About us

We Transform Channel Programs into Revenue Powerhouses

Our team of multi-award-winning MSP channel experts helps vendors transform their channel into their #1 revenue engine.

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Our video client testimonials say it all…

Our Clients

You’re in good company

Built by Multi-Award-Winning MSP Channel Experts

Channel Mastered was built by operators who have built, run, and advised MSPs and MSP-focused channel programs — not by theorists or generalist consultants.

What Makes Us Different

We start with clarity, not execution
We validate assumptions before scaling
We design programs MSPs can actually execute

Industry-Wide Experience

Decades of MSP and channel experience
Trusted by leading vendors and distributors
Proven frameworks used across the MSP ecosystem

Meet our team of multi-award-winning MSP experts

We’ve conducted hundreds of MSP channel strategy sessions and delivered hundreds of thousands of partner leads. What can we do for you?

Erick Simpson

CEO and Chief Strategist, Channel Influencer and Thought Leader
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Erick Simpson, an MSP Business and Channel Growth Expert, MSP Influencer and MSP Thought Leader, is a pioneer and leader in the managed services industry. Independently voted the #1 source MSPs seek for advice on running their businesses in North America, Erick’s journey includes building and selling one of the first MSPs in the industry. He has grown and coached thousands of IT Solution Providers through their MSP transformation with his MSP Mastered® Methodology for managed services business performance improvement.

Erick is an MSP business & channel growth expert, influencer, thought leader, speaker, and author with 4 best-selling books and 50 white papers to his credit, and his strategies and programs help MSPs overcome business challenges to realize consistent, profitable managed services recurring revenue growth. His M&A expertise has helped dozens of MSPs sell their businesses at the highest valuation or expand through acquisition.

His industry recognition includes Syncro’s #1 MSP Resource in North America, FeedSpot’s Best MSP Blog, Canalys’ A Top Channel Podcast, A Top Education & Training Program, and A Top Channel Consultancy, Channel Futures’ 7 Thought Leaders Defining the MSP Market, Jay McBain’s 100 Most Visible Channel Leaders, 2 Time ChannelPro 20/20 Visionaries, 2 Time MSP Mentor 250 and SMB Nation’s SMB 150 award recipient.

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Rich Freeman

Chief Analyst
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Rich Freeman wrote his first article about managed services in 2007. Since then, he’s helped turn The ChannelPro Network into the top source of news and business growth advice for MSPs and solution providers who serve SMBs.

Rich has covered every product, trend, vendor, and distributor worth knowing about and interviewed every CEO, channel chief, and thought leader who matters in the IT industry.

He’s hosted close to 500 podcasts, moderated countless conference sessions and webinars, planned live and virtual channel events, and appeared on numerous conference panels.

And in the course of editing nearly 200 issues of ChannelPro’s monthly magazine, he’s forged relationships with many of the smartest, most successful MSPs and vendors in the business.

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Keyonna “Kay” Aurelus

Chief Operations Officer and Program Manager

Kay Aurelus leverages over 15 years of experience in Operations Management to maximize efficiency and improve profitability by directing and coordinating financial and budget processes. She utilizes her DISC and PIAV Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst skills to help organizations develop communication skills, become self-aware and embrace their individuality through effective team building. Kay’s proficiencies helped her improve business and operational approaches and create new opportunities for growth, success, and positive organizational change.

Kay excels in designing and implementing business growth strategies and programs that consistently result in increased sales, improved profits, and accelerated market penetration.

As a Program Manager, Kay has been responsible for overseeing complex projects, managing teams, and ensuring that programs are delivered to the highest standards. Her expertise in project management methodologies, coupled with her exceptional leadership skills, has enabled her to deliver exceptional results time and time again.

Ryan Morris

Chief Channel Program
Strategist

Ryan Morris is a globally recognized expert in go-to-market strategy and channel ecosystem development. With more than 25 years of experience advising technology vendors, distributors, and solution providers, Ryan brings unmatched insight into building and optimizing indirect routes to market.

A trusted industry analyst and strategist, Ryan specializes in helping technology companies—both emerging and established—navigate market transitions, align partner engagement models, and convert innovation into sustainable competitive advantage. He is particularly skilled at architecting new channel programs from the ground up and transforming underperforming ones into high-impact, growth-driving engines.

Ryan has worked directly with thousands of channel partners, equipping him with a unique 360-degree perspective of the technology ecosystem. This comprehensive viewpoint allows him to design channel strategies that create measurable value for vendors while strengthening partner engagement and performance across the board.

His holistic, data-informed approach ensures every strategy he delivers aligns business goals with channel success—empowering vendors to scale effectively, accelerate revenue, and lead in competitive markets.

Corey Kirkendoll

MSP Channel Expert and Industry Influencer, MBA, CISSP, CCSA, CHP, CCIE

Corey Kirkendoll is a nationally recognized IT leader and MSP channel influencer. With 30+ years of experience as CEO of a multi-award-winning MSP Practice, he brings a practitioner’s perspective to every engagement — one that our vendor clients value deeply.

A sought-after voice on vendor advisory boards across the industry, Corey translates what MSPs actually want and need from their channel partners into actionable guidance — from product functionality and pricing to program structure and benefits. His ability to bridge the gap between vendor ambition and MSP reality makes him a trusted resource for vendors looking to build programs partners will actually engage with.

Corey has spoken at major industry events including XChange/CRN, ChannelPro LIVE, IT Nation Secure, MSP Expo, and SuperSummit Dallas. His accolades include the CRN Inclusive Leadership Award, CompTIA Community Leadership Award, recognition in the CRN MSP 500 and Tech Elite 250, and the SMU Cox Dallas Top 100 Entrepreneurs 2025. He was also named a Tech Titan of the Year for his work in cybersecurity and is a finalist for the 2025 MSP Titan of the Industry award. A frequent source for industry media, Corey is regularly quoted in CRN and ChannelPro.

