WatchGuard CEO Joe Smolarski on doubling MSP margins, the Kaseya playbook, and why Canada’s cybersecurity moment is now

In this episode of ChannelBuzz.ca, host Robert Dutt sits down with Joe Smolarski, CEO of WatchGuard Technologies, to discuss the company's bold vision for 2026 as the 'year of the cybersecurity-focused MSP.' Smolarski, who previously served as president and COO at Kaseya, brings a wealth of experience in platform strategy and partner economics to WatchGuard, a 30-year-old, 100% channel-focused security vendor. He argues that the accelerating pace of cyberattacks—particularly the 1500% surge in endpoint malware and the shift from ransomware to data extortion—creates an urgent need for MSPs to evolve. Smolarski emphasizes that the key to survival and growth lies in platform consolidation, AI-powered defense, and dramatically improved unit economics, promising to double MSP margins through operational efficiency and a simplified, integrated security stack. He also addresses concerns around Kaseya's controversial legacy, clarifying that he’s bringing only the best practices—like cost reduction and platform integration—while leaving behind the baggage of bundling and integration friction. With a major partnership with Bell Cyber and a strong focus on data sovereignty, WatchGuard is positioning itself as a trusted, long-term partner for Canadian MSPs at a pivotal moment of regulatory and market maturity. Smolarski concludes with a powerful message: the next few years will define whether MSPs become security leaders or remain commodity IT providers.