593: Navigating IT's Past and Future with Tim Nyberg of The MacGuys+

A Journey Through Mac Support with Tim Nyberg

In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Tim Nyberg of The Mac Guys + as he shares his extensive journey in Mac support, starting back in the early 90s. Tim recounts his early fascination with technology, from overclocking a Commodore 64 to managing the first round of Macintosh computers at his college newspaper. He provides insights into the evolution of Mac operating systems and the challenges of adapting to new technologies over decades. Tim also discusses the benefits and intricacies of running a remote support business, the importance of client engagement, and efficient business operations. The conversation explores tools like Addigy, RepairShopper, and Watchman Monitoring, touching on security practices and the need for comprehensive and affordable security audits for clients. The episode offers valuable lessons on adapting to technological changes, maintaining client relationships, and optimizing remote IT support.

Introduction and Welcome

Tim's Early Tech Adventures

College Days and Early Mac Experiences

Evolution of Design Software

SCSI Troubles and Early Mac Troubleshooting

Transition to OS X

Staying Current in Tech

Remote Work and Tools

Client Engagement Strategies

Streamlining Remote Work

The Pros and Cons of Repair Shopper

Exploring Alternatives to Repair Shopper

The Value of Community in Tech Tools

Balancing Business and Lifestyle

Security Audits and Tools

Reflections on the Tech Industry

Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Best Of CCP - Interview with Dr. Howard Oakley of The Eclectic Light Company

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

591: Optimizing MSP Operations with Tim Pearson of Creative Techs

Command Control Power: Mastering IT Workflows, Automation, and Vinyl Rituals

In this engaging episode of Command Control Power, hosts Joe, Sam, and Jerry, alongside guest Tim Pearson from Creative Techs, explore a wide range of topics spanning advanced IT management and nostalgic music traditions. They reminisce about the ACEs conference and introduce ACEs After Dark, a community event for sharing mobile device management (MDM) and remote monitoring and management (RMM) tips. The conversation dives into optimizing IT workflows through automation, discussing tools like Halo dashboards and Backup Radar for efficient backup management. The group highlights the importance of community support in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) and Apple Certified Network (ACN) landscapes, emphasizing the benefits of integrated tools like PSA and Pax8 for business process streamlining. Additionally, they address the challenges posed by the fragmented MSP vendor landscape and share insights into the economic and time commitments required for creating community-driven tools. Tim Pearson wraps up the episode with a nostalgic discussion about vinyl records, reflecting on the charm of analog music rituals and the sentimental value of physical collections, enriched by personal anecdotes and the significance of classic albums.

589: Navigating Business Management with Benjamin Morales of Cirrus Partners

In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts dig into the business acumen of Benjamin Morales, owner of Cirrus Partners. Benjamin discusses his journey from being an educator in the Pacific Northwest to owning a small MSP company in Madison, Wisconsin. He elaborates on the challenges of managing a team, hiring and firing employees, and transitioning from Linux to macOS. The conversation covers the importance of company culture, and the balance between individual technical skills and management responsibilities. Additionally, Benjamin shares the lessons learned from losing a significant client due to a mismatch between an employee's personality and client expectations. Rounding out the discussion, Benjamin provides insights into his reading influences and the support mechanisms he relies on to lead effectively.

Ben's Career Journey

Transition to Ownership

Challenges of Leadership

Managing Employees and Client Relations

Documenting and Delegating

Employee Issues and Client Impact

Transitioning Business and Client Relations

Handling Employee Performance and Reputation

Debating Hiring and Firing Strategies

Navigating Pandemic Challenges

Workplace Dynamics

Effective Hiring Practices

Managing Employee Relations and Termination

Leveraging Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs)

Hiring Challenges and Solutions

Balancing Internal Transitions and Client Support

Reflecting on Leadership and Team Dynamics

Concluding Thoughts and Book Recommendations

Best Of CCP - Dante's Ring Of Sonos

587: Recovering Deleted Google Calendars and Client Network Saga: A Tech Support Adventure

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Recovering Deleted Google Calendars and Client Network Saga: A Tech Support Adventure

In this episode, the hosts discuss a series of challenging client issues, including how to recover a deleted Google Calendar, the complexities of managing network loops with Sonos devices, and the frustrations of dealing with unreliable electricians. They also explore advertising on Facebook and Instagram for tech support services, share the latest updates from Apple, and review the impact of recent podcasting trends. Tune in for insights on troubleshooting, client management, and the ever-evolving tech landscape.

-One of Jerry’s clients finds out the hard way that you cannot restore a deleted Google calendar.

-Joe has some follow up about his client with two UniFi mission critical switches.

-He also mentions a helpful UniFi article about preventing network loops.

-After many years and work with Sonos, Joe has some updated guidance on network recommendations.

-Jerry has seen an uptick in business lately. He is also engaging in Facebook and Instagram advertising.

-Joe is a fan of a podcast on NPR called The Brian Lehrer Show

-And now for Jerry’s favorite part - Joe’s product announcements.

-He does have some interesting thoughts on AirPods Pro hearing tests.

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