Tech Talk: Industry Perspectives from Our Founder
Bob Coppedge is an industry leading expert who has a strong ability to translate tech talk into everyday language.
Bob brings a unique mix of humor and perspective to the conversation. Known as the “Crotchety Old Geek,” he blends candor and comedy when tackling complex IT and business topics—whether through his 500+ educational YouTube videos, speaking engagements, or collaborations with the Simplex-IT team. A graduate of the Second City Improv Conservatory, Bob believes collaboration and perspective are the best tools for solving challenges, both on stage and in business. His mission is simple: to simplify the complex, educate without the sales pitch, and build partnerships that truly make technology work for people.
Featured Conferences & Speaking Appearances
Bob Coppedge is a sought-after voice in the MSP and IT services community, known for blending practical expertise with humor and perspective. Over the years, he has shared his insights on managed services, co-managed IT, communication, and business/technology alignment at conferences across the U.S. and abroad.
ChannelPro LIVE: Chicago — Delivered insights on managed services and co-managed IT during this national event for MSPs and IT leaders.
ASCII IT Success Summit — Presented “The MSP Survival Guide to Co-Managed IT Services” to MSP executives and business owners.
DCD MSP Revenue Blueprint — Featured in the “MSP Power-Hour” series focused on growth strategies for service providers.
IT Nation — Regularly invited to speak at one of the industry’s premier conferences for MSPs and technology professionals.
MSP World — Shared strategies and best practices with global managed service providers.
DattoCon — Provided thought leadership on co-managed IT and service delivery at Datto’s flagship partner event.
TMT Producer Club — Engaged with MSPs and IT professionals on co-managed services and effective communication methods.
Regional Business & Professional Groups — Frequent presenter for organizations such as the Ohio Society of CPAs and COSE, bringing technology perspective to broader business audiences.
Event Recaps
These videos feature Bob’s firsthand recaps from some of the most impactful MSP events he’s attended. In each one, he shares real conversations with peers, insights on the latest technology, and candid reflections on how the MSP community is collectively navigating the evolving world of AI. He also highlights events that strike a thoughtful balance, bringing together a diverse mix of vendors and opportunities without overwhelming attendees, creating the perfect environment for meaningful connections and strategic takeaways.
Recent Podcast Guest Appearances by Bob Coppedge
Regardless of the topic, Bob is known for a no-nonsense but yes-humor style of delivery, getting right to the point of critical topics.
He has an uncanny ability to take a complicated topic and break it down into simple components. The topic? He takes seriously. Himself? Not so much. Bob can translate the technical “geeky” side of IT to business folks and understands the needs of business. He is also oddly enough a graduate of the famed Second City Improv Conservatory. Here are some of Bob’s guest appearances on various podcasts.
Articles Featuring / Quoting Bob Coppedge
“How Do I Vet a Co-managed IT Partnership Opportunity?” (Oct 15, 2025).
👉 https://www.channelpronetwork.com/2025/10/15/how-to-vet-a-co-managed-it-partnership-opportunity“Am I Too Old to be an MSP? Industry Experts Say ‘Not Yet!’” (Oct 8, 2024).
👉 https://www.channelpronetwork.com/2025/10/08/am-i-too-old-to-be-an-msp-industry-experts-say-not-yet“What I Would Tell Someone Starting an MSP Business Today” (Nov 30, 2024).
👉 https://www.channelpronetwork.com/2024/11/30/sage-advice-what-i-would-tell-someone-starting-an-msp-business-today“Go Up Market and Raise Revenue with Co-Managed IT” (May 26, 2023).
👉 https://www.channelpronetwork.com/2023/05/26/go-up-market-and-raise-revenue-with-co-managed-it“Turning Customers into Partners” (September 2019)
👉 https://digital.channelprosmb.com/september-2019/page-28
Just got back from Chicago where I attended GTIA's Community & Council Forum (formally known as CompTIA Community & Council Forum). I had a great opportunity to work with peers, catch up with other folks in the MSP space.
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Just got back from Chicago where I attended GTIA's Community & Council Forum (formally known as CompTIA Community & Council Forum). I had a great opportunity to work with peers, catch up with other folks in the MSP space, and had lots of great conversations.