Show Notes:

Slow and Steady Wins the MSP Race

In this episode, Harold Mann, president of Mann Consulting, shares his journey of building one of the earliest MSPs—before the term even existed. Here’s how he built a profitable, long-lasting business by focusing on fundamentals instead of flashy trends.

Key Themes and Takeaways

Growth from Within. Mann didn’t chase hypergrowth or outside investments. Instead, he focused on profitability and longevity. “We never took on outside money, and we never needed to. That gave us control,” he says.

Premium Service = Premium Pricing. Mann refuses to compete on price and never apologized for charging more. Clients pay for trust, quality, and consistent delivery. “If people want a discount, they’re not the right client,” he says.

Small Team, Large Output. Mann kept headcount low and margins high by hiring carefully, avoiding bloat, and staying profitable through downturns.

The Founder Role Evolution. As the business matured, Mann shifted from tech work to leadership, culture cultivation, and long-term vision. He emphasizes the importance of “letting go” of the hands-on tasks.

Niche Focus Without Rigidity. Mann Consulting stayed focused on its ideal client profile while evolving alongside client needs. The result: retention, referrals, and recurring revenue.

Actionable Tips for MSP Owners

• Don’t grow for the sake of it—grow when it makes sense.
• Focus on high-margin, high-trust relationships, not volume.
• Pricing reflects your value; undercharging is a disservice to your business.
• Know when to step back, delegate, and let others take the wheel.

What’s Next for Mann Consulting?

Mann is focused on succession planning and preparing the business to run smoothly without him. He’s investing in team leadership and gradually stepping out of the day-to-day. His goal isn’t to sell or exit in a blaze—it’s to leave behind a company that keeps doing excellent work, sustainably and independently.

Mann’s story is proof that you don’t have to chase headlines or hustle culture to build a successful MSP. With a focus on trust, margin, and mastery of the basics, you can build a $10M business that lasts for decades—without burning out or selling out.

Liked this episode? Subscribe for more real-world MSP growth stories and check out MSPSuccess.com for more insights and resources. If you missed our last episode, tune in here to hear how Jason Brooks made his first million.