I’ve always believed that the best stories in business are born from bold pivots: from people who dared to trade certainty for curiosity. And my recent conversation with Michael Stratos, CEO of Red Helm, is exactly that kind of story.
When I sat down with Michael, I already knew there was something fascinating about his journey. But as we talked, I realized it’s a masterclass in entrepreneurial reinvention; the kind of story every MSP leader needs to hear.
From Biochemistry to Bytes: The Unlikely Start
Michael didn’t start in tech. In fact, he was on his way to medical school with a degree in biochemistry when he decided he preferred “working with computers instead of people.”
That one decision changed everything.
He went from teaching summer courses and automating Medicare billing systems (back when WordPerfect and Lotus were considered cutting-edge) to eventually founding Ideal Integrations. A company that would evolve into Red Helm, one of the most dynamic players in today’s MSP and MSSP space.
As Michael put it, “It started as a hobby, and 23 years later, it’s been one incredible ride.”
The Birth of Red Helm: More Than a Rebrand
When Michael told me about the rebrand from Ideal Integrations to Red Helm, I wanted to understand the why. What drives a successful company to start fresh after two decades?
“It was time to rally everyone around a shared vision,” he said. With multiple acquisitions under their belt, including OnePath, one of the biggest MSPs in the channel, Red Helm needed a name and identity that unified the teams and reflected their forward-thinking mission.
Red, he explained, symbolizes strength and security, while Helm represents leadership and protection, being “at the helm” of IT. The new logo even carries a subtle nod to their legacy: the familiar swoosh from Ideal’s branding, connecting past and future seamlessly.
What struck me most wasn’t the name itself, but the process. Michael didn’t impose it from the top down; he involved team members across every acquisition, giving everyone a voice in shaping the new identity. That’s leadership through inclusion.
The Power of the Right Partnership
OnePath’s acquisition was a big move, and I asked Michael about his vision behind it.
His response resonated deeply with my own philosophy at IT By Design: growth through collaboration.
He described it as a “one plus one equals five” moment: two companies with shared values and complementary strengths coming together to create an exponential impact.
Ideal’s deep roots in security, blue team, red team, and digital forensics, perfectly complemented OnePath’s MSP expertise. Together, they could deliver a holistic offering that most companies in the channel only dream about: a true MSP + MSSP powerhouse.
Turning Competitors into Collaborators
This is where our philosophies aligned perfectly.
At IT By Design, we’ve built our business around the idea that collaboration outperforms competition. We’ve turned over 400 former competitors into collaborators by focusing on trust, transparency, and mutual growth.
Michael sees it the same way. His approach to partnerships with other MSPs is refreshingly simple:
“If you bring us to the dance, you lead.”
Red Helm’s model empowers MSPs to offer world-class security services, from penetration testing to full digital forensics, and without any fear of competition. They don’t just sell security; they elevate their partners’ capabilities.
And as he pointed out, in today’s market, “AI and security are the two things that get you in the door.”
That’s exactly the kind of insight that separates good partners from great ones.
Rethinking Security: From Once-a-Year to Always-On
One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion was Michael’s take on red teaming and security evolution.
Traditionally, companies approach pen testing as a once-a-year checklist item, something you do for compliance. But Red Helm is shifting that mindset entirely.
“Security isn’t an audit; it’s a process,” Michael told me.
Their Pen Testing-as-a-Service model creates a constant, collaborative cycle between red teams and blue teams, keeping organizations continuously secure and always prepared.
Behind this innovation is Luke McComey, better known in the cybersecurity world as Pyro: a renowned ethical hacker who’s taught at DEF CON and Black Hat. Luke and his team have helped Red Helm build one of the most respected offensive security operations in the MSP space.
It’s not just cutting-edge; it’s redefining how MSPs think about security resilience.
Perspective Over Perception: A Life Lesson to Lead By
Before we wrapped up, I asked Michael a question I love to ask every leader I meet:
“What’s your greatest life lesson?”
His answer stopped me for a moment.
He said, “Perspective and perception: that’s the difference between reacting and understanding.”
He explained that perception is how you see a situation, while perspective is your ability to step outside yourself and see it through someone else’s eyes.
That mindset, he said, changes everything: from leadership to relationships to problem-solving.
I couldn’t agree more. In business and in life, empathy is strategy. When you learn to see through another person’s lens: whether it’s your team, your customer, or even a competitor, you elevate every interaction.
The Future of Red Helm, and the MSP Channel
Michael’s vision for the next three years is clear: sustainable growth through organic excellence and strategic acquisitions, while continuing to serve as a trusted MSSP partner for MSPs worldwide.
But what impressed me most is that even as Red Helm scales, Michael stays grounded in what matters most: people, trust, and purpose.
“Family first,” he said. “That’s true in life and in business.”
And that, to me, says it all.
Because at the end of the day, our industry isn’t just about technology; it’s about relationships, integrity, and collaboration.
Red Helm’s story reminds me why I love this community: when we come together with the right intentions, one plus one doesn’t just make five; it makes eleven!
Connect with Michael
You can find him on LinkedIn or through Red Helm’s website. And if you’re an MSP looking to elevate your security practice, reach out. He’s the kind of leader who not only shares insights but helps you avoid the potholes along the way.
