Elite Dealers: $5 million to $10 million

ABM Co., DBA Allen Business Machines
Fort Wayne, IN
www.abmfw.com
www.allenbusinessmachines.com

Founder Elmer Maucher

Year Founded: 1953
President/Owner: Dan Maucher
Number of Employees: 32
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Canon, Kyocera, Mitel, HP, Fellowes, Intimus
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, INFODYNAMICS, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL, ABM Leasing
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Equipment (28%), leasing (28%), managed IT (16.5%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: ABM became an authorized Canon dealer for large document printers. The dealer also expanded its IT service offerings.

Why We Consider Allen Business Machines (ABM) Elite:

  • Dealer growth. The company’s ABM Leasing arm registered $414,000 for the last quarter. In addition to becoming a Canon dealer, the firm expanded its offerings in production printing equipment.
  • Top jobs. Along with taking down bids on three school districts, ABM completed a 100-machine installation for a county government and installed its first phone system through Mitel.
  • Sustained excellence. A mark of consistency, ABM has captured the Hyakuman Kai Award from Sharp for 17 consecutive years. The dealer also was named a Platinum Service Award winner by the manufacturer, and has been a PROS Elite 100 dealer every year since 2010. The Better Business Bureau recognized the company with its Torch Award for ethics.
  • Building hope. ABM provides its employees with an extra day of paid vacation to donate their time to Habitat for Humanity and its home-building program. The company rents out a portion of its facility for $1 to the Birthday Bags non-profit organization, which furnishes birthday parties to needy children between the ages of 3 and 14.

A-COPI
Gardiner, ME
www.a-copi.com

Robin Spencer

Year Founded: 2006
President/Owner: Robin Spencer
Number of Employees: 34
Primary Vendors: Toshiba
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $6 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Software solutions
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: A-COPI has become one of the leading primary school software solutions and copy equipment dealers in Maine, with several large wins in the K-12 market.

Why We Consider A-COPI Elite:

  • Educational excellence. The dealer has a proven track record of providing its customers, the K-12 segment in particular, with top-quality Toshiba products and award-winning service. A-COPI has established a stronghold among many K-12 schools in Maine and New England.
  • Addressing needs. Backed by two locations and the Visual Edge Technology network, the dealer services more than 4,000 customers throughout the state of Maine.
  • Streaming the process. A-COPI has put together an easy-to-follow cost-benefit analysis, allowing them to provide customers with precise decisions and a lease with a service agreement.
  • Turn time. As a part of the Visual Edge Technology family, A-COPI has been able to offer lower costs and quicker response times to customer requests. The dealer has an expanded customer base to companies with locations around the New England coast.

ACT Group
Cromwell, CT
www.goactgroup.com

Year Founded: 1974
President/Owner: Cindi Gondek (CEO), Greg Gondek (president)
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Kyocera, HP, 3D Systems, RISO, Henkel, Rize
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, CIMA, EcoprintQ, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: CIT, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Software solutions, MPS, 3D solutions
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: ACT Group has developed tools for sales and marketing that are enabling it to be faster, as well as more productive, responsive and professional than its competitors.

Why We Consider ACT Group Elite:

  • Market insight. Behind its 3D team and marketing department, ACT Group has devised software for capturing marketing analytics from its website—it provides insight into what prospects are seeking and what attracted them to the dealer’s wares.
  • Contract success. While ACT Group entered the bidding for a coveted health care account as the underdog, its expertise won the day and a 170-plus machine installation.
  • Sales enhancements. ACT Group developed software for its sales team that captures data, tracks productivity ratios and enables them to enter all the call data they require on the fly. It also maps out prospects and clients based on their daily schedule, enabling reps to spend more time selling and less time planning.
  • Gracious grants. Now in its 20th year, the ACT Group’s grant program provides equipment, services and supplies to non-profit organizations in need of assistance for their office-based technologies. The company also supports United Way and several local charities.

Action Imaging Group – A Flex Technology Group Company
Tucson, AZ
www.actionimaginggroup.com
www.flextg.com

Year Founded: 2006
President/Owner: Walter Thomas (managing partner)
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Canon
Primary Solutions Offerings: PrinterLogic, Square 9, DocuWare, PSIGEN, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Citi, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, TIAA Bank, DLL, Canon Financial Services, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS, professional services, production printing
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Action Imaging Group has made great strides in organic growth, along with parent company Flex Technology Group.

Why We Consider Action Imaging Group Elite:

  • Risky business? The dealer offers a Risk-Free Performance Guarantee as part of its pledge to provide customers with the best service possible.
  • On the clock. Action Imaging Group stands by its benchmark 2.5-hour response time for service. In fact, the company will discount its services by 1% for every 10 minutes beyond the scheduled appointment time.
  • Guaranteed satisfaction. If a client is not 100% satisfied with the performance of a product installed by Action Imaging Group within its first five years of operation, the dealer will replace it at no cost with a similar model.
  • Corporate charity. Action Imaging Group sponsors events and charities within its local community, including water drives, children’s homes and other local chapters.

Advanced Business Equipment
Asheville, NC
www.abecarolina.com

Kevin Jackson

Year Founded: 1981
President/Owner: Kevin Jackson
Number of Employees: 41
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Canon, KIP, Kyocera, Dell, Xante, MBM Corp.
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, ECI Software, All Covered, Microsoft, Dispatcher Phoenix, Continuum, Kofax, Servosity, Prism, Ubiquity
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL, TIAA Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS, managed voice
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Advanced Business Equipment initiated a process improvements plan based on employee feedback.

Why We Consider Advanced Business Equipment Elite:

  • Office makeover. The dealer renovated its Greenville offices and gave its showrooms an overhaul with branded posters highlighting its products and services.
  • Leveraging resources. Advanced Business Equipment made great use of a summer intern. She was tasked with performing an internal audit and digitizing past contracts and records. The company also hired an HR manager.
  • Manufacturer recognitions. For the 19th time, Advanced Business Equipment was presented with the Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Service Award. It was named a bizhub PRO Standards Award winner for excellence in business planning, sales performance, support and service execution, as well as market and promotion execution. GreatAmerica named Advanced Business Equipment a Dealer of Distinction Award winner for the 10th year in a row.
  • Keeping it light. The dealer uses a number of promotions to ensure its employees are happy and productive, including Employee Appreciation Day—which features an ice cream party with games and music—Popcorn Fridays and cubicle birthday celebrations.

