#785 ITNation Connect 2025 - Rick Murphy: Run It Like You’ll Sell It: Rick Murphy on M&A Discipline for MSPs
In this insightful IT Nation conversation, Rick Murphy, Managing Partner at Cogent Growth Partners, joins Joey Pinz to discuss the mindset and mechanics of successful MSP mergers and acquisitions. Rick opens up about his 60-pound weight loss journey and parallels it with running a business — both require discipline, consistency, and a clear goal.
He explains why every MSP will eventually trade hands, why “exit strategy” is a myth, and how liquidity planning and solid financial discipline create real enterprise value. Rick also breaks down the dangers of “Top Line Disease,” shares why non-solicit agreements matter more than non-competes, and urges MSPs to run their company like they’re going to sell it tomorrow — even if they’re not.
✦ Top 3 Highlights
- 💡 “Your company will trade — either you sell it, or your family will.”
- 📈 Why exit strategy is a myth — focus on liquidity and sustainable value.
- ⚙️ Run your MSP as if it’s always for sale — from contracts to culture.
📱 Hashtags
#JoeyPinzPodcast #MSPInfluencer #ForzaDash #MSPCommunity #RickMurphy #CogentGrowthPartners #MSP #ITNation #Discipline #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MA #Entrepreneurship
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Hosted by Joey Pinz, this Discipline Conversations Podcast offers insights and inspiration.
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