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Have you ever wondered what makes truly great teams function so seamlessly? The secret might be simpler than you think: shared values that everyone genuinely believes in.

When Mark set out to establish core values for his company, he initially approached it as a solo exercise. "I have to come up with what I believe my core values are," he explains, reflecting on his early leadership journey. But the magic happened when he opened up this process to his entire team. Suddenly, these weren't just Mark's values—they became the team's collective compass, something everyone had a stake in upholding.

The surprising revelation came when "communication" emerged as a core value the team prioritized, catching Mark off guard. This sparked important self-reflection: "Is it because I don't communicate enough? Do they feel like there's not enough transparency?" This vulnerable moment highlights how collaborative value-setting creates opportunities for growth that top-down approaches often miss. Other values like integrity, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement rounded out their foundation, creating a framework that guides both internal interactions and client relationships.

What happens after establishing these values? The conversation explores how Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) transform abstract values into measurable actions. As Mark beautifully puts it, "by having the team help with the core values, it's much easier to get them in the boat rowing with me as a team and not rowing in a different direction." This rowing analogy perfectly captures the essence of values-based leadership—when everyone understands and believes in the destination, they naturally align their efforts without constant management. Listen now to discover how defining your core values might be the most important team exercise you'll ever undertake.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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What happens when the simple act of eating becomes impossible? For eight years, Zach lived on medical formula, rice cakes, and pears due to a severe case of eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), a chronic illness that drastically restricted his diet and transformed his relationship with food and his own body.

Zach's powerful story begins at age 15, when doctors determined he needed to follow an extremely limited diet to manage his condition. The physical limitations were challenging, but the mental and emotional toll of being unable to participate in one of life's most fundamental and social activities proved equally difficult. "It's such a mental burden to be around people eating," he reflects, describing years of watching friends enjoy meals while he consumed the same bland items day after day.

Throughout this journey, Zach developed remarkable resilience and perspective. Swimming became his outlet during high school, while creative expression through rap music about his unique dietary situation provided both humor and release. When medical interventions became necessary, he embraced a feeding tube to improve his quality of life, even as he occasionally rebelled by "cheating" on his diet, accepting the painful consequences as sometimes "worth it" for moments of normalcy. His outlook transformed from questioning why this happened to him to embracing a philosophy that "being negative doesn't change your circumstance."

The turning point arrived unexpectedly in 2020 when doctors offered an experimental medication that gradually allowed him to tolerate food again. Two years later, Zach had his feeding tube removed, leaving behind a scar he now cherishes as "like my second belly button...a little reminder of where I've come from." His story illuminates not just the physical challenges of chronic illness, but the profound mental journey of acceptance, adaptation, and ultimately hope even in the most restricting circumstances.

Have you faced health challenges that transformed your relationship with something most people take for granted? Share your story or thoughts about Zach's powerful journey of resilience in the comments, or connect with organizations like Cured that support research for eosinophilic conditions.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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What drives someone with a seemingly perfect life to take their own life? This raw, unfiltered conversation explores the devastating impact of unaddressed mental health issues, particularly in high-pressure professional environments.

The episode opens with a deeply personal story about a friend who, despite all outward appearances of success—family, career, stability—died by suicide. This tragedy serves as a powerful launching point to examine how we often miss the warning signs in those around us, and perhaps more importantly, how we might fail to recognize them in ourselves.

Physical and mental wellbeing emerge as inseparable companions throughout the discussion. One host shares his journey of addressing hypertension through consistent exercise and lifestyle changes, losing 35 pounds while maintaining a demanding business schedule. This practical example illustrates how prioritizing physical health creates the resilience needed to withstand professional stressors—making yourself "better prepared to handle all the crap," as they candidly put it.

The conversation takes a critical turn when addressing the gender disparity in seeking help. At a recent industry mental health panel, approximately 90% of attendees were women, highlighting how men often avoid these crucial conversations due to perceived weakness. As one host confesses, "I may be one of the biggest bears in the room as far as being the tough guy, but I have problems and issues, and I need this stuff as much as the next person." This vulnerability creates space for listeners to acknowledge their own struggles.

The power of community emerges as perhaps the most actionable takeaway. From simple check-ins to physically showing up during someone's crisis, these small acts of connection can make the difference between someone spiraling or finding their way through difficulty. Have you reached out to a colleague who seems distant lately? Your call might be exactly what they need today.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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A virus named after Mountain Dew became the unlikely catalyst for a cybersecurity career that would eventually spawn a successful managed service provider during one of the worst economic downturns in modern history.

The founder of Triada takes us through their fascinating journey from corporate IT professional to entrepreneur, describing how a 2003 "Code Red" virus attack sparked deep curiosity about cybersecurity. When malicious code rapidly spread through their investment firm's network, questions emerged that would shape their future: Why did someone create this? How did they do it? How could we stop it? This intrigue ultimately led them down a path toward deeper cybersecurity expertise.

By 2008, after building infrastructure from scratch at a small investment firm and developing crucial Silicon Valley connections, an opportunity emerged amid financial chaos. As professionals fled large firms to launch their own funds, they needed expert help with infrastructure, compliance, and security. With four young children at home and as the family's sole breadwinner, the founder made the bold decision—fully supported by their spouse—to launch Triada instead of returning to corporate safety. Their vision extended beyond themselves to creating a business that could support future generations.