Allied Business Solutions
Boise, ID
www.digitalallied.com

Year Founded: 2003
President/Owner: Tom Beeles
Number of Employees: 55
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Xerox, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: M-Files, PSIGEN
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, TIAA Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $9 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed IT (200%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Allied Business Solutions acquired Competitive Edge, a Xerox agency in Salt Lake City.

Members of Allied Business Solutions executive team, shown from left (front row): Emily Rose, VP of finance; Lisa Mesenko, marketing manager; Tom Beeles, president and CEO; Lisa Novotny, VP of administration and HR; Joe Sibert, VCIO senior network engineer. Back row: Erik Schlichting, VP operations; Tobin Bartholomew, VP business development; Alan Gold, director business development; Joe Critchfield, regional sales manager

Why We Consider Allied Business Solutions Elite:

  • Working environment. As a way of devising programs and activities designed to make for a more fun and engaging workplace, the dealer created a FUN-damentalists Committee that focuses on culture and employee events.
  • Top contract. The biggest takedown for Allied Business Solutions was a large government entity that encompassed 70 new machines.
  • Sponsorship success. The dealer provided sponsorship for a wide range of organizations, among them the Boys & Girls Club of Nampa, Idaho, and Salt Lake City; the Snake River Stampede Rodeo; Boise Hawks baseball; Treasure Valley Children’s Theater; NNU President’s Dinner; Four Rivers Cultural Center; Nampa Babe Ruth Youth Baseball; the College of Western Idaho benefit event; and the Malheur County Fair.
  • Top awards. Allied Business Solutions has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Idaho. It’s been selected to the PROS Elite 100 and boasts an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.

Alpha Laser & Imaging, LLC
Evansville, IN
www.alphalaserimaging.com

Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Aaron Althaus (executive partner, COO), Jason Althaus (executive partner, vice president of sales)
Number of Employees: 32
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Canon, HP, Lexmark, OKI Data, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Canon, ICE, XMedius, DocuStore, Microsoft, Kofax, Fortinet
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica, Canon Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print, large-format devices
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: In April, Alpha Laser & Imaging signed on with Canon to become a full-line authorized dealer.

Why We Consider Alpha Laser & Imaging Elite:

  • Canon fire. Practically before the ink was dry on Alpha’s agreement to sell the full line of Canon gear, the union produced the biggest takedown in company history—an agreement with a hospital that included nearly 400 Canon devices. The OEM provided great support throughout the process.
  • Service success. Alpha Laser & Imaging is a Ricoh Service Excellence Certified Dealer that boasts a few Prestige technicians—the highest service award available. In fact, the dealer has won the recognition in all seven years that it has been presented to Ricoh dealers.
  • Family atmosphere. The Althaus brother ownership duo of Aaron and Jason provide a work setting that allows employees to maximize their potential. They allow/encourage team members to try their talents in different aspects of the organization: sales reps have become service techs, and a receptionist showed interest in handling collections. But whether it’s an employee luncheon or the whole company taking the afternoon off to catch a movie, keeping employees happy is the key.
  • Relationship building. Getting to know prospects and their business in a relaxed and casual manner has proven critical to Alpha Laser & Imaging’s relationship forging. The company is not bound by policies or guidelines if a customer needs help or additional discounts to close a deal. Finding solutions to client challenges is the top priority.

Altek Business Systems, Inc.
Telford, PA
www.altekimaging.com

Year Founded: 1991
President/Owner: Ray Derstine
Number of Employees: 22
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Xerox, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, Objectif Lune, EFI Certified, Microsoft
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: IT solutions (203%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Altek Business Systems adapted a new entrepreneurial operating system (EOS) to ensure it was hiring the right people and utilizing them on the right teams and the proper jobs.

Why We Consider Altek Business Systems Elite:

  • Blog success. Blogs on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook have positioned Altek Business Systems as a thought leader and strengthened its brand. The creating and sharing of posts has increased its organic search engine position and increased organic website traffic and leads.
  • Contract growth. In a year that saw the company achieve 38% net-new business in hardware and aftermarket contracts, Altek Business Systems’ biggest takedown was a major manufacturer of automotive aftermarket parts, a deal which includes more than 20 units.
  • Prospect source. The dealer has emphasized working with local chambers of commerce by hiring an inside sales representative to touch base with non-customers to create conversations that could lead to new business.
  • Giving back. In addition to being major event sponsors for four local Chambers of Commerce, the dealer provides donations and sponsorships to three community-based non-profit mental health care providers. It also works with nonprofits that provide temporary housing, job skills training, food banks and English-as-a-second-language courses.

BASE Technologies
Bethel, CT
www.baseinc.com

Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Mike Boyle
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, HP, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (17%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: On the strength of its MPS program and application offering, BASE Technologies recorded its third-consecutive year of double-digit growth.

The BASE Technologies team

Why We Consider BASE Technologies Elite:

  • First impressions. In order to cultivate a personal experience with each customer, BASE Technologies treats prospects to a batch of freshly baked cookies during the first meeting. In fact, the dealer has a commercial oven which sales reps use to churn out the cookies themselves.
  • Monitoring growth. Using Kyocera Fleet Services, BASE Technologies is able to monitor and service devices remotely without interfering in the client’s daily operations. That tool enabled the dealer to re-sign a large financial institution for five years.
  • Tailored fit. One of the strongest calling cards for BASE Technologies is its diverse solution offering. The dealer partners with multiple manufacturers to craft specific document solutions for the client.
  • Free equipment. BASE Technologies donated office equipment to an inner-city community center that offers after-school programs for kids of all ages. The company also participates in a mentoring program for a local school district, and is a primary sponsor for a local YMCA’s charity event.

Bay Copy
Rockland, MA
www.baycopy.com

Ray Belanger

Year Founded: 1972
President/Owner: Ray Belanger
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Muratec, HP, Toshiba, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: MPS
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Bay Copy continues to see growth with several major health care networks.

