The PartnerTalks Podcast with Rick McCutcheon

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  The Next Era of B2B Commerce with Dynamics 365 & AI | Casey Shea, Evenica | Episode 341 18.09.2026 16min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Casey Shea of Evenica to discuss the evolution of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce, the complexities of B2B commerce, and the opportunities emerging for specialized Microsoft Partners. Casey explains why areas such as B2B pricing, customer hierarchies, permissions, and integrations often require specialized expertise. He also shares the story of how Evenica's customer hierarchy technology became part of the core Dynamics 365 Commerce product and discusses Evenica's Partner-to-Partner approach to working alongside implementation Partners. The conversation then looks ahead to AI agents and agentic commerce, exploring how AI could use customer context, inventory, pricing, and permissions to execute trusted transactions and create new opportunities to drive revenue. Rick and Casey also discuss Evenica's plans for Microsoft Marketplace and its investments in AI-powered commerce solutions. Listen to the full episode of PartnerTalks for a conversation about Dynamics 365 Commerce, B2B commerce, AI agents, and the future of the Microsoft Partner ecosystem.
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  Microsoft Dynamics 365, AI & the Future of Community with Dynamic Communities | Michael Konstas, Dynamic Communities | Episode 340 11.09.2026 24min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Michael Konstas, President and CFO of Dynamic Communities, to discuss how the organization is evolving and how its events are bringing together Microsoft Dynamics 365 customers, partners, ISVs, MVPs, and Microsoft leaders. Rick and Michael look back at a busy year of community events, including the AI Agent & Copilot Summit, the AI Business Solutions Partner Executive Summit, and nearly 20 regional Dynamics User Group (DUG) Roadshows. They explore how these events are helping the Microsoft business applications ecosystem navigate the rapid evolution of Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, Copilot, and AI agents. Watch the full PartnerTalks interview to hear more about the future of the Microsoft Dynamics community, upcoming events, AI innovation, and the continued growth of the DUG community.
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  The Future of Business Software: AI, Dataverse and Autonomous Processes | Marc DiGiorgio, TekStack | Episode 339 04.09.2026 28min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon welcomes Marc DiGiorgio, Co-Founder of TekStack, back to the podcast to explore how AI is transforming business software, sales, project delivery, billing, customer success and renewals. Marc shares how TekStack is using Microsoft Dataverse and Microsoft 365 to connect customer data and business processes, while AI increasingly takes over tasks that once required employees to manually enter information, update systems and navigate multiple applications. Tune in to learn how TekStack is approaching the future of AI in business software, what autonomous processes could mean for technology companies, and why the traditional user interface may be changing faster than we think.
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  How AI Is Shaping Sylogist, Microsoft Partners & Dynamics 365 Business Central | Joel Leetzow, Sylogist | Episode 338 26.08.2026 16min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Joel Leetzow, CEO of Sylogist, to discuss the company's growth strategy, its Microsoft Partner ecosystem and how AI is shaping the future of its products and operations. Leetzow shares his vision for using AI to enhance human expertise while maintaining the oversight and judgment that customers and organizations still need. The conversation explores Sylogist's growing investment in Partners, the role of Microsoft Copilot and AI, and the opportunities ahead for Dynamics 365 Business Central, including Payroll by Sylogist. Tune in to hear Joel Leetzow share his perspective on AI, Microsoft Partners and where Sylogist is headed next.
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  How AI Is Transforming Mobile Technology for Frontline Workers | Ivan Stano, Resco | Episode 337 20.08.2026 23min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Ivan Stano, CEO of Resco, to explore how mobile technology, artificial intelligence, and enterprise mobility are changing the way field workers get their jobs done. Ivan shares his journey from joining Resco as one of its earliest employees to becoming CEO, along with insights into the technology behind reliable offline mobile experiences for demanding field service environments. The conversation also explores how Resco is approaching AI with a focus on practical solutions that simplify work rather than create additional complexity. Watch the full PartnerTalks interview with Ivan Stano and discover how AI and mobile technology can help make frontline work simpler, smarter, and more efficient.
