Jason Habbal, Vision Office Systems
Jason Habbal has a pretty good idea of the value that hard work and dedication can provide. Having watched his father, Fred, toil for hours upon hours to grow Vision Office Systems (VOS) of Charlotte, NC, from a concept at the kitchen table to a resounding success within a 20-year span, Jason Habbal couldn’t have asked for a better roadmap. Or a more worthy inspiration.
The vice president of sales for VOS, Habbal has fully immersed himself into the family business with a passion that comes through clear to employees and customers. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I eat, sleep, drink and breathe this business,” notes Habbal, a 2018 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “I want to be as knowledgeable about our industry trends and current events as possible to help clients make the right decisions.”
A career in the office technology industry was pretty much a fait accompli for Habbal. He joined VOS as a sales rep upon graduating from college, wanting to add to the legacy and success story that his father started. He relishes the opportunity to support both VOS’ sales reps and clients.
“In my current role, I’m able to help our sales reps serve our many customers and help them reach their personal goals,” he said. “Another rewarding aspect is that our clients put their trust in me to handle their office technology. I still get just as excited today when we bring on a new client as I did my first over a decade ago.”
That hard work carries its own reward is certainly not lost on Habbal. The examples of business success that he’s witnessed has only further underscored his resolve. “I love the quote, ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get,’” he said. “There is no secret to success, except determination and hard work.”
Habbal is an ardent supporter of the “buy local” movement, and he follows that mantra as a consumer and a businessman. He would rather circulate money within the local economy than support national and international conglomerates, a stance many people within his network find endearing. This reciprocal relationship enables him to forge deep ties within the business community.
However, Habbal’s business community is expanding. In March of 2017, VOS—which had long contemplated an expansion—set the wheels in motion to open Vision Office Systems of South Carolina, its third facility. While the paint has barely dried on the new facility, Habbal notes the dealership has already made tremendous inroads into upstate South Carolina.
Parallel to that continued expansion is VOS’ plan to roll out an MNS program in the coming months that will enable it to go deeper and wider into existing accounts. New market expansion is a continued goal as the dealership sets its sights on 2019.
Finding quality personnel to follow through on these initiatives is an ongoing priority, according to Habbal. “From a management perspective, we have to develop our salespeople to ensure they have the knowledge to help clients as their businesses evolve,” he added.
Jason Habbal and his wife, Malea, have three children—a 6-year-old daughter and 3-year-old twins (boy and girl). In his free time, Habbal enjoys golfing, relaxing on the lake, hunting and traveling. The western U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean are among his favorite destination spots.