Why We Consider Bay Copy Elite:

  • Best practices. In addition to collaborating with the Select Dealer Group and Lexmark Dealer Advisory Board to glean best practices, Bay Copy elevates its local visibility through its affiliation with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, where CEO Ray Belanger has served on its board of directors. Bay Copy sponsors several Chamber events each year, including luncheons and an annual expo.
  • Print management. Its growth within the health care vertical enabled Bay Copy to secure an MPS deal that covers all of one organization’s output devices, including copiers, printers, MFPs and copy centers, along with a significant portion of the client’s other devices.
  • Ongoing education. The dealer’s technicians are constantly upgrading their training and education through independent programs and OEM-based offerings. Bay Copy encourages all of its employees to stay on top of technologies and trends that impact customers.
  • Client internship. In a reciprocating gesture with one of its new clients, Bridgewater State University, Bay Copy is offering internships for students. Select interns are given the opportunity to work at the dealership and learn sound business principles, while potentially opening the door for future employment at Bay Copy.

Copier Fax Business Technologies, Inc. (CFBT)
Buffalo, NY
www.copierfaxbt.com

Year Founded: 1990
President/Owner: Al Scibetta, Andrea Scibetta, David Scibetta (owners)
Number of Employees: 36
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $8 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Documentelligence (bundled hardware, software, IT and document management), hardware
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: CFBT relished its website to reflect the company’s position as a full service office technology company.

Shown from left are Copier Fax owners Al Scibetta, Andrea Scibetta and David Scibetta

Why We Consider Copier FAX Elite:

  • Enhanced website. The dealer’s aforementioned reboot significantly enhanced its ability to provide customer service through the portal and provide more in-depth product information. While the relaunch was a year in the making, Copier FAX is confident it will continue to update, improve and engage clients at a higher level.
  • Doubling down. The dealer not only renewed one of its biggest clients in 2019, but grew its share within that company, which was acquired by another firm and significantly increased in size. Copier FAX provided solutions to help the client reconcile this growth and maintain costs.
  • Sharing all the scoop. As a complement to its new site, the dealer relaunched its external newsletter that is distributed to nearly 7,000 contacts. It was rebranded as Documentelligram, a play off the company’s bundling program, Documentelligence. The newsletter contains industry-related reports along with fun stories about the dealer, photos, product updates and upcoming events.
  • Supporting causes. Among the organizations that CFBT supports is Summit, a non-profit organization for Autism awareness. The dealer also backs Buffalo Hospice, Cardinal O’Hara High School, and has active memberships with the Rotary Club of Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Rotary Club.
Copier Fax’s newly-designed service and delivery fleet at the KeyBank Center, home of one of the dealer’s leading partners, the Buffalo Sabres

Copiers Plus
Fayetteville, NC
www.copiers-plus.com

Year Founded: 1985
President/Owner: Bob Smith
Number of Employees: 50
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Muratec, Epson, Canon
Primary Solutions Offerings: Kyocera Document Solutions, Ademero, DataBank, Biscom, PaperCut, MyQ
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Marlin, Wells Fargo, TIAA Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (22%), print authentication and tracking solutions (25%), systems integration with MFP technology (20%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Copiers Plus was one of the first companies in the southeast to become TDS 2.0 certified through Kyocera.

Three generations of Smith family ownership at Copiers Plus (from left): Drew Smith, director of communications; David Smith, VP of admin; Bob Smith, president; Tim Smith, general manager

Why We Consider Copiers Plus Elite:

  • Subscription savvy. The dealer launched its new PLUS Connections Program that offers troubleshooting and connection services at a low-cost subscription. Some of the services include interface configuration, updating drivers, remote phone support, printer/copier troubleshooting, scanning functions, new workstation print and scan configurations, and operator training.
  • Top takedown. The biggest win for Copiers Plus came via a large MPS deal with a prominent law firm that has multiple locations across the state.
  • Industry honors. Copiers Plus has been named a Premier Dealer Award and Outstanding Technical Performance Award winner by Kyocera for each of the last two years. The dealer also copped GreatAmerica’s Prestige Partner Award during that same time.
  • Employee engagement. The dealer leveraged Dave Ramsey’s EntreLeadership business guidance book to create a weekly report tool. All employees fill out the report, which is reviewed by their manager. Findings are shared in weekly leadership meetings, enabling the dealer to improve the working environment for team members.

Copy-Fax Digital Office Solutions
Virginia Beach, VA
www.copyfaxva.com

Year Founded: 1983
President/Owner: James Serrao (president), Steve Serrao (CFO)
Number of Employees: 37
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Lexmark, Brother, Panasonic, MBM, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Drivve, Prism, ImageTrust, ECI Software, Lexmark
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (40%), wide-format (10%), solutions (10%), shredders (20%), scanners (30%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Copy-Fax concentrated on right-sizing its internal departments and streamlining processes, allowing each employee to work more efficiently, which enhanced productivity.

Executives of Copy-Fax Digital Office Solutions (from left): Jim Serrao, founder; Jay Serrao, president; Sherry Serrao, co-founder; and Steve Serrao, CFO

Why We Consider Copy-Fax Digital Office Solutions Elite:

  • MPS growth. Copy-Fax continues to ride the success of its MPS platform. Its PageSmart Program provides auto toner replenishment and simple fleet management with one rate for color and one for black-and-white, bolstered through the addition of a Pay By Cartridge feature. Under this, clients are charged when a cartridge is automatically shipped, as opposed to paying by the page.
  • Vertical virtuosos. The dealer enjoyed a number of big wins in 2019 across the vertical landscape, securing deals in health care, education, construction/engineering, legal and finance.
  • Marketing evolution. Copy-Fax reaped 12% year-over-year revenue growth on the strength of its marketing evolution. The dealer switched to a hosted Microsoft Office 365 that allows sales, service, management and operations to collaborate and share. As a result, internal time and administrative costs have decreased.
  • Giving and receiving. In addition to assisting numerous local and national charities in its fundraising efforts, Copy-Fax sponsors the local Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council. Also, the dealer won the 2019 Chesterfield County Medium Business of the Year.

