Passion is what gets people moving in the morning. It’s a trait that makes the workday feel like anything but a grind. It’s not only admirable and enviable, it’s also contagious. It also breeds success.
These are qualities that accurately portray Scott Stahl. The COO of Novatech directs that passion toward both his team members and the clients that have driven the success of the dealership. Stahl sees the potential in both, and does everything in his power to help them push to even greater heights.
“I want to push each of our employees to be the best they can be and drive our company to the level of success I know we can obtain,” said Stahl, a 2025 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “I try to treat everyone like family and elevate their performance through teamwork and giving them the tools they need to get there.”
That selfless attitude applies to every aspect of Stahl’s life. He’s driven to create a better life for his family, and his Novatech siblings rate a close second.
“Seeing them succeed fills my heart and I want to do everything I can to help them along the way,” he added.
The office technology sector was not a blip on the radar when he entered the job market. But after 10 years as an operations manager in the transportation and logistics services sector, Stahl opted for a career change. In his early 30s, he went back to school to attain a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
With the sheepskin in hand, Stahl let his copier rep know that he was looking for an accounting position. The rep recommended him to the owners of ASI Business Solutions, without Stahl’s knowledge, and they invited him in for an interview. That was the genesis of what would be a 10-year career at ASI, culminating with the VP of finance role.
Taking Flight
Stahl has enjoyed valuable guidance from key mentors in every step of his career. Ken Copeland and Scott Wiggins of ASI ushered him into the industry. Copeland showed Stahl the ins and outs of dealing with sales reps and helping them become more successful, while Wiggins introduced him to the financial model for the industry.
“Scott always pushed me to think bigger and better,” Stahl noted.
Another key influencer, also in the news this week for his transition from CEO to board member, is Dan Cooper. Stahl met Cooper after ASI was acquired by Global Imaging Systems in 2016. Cooper would provide him with a wider perspective of financials, and the notion that Stahl wouldn’t have all the answers. Cooper left GIS and joined Novatech in 2019, and Stahl followed suit.
“After coming to Novatech, I learned a totally different side to Dan,” Stahl noted. “He taught me more about this business, and all business, than I could have ever imagined. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance and mentorship.”
One of the biggest projects for Stahl and Co. came to fruition last September, when Novatech’s ownership shifted from Trivest to Perpetual Capital. Ushering through the transaction was an 18-month process, and in the end it marked a shift from traditional private equity to family office—a long-term approach focused on growing and developing both the company and its team members.
It’s another aspect of business that has made his experience with the dealership even more worthwhile since coming aboard in 2019. “Joining Novatech has been the most rewarding time of my professional career,” Stahl said. “Being part of the transformation of the company and the growth we have achieved is awesome.”
Sales Enablement
Moving forward, Stahl will be looking to improve his team’s processes while advancing the overall objectives for Novatech. One is continuing to build upon the dealer’s brand, while also enabling the sales team to enjoy consistent success.
“We are consistently working to automate as much of the sales cycle as possible and give them the data needed to create more deals,” he said.
On the home front, Stahl and his wife, Shelly, have been married for six years and have five children ranging in age from 21 to 32. His daughter is set to graduate next spring, which will be a momentous occasion. Back in May, the Stahls celebrated the birth of their first grandchild. As empty nesters, they enjoy traveling. Outside of enjoying family time, he loves working on his golf game and spending time on the course with friends.