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  How Technology Distribution Is Changing for Microsoft Partners | Tracy Beyer, TD SYNNEX | Episode 336 13.08.2026 24min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Tracy Beyer, a TD SYNNEX leader with an impressive 34-year career in technology distribution. Tracy shares insights from her journey through IBM and Lotus licensing, VMware, Microsoft, security, and today's rapidly evolving AI Business Solutions market. Discover how technology distribution has transformed, how Microsoft Partners can navigate increasingly complex cloud, AI, and cybersecurity opportunities, and what it takes to adapt and grow in a constantly changing industry. Tune in to hear Tracy's lessons from more than three decades of helping Partners evolve, embrace new technologies, and build successful Microsoft businesses.
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  Microsoft Convergence 2026 Preview: What Dynamics 365 Partners Need to Know | Bobby Small, DUG | Episode 335 05.08.2026 12min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Bobby Small, Community Strategy Director at Dynamics User Group (DUG), to preview what attendees can expect from Microsoft's premier Dynamics 365 event taking place December 8–11, 2026. They also discuss the continued growth of Dynamics User Group, including its expanding network of 65 local and virtual communities, growing presence across Latin America, and dozens of community events happening every month. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, Dynamics 365 consultant, Business Central professional, or part of the broader Microsoft Business Applications community, this conversation provides a preview of the connections, learning opportunities, and insights waiting at Convergence 2026.
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  Breaking Into Microsoft Dynamics 365: Building the Next Generation of Leaders | Cole Krucke, USTPay | Episode 333 01.08.2026 12min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Cole Krucke, Account Executive at USTPay, to discuss his journey into the Microsoft Business Applications channel and the opportunities available for young professionals looking to build a career in the space. Just months after entering the channel himself, Cole is helping launch DUG Young Professionals, a new initiative designed to make Microsoft Dynamics 365, Business Central, and the broader Partner community more accessible to the next generation of professionals. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, Business Central user, or someone considering a career in the Dynamics 365 space, this conversation offers valuable insights into building connections, embracing innovation, and making the channel more welcoming for future leaders.
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  Transforming ERP with Data, AI, and Business Narratives | Joe Christensen, Aqueducts Consulting | Episode 334 01.08.2026 24min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Joe, founder of Aqueducts Consulting, to explore how business processes tell a company's story and why preserving customer intent is critical to successful ERP implementations. Joe shares why aligning your data, systems, and business goals is essential for modern organizations adopting Microsoft Dynamics 365. Whether you're a Microsoft partner, ERP professional, or business leader navigating digital transformation, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, storytelling, and enterprise data strategy.
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  AI and the Microsoft Channel: What Every Partner Needs to Know | John Siefert, Dynamic Communities | Episode 332 17.07.2026 20min

  AI is reshaping the Microsoft Partner ecosystem, changing how organizations sell solutions, deliver services, and scale their businesses. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Dynamic Communities CEO John Siefert to explore how Microsoft Partners are adapting to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and what it means for the future of the channel. The conversation highlights key topics surrounding the upcoming AI Business Solutions Partner Executive Summit and Community Summit North America, including evolving Partner business models, the importance of AI quality assurance, and the growing role of Partner-to-Partner collaboration. John also shares why some of the most valuable insights in the Microsoft ecosystem often happen in informal conversations between industry leaders. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, MSP, ISV, systems integrator, or channel executive, this episode offers practical insights into AI adoption, leadership strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the Microsoft Business Applications community.
