Colleague Spotlight: Stu Applegate

Meet Stu Applegate, Director of The IT Nation for the APAC region. Stu has been a vital part of the ConnectWise team for more than 10 years, leading IT Nation Evolve peer groups and IT Nation Share user groups to connect partners with their peers in the IT industry. Previously a managed service provider (MSP) business owner, Stu uses his extensive experience to help partners transform their business and meet business goals.

Getting started at ConnectWise

What did you do before joining ConnectWise?

My IT career began when information was gathered from books in libraries, fax machines were brand new technology, the internet was still ten years away, and Bill Gates was just getting started! From data entry operator at a global mainframe data center company called International Computers Limited (ICL), to application development and subsequently starting, growing, and eventually selling my own MSP organization—working in the IT industry has been, and continues to be, an interesting, challenging and fast-paced ride! In 2011, I joined an HTG Peer Group (now known as ConnectWise IT Nation Evolve), which was the best business decision I ever made.

Being a ConnectWise colleague 

What different roles have you had with the company?

When HTG was acquired by ConnectWise in 2018, my role in the APAC region continued and has since grown to Director of IT Nation Community in APAC, where I lead both IT Nation Evolve peer groups and IT Nation Share user groups.

What do you enjoy about working at ConnectWise?

I am proud to work for a company that is constantly striving to improve and deliver on its vision, mission, and strategy. I’ve especially enjoyed watching ConnectWise grow into a global corporate organization while retaining a personal touch for its people.

What’s something about your job that makes you feel accomplished?

In Australia, we work to live, not live to work. Work-life balance is crucial in maintaining good mental health and is something that is very important to me. Helping IT Nation Evolve members focus on the importance of their life plans, along with their business, leadership, and legacy plans, is a crucial element in our partners’ journeys. I am indeed very privileged to lead the APAC IT Nation community, where I get to witness our members achieve their most ambitious goals—in both their businesses and life.

Having partners share their success stories with me is incredibly rewarding. I’ve lost count of the number of members who have told me how they’ve transformed their business, altered their focus, achieved their goals, or had an “aha moment” since joining IT Nation Evolve. It is extremely effective to have your peers in the industry listen, share their experiences, motivate, and hold you accountable for your business goals.

What’s something that you want people to know about ConnectWise?

There is an enormous wealth of MSP experience in ConnectWise that guides our strategic decisions, which ultimately is to help us better serve our partners. Having walked a mile in their shoes as an MSP owner myself, I try to leverage that immense experience to help others on their own journey.

What’s a big win that you’re proud of?

Raising two wonderful children with my wife! 

And now for some fun!  

If you can have any superpower for 24 hours, what would it be and why?

Superman! Flying and visiting my colleagues in the US will be easier!

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Anything eighties featuring the late, great Michael Jackson! You might have to block your ears though!

What’s one bucket list item you’re looking forward to?

Back in 2014, we were fortunate enough to travel around Australia in an RV for a year with our children. Now that we’re empty nesters, my wife and I would love to repeat that wonderful experience in another country—look out USA!