Decorated military veteran Rich McKinnon will lead a keynote session on leadership at the MSP Summit in September in Orlando. McKinnon, CEO of DVBE Technology Group, will share the stage with other MSPs to talk about their paths to success. He will discuss forging partnerships with fellow MSPs, and how to gain the most value from the conference based on his past experiences.

We couldn’t find someone better suited to talk about leadership and partnerships than McKinnon. His accomplishments include DVBE Technology Group being named 2024 DVBE Veteran Business of the Year in California and the first company to receive the Military Order of Purple Heart Medallion Coin for service to veterans and their families. He was a key speaker for two years at the National Conference of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and was named one of top 25 CEO Leaders by Silicon Review Magazine in 2023. Throughout his career, McKinnon has provided thousands of veterans with employment after their military service.

McKinnon has forged partnerships at previous MSP Summits that opened new markets for him and his partners. We spoke with McKinnon ahead of his Sept. 16 session, “Pathways to MSP Excellence: Leadership Lessons from Elite Entrepreneurs.”

MSP Summit: Tell us about your background, and how you became an MSP?

McKinnon: I’ve been in technology for 28 years and a business owner for 24 years. I came from a strong background in recruiting and reselling products, but I realized seven years ago I was missing a whole other revenue stream of income when it came to the services of these products.

MSP Summit: What have you learned about leadership during your time as an MSP?

McKinnon: I’ve learned you always have to be on top of your game and in constant communication with your partners and clients. Technology changes so fast, but we as individuals must be prepared and ready to adapt to those changes.

MSP Summit: Do you think leadership can be learned, or do you have to be a born leader?

McKinnon: Leadership can be learned if the person has the natural instincts of a born leader. You must be able to get in front of people in all situations whether good or bad.

MSP Summit: You’ve established relationships at previous MSP Summits that led to lucrative partnerships for both parties. Can you tell us about how you’ve worked with other leaders to expand both your business and theirs?

McKinnon: I am always open to training and teaching other people what has worked and not worked for me over the years. My specialty is I know how to break down doors to get to decision makers, but I also know I don’t always have the final product needed. That is where amazing partners come into play.

MSP Summit: What’s the best advice you can give MSP leaders about getting the most out of MSP Summit?

McKinnon: Talk to everyone, and I mean everyone. Not just vendors, but other people. Find out their struggles and pains and how you can help each other make money. You’re here away from work, make the most of it and network, network, network.