Send us a text

"Community is not about belonging. It’s about belonging to something that makes belonging matter."

This powerful distinction lies at the heart of our conversation about what genuine community means in today’s business landscape.

When businesses confuse having customers with having community, they miss the transformative power of authentic connection. True community emerges when we help others grow without constantly asking, “What’s in it for me?” The results are extraordinary—customers evolve into passionate advocates, sales conversations shift into relationship-building opportunities, and everyone thrives together.

During COVID, this spirit of community came alive through weekly support calls, where 40–60 people gathered to navigate uncertainty. These calls helped nearly 20 businesses secure PPP loans, sparked marketing breakthroughs, and even led to successful acquisitions. Today, the gatherings continue as a space where people freely exchange knowledge and offer emotional support. Initiatives like collecting donations for food banks and aiding struggling local businesses showed how small acts of kindness can ripple outward with lasting impact.

MSPs often act as “first responders of the business world,” protecting not just operations—but livelihoods. When we embrace this responsibility, our mindset shifts from transactions to transformation. The beautiful paradox? By focusing less on sales and more on service, business naturally grows. When vendors educate MSPs instead of selling to them, and MSPs champion client success over upselling, clients don’t need to be pursued—they seek you out.

Have you felt the difference between belonging to a network and being part of a true community? We’d love to hear your story. Connect with us and share how community has shaped your business journey.

Ken Patterson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenpatterson16

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

Send us a text

What happens when you sell the business you've built from the ground up? More importantly, who will take care of the clients who’ve trusted you for years?

These questions lie at the heart of a powerful conversation about the human side of business exits. While most discussions around mergers and acquisitions focus on valuation multiples and deal structures, this one dives into the relationship dynamics that truly define success.

When fielding acquisition calls, savvy business owners flip the script. Yes, potential buyers are evaluating your business—but you should be interviewing them just as thoroughly. Will they maintain your service standards? Will your clients enjoy working with them? The sale becomes less about walking away and more about ensuring continuity for those who helped build your success.

Most sellers focus solely on the financial payday, but this narrow lens overlooks the bigger picture. Your business isn’t just an asset—it’s a living entity with stakeholders who rely on it. The real shift happens when you begin seeing yourself not just as the owner, but as a shareholder. This mindset change can transform your approach, helping you extract value while preserving what you’ve built.

For small business owners whose net worth is largely tied to their company, exit planning is critical. Working with financial advisors, attorneys, and accountants on a regular basis opens up options beyond simply “staying in the seat until you pass.” There are multiple ways to secure your future while ensuring the business thrives without you.

Ready to think differently about your future? Start by viewing yourself as a shareholder in your own enterprise—and begin planning for the day your business continues its journey, with or without you at the helm.

Williams Logistics:
https://waionline.com/transport-usa

Micheal McKeen on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michealmckeen

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

Send us a text

What does it take to build a successful career in the technology channel?
The answer might surprise you. It's not technical prowess—or even owning a computer. It's relationships.

The journey from industry outsider to respected insider shows how a few key connections can completely transform your career. Entering the MSP ecosystem without a technical background? Your ability to form genuine, lasting relationships becomes your greatest asset.

This approach has even earned a name: the Rob Ray effect—where consistent, authentic interactions at industry events build over time, compounding into a powerful network that opens doors throughout your career.

Success in the channel means pushing beyond your comfort zone: showing up to early breakfast meetings you'd rather skip, staying late at the lobby bar to meet three new people, or sharing random whale facts that make you unforgettable. These relationship-building habits pay off—especially in an industry where who you know can matter just as much as what you know.

Business development exists in nearly every sector—from restaurant beer reps to travel agents to technology vendors—and the core of the job is remarkably similar across all of them. But if you're someone who thrives on connection, craves meaningful interactions, and loves industry events, the MSP channel offers uniquely rewarding opportunities—plus better compensation than many comparable roles.

Curious how your network could transform your future?
Tune in now to discover the relationship-building secrets that can secure your place in the tech world—no coding skills required.

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

Send us a text

What happens when someone pushes the boundaries of their potential? Ashley's journey—from working in a hot dog factory to becoming a Vice President of Human Resources—is a testament to the power of self-belief and determination.

Raised in a blue-collar family with no clear path to college, Ashley never envisioned an executive career. At 20, as a single mother, she walked into a staffing agency looking for work—only to leave with an opportunity that would launch her into the world of HR. "I wanted to be a mom my son could be proud of," she shares, describing how motherhood became the driving force behind her ambition.

In our conversation, Ashley reflects on how The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People transformed her approach to personal and professional growth. Now a certified facilitator, she’s introduced these principles across multiple companies, creating what she calls "a common leadership language" from the executive level down. Her biggest personal challenge? Redefining her relationship with food—moving from seeing it as a source of comfort to making healthier choices while still enjoying life.

