#7 – From the Trenches - Whiteboard IT’s Steve Murphy - Fit, Focus & Resilience (Steve Murphy)

In this from‑the‑trenches conversation, Steve Murphy, founder of Whiteboard IT in Buffalo, NY, joins Josh to explore entrepreneurship, scaling, and resilience. Steve fell into IT through high‑school networking projects and never looked back, choosing to build his own MSP rather than work for anyone else. Today he reflects on the journey from survival mode to strategic growth, the importance of clear exit plans, and how to stay grounded amid AI hype. If you’re an MSP leader who wants to build a durable business that can weather client collapses and market shifts, this episode offers hard‑won lessons.

This candid conversation explores:

• How an accidental start in IT turned into a lifelong entrepreneurial path
• The evolution from survival mindset to purposeful planning and exit strategies
• Why diversification and careful client selection are critical to stability
• How integrity in sales builds lasting relationships
• Balancing excitement around AI with a focus on fundamentals and security
• Practical advice for scaling beyond $1M revenue, including building management layers

To dive deeper into the themes discussed in this episode, explore our guide on maximizing value when selling your MSP, learn how MSPs implement Zero‑Trust security models to protect against evolving cyber threats, and discover how a Business Performance Improvement Plan drives efficiency, scalability, and long‑term profitability.

For more episodes and conversations like this, visit the BMK Vision Podcast main page →

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Episode Highlights

• 00:01:00 – Steve shares how he accidentally entered IT through a high‑school networking project.
• 00:03:20 – Early years were about survival; now he focuses on clear goals and exit strategies.
• 00:07:24 – Business lifecycle analogy: takeoff is optional, but landing is mandatory.
• 00:10:50 – Losing a major client taught the importance of diversification and risk management.
• 00:13:30 – A story of turning down a sale because it wasn’t right for the client, emphasizing integrity.
• 00:17:30 – Navigating AI hype with a security-first mindset and focusing on fundamentals.
• 00:23:30 – Advice for MSPs hitting $1M in revenue: plan for scaling, build management layers, and hire purposefully.

About the Guest

Steve Murphy is the founder of Whiteboard IT in Buffalo, New York. Over two decades he has evolved from a self-taught network specialist to an MSP leader who values strategic planning, diversification, and honest client relationships. Steve’s philosophy revolves around building a strong business with clear exit options, prioritizing security fundamentals over hype, and always doing right by the client—even if it means saying no.

🌐 Connect with Steve on LinkedIn →

About the Host

Josh Peterson is the CEO of Bering McKinley and host of the BMK Vision Podcast. Through the From the Trenches series, Josh explores candid conversations with MSP owners and industry leaders, uncovering the stories and strategies that drive growth, resilience, and lasting success.

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