Corporate Business Systems
Madison, WI
www.corpbussystems.com

Year Founded: 1998
President/Owner: Mike Blake
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Xerox, Ricoh, HP, Canon, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: Production Print, MPS, Document Workflow Solutions
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Xerox Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (19%), net-new business (28%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Corporate Business Systems is on pace to register its most-successful year in company history.

Corporate Business Systems’ Dan Bowie (left), VP of sales, and Mike Blake, president

Why We Consider Corporate Business Systems Elite:

  • Refined offerings. Corporate Business Systems is constantly evolving its product and service offerings to provide the best-possible experience for customers. One of the reasons for its biggest year to date is the focus on three critical offerings—production printing, document imaging and MPS.
  • Top takedown. The dealer’s biggest win came courtesy of a distributor with national exposure.
  • Striking a balance. President Mike Blake understands the need to foster a working environment that strikes a balance between meeting the needs of the business and the personal lives of the company’s team members. Success in business helps provide a fun environment.
  • Giving spirit. Corporate Business Systems supports non-profit organizations through monetary and office equipment donations. Team members also aid organizations that care for developmentally disabled adults.

Definitive Technology Solutions (DTS)
Bloomington, MN
www.go-dts.com

Year Founded: 2004
President/Owner: Mark Stokes (CEO), Gordon Running (president and COO)
Number of Employees: 35
Primary Vendors: Sharp, HP, Dell, Lenovo
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, PaperCut, Microsoft, Veeam, VMware
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed IT services (78%), net-new business (31%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: DTS celebrated its 15th anniversary and partnered with HP to become a Premier Dealer for its A3 and A4 products.

Definitive Technology Solutions’ Mark Stokes (left), CEO, and Gordon Running, president and COO

Why We Consider Definitive Technology Solutions Elite:

  • Growth strategy. The dealer has developed unique sales programs to help its reps procure net-new business. Its service team ensures client satisfaction throughout the customer experience by exceeding industry service benchmarks.
  • HP-enabled success. DTS teamed with HP to win a contract with a local college to install new HP PageWide MFPs. The deal also includes management of the school’s existing printing environment.
  • Looking Sharp. For the 14th year in a row, DTS captured Sharp’s Hyakuman Kai Elite Award for sales of $5 million. The dealer was also cited by Sharp as a Platinum Level Service Provider.
  • Employee building. DTS offers extensive sales and service training, along with continuing education opportunities through its manufacturers and partners. In addition, DTS focuses on building a great culture through company events, team building and volunteering.

Docugraphics
Charleston, SC
www.docu-graphics.com

Year Founded: 2002
President/Owner: Thomas Fimian
Number of Employees: 36
Primary Vendors: Xerox
Primary Solutions Offerings: Xerox
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Xerox Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $6 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Fleet implementations (25%), services (40%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Docugraphics has been named to the Roaring 20s list of the fastest-growing small companies in South Carolina by SC Biz News.

Thomas Fimian, president of DocuGraphics (second from left), and team members accept the 2019 Roaring 20s award as one of the 20 fastest-growing small companies in South Carolina

Why We Consider Docugraphics Elite:

  • Top-class service. The dealer uses a White Glove Print Services program to bring an MPS approach to organizations of all sizes. The program offers a proactive and workflow-based approach to a client’s print and document workflow environment. Docugraphics analyzes the client’s document workflow and offers comprehensive, customized solutions to improve, manage and innovate complex processes.
  • Contract success. The company’s biggest takedown was a large managed services fleet deal for a major local health care provider.
  • Google reviews. With many purchasing initiatives stemming from Google searches, the dealer encourages its clients to share their experiences with the firm through Google reviews. In fact, Docugraphics incents employees to ensure clients post their reviews. It has proven to be the dealer’s most-successful SEO method, increasing online and call-in requests by more than 40% within 12 months.
  • Clutch support. As the dealer does much of its business within a hurricane-prone section of the southeast, it has provided free machines on loan following weather-related disasters. The company focuses its charitable efforts on local organizations to maximize the benefit to the communities in which it does business.

Electronic Office Systems
Fairfield, NJ
www.eosnj.com

Year Founded: 1983
President/Owner: Andrew Ritschel
Number of Employees: 39
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Ricoh, KIP, HP, Polycom, Neopost, Fujitsu, Canon, ShredPro
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Hyland
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, TIAA Bank, CIT, LEAF, U.S. Bank, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Video, telecom, document/content workflow (500%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Electronic Office Systems installed an industry-modified version of Salesforce CRM.

Electronic Office Systems executives (from left): John Learn, service manager; Andrew Ritschel, president/owner; Sean Stoddard, general manager

Why We Consider Electronic Office Systems Elite:

  • Marketing success. The dealer employs a wide variety of measures for reaching out to and engaging clients. They include, but are not limited to, authoring subject-matter-expert articles for publications, social media touches, authoring blogs, participation in networking groups, trade shows, chambers of commerce event participation and speaking engagements.
  • Schooling competition. Electronic Office Systems took over the printing and copying needs of a large public-school system.
  • Employee pinpointing. Adhering to the philosophy that it can train to the skill sets and knowledge required for the job, Electronic Office Systems hires for attitude and cultural fit. Management cultivates an open-door policy and avoids departmental/executive silos.
  • Making a difference. The dealership is actively involved in helping shape the laws and politics of New Jersey. The company donates to all of its non-profit clients and their fundraising missions. Paid college internships are also available.

Elite Imaging Systems
Troy, MI
www.eliteimagingsystems.com

Year Founded: 1994
President/Owner: David Snyder
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Kyocera Copystar, Canon
Primary Solutions Offerings: Kyocera apps, PaperCut, GoldFax, DataBank
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo, DLL, TIAA Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Hardware (31%), software (96%), service and supplies (11%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Elite Imaging Systems relocated its headquarters to a 12,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Troy, Michigan, and opened a satellite sales office in Detroit.

