MSP Growth: M&A Insights, Human Capital, AI Readiness, & Business Transformation w/ Nelson Gomes

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n this episode of the podcast, host Dave Sobol interviews Nelson Gomes, the CEO of Portalia Group, who shares insights from his extensive career in the managed services provider (MSP) industry. Nelson recounts his journey, starting with the founding of Priority One Group in 1997, which initially focused on IT services before evolving into an MSP with a specialization in healthcare. After merging with Medicus IT in 2019, he experienced significant growth, ultimately leaving the organization in 2024 while remaining a shareholder. This transition allowed him to expand his expertise and prepare for new ventures.

The conversation delves into the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the MSP sector, particularly from the buyer's perspective. Nelson emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and vertical focus, particularly in healthcare, when considering an acquisition. He reflects on the growth trajectory of Medicus IT, which expanded from approximately $17 million to nearly $75 million in revenue during his tenure. This growth underscores the potential benefits of strategic partnerships in the MSP landscape, especially for those looking to scale their operations.

As the discussion shifts to the challenges facing MSPs in the coming year, Nelson identifies human capital and operational maturity as the top concerns. He highlights the difficulty in finding skilled personnel who can bridge the gap between technology and business needs, particularly in a competitive market. Nelson advocates for the hiring of business analysts who can help organizations leverage technology to achieve better business outcomes, emphasizing the need for MSPs to evolve their service offerings beyond traditional IT support.

Finally, the episode touches on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the healthcare sector and the broader MSP industry. Nelson notes that while AI is becoming increasingly integrated into healthcare operations, the readiness of organizations to adopt such technologies hinges on effective data governance. He encourages MSPs to focus on preparing their data infrastructure to maximize the benefits of AI, while also being cautious about the pace of adoption. The conversation concludes with Nelson sharing his enthusiasm for working with MSPs and offering his contact information for those interested in further discussions

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