John Ahlberg on Building MSP Teams
How Culture, Recruitment, and Retention Drive Success in Managed IT Services
The ability to recruit, retain, and inspire top technical talent can make or break a managed IT services company. John Ahlberg, the founder and CEO of Waident, has successfully navigated these challenges by creating a culture that values people as much as it values technology.
Ahlberg’s approach is a breath of fresh air in an industry often dominated by the pursuit of technical excellence or cost savings. His leadership style puts people at the forefront, demonstrating that with the right team culture, recruitment strategies, and employee development opportunities, MSPs can not only survive—but thrive.
This week, he discusses how the team at Waident recruits, interviews, trains and retains their technical talent. You can listen to WIN on any major podcast platform, but for convenience, we’ve embedded John’s interview right here:
A People-First Culture: “It’s Always Been About the Team”
When asked about Waident’s success in a recent podcast interview, Ahlberg didn’t mention technology first—he talked about his team. “Our technology services are top-notch, but what really sets us apart is our people. The culture we’ve built isn’t accidental. It’s intentional,” Ahlberg shared. “If your people don’t feel valued, motivated, or aligned with your mission, no amount of cutting-edge tech is going to save you.”
Ahlberg’s philosophy of people first, tech second has been the cornerstone of Waident’s growth. By fostering a culture where employees feel connected to the company’s mission, vision, and values, Ahlberg has managed to create a workplace where people want to stay—a key factor in reducing turnover in an industry plagued by retention challenges.
In fact, companies with a strong sense of purpose and alignment in their team culture tend to have better retention rates. Research by Deloitte highlights that purpose-driven companies have higher levels of employee engagement, resulting in better retention and business performance.
Recruitment Strategies: Finding Talent That Fits
For MSPs, the challenge of finding skilled technical talent who also fit the company’s values is a constant struggle. Ahlberg has faced this challenge head-on, crafting a unique hiring process that focuses not just on technical ability, but on cultural alignment.
“Technical skills can be taught, but character, values, and problem-solving ability are inherent,” said Ahlberg. “When we interview candidates, we don’t just ask about their certifications—we want to know how they solve problems, how they collaborate with others, and how they align with our mission of client success.”
This approach to recruitment aligns with industry best practices.
According to research from McKinsey & Company, companies that prioritize cultural fit and emotional intelligence during the hiring process outperform competitors who focus solely on hard skills. Ahlberg’s focus on hiring employees who are passionate about service and aligned with Waident’s core values has been a key factor in the company’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality service.
Retention and Growth: A Commitment to Employee Development
Once you’ve hired the right people, how do you keep them?
In a world where IT professionals are highly sought after and easily lured by competitors, Ahlberg believes that providing opportunities for growth and development is essential.
“We put a lot of effort into making sure our team members know there’s a future for them here,” Ahlberg said. “Whether it’s through training, mentorship, or certifications, we invest in our people. That investment pays off when they choose to stay and grow with us, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.”
Career progression is one of the key reasons employees are choosing to stay with employers, and Waident is a prime example of this. Ahlberg’s philosophy of continuous learning and professional growth has helped Waident build a team of committed, long-term employees who are motivated to succeed. Check out this article on Deel.com profiling different companies and their approaches to continuous learning and career advancement.
Ahlberg’s Leadership: A Model for MSPs
John Ahlberg’s leadership at Waident Technology offers a blueprint for MSP owners struggling to attract and retain the right talent. His focus on people, not just technology, has created a team that is committed, engaged, and aligned with Waident’s mission. And that alignment has translated into better client outcomes and sustained business growth.
But Ahlberg’s success isn’t just about hiring the right people—it’s about creating a culture where they want to stay.
By building a team that shares his vision and values, Ahlberg has positioned Waident not only as a leader in Managed IT Services but as an employer of choice in the competitive tech industry.
Struggling to Find and Retain Talent? Fox and Crow Group Can Help
If you’re an MSP owner and you’re finding it difficult to recruit, train, and retain top-tier technical talent, the challenge may not be the labor market—it could be a lack of clarity in your mission, vision, and values.
Ahlberg’s success shows that the key to attracting the right employees is creating a clear “north star” that aligns your team with a common purpose.
At Fox and Crow Group, we specialize in helping businesses like yours define that north star.
We work with business owners to develop strong mission, vision, and value statements that attract talent and guide your team’s culture. We also help you create the processes and documentation that will support new hires, ensuring they have the training, support, and growth opportunities they need to thrive.
Ready to build a winning team like John Ahlberg’s?
Contact Fox and Crow Group today and let us help you turn your company into a talent magnet that attracts, retains, and develops the best in the business.
