Building a Security‑First MSP With Jerem (EP 984)
I sit down with Jerem Morris from Datatek to unpack how he built a seven‑figure, security‑first MSP in one of the most competitive markets in the country. We dig into people‑first service, all‑in pricing, cybersecurity stacks, 3‑2‑1‑plus backup, and why almost all his managed services business comes from referrals, not flashy marketing. Jerem also shares how QBRs, AI guardrails, and real‑world training keep his clients protected, compliant, and calling him before they make big technology decisions.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between vendor noise, compliance pressure, and clients who only see you as “the computer guy,” this conversation is for you. Jerem and I dig into culture, cybersecurity, AI, and backup design—plus the uncomfortable stuff like staff training and saying no to shiny tools—so you can run a calmer, more profitable MSP.
Chapters
- 00:00 Intro – Live show setup and community update for Jason
- 04:46 Sponsor Segment – ThreatLocker, NetAlly, OneStream, TruGrid
- 07:56 Guest Intro – Meet Jerem Morris and Datatek in Mesa, Arizona
- 10:20 Building Datatek – Referral-only growth and people‑first IT
- 12:16 From Tech to Business Owner – Early lessons and first hire
- 14:32 Shifting to Security‑First – Becoming a true technology partner
- 19:20 Deep Client Relationships – No client‑facing tickets and more QBRs
- 29:36 Training & AI Guardrails – Staff education, AI policy, and user training
- 36:21 Backup Strategy – Beyond 3‑2‑1 with Synology and layered recovery
- 44:12 Tool Stack & Future of AI – Avoiding shiny objects and preparing MSPs for AI
Guests: Jerem Morris
- Datatek Website: https://datatekaz.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremmorris
Shout-outs:
- Jason Percival, NEPA Geeks: https://www.nepageeks.com
Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned
- NEPA Geeks: https://www.nepageeks.com
- Synology: https://www.synology.com
- Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365
- Microsoft Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot
- ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com
- Arizona Tech Week (Mesa): https://www.aztechweekmesa.com
- Boeing: https://www.boeing.com
- Meta (Meta Platforms): https://about.meta.com
- Netgear: https://www.netgear.com
=== SPONSORS:
- Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker
- Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
- Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip
- Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid
- Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready
=== SHOW MUSIC:
- Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
- Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
- Author Username: AlexanderRufire
- Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML
=== Connect with Uncle Marv
🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
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Owner / Family Man
Jerem Morris is the owner of DataTek, an IT and cybersecurity company that helps businesses stay protected and actually make sense of their tech. He spends most of his time working with business owners to simplify IT, deal with security headaches, and figure out how to use things like AI in ways that actually move the needle.
He’s an entrepreneur at heart, loves building and growing businesses, and isn’t afraid to get into the weeds to solve problems. Outside of work, he’s a husband, a dad of four (soon to be five), and someone who’s always thinking about how to build a better life for his family and the people he works with.