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  How Manufacturers Can Modernize with Business Central | Andrew Good, Liberty Grove Software | Episode 331 10.07.2026 15min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Andrew Good from Liberty Grove Software to discuss digital transformation, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and what it takes to successfully modernize business operations. Andrew shares his experience helping manufacturers, distributors, food companies, and other specialized industries replace manual processes with real-time ERP solutions. The conversation explores why successful transformation requires more than just implementing new software, including the critical role of change management, process improvement, and helping teams adapt to new ways of working. Whether you're a manufacturer exploring ERP modernization, a Microsoft Partner supporting SMB customers, or a business leader looking at the future of AI and Business Central, this episode provides practical insights into building a stronger digital foundation.
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  Business Central Growth Strategy: How Innovia is Growing | Alan Wyne, Innovia Consulting | Episode 308 08.07.2026 23min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Alan Wyne, CEO of Innovia Consulting, to discuss the company's unique Business Central growth strategy. Instead of prioritizing net-new software sales, Innovia helps businesses already using Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central that have outgrown or become dissatisfied with their current implementation partner. Alan explains how Innovia consistently brings on around 30 new customers each year by serving what many in the Microsoft channel call "orphaned" customers. He shares why specialization has been central to the company's success, the importance of deep Business Central expertise after go-live, and how partners can create long-term value by helping organizations unlock more from their existing ERP investment. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant, ERP leader, or business evaluating your current Business Central implementation, this episode offers practical insights into customer retention, managed services, and sustainable growth in the Microsoft ecosystem.
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  Fenwick Power BI Report Packs and the Microsoft Signal | Brad Foot, Fenwick Apps | Episode 310 07.07.2026 22min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Brad Foot, CEO of Fenwick Apps, to discuss the company's journey from a small Navision consulting firm in Australia to one of the leading Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. Brad shares how Fenwick Apps turned real-world implementation knowledge into a portfolio of nearly 70 core Business Central apps and more than 100 AppSource listings spanning apps, connectors, and solution packs. He also explains why interoperability is essential for Microsoft Partners and customers, and tells the story of how Fenwick's Power BI reporting solution was acquired by Microsoft and integrated into the standard Business Central experience. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant, ISV, or business leader looking to extend Business Central with apps, this episode offers valuable insights into building scalable software solutions for the Microsoft ecosystem.
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  VOICES Conference Launch: A New Virtual Event for Microsoft Partner Marketers | Monica Hoyer, VOICES | Episode 330 03.07.2026 7min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Monica Hoyer to discuss the launch of VOICES Conference, a new one-day virtual conference created specifically for marketers in the Microsoft Business Applications Partner ecosystem. Marketers working with Microsoft Business Applications often have limited opportunities to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Monica shares how VOICES Conference aims to fill that gap with a full day of partner-to-partner learning, practical marketing strategies, and networking opportunities designed exclusively for the Microsoft Partner community. Rick and Monica explore what attendees can expect on November 12, including expert-led tracks covering AI, thought leadership, marketing data, and the evolving Microsoft ecosystem. They also discuss the conference's call for speakers, why first-time presenters are encouraged to apply, and the value of on-demand session recordings after the event. To learn more about the conference and to register, visit: voicesconference.com
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  Why Specialist ISVs Still Matter in Batch Manufacturing | Randy Smith, Vicinity Software | Episode 304 02.07.2026 26min

  Batch manufacturing presents a unique set of challenges that traditional ERP implementations often fail to address. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Randy Smith of Vicinity Software to discuss why Microsoft Partners looking to grow their manufacturing practice need to understand the differences between discrete and process manufacturing. Drawing from decades of experience, Randy shares the moment he realized that industry-specific functionality could outperform even the strongest ERP demonstrations. The conversation explores why process manufacturers require software built around formulas, quality management, compliance, traceability, and product development rather than treating those capabilities as customizations layered onto a standard ERP implementation. The discussion also examines how successful Microsoft Partners divide responsibilities with specialist ISVs, allowing Partners to focus on finance, distribution, warehousing, and customer relationships while manufacturing experts handle the complexities of production, quality, compliance, and research and development. For Microsoft Partners pursuing opportunities in manufacturing, this episode highlights why vertical expertise matters and how partnering with specialist ISVs can open the door to larger, more successful Business Central implementations.
