Episode 52
Don Sauer
Aligned Technology Solutions
“The Power and the Profit of Peer Groups”


Don Sauer and his partner, Gar Whaley, left corporate America to start their MSP Aligned Technology Solutions over 11 years ago. After dealing with service providers that promised more than they delivered, they set out to build an IT company that will overdeliver to the business community.
Not that they could not be taught a thing or two. Like many MSP’s that have appeared on the show, their growth acceleerated when they joined a peer group.
About This Episode
As one of the leaders and founders of Aligned Technology Solutions – an MSP with offices in both the DC area and Orlando, Florida – Don Sauer has seen quite a few shifts and changes in the industry over the past few decades.
In this episode, Brian, Tim, and Robb sit down with Don to talk about his path to building a successful MSP and the pivotal decisions that helped propel Aligned to the top.
3:54 – Don shares the background of how Aligned Technology Solutions got its start, taking us from his background in the industry to the moment that he and his partner realized they could create the company they were both trying (and failing) to find.
8:08 – The guys ask Don about the shifts he’s seen in the industry over the past few years, leading to a discussion about the common characteristics they notice in successful MSPs. Don likens his work as a volunteer paramedic to the work done in the MSP community, citing the similarities of service and the desire to help people.
10:25 – Don shares the two critical business decisions he and his partner made in the last 2-3 years that he believes have had the greatest positive impact on the success of Aligned Technology Solutions. Tim points out a couple of themes he’s seen over the past year of MSP Business School with guests who have had similar growth stories, and the guys dive into why peer groups work so effectively in helping MSPs thrive.
16:01 – Don takes us on a journey through the future of Aligned, sharing how an early adoption of security and compliance has given them an edge in certain areas and positioned them for even more growth and success in the years to come.
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