Chris Buckingham

MSP Channel Expert

A proven MSP operator and business transformation expert, Chris Buckingham brings real-world experience and disciplined execution to MSP Mastered’s MSP clients. He founded and scaled his MSP from a garage startup into a high-performing, systems-driven organization and successfully exited the business in 2020. Chris now works alongside MSP owners to eliminate operational chaos, strengthen leadership and accountability, and build scalable, profitable companies positioned for long-term growth and successful exit. His guidance is rooted in hands-on experience, strategic clarity, and results-driven execution.

Howard M. Cohen

Senior Content Creator

Howard M. Cohen is a 35+ year executive veteran of the Information Technology industry, an authorized CompTIA instructor, and a regular contributor to many IT industry publications.

As a creator of compelling content for and about IT and Telecom channel companies, Howard leverages his executive experience selling, marketing, managing, consulting, and strategizing for some of the best companies in our industry.

Many of the largest manufacturers, software developers, distributors, and service organizations leverage Howard’s skills to take their most important strategic thinking and help crystallize and clarify it for their diverse audiences.

Andrew Smith

Digital Marketing Strategist and Demand-Gen Expert

Andrew Smith cut his teeth in the digital marketing arena over a decade ago, servicing Amazon, Google, BMW, Canon, Tourism Australia, and many more in the digital agency world.

After generating 250,000+ subscribers across campaigns in the B2C space, he shifted his focus to niche industries, generating hard-to-get leads for B2B publishers and channel vendors.

He has since driven registrations for dozens of IT conferences and online summits, generated over 25,000+ B2B magazine subscriptions, and managed ad campaigns for some of the largest and most well-recognized vendors in the MSP channel.

Connor Simpson

Digital Imaging and Media Marketing Expert

Connor Simpson is a digital imaging and digital and social media marketing specialist with a keen eye for target audience analysis and strategic planning and execution of data-driven marketing campaigns. With a deep understanding of social media channels and platforms, Connor optimizes our clients’ online and live presence to increase their brand visibility and amplify their marketing reach.

Riley Simpson

Video And Podcast Production Specialist

Riley Simpson is a creative and passionate videographer and Podcast expert with a talent for storytelling. He is experienced in all aspects of video and audio production, from recording and shooting to editing and post-production, and delivers high-quality content aligned with our clients’ objectives.

“The team at Channel Mastered, including Erick, Rich, and Mark, are all individuals I know well and bring a wealth of perspective and value to the vendor and MSP community. Erick has always had the ability to both understand the challenges MSPs face and the opportunities to improve with advanced and emerging technology vendor solutions.”

Dan Wensley

CEO
ScalePad

“Our partnership with Channel Mastered has been a fantastic experience, and it’s truly an honor to work together. We love collaborating on new ideas and bringing thought leadership to the forefront, especially with a team as exceptional as yours that makes it all possible. We deeply appreciate everything you do for the industry.”

Juan Fernandez

Channel Chief
SuperOps

“Erick is a genius strategist. He is able to shift MSP businesses towards growth because he truly understands the channel and the technology used in the industry. His insights on solutions, pricing, and operations have been invaluable to a number of the top partners and vendors in the industry.”

Janet Schijns

CEO
JSG

“Erick and his team have enabled us to reach and develop a rhythm of communication with a new universe of channel partners. They have expertise in delivering high-quality live and on-demand webinars. Whatever crazy idea or concept I throw at them, they help bring it to life and execute successfully.”

Michael Murphy

Global Marketing Manager
Trend Micro

“The outcome was fantastic, particularly in guiding our core strategy as we navigated the vast managed service provider community. Your support was invaluable, especially when we were light-staffed and still building our executive team. From pricing and go-to-market strategies to product development, your expertise made a significant impact. Our relationship with Erick and the entire team has continued to pay off, and we deeply appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”

Stephen Thomas

Chief Revenue Officer
Asigra

“We turned to Channel Mastered when we were ready to bring our product to market, and they played a crucial role in helping us connect with the MSP community and establish a strong foothold. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in our successful launch. We couldn’t have achieved this without their support. Thank you, Channel Mastered!”

Darrin “Alex” Brandt

Head of Partner Success and Communities
Atakama

“You’ve been fantastic in helping us highlight what makes our services unique and stand out in the market. The recent webinar we did together was a great success, allowing us to effectively showcase the distinct advantages of our offerings. Your support has been invaluable.”

Lisa Bryant

Chief Revenue Officer
Sxipher

“We couldn’t be happier with the results. You helped us create engaging content that generated significant interest. Thanks to your platform, we were able to showcase our unique capabilities to a highly relevant audience. It was a fantastic experience.”

Cameron Roberson

Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Beachhead Solutions

“The webinar Channel Mastered hosted for us attracted numerous high-intent prospects and demo requests. This type of targeted marketing is incredibly valuable to us, and we’re excited to partner with them for another webinar soon.

Rotem Shemesh

Vice President of Marketing
Cynomi

“Channel Mastered has done great things for us. You’ve taken charge of our PR, and we’re getting a lot of news coverage from it. Bill has gone above and beyond, securing even more exposure beyond just press releases. Our recent webinars have generated high-quality leads for our sales team. And I’m thrilled about the amazing content piece I have in my inbox from you right now – I couldn’t be more excited to review it.”

Amy Carr

Chief Marketing Officer
SaaS Alerts

“The success of our email campaigns was remarkable, delivering outstanding conversion rates and ROI.”

Nisha Balajee

Solutions Marketing Manager – MSP Solutions
ManageEngine | Zoho

How we can help

Our job isn’t to sell activity – it’s to reduce risk and help our clients make better decisions.