Optimizing IT with Co-managed Services

Gar Whaley

Welcome, everyone, to the first episode of Visionary IT. This podcast is where technology meets strategy, and we’re going to explore how businesses can leverage IT to drive their success—both securely and efficiently.

Reid Johnston

And hey, we won’t just be tossing around buzzwords here. I think you’ll find we’re all about practical, no-nonsense advice you can actually use. Because let’s face it, IT is confusing enough without, you know, overcomplicating things.

Gar Whaley

Right, Reid. So the goal for Visionary IT is to cut through the jargon to give you the actionable insights. Each episode, we’ll tackle pressing IT challenges, share best practices, and discuss emerging trends—all geared toward helping small and midsized businesses thrive.

Reid Johnston

And let’s not forget, we wanna make this relatable, too. I mean, IT should be an enabler, not a source of stress, right? So besides diving into strategies, we’ll chat about stuff that actually solves problems. Like—spoiler alert—how co-managed IT can help overwhelmed teams without replacing them. Pretty cool, huh?

Gar Whaley

Exactly. And to give our listeners an edge, we’ll be breaking down key concepts that are critical for enhancing IT performance—while staying secure and cost-effective. It’s all about empowering them with the knowledge they need to succeed in today’s digital landscape.

Reid Johnston

Oh, totally. And not to brag, but between us, we’ve got decades of experience helping SMBs find their footing in this tech-heavy world. So, we’re gonna bring that expertise and have some fun while we’re at it. Trust me, it won’t be all firewalls and patch updates.

Gar Whaley

Well said. So, if you're ready to optimize your IT strategy and learn from real-world examples, you’re in the right place.

Reid Johnston

And hey, if nothing else, stick around just to find out how Gar puts up with me. It's gonna be a great ride!

Gar Whaley

Well, speaking of me putting up with Reid—let’s jump into today’s topic: co-managed IT services. At its core, it’s really about partnership. Think of it as bringing in reinforcements for your in-house IT team, working hand-in-hand, not, you know, replacing anyone.

Reid Johnston

Yeah, it’s more like hiring some extra hands during crunch time, but only when and where you need them. Makes sense, right?

Gar Whaley

Exactly, Reid. The idea is to optimize resources and address challenges without the huge overhead of expanding your IT department. And the benefits can be pretty incredible. For example, cost reductions can range from 25% to even 45%.

Reid Johnston

Which is huge, especially for SMBs. I mean, for most of them, hiring just one full-time IT pro can be a serious budget hit, right?

Gar Whaley

That's a great point. And it’s not just about costs. Operational efficiency can improve by up to 65%, which can be a game changer for organizations trying to stay competitive in a fast-paced digital world.

Reid Johnston

And let’s not forget—cybersecurity. I mean, all it takes is one ransomware attack. They’re happening every 11 seconds these days, which, honestly, is just terrifying for a small business executive.

Gar Whaley

True. And unfortunately, statistics show that 60% of SMBs never recover from a major data breach. So, having the right cybersecurity tools and partners, like an MSP, is often essential for survival.

Reid Johnston

Yeah, like, no pressure, but it kinda feels like this is what separates those who thrive from those who...well, just barely hang on. So, really, this service gives your team the bandwidth to focus on the big picture, rather than just fighting fires all day long.

Gar Whaley

Exactly. A co-managed IT service helps alleviate those pain points. You’ve got an overburdened team? This approach scales with your needs, providing support where it’s most critical.

Reid Johnston

And it’s not just the techie stuff—it brings some calm to the chaos, you know? Helping internal teams do what they’re best at, instead of drowning in endless tasks. Makes everyone’s job more enjoyable.

Gar Whaley

Absolutely. Co-managed IT is about balance—and strengthening what you already have. And the results speak for themselves.

Reid Johnston

Oh for sure, and speaking of results, uh, you've gotta hear about some of the success stories we’ve seen with this model. Trust me, it'll blow your mind.

Gar Whaley

You're absolutely right, Reid—let's dive into one of those success stories. One example that stands out is our collaboration with a life sciences consulting company. They were facing significant infrastructure challenges but didn't want to fully outsource IT. So, we partnered with their internal team, focusing on areas like device management, patching, and other critical support functions.

Reid Johnston

And, uh, here’s the cool part—they weren’t just treading water anymore. This partnership let their in-house team actually focus on big-picture stuff, the kind of strategic initiatives that drive real growth. I mean, how often do you hear about IT folks getting to innovate instead of just putting out fires all day?

Gar Whaley

Exactly. And that shift in focus does more than just improve operations—it boosts morale. When your IT team isn’t buried under routine tasks, they can work smarter, not harder. It’s transformative for staff satisfaction and retention.

Reid Johnston

Happy IT teams make happy businesses, after all. But wait, let’s talk about that construction company we worked with. This one’s wild—they came to us after struggling with another provider. We stepped in and, uh, fixed fourteen—no, no—fifteen critical issues in just a matter of days. Some of these were, like, massive “how did this get missed?” kind of problems.

