TechCon Unplugged: https://techconunplugged.com/
  • Discount Code: TCUMarvin

=== Companies / Vendors / Products / Books

• Synchro: https://syncrosecure.com/
• SentinelOne Vigilance: https://www.sentinelone.com/services/vigilance/
• Petra Security: https://www.petrasecurity.com/
• Huntress: https://www.huntress.com/
• ThreatLocker: https://www.threatlocker.com/
• AutoElevate: https://www.cyberfox.com/platforms/autoelevate-by-cyberfox/
• SonicWall: https://www.sonicwall.com/
• Ubiquiti: https://ui.com/
• Proofpoint: https://www.proofpoint.com/
• Domotz: https://www.domotz.com/
• Auvik: https://www.auvik.com/
• Cork: https://www.corkinc.com/
• Tech Marketing Engine: https://techmarketingengine.com/
• The Pumpkin Plan: https://amzn.to/4yp2Xxz
• Discount Code: TCUMarvin

=== 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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