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The Real John Wick in the MSP Business!
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by
David Walter
Content by: David Walter from Reasonant Technology Partners
“People keep asking if I’m back, and I haven’t really had an answer. But now, yeah, I’m thinking I’m back.” This iconic quote from John Wick perfectly encapsulates the journey of Ted Garner, co-founder of IT Weapons. Garner’s story is one of resilience, revenge, and ultimate triumph in the face of betrayal and adversity. Much like John Wick, who was driven by a personal vendetta, Garner’s path to success was fueled by a desire to overcome the odds and prove his worth in the competitive world of IT services.
The Spaghetti Guy and the Betrayal
In the early days of his career, Garner worked with a business partner who had a unique approach to managing employees. This partner, known as the “Spaghetti Guy,” believed that employees were like spaghetti—you had to throw them against the wall to see who sticks. He promised Garner that they would sell the company for a fortune and retire on a beach. However, one day Garner arrived at work to find luxury cars parked outside and discovered that the Spaghetti Guy was selling the company. To make matters worse, Garner realized he did not have his equity written down in an agreement and was left out in the cold.
The Birth of IT Weapons
Determined not to let this betrayal define him, Garner teamed up with a new partner and founded IT Weapons. As if inspired by John Wick’s relentless pursuit of revenge, Garner named the company to reflect his determination to succeed. “Revenge fueled me,” he said, channeling his inner John Wick to overcome numerous business obstacles. One of the most significant challenges came when an employee revolt threatened the company’s future. Garner responded by firing all his sales staff and rebuilding the company “his way,” focusing on a consultative approach rather than traditional sales tactics.
Overcoming Adversity
Garner’s journey was not without its setbacks. He faced numerous challenges, including managing a growing team and navigating the complexities of the IT industry. However, his commitment to doing things the right way paid off. IT Weapons thrived under his leadership, winning several industry awards, and gaining recognition as one of the top Citrix partners in North America. Garner’s approach to business was simple but effective: do a good job, and clients will call you back. This philosophy helped IT Weapons build a loyal customer base and achieve lasting success.
The Final Showdown
In true John Wick fashion, Garner’s story culminated in a dramatic showdown. The Spaghetti Guy, who had once betrayed him, eventually filed for bankruptcy. Garner, having built a successful company from the ground up, had the last laugh. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, loyalty, and the willingness to take risks. As Garner himself said, “It’s about finding purpose in what we do, sharing our scars, and learning from each other”. Ultimately, Garner did sell IT Weapons to Konica Minolta and ended up on the beach in Australia, fulfilling the promise made by the Spaghetti Guy, albeit on his own terms.
Conclusion
Ted Garner’s story is a powerful reminder that success often comes from the most unexpected places. Like John Wick, Garner faced betrayal and adversity head-on, using his experiences to fuel his determination to succeed. His journey from being left out in the cold to building a thriving IT Services company is a testament to the power of revenge and the importance of doing things the right way. For more on Ted Garner’s inspiring journey, check out the full article on CRN.
