You don’t often hear “mayor” and “MSP founder” in the same sentence, but that combination gave Chris Buckingham a unique edge. Serving as mayor of a small town in Minnesota taught him the value of clear communication, deep listening, and consensus building. These skills translated directly into his leadership style as a business owner. It also helped with his MSP exit strategy.
Today, Buckingham is the founder of SolveCXO, a firm that helps SMBs untangle operational chaos and scale with confidence. His passion for clarity and process stems from his earlier venture, MinnDak Computer Services, which he built from scratch and successfully exited in 2020.
“I built MinnDak Computer Services on a foundation of trust and transparency. We made IT simple and approachable for small businesses that often felt overwhelmed.”
That simplicity was anything but accidental. He credited his success to early investment in systems like EOS, standardized documentation, and empowering his team to own outcomes.
“Above all, we treated every client relationship as a long-term partnership, not just a transaction,” he said.
MSP Exit Strategy: What Buyers Really Look For
Buckingham sold MinnDak to Loffler Companies in 2020. But it didn’t happen overnight.
“The acquisition process is as much about mindset as it is about numbers,” Buckingham revealed. “MSP owners should understand that buyers aren’t just purchasing revenue streams. They’re buying operational maturity, leadership continuity, and client loyalty.”
In his view, what made MinnDak attractive was the company’s established discipline around standardized processes, documented agreements, and a culture of trust that clients relied on. Those are the things, he emphasized, that signal to buyers a business can thrive beyond its founder.
“Preparing for an exit isn’t a last-minute sprint. It’s a multiyear discipline of building a business that can thrive without you.” His mayoral experience reinforced that same long-game mindset. Lasting change requires patience and consensus.
Why SolveCXO Exists
After the acquisition, Buckingham had the opportunity to walk away from the business world. Instead, he leaned in. “SolveCXO was born out of my passion for helping organizations get unstuck operationally and strategically,” he said.
Chris Buckingham
Working with fractional executives during his MSP journey opened his eyes to a powerful idea: Not every business needs or can afford another front-office hire. But the right help at the right moment is a game-changer, he emphasized.
“I wanted to bring that same fractional approach to other leaders. I wanted to provide strategic support, untangle operational chaos, and guide them through growth and digital transformation, all before they’re ready or able to bring on a full-time executive.”
The Most Common Chaos
When working with clients, SolveCXO often walks into the same mess. “The most common chaos is misalignment between vision and execution, leadership and staff, or across disconnected processes,” Buckingham said.
To fix that, SolveCXO starts with clarity. Tools like the EOS Vision/Traction Organizer, process reviews, and strong accountability rhythms are Buckingham’s go-to moves.
“From there, it’s about simplifying workflows, empowering the right leaders, and creating accountability rhythms that keep teams focused and confident,” he shared.
Why Should MSPs Offer Fractional Services?
Offering fractional leadership is more than a smart exit strategy. It’s a new business model that more MSPs should explore.
“It’s a win-win,” he said. “Clients get strategic insight, and the provider builds new revenue streams without massive overhead.”
Still, it requires discipline, he admitted.
“The hard part is managing boundaries and scope, as it requires clear agreements, strong time management, and the ability to navigate being an ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ at the same time.”
The Fastest Ways to Grow with Tech
MSPs looking for an easy start can consider a few different options, according to Buckingham.
“Start with automation of repetitive tasks, whether that’s automated ticketing, standardized onboarding processes, or CRM workflows,” he said. “Implementing better data visibility (e.g., dashboards) is another quick win that builds confidence and speeds decision-making.”
He also pointed to compliance and cloud readiness as easy, overlooked wins that boost scalability.
How to Grow Without Bloated Headcount
For MSPs scaling up, Buckingham’s advice is clear: Fix your systems before you fixate on staff.
“Focus on process before people. Too often, MSPs try to solve growth challenges by hiring instead of improving systems.”
He recommended using contract or fractional talent to close skill gaps. Plus, you must be ruthless about metrics. “What gets measured gets managed.”
CHRIS BUCKINGHAM
Founder, SolveCXO
- Founded: 2009 (MinnDak Computer Services); 2025 (SolveCXO)
- Headquarters: Rothsay, MN
- No. of employees: 1
- Website: solvecxo.com
- Company focus: Fractional executive leadership
- Professional memberships: Cornerstone Leadership Workshops; Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce; Moorhead Business Association
- Recommended book: The Go-Giver books by Bob Burg and John David Mann
- Favorite part of your job: Helping leaders find clarity, reduce chaos, solve meaningful problems, and make a lasting impact
- Least favorite part of your job: Saying no to interesting projects because they create a distraction
- People are surprised to learn about me: I once served as mayor of a small town in Minnesota that has no stoplights.
Featured image: Chris Buckingham