At the core of Ashley’s philosophy is the belief that "we don’t fail, we learn." Her story proves that with mentorship, education (earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA), and relentless commitment, it’s possible to break past limitations. Ready to unlock your own potential? Listen now and take the first step in your transformation.

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

Send us a text

The difference between business survival and failure often comes down to one thing: the people you hire. In this candid conversation, we dive into why grit beats impressive resumes every time.

Our guest, who built and sold two companies before 40, shares how their hiring philosophy evolved through both wins and hard lessons. "I'd rather hire someone who never says, ‘That’s not my job’ than a billion-dollar executive who won’t roll up their sleeves," they explain, recalling hires who looked great on paper but crumbled under pressure.

This mindset became crucial in their latest venture—a "COVID baby" launched in late 2020. What started as a freemium product backed by venture capital had to pivot fast when economic shifts hit. Converting free users to paying customers and downsizing twice in a year were tough calls, but they stabilized the business and kept the vision alive.

Perhaps most revealing is their take on life post-exit. Despite financial freedom, early retirement felt empty while friends kept working. That restlessness pulled them back to entrepreneurship, scouring forums for real problems to solve. Three years and $12 million later, they’ve built a solution tackling industry-wide challenges—proving that persistence, adaptability, and the right team can conquer even the toughest business hurdles.

Colin Knox on LinkedIn:
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/realityknox

Gradient MSP:
https://www.meetgradient.com

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

Send us a text

Have you ever noticed how much time you spend lost in your own head, caught in cycles of negative thinking? Almost 55% of our waking hours are spent in rumination, often leading to self-criticism that erodes self-esteem and contributes to depression.

The key to breaking free lies in understanding that we already have the tools to escape this mental prison. Deep within us are universal qualities of awareness, perception, and intuition that meditation can awaken. Our guest explains how karma and dharma shape our life blueprint, turning challenges into opportunities for growth when seen with the right awareness.

What makes this conversation unique is the focus on FISU meditation's approach to spiritual awakening. Unlike generic mantras, FISU meditation identifies your personal vibrational signature—the sound representing your essence in all aspects of life. By using the eyes as "windows of the soul," practitioners can amplify this vibration, creating a personal mantra that accelerates your journey from individuality to universality. When you use your own energy for growth, everything changes.

Ready to discover your unique vibration and transform your relationship with yourself? Listen now to begin your journey toward spiritual awakening.

FISU Meditation:
https://www.fisu.org

The Meditation Guru on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@themeditationguru8032

Rajesh Ananda on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajesh-ananda-198a34a

FISU – Foundation for International Spiritual Unfoldment
International Headquarters
58 Marlborough Road
London E4 9AL, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 843 289 9898
Email: courses@fisu.org

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

Send us a text

Step into Adobo Boy in Grand Rapids, and you're instantly welcomed with a question that defines Filipino hospitality: "Have you eaten?"

More than just a restaurant, Adobo Boy is a celebration of tradition, family, and bold Filipino flavors. Founders Ray and Jackie started by cooking for friends, then grew through cultural festivals and a pop-up before opening their own space—where home-cooked comfort meets high-end presentation.

Unlike fusion spots, Adobo Boy stays true to its roots, showcasing dishes that capture the essence of the Philippines' 7,641 islands. Even its name comes from their son’s childhood love for the national dish.

For many, it’s their first taste of Filipino cuisine; for others, it’s a nostalgic bite of home. Either way, every dish tells a story, and every guest is family.

💬 What’s your favorite comfort food, and how does it connect you to your roots? Let us know in the comments!

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship.

Ace Marasigan on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/acemarasigan

Show your support for Adobo Boy:
https://gofund.me/5a3d5990

Adobo Boy Website:
https://adoboboygr.com

Adobo Boy on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AdoboBoyGR

Adobo Boy on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adoboboygr

Adobo Boy on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@adobo.boy

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

Send us a text

Bringing Filipino Culture to Life Through Food | The Story of Adobo Boy

Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a connection to culture, family, and community. In this episode, we sit down with Ace Marasigan, founder of Adobo Boy, to explore how Filipino cuisine is creating meaningful cultural bridges in West Michigan.

From his childhood in Manila to his entrepreneurial journey in the U.S., Ace shares how passion, resilience, and authenticity have fueled his dream of bringing traditional Filipino flavors to a wider audience. He dives into the challenges of running a restaurant, from pop-up events to securing a permanent location, all while staying true to his roots.

This episode isn’t just about food—it’s about family, risk-taking, and building a legacy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a food lover, or someone chasing a dream, Ace’s story is packed with insights and inspiration.

💬 What’s your favorite comfort food, and how does it connect you to your roots? Let us know in the comments!

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship.

Ace Marasigan on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/acemarasigan

Adobo Boy Website:
https://adoboboygr.com

Adobo Boy on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AdoboBoyGR

Adobo Boy on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adoboboygr

Adobo Boy on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@adobo.boy

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com