For more than two decades, the MSP industry has undergone remarkable transformation—from break/fix to managed services, from cloud to cybersecurity and now into the era of AI. Throughout each wave of change, GTIA has served as a catalyst for connection, research, standards and leadership across the IT channel. In this reflection, long-time community member and industry leader Dan Shapero, president, TeamLogic IT, Inc., shares how the power of collaboration, shared insight and active participation within GTIA helped shape not only his career, but the evolution of the MSP market itself.
For more than 20 years, GTIA (formerly CompTIA) has been more than an association to me—it has been a career-shaping force and an industry-building engine. As a two-time board member and long-time community participant, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of the IT channel. And I can say without hesitation: I would not be where I am today—and the MSP market would not look the way it does—without the power of this community.
Building Kaseya: Powered by Community
Early in my career, while serving as global vice president of marketing and leading the cloud business at Kaseya, later as head of global marketing for Ingram Micro Cloud, and now president of TeamLogic IT, Inc., GTIA was foundational. We were helping define what managed services could become. The MSP model was still maturing, and we were all navigating the shift from break/fix to recurring revenue. The community became our sounding board.
It was where we validated ideas, pressure-tested offerings and learned directly from MSP leaders shaping the future. In fact, one of the most powerful lessons came from collaboration—not competition. I worked closely with my competitor at the time, Dan Wensley (now CEO of GTIA), to acquire and support MSP partners. Those early cooperative efforts laid the groundwork for the vendor–MSP dynamics and partner ecosystems that are standard practice today. Community wasn’t just helpful—it was strategic leverage.
Raising the Bar with Trustmark
I also had the privilege of being an original cornerstone partner of what is now known at the GTIA Cybersecurity Trustmark program, an initiative that elevated the security posture of the MSP industry. Long before “cybersecurity” dominated headlines, this community was proactively setting standards and encouraging accountability. That experience reinforced something I’ve seen consistently: GTIA doesn’t just follow industry trends—it helps shape them.
Navigating Every Major Industry Shift
Over two decades, I’ve leaned heavily on GTIA research, peer groups and leadership forums to navigate transformational waves in our industry, including:
• Break/fix to managed services
• MSP to managed security
• Cloud services and mobility
• Cybersecurity and compliance
• And now, AI to managed AI services
Each transition brought uncertainty. Each required new business models, new talent and new value propositions. At every stage, the GTIA community provided clarity, insight and confidence. The research helped us anticipate trends. The peer conversations helped us interpret them. The relationships helped us execute against them. I never felt alone navigating change—and that matters more than most people realize.
A True Force Multiplier
What we do together as a community is a force multiplier. Ideas move faster. Standards rise higher. Leaders grow stronger. Vendors become better partners. MSPs become better businesses. And the industry, as a whole, becomes more resilient.
That is the real value of GTIA. It’s not just networking. It’s not just research. It’s shared progress.
Why Leaning In Matters Now
As we enter the era of AI and managed AI services, we are again at an inflection point. The decisions being made today will shape the next decade of the IT channel. My advice to current members: Lean in. Join a committee. Engage in research. Participate in peer groups. Contribute to the conversation.
And to those who aren’t yet part of this community—join us. Because if the last 20 years have taught me anything, it’s this: Careers are shaped here, standards are built here and the future of the MSP industry is built together.
Take Dan’s advice and lean in! Check out GTIA upcoming events and register now for a meeting in your area.