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  Business Central Scheduling Still Breaks In Excel | Hendrik Bulens, Dime Software | Episode 307 01.07.2026 18min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Hendrik Bulens, Managing Partner at Dime Software, to explore how AI is reshaping scheduling while still keeping human planners firmly in control. For many growing firms in field service, professional services, and engineering, planning often starts in Excel, Outlook, or informal manual systems. However, as volume increases and operational complexity grows, these tools begin to break down, creating gaps in visibility, billing accuracy, resource allocation, and delivery performance. The conversation highlights why Excel remains one of the most widely used planning tools globally, even as its limitations become more pronounced in scaling organizations. Once scheduling spans multiple jobs, resources, stock, and time entries, fragmented data leads to conflicting versions of the truth and operational inefficiencies.
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  Partners Can Turn Regression Testing Into Recurring Revenue | Dan Diefendorf, TheTestMart | Episode 305 28.06.2026 21min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Dan Diefendorf of TheTestMart to explore how Partners can turn release readiness and testing into a durable, recurring revenue stream. As Microsoft continues its "innovation is constant" approach to business applications, organizations are required to validate that monthly, quarterly, and wave-based updates do not disrupt core business processes. That responsibility spans customers, Microsoft, and Partners, but real-world regression testing ultimately happens in each customer's unique environment, where data, configurations, and extensions all behave differently.
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  WennSoft Cloud Migration Opens a New Opportunity for Partners | Richard Haus, WennSoft | Episode 306 28.06.2026 19min

  In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Richard Haus, CEO of WennSoft, to discuss how the company's cloud strategy is helping field service and construction customers transition to the next generation of Microsoft Business Applications while creating new opportunities for Microsoft Partners. The conversation explores why the move from Dynamics GP to the cloud is about far more than a technical migration. For organizations managing complex project accounting, job costing, field service operations, and construction workflows, modernization creates an opportunity to rethink business processes, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for AI-driven capabilities. The discussion also examines how Partners can build long-term customer relationships through migration assessments, implementation planning, process optimization, user training, testing, and ongoing cloud services. As organizations prepare for a post-Dynamics GP future, cloud migration is becoming more than an infrastructure project. It is creating a foundation for recurring services, AI adoption, and continued business transformation.
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  Dirty Data and AI: Why Clean Records Are Becoming a Core Partner Service | Ryan Pennett, Paribus 365 | Episode 309 27.06.2026 20min

  As Microsoft Partners accelerate their AI strategies, one long-standing challenge is becoming impossible to ignore: data quality. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Ryan Pennett of Paribus 365 to discuss why clean, well-governed data has become the foundation for successful AI initiatives within Microsoft Dynamics 365. Their conversation explores how duplicate records, incomplete customer information, and inconsistent data can undermine Copilot, automation, reporting, and business decision-making. They also examine why data quality is evolving from a maintenance task into a strategic service opportunity for Microsoft Partners. As organizations continue investing in AI, this episode highlights why trusted data is becoming one of the most valuable assets in every Business Applications project and why Partners who help customers improve data quality will be well positioned for future growth.
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  Payroll in Business Central: The Hidden Opportunity for Microsoft Partners | Lee Parent, Sylogist | Episode 329 26.06.2026 9min

  Payroll is often viewed as a back-office function, but as Lee Parent of Sylogist explains, "paying people is a side effect of payroll." In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Lee to explore why payroll plays a much larger role in the success of organizations running Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Their discussion examines how embedded payroll supports finance, HR, compliance, reporting, project accounting, union environments, multi-rate employees, and multi-state operations. They also discuss why payroll is becoming an increasingly strategic part of ERP implementations, particularly as businesses look to simplify operations and gain better visibility across their organizations. For Microsoft Partners serving Business Central customers across Canada and the United States, this episode explores why payroll represents a significant opportunity to deliver greater value while solving increasingly complex business challenges.