This week on MSPi Primecast, we sit down with Mike Estep — a veteran MSP leader turned vendor advocate, now with Blackpoint Cyber. Mike shares his incredible journey from building a typewriter business into an early “platform” of MSP acquisitions, all the way to guiding vendors on how to truly support MSPs today.
We talk about the evolution of the MSP space post-COVID, the challenges of 24/7 support and burnout, and why discipline and work-life balance are more crucial than ever. Mike also opens up about personal growth, his ongoing health journey, and the joys of grandparenting.
Tune in to learn why Mike believes MSPs are the true superheroes — and how vendors can become the trusted tools on their utility belts.
5 Leadership and Growth Lessons from Mike Estep for MSPs
1️⃣ Build Beyond the Silo — Create Collaborative Platforms
Mike shared that early on, he and his partners realized operating in silos was limiting growth. By forming a holding company and acquiring MSPs, they created a collaborative platform that helped owners find freedom and support each other. MSP leaders today can apply this mindset by fostering peer connections and alliances rather than going it alone.
2️⃣ Embrace the New Demands of Post-COVID Support
According to Mike, the pandemic fundamentally changed client expectations. MSPs must now deliver true 24/7 support, leading to increased burnout among engineers. Owners must address these pressures head-on by setting boundaries, investing in help desk capacity, and prioritizing team well-being to avoid long-term damage.
3️⃣ Prioritize People Over Processes
Whether he was running his MSP or mentoring young BDRs at Blackpoint, Mike emphasizes investing in people first. He measures success by watching individuals grow and achieve promotions, not just by financial metrics. Retaining and nurturing talent can become a superpower for MSPs in an industry where turnover is high.
4️⃣ Discipline is the Ultimate Growth Driver
Mike shared his personal story of working on a 100-pound weight loss journey and highlighted the importance of “owning your day” — a philosophy from the book Extreme Ownership. For MSP leaders, discipline means making time for strategic planning, setting clear boundaries, and committing to self-care alongside business goals.
5️⃣ Vendors Should Support MSPs as True Partners
Switching to the vendor side opened Mike’s eyes: many vendors try to be the hero instead of enabling the MSP to shine. He argues that vendors should act like tools on the MSP’s utility belt — empowering them to serve clients better rather than overshadowing them. MSPs should seek vendors who listen, prioritize partnerships, and invest in their growth.