Team Elite

Why We Consider Elite Imaging Systems Elite:

  • Sales competitions. To strengthen its focus on net-new business, the dealer has devised a number of contests and programs. For example, COPI (constant ongoing pipeline initiative) assigns points to the items that are sold under net-new categories. This has created a friendly-yet-competitive environment among the sales staff.
  • Top takedowns. Some of the biggest wins for Elite Imaging Systems include national and global automotive suppliers and a major health care provider in the Midwest.
  • OEM kudos. Elite Imaging Systems has been recognized as a Copystar Elite dealer for the past 12 years. During the past three years, it has ranked third in sales for the country with Kyocera/Copystar.
  • Team players. The dealer has fostered a team atmosphere built on mutual support. From barbecues to luncheons and team-building events, Elite Imaging Systems keeps everyone loose and relaxed.

GoodSuite
Woodland Hills, CA
www.goodsuite.com

Year Founded: 1998
President/Owner: Dan Strull
Number of Employees: 33
Primary Vendors: Sharp, HP, Canon
Primary Solutions Offerings: Datto, Pax8, Continuum, Drivve
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $6 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Hardware, IT
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: In a year when the dealership rebranded from Copier Headquarters to GoodSuite, it also acquired two dealerships and created a second sales team.

GoodSuite executives (from left): Paul Cooper, president; Brent Portera, director of managed services; Dan Strull, founder and CEO; Stuart Fratkin, executive vice president

Why We Consider GoodSuite Elite:

  • New name. As the company was exploring options to rename itself, the customer base was canvassed to learn more about how they viewed the dealership. It was a learning experience with several surprising (but positive) takeaways. The discovery process helped form the basis for GoodSuite’s We Know You campaign.
  • Service success. The dealer takes a proactive approach to service and takes pride in its sub-two-hour response times that have elevated its Net Promoter Score to an all-time high.
  • Culture-building. GoodSuite truly lives by its core values, which entail treating employees and external customers equally. Its Living is Giving core value emphasizes the need to give of one’s time and efforts as opposed to merely making a monetary donation.
  • Open hearts. The dealer’s employees participate in buying and building Battalion Buddy bears that are given to the children of recently deployed military personnel. Employees are given two paid days off to work within their communities on various charitable projects. Also, employees are encouraged to pay for meals/coffee for any first responders that they see in the community. They are reimbursed for the good deed, but told not to mention which company they work for, as giving is more important than recognition.

Image Matters
Knoxville, TN
www.imagemattersinc.com

Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: JD Sullivan (president), Bob Lovelace (vice president)
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Xerox, HP, Brother, Muratec, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Xerox, HP, PaperCut, Kofax
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $7-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Enterprise, commercial printing (30%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Image Matters celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019.

Why We Consider Image Matters Elite:

  • SEO strategy. The dealer continues to expand its SEO-based marketing efforts, which have been merged into its CRM system for long-term relationship campaigns. In a nod to legacy marketing, Image Matters continues to emphasize its partnerships with local drive time and sports-radio broadcasters to maintain brand awareness within the community.
  • Top contract. Image Matters hauled down an ongoing solution with a manufacturing organization that resulted in 250-plus new MIFs and an organization-wide security suite to control information scanning and output control.
  • Industry recognition. An eight-time ENX Elite Dealer, Image Matters is a past Xerox MPS Dealer of the Year and Platinum Channel Partner, as well as a GreatAmerica Premier Dealer.
  • Community caring. The Image Matters team works with Pond Gap Elementary School and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in campaigns to support children for Christmas while receiving treatment.

Image Systems for Business, Inc.
Somerset, NJ
www.imagesysgroup.com

Year Founded: 1987
President/Owner: Art Schwartz
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Xerox, Lexmark, HP, Epson
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Square 9
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Image Systems for Business enjoys a 97.3% customer-retention rate that reflects upon the company as a whole.

Image Systems executives (from left): Michael Schwartz, Susan Schwartz, Art Schwartz

Why We Consider Image Systems for Business Elite:

  • Familiar faces. The dealer’s success in providing an extraordinary customer experience can be traced to its level of familiarity with clients and the confidence earned by Image Systems for Business. Clients are acquainted with team members on a first-name basis, solidified by the firm’s 32 years of client satisfaction.
  • Paying dividends. During 2019, Image Systems for Business sold and implemented a six-figure hardware and software solution to a regional bank with nearly 20 locations. It featured Konica Minolta hardware and PaperCut cost accounting with secure release. The contract was won despite a competing bid that was significantly lower from a cost standpoint.
  • Tee time. Since golf is the unofficial yet often-acknowledged sport of the business world (and a great venue to conduct business), Image Systems for Business held an executive golf outing that included 28 hand-picked prospects and clients.
  • Tenured excellence. More than 40% of the company’s staff has been on board for 10-plus years. In addition, with few exceptions, the dealer doesn’t outsource any job functions to third-party providers.

Laser Options – A Flex Technology Group Company
Phoenix, AZ
www.laseroptionsinc.com
www.flextg.com

Year Founded: 1993
President/Owner: Corey Rivard (vice president)
Number of Employees: 50
Primary Vendors: HP, Canon, Sharp, Lanier, Toshiba, OKI Data
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, DocuWare, PaperCut, Virtual Data Partners, KIP, Fujitsu, NeoPost
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo, Citi, TIAA Bank, U.S. Bank, LEAF, Canon Financial Services, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS, professional services, production printing
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Laser Options and ProCopy Office Solutions centralized branding, services and support in Tucson, Arizona, to Action Imaging Group.

Why We Consider Laser Options Elite:

  • Valued partner. Laser Options sees its business through the eyes of customers and develops or sources solutions to assist them with achieving greater productivity and efficiency.
  • Customer success. Among the top takedowns for Laser Options were significant deals in the retail, legal and health care verticals.
  • Industry kudos. The dealer has earned a spot on the Inc. 500/5000 list multiple times. It has also been named one of the Top 10 Office Equipment Distributors and one of the Top 25 Manufacturers in Arizona.
  • Community support. Laser Options identifies non-profit organizations to support as a departmental team and creates team-building activities around it. Employees are given a paid day off to dedicate toward a charity of choice.

Martin Group
Lake Geneva, WI
www.martingroup.com

Year Founded: 1980
President/Owner: John Stensland
Number of Employees: 20
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta
Primary Solutions Offerings: OneSource, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Municipal Capital
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Software sales
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Martin Group recognized a need for more structure and resources to be available to its consultants, so the dealership hired a new sales manager and assistant.

