Regional partner Q&A: GCIT on the benefits of connecting with the industry

Welcome to the second part of the Regional Partner Q&A, where techpartner.news asks partners from the regions what’s most important to them.

This week we’re talking to GCIT, a 10-year-old managed services provider based in Burleigh Head that specialises in cybersecurity, device management and IT support services.

James Munro has been chief executive of the company since the beginning and offered his insight on what's it's like to be an MSP on the Gold Coast.

Are you involved in a peer group – if yes, how useful do you find it and why?
IT Nation Evolve. Joining was the best decision we’ve made; learning from peers who all have similar stories. I’d recommend anyone that has the ability to step out of the business for two days a quarter to join.

What is your biggest barrier to success or growth?
Attracting and retaining staff.

How are you attracting and/or retaining talent?
We trialled the four day week for two years but we found it too hard to manage with a service-based business. Each manager and their direct reports have a one on one each month.
We then have six-monthly performance reviews and annual CPI increases. Additional pay rises are included if responsibilities change. We also fund Microsoft certifications and pay a $1,000 bonus on passing.

What do you want vendors or distributors to know about working with regional MSPs? Is there something they could do better?
Most of our vendors we see at Evolve each quarter, but if there was one we didn’t, we’d love them to call by our office once a year at least. People deal with people.

Is there one change you would like to see in the Australian IT channel?
More positive stories. It’s a tough gig for MSPs and we do a lot more than keep the lights on these days.