In this From the Trenches episode, Corey Kirkendoll—an enterprise-trained MSP leader with deep technical chops and an MBA—joins Josh Peterson to unpack how data, fundamentals, and AI strategy are reshaping what it means to run a modern MSP. Corey traces his path from early enterprise roles into managed services, explaining how his ability to speak both “boardroom” and “server room” language opened doors to more strategic conversations with clients. He emphasizes that real MSP maturity starts with understanding a client’s business model and desired outcomes, not just its ticket queues and tool stack, and that the firms who win are the ones who can translate technology into measurable business results.
From there, the discussion turns to data discipline, cybersecurity, and AI. Corey walks through how tracking billable hours, first-time resolution, and customer profitability allows his team to identify unprofitable accounts, rebalance workload, and decide where to invest or disengage. He warns that AI tools—from ChatGPT to co-pilots—can either unlock new value or quietly leak sensitive data if MSPs haven’t first hardened security, implemented DLP, and clarified governance. Looking ahead, Corey predicts the rise of AI Strategy Providers (AISPs) who will partner with MSPs to own the AI roadmap while MSPs run the technical backbone. For owners who want to operationalize these ideas, his playbook aligns with BMK’s guidance on building a structured client engagement strategy from onboarding through QBRs and the financial consulting MSPs need to grow profitably. If you’re ready to connect fundamentals, data, and AI inside one rhythm, explore how the BMK Vision platform can help.
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.
Return to the BMK Vision Podcast main page →
Corey Kirkendoll is the President and CEO of 5K Technical Services, a Dallas-based managed service provider known for combining enterprise-grade discipline with practical small and midsize business outcomes. With an MBA and deep technical credentials that include certifications such as CISSP and CCIE, Corey is equally at home talking to technicians about architectures and to executives about budgets, risk, and ROI. He has built his MSP around data-driven management, using metrics like utilization, first-time resolution, and customer profitability to guide hiring, client selection, and service design.
Corey is an early advocate for weaving AI and automation into everyday MSP and client workflows—but only on top of strong fundamentals. He helps organizations document and refine their policies and procedures before automating them, ensuring that tools like co-pilots, AI assistants, and advanced analytics amplify good processes rather than broken ones. As AI Strategy Providers (AISPs) emerge as a new niche, Corey is focused on positioning MSPs to collaborate with those firms, own their role in securing and governing AI, and stay at the center of their clients’ most important technology and business conversations.
🌐 Connect with Corey on LinkedIn →
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 →