Why We Consider Martin Group Elite:

  • Signs of success. After refreshing the look of its website, proposal and sales-document branding a year ago, Martin Group has turned its attention to updating its building sign and technician vehicles. The consistency will help solidify the corporate branding initiative.
  • Client rebound. One of the more satisfying deals of the year was a buying group client procured 20 years ago that saw some members snared away by a competitor four years ago, lured by the promise of better equipment and service. Fast-forward to earlier this year, the Martin Group meets with the client, finds out the promises made weren’t kept, and wins the client back. The incumbent tried lowering prices, but was rebuffed when the client said it preferred Martin Group’s level of service.
  • Planet friendly. Mindful of the abundance of waste that can be produced when operating a fleet of copiers (empty toner bottles, full waste toner bottles, old imaging units/drums) the dealer has fully embraced Konica Minolta’s free Clean Planet recycling program. Martin Group’s client consultants have worked to enroll customers into it, and the company also affixes stickers on its devices to remind them to utilize the program.
  • Community support. The dealer sponsors local sports teams and non-profit organizations, as well as local schools and their fundraising efforts. Martin Group also donates equipment to community events and local organizations, such as Agape House, a home for abused or distressed girls.

Millennium Business Systems
Livonia, MI
www.2millennium.com

Year Founded: 1997
President/Owner: Michael Neu
Number of Employees: 39
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Xerox, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Toshiba- and Xerox-embedded solutions
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Hardware, MPS
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Millennium doubled the size of its sales team and was on track to record its most-profitable year ever.

Millennium Business Systems executives (from left): Ryan Neu, sales manager; Jason Waidmann, senior account executive; Tony Wichmann, senior account executive; Angela Neu Wichmann, general manager

Why We Consider Millennium Business Systems Elite:

  • Bonus discounts. Millennium’s new non-profit program provides deep discounts for schools, churches and other 501 3(c) organizations. Its “give a printer, get a printer” trade-in program has dramatically increased printer MIF and MPS clicks.
  • In-house printing. If a client’s machine is down and Millennium cannot fix it, the dealer will run their jobs in its new in-house print shop.
  • Team culture. When Millennium’s sales team reaches its quarterly goal, they get to enjoy an outing of their choice. The company uses its own version of the Olympics, as employees compete to win the gold medal in a team-building event.
  • Backing clients. Millennium gets behind many of the causes championed by its non-profit clients, including golf tournaments, fundraisers and various annual events.

On Demand Incorporated
Houston, TX
www.ondemandhouston.com

Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Michael Gray
Number of Employees: 20
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Sharp, MBM, Martin Yale, Pitney Bowes, Epson
Primary Solutions Offerings: Drivve, PaperCut, Satori, ecoprintQ
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL, Marlin, TIAA Bank, CIT, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Color copiers (175%), document management (180%), Pitney Bowes (125%), inkjet (150%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: On Demand expanded its office space to accommodate growth in its sales department.

On Demand President Michael Gray (center) accepts the award for his company being named to the Houston Business Journal’s “2019 Fast 100” list of fastest-growing companies

Why We Consider On Demand Incorporated Elite:

  • Banner performance. On Demand allows its partner school and non-profit organizations to use its copiers for banner printing.
  • Biggest takedown. One of the dealer’s biggest wins was a national occupational medicine provider with more than 50 locations.
  • Customer convenience. In order to simplify doing business with the company, On Demand created a customer portal through its website that allows users to request service and supplies, as well as view and pay invoices.
  • Charitable efforts. Among the organizations supported by On Demand are the City of Hope and Knights of Columbus. The dealer is also active in the Houston Postal Consumer Council.

Pearson-Kelly Technology
Springfield, MO
www.pearsonkelly.com

Year Founded: 2002
President/Owner: Mike Kelly (CEO), Chelsey Bode (president)
Number of Employees: 39
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Kyocera Copystar, HP, Dell, Fortinet, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, Biscom, PaperCut, All Covered, Kofax, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Datto
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed IT (1,300%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Pearson-Kelly Technology posted 23% employee growth in a highly competitive job market with historically low unemployment.

Pearson-Kelly Technology’s leadership team (shown from left): Ed Fluharty, Zach Efaw, Charles Johnston, Ryan Glidewell, Chelsey Bode, Mike Kelly, Krislyn West, LaVada Carnahan, Lee Flood

Why We Consider Pearson-Kelly Technology Elite:

  • Workplace now. Pearson-Kelly initiated an omni-channel marketing campaign that focused on the “Workplace of the Now,” a twist on Konica Minolta’s Workplace of the Future platform. The campaign combined print, social, and digital marketing efforts encouraging businesses to utilize technology for both employee retention and satisfaction while driving company profits. By incorporating these technologies into their own operations, Pearson-Kelly underscored the “eat what you cook” philosophy.
  • Cracking windows. In one of its biggest deals, Pearson-Kelly performed a complete Windows 7 replacement, including logistics planning and deployment, for a large regional health care provider.
  • Website refresh. The dealer did an overhaul of its website to better emphasize calls to action and illustrate that its services are applicable to any environment. The site rebrand also helped simplify making calls for service, supply orders and sales requests.
  • Culture club. Pearson-Kelly’s corporate culture is held high in regard throughout the organization. Starting with its hiring practices, the dealer ensures top candidates are chosen on culture fit as well as qualifications. Candidates are walked through a process that includes company tours, meet and greets, personality profiles and interviews, giving Pearson-Kelly a deeper dive into how they might fit in with the corporate culture.

Premier Business Products
Troy, MI
www.premier-business.com

Year Founded: 1982
President/Owner: Craig Zimmerman
Number of Employees: 42
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Toshiba, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Vendor provided solutions
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, LEAF, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $9 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (11%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Premier Business Products hit its mark with every vendor’s quota.

