Show Notes:

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Whittacre, founder and CEO of Stimulus Technologies, to talk about his journey from building computers in his brother’s garage to running a $12 million MSP and internet service provider operating in five states. Celebrating 30 years in business, Whittacre shares how Stimulus Technologies has grown by staying adaptable, focusing on process, and learning how to scale while keeping people and systems aligned.

Key Themes and Takeaways for MSPs

Diversification into Internet Services. Whittacre explains how becoming both an MSP and an internet service provider has set Stimulus apart, allowing them to deliver complete solutions without relying on resellers.

Growth through Focus. After years of experimenting with different services, the company refined its focus by dropping less profitable work and doubling down on recurring revenue.

Hiring the Right Team. Whittacre credits much of Stimulus’s success to hiring people who align with company culture and investing in their growth and training.

Scaling through Acquisitions. He discusses how small, strategic acquisitions helped Stimulus expand into new states while maintaining local relationships and operational standards.

Leadership Evolution. As the company scaled, Whittacre learned to step back from technical work, focusing instead on leadership, systems, and empowering others to lead.

Actionable Advice for MSP Owners

• Stay involved in sales and client acquisition, even as you scale.
• Identify and drop unprofitable services that distract from core strengths.
• Build recurring revenue early—it creates stability and predictability.
• Document everything—process consistency enables scalable growth.
• Hire for alignment with culture, not just technical ability.
• Approach acquisitions methodically with clear due diligence processes.
• Invest in leadership and management depth to support multi-location operations.
• Take time to disconnect occasionally—stepping away strengthens both you and your team.

What’s Next

Whittacre plans to continue expanding Stimulus Technologies through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The company is also investing heavily in fiber infrastructure projects to bring high-speed internet to rural communities, further solidifying its position as a comprehensive technology provider.

The story of Stimulus Technologies shows how long-term success in the MSP industry comes from persistence, process, and people. Whittacre’s experience offers practical lessons on scaling responsibly, balancing innovation with focus, and leading a team through decades of change while keeping the core mission intact.