Gar Whaley

That was a great case study in what a tailored, needs-based approach can accomplish. The flexibility of co-managed IT allowed us to target their problem areas without overstepping their internal team’s roles. It’s the perfect balance of support and collaboration.

Reid Johnston

Right, and you know what’s key there? The scalability of this model. Like, it doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with seasonal peaks, rapid growth, or a total tech hiccup—they found a solution that worked right now, but also grows with them. That adaptability? That’s the game-changer.

Gar Whaley

And let’s not forget that it’s also cost-effective. You’re not locked into an inflexible arrangement. Instead, you get exactly what you need, when you need it, while keeping the financials manageable.

Reid Johnston

It’s a win-win, no doubt. It takes the pressure off internal teams. So they finally have breathing room to focus on where they add the most value, which could be something like launching new projects or streamlining their current operations. That’s the kind of ROI that’s hard to ignore.

Gar Whaley

Absolutely. And stories like these show that co-managed IT is more than just a supplemental service—it’s really a strategic advantage.

Gar Whaley

Reid, those stories really highlight how co-managed IT can be a game-changer. But let’s shift gears a little bit and talk about how to pick the right partner, because not all service providers deliver the same level of expertise or value.

Reid Johnston

Yeah, so. there are some real gems out there, and then—well, let’s just say there are providers you wouldn’t wanna rely on during a system outage at midnight.

Gar Whaley

We've heard our fair share about those providers. Which leads me to the first point. The first thing you really want to prioritize is excellent service quality. Does the provider have a track record for fast response times, clear communication, and solutions that actually solve problems?

Reid Johnston

Right, for example, we tell our clients that when someone picks up the phone and calls us, they'll be speaking to a technical expert in just 15-seconds. That's someone who can help them solve their problem. So, looking for response times is a big one. That’s gotta be a lifesaver for so many businesses. I mean, who has time for endless hold music when your systems are down?

Gar Whaley

True. Timeliness aside, it’s also critical to ensure the MSP aligns with your industry. If they don’t understand the unique challenges your business faces—whether it’s compliance, security needs, or scalability—you’re not going to get the kind of support you need.

Reid Johnston

And let’s be honest, Gar, it’s not just about them knowing your industry, it’s about them actually caring about your goals. Are they outcome-driven? Do they clearly outline how their services will help you meet your objectives?

Gar Whaley

Exactly. And a transparent Service Level Agreement—an SLA—is key here. It lays out the expectations for both sides, so you know what you’re getting, and they know how to deliver without any ambiguity.

Reid Johnston

Oh, yeah. No more “uh, I thought that was included” surprises. An SLA is basically the contract that saves friendships—or, you know, in this case, partnerships.

Gar Whaley

Well said. And beyond that, I always tell businesses to ask for references and reviews. See what others have to say about the providers you're interviewing. A company with a proven track record—like, uh, over 200 five-star Google reviews and detailed case studies—that’s usually a strong indicator of reliability.

Reid Johnston

Yeah, because let’s face it: anyone can talk the talk. But if they can’t back it up with real-world proof, it’s probably a red flag.

Gar Whaley

Exactly. Now, another area to evaluate is security. For instance, does the provider have leading benchmarks like a strong score on platforms like SecurityScorecard? In today’s world, cybersecurity has to be a priority.

Reid Johnston

Oh, no kidding. It’s wild out there, I mean, you really can’t leave security up to chance.

Gar Whaley

Agreed. And don’t forget scalability. The right MSP grows with you, adapting to changes like seasonal peaks or rapid expansion without locking you into rigid terms.

Reid Johnston

Right—and it’s not just about keeping up with growth either. It’s about avoiding paying for services you don’t need. Like, only scaling when it makes sense for your business.

Gar Whaley

That adaptability ensures cost-efficiency. And speaking of costs, one big misconception I’d like to clear—the co-managed model is not just for those with large budgets. It’s tailored to complement what you already have, filling gaps without replacing your team or ballooning your overhead.

Reid Johnston

Oh, totally. It’s like a booster pack for your IT team—whether you’re dealing with routine maintenance or big-picture projects, it’s cost-effective and, honestly, a no-brainer for a lot of SMBs.

Gar Whaley

Absolutely. And if you’re still not convinced, remember, the goal is to enable your team and business to thrive. A good MSP, like Teal, is a partner who measures success by the success of their clients. That’s what makes all the difference.

Reid Johnston

And with that, I guess we can finally say—we’ve covered it all. From what co-managed IT is to how to find the right partner. Feeling good about this one?

Gar Whaley

Definitely. And to all our listeners—choosing the right IT partner could redefine how your business operates. Take your time, vet your options, and don’t settle for anything less than a true strategic ally.

Reid Johnston

Well said, Gar. Thanks, everyone, for tuning in. And hey, if you’ve got questions or wanna explore your options, you know where to find us. Until next time!

Gar Whaley

Thanks for listening. Stay visionary, stay secure, and we’ll see you in the next episode.