Episode 10 – My First Million: Stuart Bryan

Show Notes:

From MSP Bottleneck to Breakthrough

In this episode, Stuart Bryan, founder of I-M Technology, shares his candid story of hitting a long revenue plateau—and what it took to finally break through it. From recognizing himself as the bottleneck in his MSP to leaning into peer groups, marketing, and leadership development, Bryan offers valuable takeaways for MSP owners stuck in the grind and ready to level up.

Key Themes and Takeaways

Breaking the Bottleneck in His MSP. For years, Bryan’s business was stuck at three-quarters of a million in revenue until he had an honest conversation with himself and chose to lead differently. “We joined Producers Club after being flat in revenue for five years… What I realized is that I was the bottleneck. I was the problem,” says Bryan.

Make Time to Think. Bryan credits much of his growth to intentionally stepping away from daily operations to get clarity and strategize. “Get away from the business at least once a quarter,” says Bryan. “It’s just dedicated time to think about what you’re doing in your business.”

Listening to (and Learning from) Clients. One of Bryan’s clients was instrumental in helping him evolve his service model. “She was willing to ask the questions… and it was her conversation with me that really spurred me to ask the questions of myself whether or not we could do those things,” Bryan explains. Her feedback led to transitioning from variable-rate to fixed-fee managed services—one of the biggest shifts in his business model.

Finding the Right Peer Group. Bryan emphasizes the power of being surrounded by peers who hold each other accountable and push for personal and business growth. “That framework has been instrumental in helping change and reset my mindset,” he says.

Actionable Takeaways for MSP Owners

  • If You’re Stuck Below $1M, Look in the Mirror
    • “If you’re stuck below 1,000,000, you’re probably the problem… You’re not holding yourself accountable enough and asking yourself for the best,” Bryan says.
  • Leadership Is a Skill—Develop It
    • Bryan’s path past $1M started when he stopped doing “all the things” and focused on becoming the leader the business needed.
  • Leverage Peer Accountability
    • Find a group of peers who will challenge your blind spots and help you grow faster through shared insights.
  • Invest in Your Vision
    • Whether it’s delivering better service or giving back to your community, reconnect with the “why” behind your business—and build toward it intentionally.

What’s Next for I-M Technology?

Bryan’s top priority is building a leadership team that can help elevate the company’s performance across the board. He’s also doubling down on delivering “radically awesome IT support” and focusing on helping his clients and team operate at a higher level. Long-term, he’s committed to growing a business that fuels both client success and global impact through his renewed focus on the company’s philanthropic mission.

His journey is a powerful reminder that mindset, leadership, and honest self-reflection are key to breaking through business plateaus. If your MSP is stuck, his story is proof that with the right support and willingness to grow, you can become the leader your business needs.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe for more stories and strategies from successful MSPs and visit MSPSuccess.com for additional resources! If you missed our last episode, tune in here to hear how Mario Zaki made his first million.

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