Chris Reid’s journey from the world of guitars and music to launching cutting-edge solutions in the managed services space is not just a career pivot—it’s a masterclass in adaptability and purpose. On the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations podcast, Reid shared raw and inspiring insights into what drives him, how he’s navigated change, and what MSPs can take away from his story.
Here are 5 key insights MSPs can learn from Chris Reid’s evolution:
1. Creativity Isn’t Just for Artists—It’s a Business Advantage
As a touring musician, Chris mastered the art of improvisation. That creative edge is now embedded in his entrepreneurial DNA. In an MSP landscape where many providers look and sound the same, creativity is your differentiator—from marketing strategy to how you package support services.
MSP Tip: Don’t default to templates. Inject personality into proposals. Design client experiences that surprise and delight.
2. Your Past Is Fuel, Not a Detour
Rather than distancing himself from his musical past, Chris embraced it. His identity as a performer shaped his communication style, resilience, and leadership. For MSPs, this means leveraging all parts of your background—even those that may seem unrelated—to build authentic leadership.
MSP Tip: Use your unique story when pitching clients or recruiting. People buy from people, not processes.
3. Disciplined Execution Beats Raw Talent
Chris and Joey discussed how discipline—not just talent—is what drives progress. Whether it’s learning guitar or building an MSP, progress comes from practice, structure, and repetition. Flashy ideas won’t scale without disciplined follow-through.
MSP Tip: Build routines into your operation. Weekly scorecards, process audits, and structured client QBRs create reliable growth.
4. Community Beats Competition
One of the most valuable parts of Chris’s story is how he leveraged communities—from music to startups. He didn’t isolate—he collaborated. MSPs often get trapped in silos, but success accelerates when you align with others who share your goals.
MSP Tip: Attend MSP forums, mastermind groups, or vendor-sponsored peer events. Share wins, losses, and strategies.
5. Your Why Matters More Than Your What
Chris stayed grounded in purpose. Whether tuning a guitar or pitching a product, he focused on the impact. For MSPs, this is a wake-up call: it’s easy to lead with features, but what really matters is why you exist and how you improve your clients’ lives.
MSP Tip: Revisit your mission. Align marketing, service, and culture with your “why.” Purpose creates trust—and trust creates clients.
From guitars to growth, Chris Reid’s story is a reminder that the best MSPs aren’t just technical—they’re human, creative, and intentional. In an industry that’s evolving fast, MSPs who blend innovation with discipline—like Chris—won’t just survive. They’ll lead.
