“We made simple, iterative changes that had a big impact. For example, we reduced debtor days from 45 to 11, which allowed us to shift from relying on credit cards to advance payments.”
“Evolve is essentially this: a strategic shortcut to mitigate business risks and avoid problems.”
Something incredible is happening Down Under.
Five years ago, this Australian-based MSP first encountered ConnectWise at an IT Nation event on the Gold Coast.
It was a fellow attendee that mentioned joining Evolve.
It was a peer group session that ignited his interest.
It was the right place, at the right time.
“Our business wasn’t in a great spot at that time. We were leveraging credit cards and had serious cash flow issues. Sure, we were getting-by, but we needed help and the expertise from those that had overcome similar challenges.”
Business Transformation
The MSP owner shared his transformational journey with ConnectWise and IT Nation Evolve™.
Admittedly, there was some initial apprehension. Evolve peer groups are transparent, open and honest. They share everything: business shortcomings, personal failures and business mistakes; challenges and successes; and of course, revenue and profitability.
It’s a benchmarking exercise on steroids.
“Evolve’s core values of ‘openness’ and ‘willingness to share’ were aligned with my personal philosophies. I found comfort in the transparent and supportive environment. To achieve a high level of success through Evolve, you must be open and honest with your peer group, or you won’t be able to correct your mistakes or realize your potential.”
Overcoming Challenges
Before joining Evolve, he often felt overwhelmed and considered exiting the business. However, the peer support and shared experiences within Evolve helped him navigate these challenges, providing practical solutions and emotional support.
“Key figures like Stu Applegate and Nick Moran, along with other ConnectWise representatives, played a significant role in shaping my experience. Their guidance and the consistent, repetitive nature of the quarterly sessions provided a stable framework for continuous improvement.”
The journey from feeling behind to achieving business maturity involved taking small, manageable steps each quarter. Quarterly check-ins provided reassurance and course correction. Close monitoring of business metrics and peer feedback ensured that any deviations were addressed, fostering a sense of accountability and progress.
“We made simple, iterative changes that had a big impact. For example, we reduced debtor days from 45 to 11, which allowed us to shift from relying on credit cards to advance payments.”
Breaking Through Growth Barriers
Before joining Evolve, the business was stagnating around the $2 million mark. The support and network provided by Evolve enabled him to take on bigger opportunities and mitigate risks, leading to significant growth. The business expanded from $2 million to $6.3 million in revenue, with nearly $1 million in profit.
“It’s been an amazing journey. Currently we are achieving an 8X multiplier value and recently we’ve have been approached by several PE firms.”
Through their engagement with IT Nation Evolve, they realized the business was lagging in several areas. This presented a clear opportunity to shift from a high-stress, risk-laden operation to a more mature and efficient business model.
“Discussions around the entrepreneurial journey has been remarkable for our learning and growth. Concepts like “Muscle and Feel,” “Curve Jumping,” and the “Go-Giver” philosophy have become integral to our business approach. These experiences resonated, influencing my mindset and my approach to business.”
The importance of creating growth opportunities for his staff to better serve clients became a priority. He focused on talent development, work-life balance and established a stable and profitable business. This allowed his team to feel more in control and less stressed about the future.
Peer Learning and Competitive Advantage
The peer-sharing aspect of Evolve paved the way to learn from others’ experiences, accelerating business growth. This collaborative environment helped him navigate common pitfalls and implement best practices more efficiently, giving him a competitive edge.
“For MSPs, I can say that IT Nation Evolve has been instrumental in our growth. The support from the community has reduced stress and sleepless nights, providing a more predictable, manageable environment. It’s a huge advantage that Evolve has is designed for MSP's.”
This experience exemplifies the transformative power of peer support and shared learning within the IT Nation Evolve community. The journey from the starting blocks to significant business maturity highlights the value of open sharing and continuous improvement.
“Evolve is essentially this: a strategic shortcut to mitigate business risks and avoid problems.”
