#40 – From the Trenches: Starting an MSP & Owning the Risk (Nelson Archila)

In this From the Trenches episode, Josh Peterson sits down with Nelson Archila, an emerging MSP founder whose journey runs from warehouse work and military-base logistics to launching his own IT services business in Los Angeles. Nelson shares how growing up in Inglewood, navigating peer pressure, and being raised by strict, deeply involved parents shaped his character and work ethic. A degree in computer technology with a Homeland Security focus gave him the technical foundation, but it was his relentless persistence—calling a scanner company more than 30 times and showing up in person until they hired him—that opened the door to his first real IT role and, eventually, to the MSP world. His early experiences highlight why new MSP owners must understand how structure and clarity in their service delivery lay the foundation for stability, much like the kind of managed service provider consulting support that aligns operations with long-term growth.

From there, Nelson walks through the realities of “round one” of running his own MSP: discovering how much of the job is sales, developing the confidence to quote and invoice, and learning that grit and follow-through matter as much as technical skill. Looking ahead to “round two,” he explains why he’s choosing to specialize in law firms, how he’s building a clear three-year vision for an office, a small team, and a healthy culture, and what he’s doing differently to own the financial and personal risk of entrepreneurship. His focus on creating a supportive and accountable environment mirrors the foundational concepts of strategic MSP financial consulting and the discipline built into the BMK Vision Operating System—a critical shift for owners ready to move from solo operation to real leadership.

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Episode Highlights

• 00:00:11 – Nelson’s boss gives him a one-month deadline to find an IT job, pushing him out of his comfort zone and into a real tech career.
• 00:01:46 – How Nelson’s bachelor’s degree in computer technology with a Homeland Security track laid the foundation for MSP work.
• 00:05:21 – Growing up in Inglewood: daily choices, strong parental boundaries, and avoiding the pitfalls of a tough neighborhood.
• 00:09:22 – The scanner-company story: calling, visiting, and following up until persistence finally turns into a job offer.
• 00:16:48 – Naming sales, confidence, and trust-building as the hardest parts of starting and growing an MSP.
• 00:23:24 – Choosing law firms as his primary vertical and how that focus shapes his service offering and messaging.
• 00:34:44 – Casting a three-year vision: office space, employees, and a people-first culture built on respect and growth.

About the Guest

Nelson Archila is an emerging MSP founder based in Los Angeles. After earning his degree in Computer Technology with a Homeland Security concentration, he entered the IT world through a warehouse role supporting government contracts, visiting military bases, and handling critical equipment. His first dedicated IT job came through sheer persistence with a scanner company—an experience that set the tone for how he approaches opportunity, resilience, and career growth.

Nelson stepped into the MSP space in 2019 and quickly discovered how much he loves client service, solving real-world problems, and continuously learning new environments. Now preparing for “Round Two” of his own MSP, he is focused on building a verticalized practice serving law firms, developing confident sales and billing habits, and creating a small, people-first company where employees are treated well and clients feel genuinely supported.

🔗 Connect with Nelson 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 helps MSPs strengthen financial clarity, leadership maturity, and operational excellence using the BMK Vision Operating System, turning real-world stories into practical, standard-driven guidance. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn →

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