By Mike Cromwell, Chief Revenue Officer, Netrio

I’m honored to share that I’ve been named a 2026 CRN® Channel Chief, an annual recognition from CRN that spotlights the leaders shaping channel strategy and championing partner success across the IT industry. 

I’m proud, and I’m grateful. But I also know that awards are a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the hard work. But the point is what this represents: the work our teams and partners do every day to help mid-market organizations modernize and secure their IT environments—without the noise, without the drama, and without treating trust like a line item. That’s what sets our team apart, that’s what makes us a game-changing MSP, an MSP Titans of the Industry Award winner.

What “Channel Chief” Really Means

On paper, channel leadership is surrounded by buzzwords: alliances, enablement, go-to-market, growth, etc. Those things matter, of course, but only because partners are entrusting their reputations, and putting them on the line, every time they bring a provider into a customer relationship. 

That’s why my philosophy is simple: trust, transparency, and shared success. I’d rather build fewer, better-aligned partnerships than chase transactions that crumble in delivery. 

I learned that approach long ago, by doing the opposite. 

AI That Gives Time Back

If you ask most partners what they need, they won’t say more technology. They’ll say they want their time back.

That’s why I’m excited about how AI is revolutionizing managed services when used responsibly. The best use of AI isn’t flashy. The best use of AI quietly removes friction, speeds up resolution and workflow, improves visibility, tightens documentation, and helps teams focus on what matters over time consuming tasks. 

This is how we approach our partnerships at Netrio, with a human-led, AI-powered approach and a platform, NetrioNow, to prove results and enhance visibility. We give our partners the space to operate more efficiently and keep their best people doing high-value work: advising customers, planning, protecting, and investing in relationships that last. 

Why Netrio is a Top-Rated MSP for Channel Partners

Over the past year at Netrio, I’ve evolved our channel strategy by expanding strategic alliances, strengthening partner enablement, and aligning our go-to-market efforts so partners can grow with confidence. Our leadership team has helped guide the company through multiple acquisitions while keeping our focus where it belongs: execution and outcomes. That’s what helped us drive double-digit channel growth. 

I’m proud of the channel ecosystem we’re building. It’s designed for long-term wins where everyone benefits when the customer wins. 

Why Being Recognized by CRN Matters Right Now

Partners and customers are demanding more than “managed services.” They want a provider who helps them stay ahead. “Good enough” services simply don’t cut it anymore. And I’m proud of how Netrio has revolutionized what it means to be an MSP/MSSP. 

How We’re Helping Partners Differentiate

Two examples of how Netrio is different than other MSPs:

• We’ve expanded our white-label partner program, giving partners new ways to deliver value under their brand while leaning on our scale and expertise. 
• We introduced NetrioNow™, our human-led, AI-powered service delivery platform, built to increase transparency, accelerate resolution, and reinforce the managed services relationship with real operational visibility.

Gratitude and An Open Invitation

To our partners: thank you for trusting us with your customer relationships. And to the Netrio team: thank you for doing the work that makes trust real. 

If you’re looking for an MSP/MSSP partner that treats your reputation as our own, I’d love to connect to show you how, at Netrio, we do the ordinary, extraordinary. 

Reach out, we’d love to talk.