In this From the Trenches episode, Tom McIntyre—founder of Ontario-based MSP YourTech and 30-year industry veteran—joins Josh Peterson to explore three decades of change in managed services: from break-fix and hardware margins, to recurring-revenue MSP models, and now to the era of AI-augmented decision making. Tom shares how he evolved from machinist and theatre tech to MSP owner, what it took to move away from hardware-first thinking, and how early adoption of RMM and standardized tooling reshaped his business. He and Josh dig into the realities behind the buzz: where AI genuinely helps, where it is overhyped, and how MSP leaders can use it as a thinking partner instead of just an automation engine.
The conversation then dives into Tom’s innovative use of AI as a virtual “board of directors,” where simulated expert personas debate and refine marketing and technical strategies before they ever reach a whiteboard. That experimentation leads naturally into a broader discussion of cyber risk, insurance questionnaires, and the uncomfortable squeeze MSPs face between rising security expectations and small-business budgets. For owners who want to professionalize client conversations around risk and value, this episode aligns with BMK’s guidance on designing a modern client engagement strategy from onboarding through QBRs and the financial consulting MSPs need to grow securely. If you are ready to connect these threads into one operating rhythm, explore how the BMK Vision platform helps bring AI, security, and accountability into a single system for your team.
For MSPs navigating small-business growth and innovation, explore these related articles: how to build profitable service agreements, creating a people-first MSP culture, and improving MSP financial operations through better data.
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Tom McIntyre is the founder of YourTech, an Ontario-based managed service provider that has been supporting clients for over 30 years. With a background that spans machining, theatre production, and electronics, Tom brings a maker’s mindset and a deep curiosity about how things work to every aspect of his business. Over three decades, he has guided YourTech through the industry’s major shifts—from hardware-centric projects to recurring managed services, early adoption of RMM tools, and now the integration of AI into everyday operations and strategy.
Tom is particularly focused on helping small and midsize organizations navigate the growing pressure around cybersecurity, insurance requirements, and regulatory expectations. He experiments actively with AI as a “virtual board of directors,” using it to critique marketing plans, stress-test security strategies, and support better decision making for his team and clients. Tom is passionate about sharing what he’s learned with other MSPs and business leaders who want to blend practical security, thoughtful leadership, and innovative use of AI without losing sight of real-world budget constraints.
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Josh Peterson is the CEO of Bering McKinley and host of the BMK Vision Podcast. Through the From the Trenches series, Josh highlights MSP leaders who redefine growth through creativity, resilience, and genuine client connection.
🌐 Connect with Josh on LinkedIn →