Why Microsoft MVPs Matter: SixPivot's 30+ Years of Combined Expertise
- Lauren Rutter
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
When clients partner with SixPivot, they gain access to more than just consulting expertise; they tap into Microsoft's elite MVP (Most Valuable Professional) network. With two long-standing Microsoft MVPs on our team, Bill Chesnut and David Gardiner, we deliver unparalleled technical depth and direct connections to Microsoft's product teams.
Meet Our Microsoft MVPs
Bill Chesnut, aka ‘Biztalk Bill’, has held his Microsoft MVP status for an impressive 22 years, starting with BizTalk in January 2004. His expertise has evolved alongside Microsoft's, transitioning from BizTalk to Microsoft integration technologies, then to Azure, and now specialising in Azure PaaS integration. This remarkable tenure makes him one of Australia's most experienced Microsoft integration experts.
David Gardiner celebrates 10 years as an MVP this October, recognised in the Developer Technologies category. His expertise spans .NET, developer tools, Azure DevOps, and GitHub, positioning him at the intersection of modern software development and Microsoft's evolving toolchain.
The MVP Advantage: Direct Access When It Matters
Solving Critical Production Issues Fast
When one of our major clients faced a critical production issue with their Logic Apps implementation, Bill's MVP status proved invaluable. In conjunction with navigating the traditional support channels, he connected directly with members of the Logic App Team from Microsoft to provide a solution.
Early Access to Cutting-Edge Technologies
Our MVPs don't just solve today's problems; they help clients prepare for tomorrow's opportunities. Through private previews and early access programs, they gain insights into Microsoft's roadmap that inform strategic technology decisions.
Bill is currently participating in a private preview for Codeful Workflow in Logic Apps Standard, which will combine the extensive connector ecosystem of Logic Apps (over 1,000 connectors) with the flexibility of code-based development. This emerging capability will transform how developers approach integration challenges.
Real-World Client Impact
Strategic Technology Guidance
David's MVP insights helped with the implementation of scalable DevOps agents at a leading Australian supermarket, allowing their team to make an informed decision whether to stay with the existing solution or wait for upcoming DevOps improvements.
Another client was seeing reliability issues with their cloud deployments. Rather than switch to a more complicated and potentially high-maintenance solution, an alternate technology choice was proposed that provides a better balance of reliability and configurability without the higher ongoing maintenance cost. The client is now implementing the recommended technology, validating the strategic value of having insider knowledge of Microsoft's development priorities and offerings.
Network Effects and Knowledge Sharing
The MVP community operates on a principle of open knowledge sharing, the opposite of traditional consulting and IP protection. When Bill needed to implement Bicep templates for Logic Apps and API Management, he reached out to the MVP network and received a comprehensive solution from a UK-based MVP.
"Without being an MVP, it's very hard to connect to those folks," Bill notes. "The connection to people who have done the stuff—that's harder than anything."
Beyond Technical Expertise: Community Leadership
Both MVPs exemplify Microsoft's community-first philosophy:
Bill organises the monthly Integration Down Under webcast, reaching global audiences with integration expertise
David leads the Adelaide .NET User Group and co-organises DDD conferences, fostering local tech communities
Both contribute to open-source projects and speak at industry events
This community involvement ensures they stay current with emerging best practices.
Future-Ready Technology Insights
AI and Copilot Integration
As early adopters of GitHub Copilot through MVP licensing, our team gained hands-on experience with AI-powered development tools before they became mainstream. This early access enables us to guide clients through the AI transformation with proven expertise.
.NET and Visual Studio Evolution
David highlights the upcoming .NET 10 release in November as a significant milestone, representing a long-term servicing version that enterprises can confidently adopt. He's also privy to exciting developments in Visual Studio that will enhance developer productivity, though specifics remain under NDA.
Client Confidence
Having Microsoft MVPs on the team provides multiple layers of client value:
Technical Credibility: 22 years and 10 years of Microsoft recognition, respectively
Direct Escalation Paths: Ability to reach product teams when standard support isn't sufficient
Strategic Roadmap Insights: Understanding where Microsoft is investing for future planning
Community Network: Access to global expertise and proven solutions
Advice for Aspiring MVPs
Both experts emphasise that MVP status should be a byproduct of genuine community contribution, not a goal in itself:
"Don't chase the award just for the sake of having the award," David advises. "It's kind of like icing on the cake; you're already making the cake through community contributions."
Bill concurs: "Get involved in your community. Help with user groups. Share your knowledge. Most MVPs I know are doing stuff for the community."
Why MVP Expertise Matters for Your Business
As technology leaders rush to keep up with constantly evolving tools and software, having advisors who understand not just current capabilities, but future directions are crucial. Our MVPs provide:
Risk Mitigation: Steering clients away from soon-to-be-deprecated technologies
Competitive Advantage: Early adoption of emerging capabilities
Faster Problem Resolution: Direct channels to Microsoft product teams
Strategic Technology Planning: Insider knowledge of Microsoft's roadmap
Connect with Our MVP Community
Stay connected with our experts and the broader Microsoft community:
Integration Down Under Webcast: integrationdownunder.com
Integration Love Story ft Bill Chesnut: Video
David Gardiner's Blog: david.gardiner.net.au
Adelaide .NET User Group: www.adnug.net
Upskill Your Team
Book Bill, David or another of our speakers for your team’s next lunch and learn. Find out more.
Ready to leverage Microsoft MVP expertise for your next project? Contact SixPivot today to discover how our deep Microsoft partnerships and technical excellence can accelerate your digital transformation.
