The most frequent questions I get revolves around the current state of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the industry. Folks want to know who’s buying, who’s selling and where business values are coming in. Some questions are easy to answer, others are more complicated. Read More

As we approach 2025, the copy/print industry stands at a critical juncture, shaped by political changes, economic trends, technological advances and evolving customer preferences. Key factors influencing the sector include post-election economic policies, increasing merger and Read More

The copy/print industry experienced yet another year of transformation in 2023, characterized by a back-to-business approach, advances in technology and an ongoing wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). As we bid farewell to the past year, it’s important to reflect on the Read More

As we embark on 2023, I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping that we finally put COVID-19 in the rearview mirror. Its impact has been unprecedented. In 2022, we faced challenges with inflation, rising interest rates, supply chain issues, a shortage of employment candidates and general Read More

If you missed part one of this article, it was published in ENX’s June 2022 issue and covered these mistakes to avoid: Running the business to pay no taxes Taking business value advice from peers Engaging the first unsolicited offer Not having your books in good order Thinking Read More

For many business owners, the sale of their organization culminates a lifetime of work. While it can be the most rewarding sale you’ll ever close, it can be very disappointing if it doesn’t go as desired. The keys to achieving a successful sale are advance planning and avoiding Read More

I don’t think anyone will argue the fact that 2020 and 2021 weren’t exactly the best years we’ve had recently. Between the pandemic and its lingering effects, supply chain issues, vaccination concerns and political and social unrest, there were certainly many issues to be Read More

Prosperity Plus celebrated its 20th year in business in July, and as amazing as it is to consider how fast that period went by, I’m equally surprised at the 34-year span I’ve enjoyed in the office systems industry. I started my career in October 1987 with Monroe Systems for Read More

Saying the last 15 months have left a mark on the copy/print industry would be an understatement. The pandemic we continue to navigate has led to many significant changes, not the least of which is how we interact with customers. Sales reps got used to working through video Read More

Every dealership in the channel has faced the COVID-19 pandemic in one form or another. And while the effects of this global event haven’t been the same for each business, there’s no denying the influence it’s had on how we manage our operations. Much of the difference from one Read More

The world changed dramatically in March 2020. As the full effect of COVID-19 became more clear worldwide, its impact was very different from one market to the next. Here in New York, businesses were shut down early and remained that way for a long period of time. Of course, Read More

A buy-sell agreement is one of the most-important – and often most-overlooked – types of business contract. Any company that has more than one equity partner should have a buy-sell agreement in place. Far too many businesses are running either without an agreement or with one Read More

Here’s the scene: you’re preparing for an annual review with one of your key people. You know the first thought in her mind is “How much of a raise am I going to get this year?” And you’re thinking, “I know she’s been with me for another year, but I can’t afford to keep giving Read More

Having participated in hundreds of business sale and purchase transactions, I’ve had the unique opportunity to learn what dealers think as they reflect on the sale of their businesses. Human nature often compels people to doubt themselves and look back at the things that could or Read More

When we survey dealers to find out what they need, the answer most often relates to finding, hiring and retaining sales reps. Spending 32 years in this industry has given me the opportunity to see almost every sales compensation plan possible. I’ve seen them favor the dealer, the Read More