In this installment of Peer to Peer: Off the Cuff, we’re talking with Charles Swihart, founder of Preactive IT Solutions in Houston. In our January issue, Charles wrote about how the ability to speak the same language as his customers in the engineering and construction industries helped him develop a vertical specialty that has driven growth for his business and enabled him to expand to other vertical industries. Charles shares three tips for developing a specialization you can build on, which include addressing specific customer pain points and hitting all the right notes in marketing campaigns. After he serenades you out to his rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon,” check out his full story in our January issue here.

Location
San Jose, California 95110
United States
WWW: acer.com
ChannelPro Network Awards
Business Strategy
Video
Peer to Peer: Off the Cuff with Charles Swihart
Charles Swihart, founder of Preactive IT Solutions and amateur crooner, developed a vertical specialty then drove growth by hitting all the right notes in additional service offerings and marketing campaigns.

Related Resources, Video
“MSP-as-a-Service” Promises to Help IT Providers Scale Without the Growing Pains
The future of managed services lies in collaboration. Here’s MSP-as-a-Service can benefit your IT business.
ChannelPro Special Report: Edition 1, 2026
ChannelPro’s latest digital publication delivers tactical insights and real-world stories for IT providers.
Letter from the Publisher: 19 Years from MapQuest to MSP Mastery and Still Focused on Your Success
Publisher Michael Siggins offers a snapshot of the guidance, rankings, and real-world MSP feedback powering ChannelPro’s latest Special Report.
2026 Brand Preference Guide: Your Roadmap to the Channel’s Most Trusted Solutions
The verdict is in! These are the IT solutions and distributors that MSPs said they trust most.
What Are the Operational Challenges of Serving a Specific Vertical?
Navigate the challenges of specializing in a vertical with effective strategies. These will help your MSP meet client-specific demands.
Free MSP Resources
Editor’s Choice
ChannelPro Special Report: Edition 1, 2026
ChannelPro’s latest digital publication delivers tactical insights and real-world stories for IT providers.
Protecting ConnectWise Asio™ Automation Layer from Endpoint Drift
Generative AI boosts productivity but brings risks like data leaks and compliance gaps. This session shows IT GRC leaders how to secure AI with data classification, compliance frameworks, and continuous monitoring—so you can innovate confidently while protecting sensitive information.
How Thread Modernized Ticket Intake at CCS Technology Group
Thread’s automation platform reduced dispatcher workload and helped CCS standardize ticket triage across channels.
EnTelegent Solutions Gives MSPs a Faster Path To Scale Without the Complexity
A look inside the white-label lifecycle platform that helps MSPs cut customers’ costs by up to 35%, freeing up funds for new technology investment.
FREE DOWNLOAD: ChannelPro Ultimate MSP Guide to Cybersecurity
Stay ahead of evolving threats with comprehensive cybersecurity services. Get insights on implementing best practices for remote work and more.
MSP Answer Center
MSP Answer Center is your go-to resource for real answers to real business challenges. We’ve covered everything from pricing to staffing to security, and we’re just getting started.










