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.
Acer America
Acer America Corp. is a computer manufacturer of business and consumer PCs, notebooks, ultrabooks, projectors, servers, and storage products.
Location
333 West San Carlos Street
San Jose, California 95110
United States
San Jose, California 95110
United States
WWW: acer.com
ChannelPro Network Awards
hello 2
hello 3
Video
February 4, 2021 | Colleen Frye
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
Am I tracking metrics for MSP success right? I’m hitting goals but still not seeing growth.
October 7, 2026 | channelWise
Setting goals and measurements is important because, as Amy Babinchak says, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you can’t get there.”
3 Questions with Dr. Jared Knisley – Fizen Technology, XDuce
October 6, 2026 | Matt Whitlock
Dr. Jared Knisley, managing director, managed IT and cybersecurity of Fizen Technology, XDuce, takes on 3 questions MSPs need to know
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Strategy, Managed Services, MSP Answer Center, Partner Programs, Security
AI as a service needs a definition. Let’s build one together.
October 6, 2026 | Tyler York and Angela Wade
Unlock the potential of AI as a service for MSPs. Empower your clients with secure and practical AI adoption strategies.
What separates the world’s Top 250 MSSPs from everyone else?
October 6, 2026 | Jonathan Browning
Learn what separates the world’s top MSSPs from the rest of the pack.
How can I build a financial forecast that’s tied to pipeline activity?
October 6, 2026 | ChannelPro Team
Why guess at revenue when your pipeline already knows the answer?
Free MSP Resources
Editor’s Choice
How the top MSSPs turn recognition into revenue
October 2, 2026 | Jonathan Browning
Industry awards can help turn credibility into stronger sales conversations, measurable pipeline and deeper industry relationships.
IT Nightmares #008: The Patent Trap
October 2, 2026 | Matt Whitlock
IT Nightmares explores Nathaniel Smith’s intellectual property battle and what MSPs can learn about protecting the tools they build.
What is ASCII smuggling? Email phishing attacks expose a deeper trust problem
October 2, 2026 | Jonathan Browning
The real phishing problem isn’t how clever the attacks are getting. It’s that email still starts from a position of trust.
Panasonic revamps TOUGHBOOK 2-in-1s for rough jobs and long shifts
September 30, 2026 | Matt Whitlock
We review Panasonic’s new TOUGHBOOK 34 and G3 rugged PCs, which stand out due to lighter designs, longer battery options, stronger durability and field-ready connectivity.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Ultimate guide to choosing the best operational and delivery strategy
September 23, 2026 | ChannelPro Team
This guide is designed to help you navigate three of the most important operational strategy decisions MSPs face today. With each comparison, you’ll find expanded insights, real-world pros and cons, and guidance.
ChannelPro Special Report: Edition 3, 2026
August 24, 2026 | ChannelPro Team
ChannelPro’s latest digital publication delivers tactical insights and real-world stories for IT providers.
MSP Answer Center
June 4, 2026 | ChannelPro Team
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.