Communication Over Technical Skills: Simon Robert’s Journey from Age 7 to MSP Owner | Ep051

From Age 7 to MSP Owner: Simon Robert's IT Journey

Simon Robert's IT career started earlier than most - at just 7 years old, he was already fixing computers his father brought home. Now, as President of Novbox in Las Vegas, Simon runs a managed service provider that helps businesses stay secure and operational.

In this episode, Simon shares the honest reality of running an IT business. He talks about the stress of being a "one-man army" for years, why admitting "I don't know" actually builds more trust than pretending to be an expert, and how communication saves client relationships when things go wrong.

Episode Highlights:
Starting Young
Simon began his IT journey at age 7, disassembling and repairing broken computers his father brought home. This early hands-on experience gave him confidence and skills that would shape his entire career.

The One-Man Army Problem
For years, Simon ran his business alone. He describes the impossible stress of choosing between multiple emergency calls happening simultaneously and why having a business partner changed everything.

Honest Communication Wins
When clients leave or when something goes wrong, Simon picks up the phone immediately. He shares why confronting problems early, even at 7pm, prevents bigger issues the next morning.

Break/Fix vs MSP Model
Simon explains the fundamental difference between being an IT firefighter and providing managed services. The MSP model eliminates billing drama and gives clients peace of mind.

IT Specialization Reality
Just because someone works "in IT" doesn't mean they do everything. Simon uses the electrician vs plumber analogy to explain why IT professionals specialize and why that's perfectly okay.

The Vegas Tech Community
After moving from Quebec to Las Vegas years ago, Simon has been actively building connections in the local tech community. He believes in turning LinkedIn connections into real friendships.

Key Takeaways:
1. Admitting "I don't know" and asking for help builds more trust than pretending to be an expert in everything
2. Communication is priority #1 - confront problems immediately instead of avoiding them
3. Having a business partner or team prevents burnout and enables business growth
4. The MSP model provides stability for both provider and client compared to break/fix
5. Building genuine relationships, both online and in person, creates lasting professional networks
6. Know your strengths and confidently refer out what you don't do well
7. When clients leave, call them to understand why instead of hiding from the conversation

About Simon Robert:
Simon Robert is the President of Novbox, an IT managed service provider in Las Vegas. With over 30 years of experience starting from age 7, Simon specializes in helping businesses maintain secure and reliable IT infrastructure through managed services.

Listen to learn how honest communication, genuine relationships, and knowing when to ask for help can transform your career - whether you're running your own business or working in corporate IT.