Premier Business Products executives (from left): Jim Berry, VP of new business development; Diana Miller, VP of administration; and Craig Zimmerman, president

Why We Consider Premier Business Products Elite:

  • Operators standing by. While the dealer uses just one email address, it covers all issues a client may have, and it’s backed by a 60-second response to all requests.
  • Better mousetrap. Unhappy with the performance of a national provider, a non-profit health care client turned to Premier Business Products for a multi-brand solution that included 62 units.
  • Team-building. Diana Miller, Premier’s vice president of admin, schedules monthly events to foster unity among employees.
  • Community support. The dealership has donated 33 machines to various non-profit organizations in 2019. Its employees also donate their time with their clients’ food programs.

Quality Business Solutions
Baltimore, MD
www.copyquality.com

Year Founded: 2001
President/Owner: Jerry DiMartino
Number of Employees: 55
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Konica Minolta, FP Mailing, MBM, HP, Dell, Sangoma
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Kofax, Prism, Labtech, ECI Solutions, Soaring CRM, Square 9
Primary Leasing Partners: In-house leasing, DLL, TIAA Bank, Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Konica Minolta production press equipment (75%), IT Services (70%), website development (50%), FP Postage mailing solutions (40%), document management software (35%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Quality Business Solutions has installed more high-volume press equipment and telecom solutions through its expanded relationship with Konica Minolta.

Quality Business Solutions’ leadership team. Front row (from left): Janey DiMartino, CFO; Christina DiMartino, admin manger; Jerry DiMartino, CEO. Back row: Anthony DiMartino, accountant; Joseph DiMartino, sales manager

Why We Consider Quality Business Solutions (QBS) Elite:

  • Comprehensive solutions. Customers like that they can get a diverse range of products and services from QBS—from website design to IT support, telecom and postal solutions, all under one roof.
  • Top score. QBS’ biggest takedown was a Maryland business, a wide-ranging deal that included IT services, mailing solutions, press equipment, office copiers/printers and website design. All told, it represented a $500,000 revenue solution.
  • Big on Baltimore. Being locally owned and operated gives QBS a leg up on the Baltimore market, particularly with customers in need of one to 100 machines. Providing personalized service, as opposed to chasing 1,000-unit installs, is the dealer’s calling card.
  • Giving back. QBS has long been a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The firm also donates to Baltimore-area non-profit groups and furnishes complimentary equipment to underprivileged Maryland schools.

Southwest Copy Systems Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
www.southwestcopy.com

Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Michael Contois (president), Dorothy Contois (vice president)
Number of Employees: 32
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Sharp, HP, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, XMedius, Intermedia Solutions, VoIP phones
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS, A4 (30%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Southwest Copy Systems continues to develop and expand its IT department.

Why We Consider Southwest Copy Systems Elite:

  • Building brand. Since becoming an HP Premier Dealer, Southwest Copy Systems now offers only OEM solutions to all of its managed print services clients.
  • Major takedowns. Southwest Copy Systems continues to expand its reach within the education vertical, eclipsing 30% growth over the past two years.
  • Family feeling. Even as the company continues to grow, it strives to ensure a family culture is maintained. It fosters an open-door policy for employees to discuss matters of a personal or professional nature.
  • Helping hands. The dealer supports a number of charitable organizations, including Catholic Charities of New Mexico and the Children’s Cancer Center. In addition, Southwest Copy Systems donates tickets for minor league baseball games to more than 15 non-profit entities.

Stone’s Office Equipment
Richmond, VA
www.stonesoffice.com

Year Founded: 1970
President/Owner: Sam Stone (president), Mike Berry (vice president), Tina Berry (secretary)
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Lexmark, Epson, FP Mailing
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Square 9
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Hardware (35%), board displays (30%), managed services (25%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Stone’s Office Equipment posted a Net Promoter Score of 97.83, ranking it eighth in North America according to CEO Juice.

The leadership and family owners of Stone’s Office Equipment (from left): Mike Berry, Tina Berry, Sam Stone

Why We Consider Stone’s Office Equipment Elite:

  • MPS overhaul. The company reinvented its MPS platform during 2019, replacing its 10-year-old program with technological advances. A product technology specialist was hired to address client needs as well.
  • Contract success. Stone’s Office Equipment continues to flourish among its medical and legal clientele. The dealer had three significant wins that encompassed copiers, printers and display boards.
  • Partner kudos. In the past year alone, Stone’s Office Equipment was recognized by Sharp with the Hyakuman Kai Award and by Lexmark for outstanding sales. It was named a Prestige Partner by GreatAmerica and a Gold Partner by U.S. Bank.
  • “A Day in May”. The dealer’s charitable campaign benefits a number of organizations, including The Jillian Fund, the Cameron Gallagher Foundation, Henrico Police Foundation and Virginia State Police Association.

The Swenson Group (TSG)
Livermore, CA
www.theswensongroup.com

Dean Swenson

Year Founded: 1993
President/Owner: Dean Swenson
Number of Employees: 22
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Square 9, Prism
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, TIAA Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $8.5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed network services (15%), MFPs (28%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The Swenson Group held a customer appreciation event at a local winery in conjunction with its 25th anniversary.

The Swenson Group hosted a customer appreciation event at a local winery to celebrate its 25th anniversary

Why We Consider The Swenson Group (TSG) Elite:

  • Best in class. TSG has the highest Net Promoter Score for both customer satisfaction and customer retention in its marketplace. Its performance is used as a marketing tool for prospects.
  • Education success. The year’s top takedown was a private college, a deal which included multiple MFPs and a “follow me” print solution that allows students and faculty to securely print and release jobs anywhere on campus.
  • Top honors. For the 12th consecutive year, TSG received Konica Minolta’s Pro-Tech Service Distinction Award. The dealer was chosen an All Covered Top 3 Managed Network Services Dealer and garnered the GreatAmerica Dealer of Distinction Award.
  • Customer support. As non-profit organizations represent the company’s largest vertical market share, TSG enjoys company-wide participation in client fundraisers such as walkathons, casino nights, crab feeds and golf tournaments. TSG also supports victims of area fires, Wounded Warriors/Blue Angels Foundations and The Jillian Fund.

U.S. Business Systems, Inc.
Elkhart, IN
www.usbus.com

Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Michael Kidd
Number of Employees: 32
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Lenovo
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, PaperCut, Datto, Autotask, Kyocera apps
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $6.2 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (305%), aftermarket supplies (127%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: U.S. Business Systems was named Business of the Year for 2018 by the Elkhart County Chamber of Commerce.