The challenges of competing in New York City's dense marketplace, where potential clients and competitors exist in equal measure, required strategic differentiation. By offering unique experiences that professionals couldn't find at financial giants, Triada carved its niche. From its humble beginnings as a "fractional IT manager" splitting time between clients to becoming an established managed service provider, Triada's story demonstrates how entrepreneurial courage, family support, and long-term vision can transform crisis into enduring opportunity. Ready to secure and elevate your business? Reach out today and let's build something that lasts.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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One moment you're celebrating Christmas Eve with family, the next you're being told you'll never walk again. In this powerful conversation, we hear a firsthand account of what happens when life changes in an instant.

The story begins on a snowy Christmas Eve in 2007, with an unexplainable urge to go running despite the weather. Hours later, a 90-year-old driver ran a stop sign, causing a collision that would permanently alter the course of a life. What followed was an 8.5-hour surgery, the devastating news of less than 1% chance of walking again, and the simultaneous grief of learning that a father had died in the same accident.

The psychological journey through this trauma reveals the daily battle between hope and despair. "Each morning I'd tell myself I would overcome this," our guest shares. "By nighttime, reality would set in that this was my life now." What makes this story remarkable isn't just survival, but how recovery happened through unexpected channels – from brothers working double shifts to be present at the hospital, to strangers sending drawings that provided focus during long, painful nights. Even small gestures, like basketball referees bringing a Frosted Flakes-themed gift package, created lifelines during the darkest moments.

This conversation offers profound insight into human resilience, showing that strength rarely comes solely from within. It's built through connections, through community, and through finding meaning in suffering. Whether you're facing your own life-changing challenge or supporting someone who is, this episode will transform how you think about overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. Listen now and discover how we find strength we never knew we had.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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Running a profitable MSP remains an elusive goal for half the industry. Shocking statistics show that 25% of providers are barely breaking even, while another 25% lose money each year. Yet despite these sobering numbers, entrepreneurs continue entering the space, drawn by dreams of independence and growth.

So, what separates successful MSPs from those that struggle?

Too many rely on questionable sources—anonymous Reddit threads, outdated conference decks, or one-size-fits-all coaching programs that overlook the unique nuances of each business. A strategy that thrives in California might fail in Columbus, yet many providers try to transplant business models across vastly different markets.

Data-driven intelligence offers a better path. By analyzing billing patterns and consumption data across a wide range of MSPs, we can pinpoint what actually works—in specific contexts. Instead of recommending specific vendors, this approach highlights essential solution categories (like password management and documentation systems), while offering market-accurate guidance on pricing, bundling, and go-to-market strategies calibrated to your size, location, and client base.

The mission is clear: empower every MSP to succeed by replacing guesswork with proven insights. A $1.5 million business shouldn't follow a blueprint built for a $4 million operation. Growth requires precision—knowing exactly which services to add, how to package them, and what to charge in your market. When we move beyond generic advice to data-informed decisions, more MSPs shift from surviving to thriving—building real business value that goes far beyond just covering the bills.

Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Discover how your MSP can join the profitable half of the industry through evidence-based strategies tailored to your business reality.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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Have you ever wondered what it really takes to transform your life?
This raw and powerful conversation explores how profound loss can become the catalyst for extraordinary change.

After losing his mother to cancer when she was just 32, our guest developed a unique perspective on time and opportunity.
"My life was spared," he reflects, contrasting his survival through nights of reckless behavior with his mother’s lack of a second chance. That realization sparked an urgency that continues to fuel his success:
"It's go time. There's no sitting back."

The conversation dives deep into the critical role of mentorship and environment in personal growth. Citing Harvard research that shows 95% of success is influenced by who you spend time with, he shares his journey from "succeeding at getting high" to building relationships with world-class business leaders. That network shift fundamentally altered his trajectory, helping him overcome the failures of his early restaurant ventures.

With remarkable honesty, he breaks down why those businesses failed—despite good products and passionate staff:
"I wasn't yet the person I needed to be."
Instead of treating symptoms, he tackled the root cause: himself. His philosophy is clear—growth is like a tree: always reaching upward, unless something holds it back.

Now co-authoring his second book on creative sales approaches, his story is a powerful example of continuous reinvention. For anyone feeling stuck or searching for motivation to make real change, this episode delivers both inspiration and actionable insight

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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Digital accountability has revolutionized customer service—and it's the best thing that ever happened.
With everyone carrying a camera and a megaphone in their pocket, businesses can no longer hide behind poor service. Yelp scores, online reviews, and viral moments now reveal the true character of an organization.

This radical transparency brings us to what customer experience expert John DeJulius calls the “Service Recovery Paradox”—the counterintuitive truth that customers whose problems are brilliantly resolved often become more loyal than those who never had a problem at all. The formula is deceptively simple: respond quickly, own the issue without deflection, and overcorrect with generosity that surprises and delights.

Take the story of a customer whose suit jacket was ruined by hair color at John’s salon. Rather than argue over responsibility or offer the bare minimum, John immediately sent a check covering the entire suit—and added a complimentary massage as an apology. The result? Not only did the customer continue her patronage, she referred 18 new clients over the next year. All from a $275 investment no traditional marketing could match. As John puts it:
“What advertising could I spend $275 on and get 18 new customers?”

His philosophy extends to the “If it gets to me, it’s free” policy, where his personal cell phone number is prominently displayed in every salon. This creates accountability among managers (since escalated complaints impact their bonuses) and shows supreme confidence to customers. Surprisingly, adding his number didn’t increase calls—it increased email feedback, as customers recognized his genuine commitment to service excellence.

So, are you treating complaints as costly nuisances—or as million-dollar opportunities to create brand evangelists?
Remember John’s advice to skeptical employees:
“Be naive, not paranoid.”
Trust your customers by default, and watch your business transform through the power of exceptional service recovery.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com