While most Managed Service Providers focus on digital threats and cyberattacks, real-world disasters can disrupt even the most hardened infrastructures. During a special Cyber Call, Kemper Brown, CEO of Electronic Office, shared his firsthand account of a devastating hurricane that struck Western North Carolina. This natural disaster, described as “apocalyptic,” tested not only his company’s disaster recovery (DR) plan but also the personal resilience of his team and community. Despite being in the business of business continuity, the storm revealed painful lessons that every MSP should learn from.
Kemper described the “double whammy” of torrential rain followed by a fast-moving hurricane. Despite existing preparations, the scale of the event overwhelmed critical systems—especially communications. With no cell service or internet, call trees and contingency plans fell apart. The team had to make fast, difficult decisions, including temporarily relaxing security protocols to restore access. Kemper prioritized the wellbeing of his team, recognizing the human toll, and underscored the importance of empathy and flexibility in leadership during crisis.
The event also highlighted the strategic value of having a CIS admin located outside the disaster zone. This remote support helped resolve urgent issues when local infrastructure failed. While data recovery through tools like Datto and Azure worked well, Kemper emphasized the need for constant refinement of backup and recovery strategies. Ultimately, this was more than a technical conversation—it was a leadership and community one. From the importance of physical infrastructure and multi-channel communication planning, to embracing the unexpected and preparing for the emotional toll, the discussion went far beyond the typical DR checklist.
Kemper reminded attendees that MSPs are more than just service providers—they’re economic first responders. Revisiting your DR plans, prioritizing communication diversity, and focusing on long-term client support aren’t just best practices—they’re business imperatives. The path to resilience requires more than firewalls and failovers; it demands adaptability, compassion, and a commitment to supporting communities through every kind of storm.
