California’s wildfires have once again brought devastation across the state, forcing Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to respond to crisis conditions both professionally and personally. In a powerful Cyber Call conversation, MSP leaders including Brent from New Charter Technologies, Alan from All Connected, and Kemper shared firsthand stories of navigating power outages, communication breakdowns, and disrupted client operations. Their experiences offer critical lessons for MSPs everywhere.
The first and most resounding message? Disaster recovery planning is not optional. Brent emphasized the importance of not only creating a DR plan but practicing it. Regular testing, including simulations that go beyond tech checklists and address communication breakdowns, helps prepare for the unexpected. When traditional systems fail, multiple communication methods—like satellite phones, radios, and cloud-based collaboration tools—are essential. And when disaster hits, proactive outreach to clients with reassurance and support becomes a powerful differentiator.
Technology played a crucial role. Alan highlighted how cloud infrastructure allowed many clients to stay operational even without power at the office. Remote-friendly systems, robust network monitoring, and strong backup protocols were key to minimizing downtime. Just as important was supporting internal teams—MSPs with out-of-state or remote staff had a significant advantage in continuity. Flexibility and empathy toward employees affected by the fires were critical for maintaining morale and operational readiness.
Looking ahead, the conversation turned toward resilience. Geographic diversification, network redundancy, and continuous improvement loops should be part of every MSP’s strategic roadmap. Solutions like Starlink, offsite data replication, and team readiness drills can all help future-proof your operations.
The stories shared during this call weren’t just technical—they were deeply human. The MSP community’s willingness to share lessons, collaborate, and support one another was a powerful reminder that resilience is built together. By taking these lessons seriously, reviewing your own readiness plans, and investing in people, processes, and infrastructure, your MSP can face disasters head-on—and come out stronger on the other side.
