Alex Markov, CEO and co-founder of Q360 by Strategy Overview, has become a standout figure in the MSP space—not just for his PitchIT 2023 finalist status, but for successfully making the leap from Managed Service Provider to SaaS founder. His story offers more than inspiration; it delivers a practical framework MSPs can follow to scale with discipline, purpose, and long-term vision.
In this podcast episode, Markov details what worked (and what didn’t) in building a product that truly serves MSPs. For firms looking to grow intelligently—not just quickly—his journey serves as a blueprint for success in the channel.
Here are 7 principles that can help your MSP scale smarter, drawn directly from Alex Markov’s real-world experience.
🛠️ 1. Build a Business That Can Survive Without You
Markov learned that operational dependency on leadership stifles growth. At his MSP, he built systems that allowed him to gradually step back—freeing up space to innovate, build Q360, and eventually move full-time into SaaS.
MSP Tip: Document every core process. Delegate decision-making power. Make “redundancy” part of your succession plan—even if you’re staying.
📏 2. Discipline Drives Efficiency
From client onboarding to internal ops, Markov stresses discipline as the secret to consistency and scale. His team implemented KPIs and playbooks long before building Q360—laying the foundation for a SaaS platform that reflects operational excellence.
MSP Tip: Rigor doesn’t kill creativity—it fuels it. Create accountability frameworks and stick to them.
⚙️ 3. Your Pain Can Be Your Product
Q360 wasn’t born out of theory. It was built to solve the problems Markov personally faced as an MSP leader. That authenticity led to strong product-market fit and a loyal user base.
MSP Tip: Pay attention to repetitive frustrations. Solving your own pain is often the first step toward serving others at scale.
🚀 4. Start Small, Iterate Fast
Before going to market, Q360 was stress-tested inside Markov’s MSP. This “live lab” approach helped refine its value proposition quickly. Feedback loops weren’t optional—they were constant.
MSP Tip: You don’t need to launch at scale. Build with a small group, get feedback, adjust quickly, and grow intentionally.
🤝 5. MSPs Need MSP-Built Tools
Markov pointed out a critical gap: most tools MSPs use weren’t designed by people who’ve actually run an MSP. Q360 stands out by being “built for MSPs, by MSPs.”
MSP Tip: Evaluate vendors by how well they understand your business model. When MSPs build for MSPs, real alignment happens.
📣 6. Brand Credibility Unlocks Growth
As a PitchIT finalist, Markov used platform exposure to build visibility, but it was his consistent message and delivery that attracted attention and trust from the channel.
MSP Tip: Speak at events. Join programs like PitchIT. The more you show up, the more trust you gain.
🧭 7. You Don’t Have to Abandon the Channel to Innovate
Markov didn’t “leave” the MSP world—he elevated it. His SaaS venture is a direct extension of his experience and relationships. He’s still solving MSP problems, just in a new way.
MSP Tip: Growth doesn’t always mean leaving the model. Sometimes, it’s about evolving what you already know works.
Alex Markov’s journey from MSP founder to SaaS builder highlights what’s possible when discipline meets empathy. His approach proves that smart scaling doesn’t require abandoning your roots—it requires doubling down on your strengths, systemizing your operations, and always solving real problems.
For MSPs ready to grow with clarity, his blueprint offers both inspiration and a practical path forward.
