In this episode of MSP Unplugged, host Paco Lebron sits down with Chris Cool, Founder and CEO of Cool Technology Group Inc., a Houston/Texas-based managed IT services provider specializing in cybersecurity, cloud solutions, remote/on-site support, and more for small to medium businesses.

Chris shares his inspiring journey—from his days as a University of Colorado student-athlete spending more time in the mountains than in class, to diving into the copier and telecom industry in Dallas in the early 2000s. He climbed the ranks quickly, starting as an Account Executive at Intermedia Communications and rising to Senior VP on the West Coast (while based in Houston), building, growing, and even selling multiple organizations along the way.

The conversation gets real about launching Cool Technology Group in January 2020—just as the pandemic hit—and how Chris navigated that chaos to build a thriving MSP. He opens up about the secret sauce to standing out in a crowded market, the toughest hurdles he's faced (and how he pushed through), his proudest moments, balancing family life in Tomball, Texas, with running the company, and his outlook on emerging trends like cybersecurity threats and tech advancements that small businesses need to watch.

Whether you're a solo MSP operator or scaling a team, this episode is packed with practical insights, entrepreneurial grit, and advice for anyone dreaming of starting or growing their own IT services business.

Paco's back in the studio after a packed stretch — welcome to the first episode of MSP Unplugged's return!

Catch up on the latest:

• Quick tips & tricks: Affordable branded backups with Aaron's Auto Glass Fabs (just $66!), seamless data migration via SQLBackupAndFTP, and troubleshooting ControlOne VPN/DNS issues.
• Big updates at ProdigyTeks: Ditching bundled Microsoft costs (saving thousands!), shifting from flat IG tiers to flexible Service Desk, NOC, and SOC offerings — now with built-in legal protections if clients opt out of security.
• Real talk from the last 6 months managing a roll-up: Everyone faces the same resource challenges (time & money), no one's "better" — just different approaches, and how I can now offer MSPs real lifelines for scaling, exit, or legacy.
• Community vibes: Hosting a local MSP lunch with JATAG Solutions (DM if interested!), plus big news on TechCon Unplugged (date/location reveal soon!).

Join us live right before we ring the new year as we reconnect with Jeff Halash, former host of the Computer Repair Podcast and MSP Unplugged. After four years away, Jeff shares what he's been up to, his thoughts on the MSP industry today, and insights from his journey. Don't miss this nostalgic and informative conversation for tech enthusiasts and MSP pros alike!

MSP Unplugged

https://mspunplugged.com/

Paco Lebron from ProdigyTeks:Powered by MSP Owners Group

Email: paco@mspunplugged.com

John Dubinsky formerly of the Maven Group

Jeff Halash formerly of TechNut PC

In this Christmas Eve Edition, We discuss our Network Upgrade Insights at ProdigyTeks! Join us as our very own John Dubinsky joins the podcast to discuss our journey from our previous network provider to UniFi network equipment. We'll cover practical tips, smart tricks, and key lessons learned while adopting the new UniFi stack. Perfect for MSPs and IT pros looking to streamline their network game!

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MSP Unplugged

https://mspunplugged.com/

Paco Lebron from ProdigyTeks:Powered by MSP Owners Group

Email: paco@mspunplugged.com

John Dubinsky formerly of the Maven Group

Justin Gilliam of Bacheler Technologies shares his journey into the MSP space. From early challenges to building a thriving business. Tune in to hear how he carved his path and what's next for his MSP adventure.

Full Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/j9LGAnUc5UU

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MSP Unplugged

https://mspunplugged.com/

Paco Lebron from ProdigyTeks

Email: paco@mspunplugged.com

Rick Smith from Renactus Technology

Email: rick@mspnplugged.com

Corey L Kirkendoll from 5K Technical Services

https://linkedin.com/in/coreykirkendoll/

Justin Gilliam from Bacheler Technologies

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-gilliam-96288a56

📍"XTIUM's CEO Russ Reeder shares his vision for scaling the company both organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions. Discover how AI is shaping their future and the journey that propelled them to rank #9 on the prestigious MSP 501 list. Recorded live at the MSP Summit in Orlando. 🔗 Learn more about the summit: MSP Summit 2025 Overview: https://themspsummit.com/

Full Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/kiAnh5nqiYM

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MSP Unplugged

https://mspunplugged.com/

Paco Lebron from ProdigyTeks

Email: paco@mspunplugged.com

Rick Smith from Renactus Technology

Email: rick@mspnplugged.com

Corey L Kirkendoll from 5K Technical Services

https://linkedin.com/in/coreykirkendoll/

Marcial Velez from Xperteks shares inspiring stories and unveils innovative solution live from the MSP Summit.

📍 Recorded live at the MSP Summit in Orlando.

🔗 Learn more about the summit: MSP Summit 2025 Overview: https://themspsummit.com/

Full Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/kR2sn_A3hIg

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MSP Unplugged

https://mspunplugged.com/

Paco Lebron from ProdigyTeks

Email: paco@mspunplugged.com

Rick Smith from Renactus Technology

Email: rick@mspnplugged.com

Corey L Kirkendoll from 5K Technical Services

https://linkedin.com/in/coreykirkendoll/

Marcial Velez from Xperteks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcial/

In this exclusive interview, Kelly Danziger—General Manager and VP of Channel at Informa Tech—shares her journey into the tech space and the strategic direction Informa is taking to elevate the Channel Partners Expo and MSP Summit.

🎙️ Topics Covered: Kelly's path to leadership in the channel space How Informa is shaping the future of MSPs through innovation and collaboration

Highlights from the MSP Summit 2025, including AI, platform strategy, and cybersecurity

The importance of open platforms and integration for MSP success Insights from top industry leaders and what's next for the channel community

📍 Recorded live at the MSP Summit in Orlando. 🔗 Learn more about the summit: MSP Summit 2025 Overview: https://themspsummit.com/

Full Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/WrepddH8eM4

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MSP Unplugged

https://mspunplugged.com/

Paco Lebron from ProdigyTeks

Email: paco@mspunplugged.com

Rick Smith from Renactus Technology

Email: rick@mspnplugged.com

Corey L Kirkendoll from 5K Technical Services

https://linkedin.com/in/coreykirkendoll/

Kelly Danziger from Informa Tech

https://linkedin.com/in/kelly-danziger/