Video: From Law Firm IT to Leading an MSP: Atul Bhagat on Community, Consolidation & Growing BASE Solutions

In this episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV, host Katie Bavoso sits down with Atul Bhagat, President & CEO of BASE Solutions, to discuss his journey from law firm IT to running a successful managed services provider. Atul shares insights on carving out a niche in the legal sector, building strong vendor and community relationships, and how MSPs can thrive despite industry consolidation.

Learn how community standards can shape an unregulated industry, why “mega-MSPs” risk losing their personal touch, and what it takes to transition from a technical founder to a CEO focused on growth and leadership.

Topics & Time Codes:
00:00 – Why MSP community matters in an unregulated industry
01:13 – Growth at BASE Solutions and giving back to the MSP community
02:25 – SMB clients, vendor partnerships & advisory board influence
09:40 – Carving out a niche with law firms
13:16 – From law firm IT to launching an MSP in 2009
16:01 – The risks and realities of starting an MSP
20:11 – The role of peer groups and the rise of Tech Degenerates
25:12 – Building community accountability and unofficial MSP standards
27:27 – Mergers, acquisitions & the rise of mega-MSPs
33:13 – Differentiation, niche focus, and client relationships
36:46 – Shifting from technical founder to CEO leadership
39:54 – Client success story: Growing a law firm from 12 to 100+ employees
42:13 – How to connect with Atul & BASE Solutions