Being an entrepreneur is not a simple route; rather, it is a convoluted and uncertain one full of obstacles, difficult choices, and situations that test your fortitude. I recently had a motivational talk with Nick Recker, a seasoned businessman who turned his modest MSP into the innovative platform company Blue Alliance.
Nick’s narrative demonstrates perseverance, adaptation, and the ability to accept change in addition to company growth. And if one thing stood out, it’s that discomfort is a necessary part of growth.
The Grit Behind the Growth
Nick didn’t set out to build a company—he stumbled into it. In 2002, he was just helping people with their computers. Fast forward, and he had built multiple businesses in healthcare and technology, each one pushing him to level up.
But here’s what many don’t talk about: the messy middle.
“The hardest part isn’t starting—it’s enduring the middle, where most people quit,” Nick said. And that’s where real entrepreneurs are made.
Think about it—every morning, as business owners, we wake up with no guarantees. No set paycheck. No certainty. Just the drive to create opportunities. It’s daunting, but it’s also what makes this journey so exhilarating.
One of Nick’s key practices? Regular self-audits. He asks himself:
- Am I doing the same things I did last year?
- Am I making decisions that will create exponential growth—or just incremental progress?
If the answers aren’t pushing him forward, it’s time to pivot. Because if you’re not evolving, you’re falling behind.
Lessons from the Trail: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
I shared a personal story with Nick about a grueling mountain hike. The first part was easy, the view was great—but then came the steep, relentless incline. My legs burned. My energy drained. And for a moment, I thought about turning back.
But then, I reminded myself: I had already come too far to quit.
The same is true for entrepreneurship. Everything is exciting at first—big aspirations, new ideas. However, opposition ultimately sets in, including self-doubt, hiring difficulties, and financial pressure.
Nick agreed. “The key isn’t avoiding discomfort—it’s training yourself to push through it,” he said. Because growth happens when you keep going, even when it gets tough.
The Importance of Culture and Accountability
Culture isn’t just about office perks or mission statements—it’s about what happens when no one is watching. It’s the expectations, behaviors, and standards that shape every decision.
Nick made an important point: As leaders, we set the tone. If we want our teams to take ownership, we have to let go of control and trust them to rise.
That’s the hardest shift for many entrepreneurs. We start off doing everything ourselves, but scaling requires a different mindset: letting go, investing in people, and building a culture of accountability.
Navigating Industry Changes
The MSP industry is evolving—AI, automation, shifting market conditions—and the pace of change is only accelerating. Nick pointed out that MSPs have historically adapted slowly, but now, the choice is clear: evolve or get left behind.
With economic uncertainties, tariffs, and shifting client demands, staying ahead requires:
- Adapting to emerging technologies
- Reevaluating business models
- Solving problems before they arise
And that’s what sets great entrepreneurs apart—the ability to see challenges as opportunities.
Collaboration Over Competition
Nick’s company, Blue Alliance, is built on a powerful idea—one that challenges the traditional mindset of business: collaboration over competition. The MSPs in their network don’t lose their independence. Instead, they gain something even more valuable — access to shared resources, expertise, and a community that fuels growth.
That idea resonates deeply with me. When entrepreneurs and like-minded people work together, real progress occurs. Surrounding yourself with individuals who push, challenge, and encourage you to think beyond the box is more important for success than working alone.
That’s why I invited Nick to join us at Build IT LIVE. It’s more than just an event—it’s a space where MSP leaders connect, learn, and elevate one another. Because the most successful journeys are not the ones walked alone.
The Hardest Part of Growth
If there’s one lesson that stands out from Nick’s journey, it’s that growth comes from discomfort. The easy part is starting—full of energy, excitement, and big dreams. But then comes the messy middle, the part where things get uncertain, where old ways no longer work, where pushing forward feels exhausting.
That’s the moment that defines entrepreneurs. The ones who keep moving—who let go of what’s holding them back, who surround themselves with people who challenge them—those are the ones who reach new heights.
Just like that hike, there will be moments when quitting seems like the better option. But if you keep going, step by step, you’ll look back one day and realize the struggle was what made the view from the top even more rewarding.
