Insights and Updates from ACEs Conference 2025 with Justin Esgar

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts welcome back Justin Esgar of ACEs Conference. The discussion kicks off with light-hearted banter about colds and convincing Jerry to buy a ticket for the upcoming ACEs Conference. Justin shares behind-the-scenes insights into his daily routine and the value of attending ACEs, highlighting its focus on business growth for consultants, the expansion of the conference to include special training sessions at the 'big fruit company' campus, and how it helps attendees improve client relations and efficiencies. The conversation also covers the unique supportive nature of the Apple community and the upcoming Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship in honor of Justin's father. The episode wraps up with an insightful discussion about the ACES Mastermind program, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and community support in the tech industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Justin Esgar

01:01 Daily Routine and Behind the Scenes

01:56 ACEs Conference Overview

02:50 Special Training and Business Focus

04:43 Consulting and Sales Strategies

16:24 Importance of Cyber Insurance

19:13 Bringing Employees to ACEs

26:28 Tim Pearson's Chat and Wedding Insights

26:55 Honoring My Dad: The Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship

28:35 Funny Story: The Car Mix-Up

29:59 All Things MSP and Podcasting

31:22 The Sandwich Compliment and Fearless Feedback

36:57 Mastermind Program and Business Coaching

42:06 The Unique Apple Community

47:44 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Topics:

-It's almost the time of year again for the ACEs Conference. This week Justin Esgar joins Joe, Jerry, & Sam to talk about ACEs 2019 - to be held June 4-6 in Kansas City, MO (NOT to be confused with Kansas City, KS)

-Work/life balance was a theme of ACEs 2018 that Joe really loved. Both Joe & Sam attended the morning yoga session on day 1.

-Justin's wife as well as his Board of Directors have been key to making ACEs successful: Alan Hancock, Adam Engst, Andy Espo, Will O'Neal

-After feedback from previous years, Justin and his team have implemented a new theme where participants will be able to meet in small groups and get feedback and help from their peers.

-The Keynote this year is Sgt Major Fenton Reese

-Brian Best is back for year 5. Will he be presenting in a tuxedo?

-Justin's own company, Virtua Computers, was changed dramatically from the conference and his yearly revenue reflected this.

-One piece of advice is to research and go all in on the tools you will need for your clients. Whether it's Addigy for RMM (Remote Monitoring & Management), Zendesk for ticketing, JumpCloud for SSO (Single Sign On) or Apple Business Manager.

-Automating and perfecting your processes is not only going to make your clients successful, but it will set your staff up for success as well.

-Justin shares some of how he bills his monthly services

-Virtua also does Dark Web scanning for his clients. He uses ID Agent for that service

-Keeping an ongoing relationship with the client is an important factor that makes those money conversations that much easier

-Justin quizzes the group with a typical interview question