#50 – From the Trenches: Data Portability, PE Money & MSP Basics That Still Matter (Karl Palachuk)

In this From the Trenches episode, Karl Palachuk joins Josh Peterson for a wide-ranging conversation that blends industry history with the operational realities MSPs still face today. From Karl’s early breakout work in documentation and Managed Services in a Month to the “blocking and tackling” fundamentals that consistently separate stressed operators from profitable, well-run firms, the discussion reinforces a core message that aligns closely with the BMK Vision operating system: sustainable growth is built on clarity, discipline, and repeatable execution—not chasing the latest shiny tool.

A major thread centers on what Karl believes is coming next for the MSP landscape: the downstream effects of private equity ownership across vendors and platforms, and the often-overlooked risk of data portability inside PSA and core operational tools. Karl argues that MSPs should treat portability as both a right and a safeguard—especially as ownership structures, pricing models, and product roadmaps shift. The conversation also draws clear parallels between the cloud inflection point of the late 2000s and today’s AI wave, highlighting why resisting “one more technology” can quietly stall progress. Episodes like this reflect the deeper, experience-driven insights regularly shared across the BMK Vision Podcast archive.

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Episode Highlights

• 00:01:16 – Karl’s current focus: building the Small Biz Thoughts community, writing more, and designing work around lifestyle and longevity.
• 00:02:44 – The books that built his platform and why Managed Services in a Month continues to resonate years later.
• 00:07:19 – The rise of “experts” in the MSP space and why real operating experience still matters.
• 00:11:11 – Technology inflection points: cloud then, AI now—and the danger of refusing to learn “one more thing.”
• 00:13:30 – Formula-driven MSP delivery versus true consulting problem-solving.
• 00:22:19 – Private equity’s growing influence and the risks it introduces for vendors and MSPs alike.
• 00:24:11 – Why data portability in PSA tools should concern every MSP owner.

About the Guest

Karl Palachuk is a veteran MSP author, speaker, and community builder best known for his practical, experience-based guidance for IT service providers. Through Small Biz Thoughts, Karl helps MSPs strengthen fundamentals, build resilient businesses, and think critically about industry trends such as vendor accountability, private equity influence, and data portability.

🌐 Connect with Karl on LinkedIn →  |  Visit Small Biz Thoughts →  

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 facilitates candid conversations with MSP leaders focused on operational discipline, leadership clarity, and long-term business health.

🔗 Connect with Josh on LinkedIn →  |  📺 Subscribe on YouTube →