Why We Consider U.S. Business Systems Elite:

  • Spreading the word. While U.S. Business Systems prides itself on having loyal clients, it also values the monthly business it receives courtesy of customer referrals. The dealer has a good track record for retaining clients.
  • Going wider. U.S. Business Systems expanded the business with a banking client it had acquired the previous year by providing scanners, check printing units and thermal printers.
  • Charity marketing. The dealer created a “Supporting Our Communities” marketing piece which speaks to the company’s core value of good citizenship. U.S. Business Systems donates a portion of its sales proceeds to a different organization every quarter.
  • Community support. In addition to the marketing piece and quarterly donation initiative (benefitting agencies such as Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, Council on Aging and CASA), U.S. Business Systems provides paid time off for employees to donate toward a charity of their choice.

United Office Systems, Inc.
Marietta, GA
www.unitedos.com

Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Michael Walsh
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Square 9, Dispatcher
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (50%), A4 equipment (20%), solutions software (20%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: United Office Systems captured the Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Service Excellence award for the 12th year in a row.

United Office Systems executives (from left): Michael Walsh, president; Michelle Daniel, VP; David Harding, director of service

Why We Consider United Office Systems Elite:

  • Web optimization. United Office Systems hired a third-party SEO specialist to implement and manage its website optimization efforts.
  • Top takedown. The dealer’s biggest win came courtesy of a large transportation company with more than 50 offices across the country. The deal included new MFPs for each office, dedicated scanners and an MPS program to support all of their printers at their corporate and branch offices.
  • Sales surge. The company hired an inside business development representative to develop net-new business opportunities for the outside sales reps.
  • Employee empowerment. United Office Systems fosters a client-first environment that encourages employees to make critical decisions for the company, which generates long-lasting relationships with customers.

UTEC
Ann Arbor, MI
www.utecit.com

Year Founded: 2008
President/Owner: Kevin Van Kannel
Number of Employees: 48
Primary Vendors: Sharp, FP Mailing, Formax, Epson, Muratec, Microsoft, Kyocera, Lenovo, Dell, HP, Copystar
Primary Solutions Offerings: Industry Weapon, Datto, Cylance, Microsoft, Infrascale, ECI Software, Micas, Jive, PaperCut, Prism, Clarity Voice, FP Mailing, FlexMail, QTrack
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL, UniFi, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $8 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Net-new customers
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: UTEC acquired Digital Office Solutions, which represents the Kyocera line. The deal significantly increased its customer base and expanded its geographic territory.

UTEC’s IT help desk team (from left): Help Desk Manager Steve Panoff and IT technicians Beth Ann Campbell, Nick Falzetti, Aarron Russeau, Tim Marusca

Why We Consider UTEC Elite:

  • Par excellence. UTEC was named the official MFP technology provider for the Rocket Mortgage Classic PGA event. The deal spans the length of Rocket Mortgage’s five-year accord with the PGA. For its part, UTEC placed equipment in the media center and tour offices while providing technicians throughout the tournament.
  • Educated success. The dealer renewed five-year agreements with multiple school districts. UTEC placed 120 new machines within the districts, fortified with Sharp’s G-Suite technology that comes standard on its advanced series machines.
  • Family friendly. Extending flexibility to attend youth events or care for a sick child is part of UTEC’s commitment to creating an attractive working environment. Company lunches and barbecues enable employees to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed environment, and UTEC’s facility includes a gym and a 165” video wall that is used for parties and other events.
  • Community awareness. UTEC extends a helping hand to numerous non-profit organizations, including Ele’s Place, The ChadTough Foundation, SafeHouse Center, Washtenaw 100, Ypsilanti Proud and 826 Michigan.

Vision Office Systems, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
www.visionofficesystems.com
www.vosupstate.com

Year Founded: 1997
President/Owner: Fred R. Habbal
Number of Employees: 40
Primary Vendors: Canon, Muratec, Sharp, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, Canon
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Printers (50%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Vision Office Systems has expanded its product lineup through Sharp with AQUOS BOARDs and commercial displays.

Vision Office Systems executives Fred Habbal (left) and Jason Habbal

Why We Consider Vision Office Systems Elite:

  • Sports marketing. Vision Office Systems sponsored the PGA Korn Ferry Tour’s BMW Pro Am event, which provided clients and employees the opportunity to interact in a social setting while watching the next generation of golfers. The dealer also partnered with FCS Nation Radio to sponsor its pregame show.
  • Healthy growth. One of the top wins was a health care facility in need of an equipment refresh. The dealer widened the overall solution by adding Sharp’s AQUOS BOARDs to patient rooms, which allows physicians to show x-rays and other tests, and provides the ability to write on the board.
  • Industry kudos. In addition to receiving GreatAmerica’s Premier Dealer Award, Vision Office Systems won Canon’s Outstanding Achievement Award.
  • Making a difference. For the past nine years, the dealer has provided financial support to the Lake Wylie Children’s Charity, which benefits families with children facing life-threatening illnesses.

WCC Business Solutions
Clearwater, FL
www.wccbs.com

Year Founded: 1976
President/Owner: Gordy Link Jr.
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Ricoh
Primary Solutions Offerings: ICE, PaperCut, Streamline, Global Scan, Informa, ICore Connect
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank, LEAF, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Imaging (30%), aftermarket (12%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: WCC Business Solutions placed greater emphasis on customer retention during 2019 and exceeded its expectations.

WCC Business Solutions team members

Why We Consider WCC Business Solutions Elite:

  • Referral program. WCC Business Solutions implemented this new effort, offering a $250 Visa gift card for referring clients.
  • Growing base. In addition to its focus on client retention, WCC Business Solutions continued to add new customers to its base month after month.
  • Tech talk. The dealer holds quarterly technology events in its showroom. Vendors, clients and prospects are all invited to learn how WCC’s equipment integrates with its software and solutions.
  • Total transparency. WCC Business Solutions is up-front with its employee base about how the organization is performing via sharing financials with them during quarterly meetings. This helps team members better understand how they contribute to achieving the company’s goals.
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