PARTNER SUCCESS STORY
From Vendor to Partner: How IT Nation Events Transformed Blumira's Approach
Blumira, a cybersecurity provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in automating threat detection and response, making security accessible and effective for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and mid-market companies.
Challenge
Blumira aimed to strengthen its presence in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) community and sought platforms that offered genuine partnership opportunities rather than mere vendor relationships.
Solution
Jeremy Young, Director of Partner Strategy, identified IT Nation – its unrivaled community and world-class events - as the a unique blend of community engagement, educational opportunities, and networking with mature partners.
Results
ITS NYC’s security solutions complete a holistic, high-value service offering while positioning the firm for success with industry trends around security and cloud.
Blumira, based in Ann Arbor, is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) specializing in cybersecurity, serving clients across the nation. Their platform enables organizations to detect and respond to security threats while ensuring compliance and meeting cyber insurance requirements. With a team of nearly 80 employees, Blumira is dedicated to simplifying security for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that may face resource constraints or lack comprehensive security teams, ensuring they can efficiently manage and mitigate cyber risks.
Jeremy Young, Director of Partner Strategy at Blumira, has been a frequent attendee of IT Nation events. Since 2017, his experience spans numerous events, including IT Nation Evolve and Secure, and peer group participation with IT Nation Evolve, highlighting his deep-rooted connection with the community.
“Our regular attendance at IT Nation events has ensured that we [Bulmira] has visibility and relevance within the MSP community, positioning us as a key player in the industry.”
The educational sessions, particularly those led by ConnectWise, EVP and GM, Peter Kajawa, were instrumental in enhancing Young’s knowledge and skills in the MSP space. This education allowed him to have informed discussions with MSPs, understanding their needs and aligning Blumira's offerings accordingly.
The integration of service leadership principles into the educational content provided a framework for Young to engage with MSPs on a deeper level, discussing not only technical solutions but also strategic approaches to service delivery and business growth.
Strategic Engagement
Jeremy Young, Director of Partner Strategy at Blumira, has been a frequent attendee of IT Nation events since 2017. His involvement spans numerous events, including IT Nation Evolve and ConnectWise, highlighting his deep-rooted connection with the community.
The principles taught in the Evolve community, particularly those related to service leadership, were seamlessly integrated into these events, facilitating meaningful conversations and partnerships. “Our [Bulmira’s] experience at IT Nation events has been instrumental in shaping our approach to community engagement, education, and networking,” Young added.
Community Engagement
Jeremy emphasized the importance of community at IT Nation events. “I appreciate how ConnectWise treats us as a partner and how the IT Nation fosters a collaborative environment,” Young said. “The community-centric approach made us feel like a partner, not just another vendor. You can tell ConnectWise is committed to the overall success of the MSP community.”
This sense of partnership was crucial for Blumira, as it allowed the company to build stronger relationships with MSPs and other industry stakeholders.
Networking
Describing IT Nation Connect as the "yellow pages of the industry," Young highlighted the necessity of attending these events to be recognized in the MSP directory. This visibility was crucial for Blumira to establish and maintain its presence in the industry.
Regular attendance at IT Nation events ensured that Blumira remained top-of-mind for MSPs seeking reliable cybersecurity solutions. “I had the opportunity to network and connect with key decision-makers, forming relationships that will inevitably translate into business growth and collaboration,” Young said.
IT Nation: A Community Multiplier
Blumira has successfully strengthened its partnerships and enhanced its industry presence. Through strategic engagement at IT Nation events, Blumira has not only advanced its mission of simplifying cybersecurity for SMBs and mid-market companies but also solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the MSP community.
Young's experience at IT Nation events underscores the value of community, education, and networking in the MSP industry. “Our organizational journey is a direct reflection of the importance of continuous learning and active participation in industry events to achieve professional and organizational growth.”
Key Takeaways
- Community Focus: Young values the strong sense of community at IT Nation events, where partners are treated as collaborators rather than just vendors.
- Educational Value: The educational sessions, especially those related to service leadership, have been crucial for Young’s professional development and for Bulmira’s understanding of the MSP space.
- Networking Opportunities: IT Nation events are essential for networking and visibility in the MSP industry
- Consistent Participation: Regular attendance at these events has helped Blumira maintain a strong presence and build mature partnerships within the MSP community.
- Personal Growth: Young’s continuous learning from industry leaders at these events has significantly contributed to his expertise and success in the MSP field.