Imagine learning how to shoot a basketball and having Michael Jordan teach you. Getting investment lessons from Warren Buffett. Or picture having Robert DeNiro talk to you about the finer points of acting.
Unless you’ve been living on a deserted island until recently, these are all individuals who need no introduction. Most of us will never have the advantage of getting pointers from someone at the top of their profession. But for the lucky few like Jon Dunkelberger, having one of the office technology industry’s heavy hitters explain the ins and outs of the business is a rare and golden opportunity.
Dunkelberger was just cutting his industry teeth with a company called IKON Office Solutions when he was invited to lunch outdoors in Malvern, Pennsylvania. His lunch partner? Mike Dudek. The Mike Dudek of Zygoquest Group, the dean of office technology mergers and acquisitions, who has presided over more than 600 transactions during a storied 40+-year career. At the time, Dudek was the vice president of finance for IKON, a $5.5 billion empire. In fact, Dunkelberger reported to Dudek.
“I remember sitting with him at lunch one day and he said, ‘OK, I’m going to explain this business to you,’” noted Dunkelberger, a 2026 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “And he did it in like two minutes! I was able to get it. Here’s a strategy guy, talking about the business at a high level, and he was able to make it work from a very detailed, low level. Anyone who knows Mike can appreciate what it means.”
Notable Influences
Dunkelberger enjoyed a number of strong influences who imparted invaluable knowledge, people like Dennis LeStrange (an executive chairman at BlueCrest and another IKON finance pro) who shared insights into being successful. Then there was Paul Ferradino, a former Ricoh vice president now in the packaging industry, who shared a great book title to help Dunkelberger gain insights into solution selling.
Being on the receiving end of valuable knowledge has helped shaped a successful career spanning nearly 27 years at Ricoh. He graduated from Susquehanna University with a BS in finance and attained an MBA from Shippensburg University, and has fashioned a strong sales curriculum vitae on the regional and national level for Ricoh. And Dunkelberger is certainly paying it forward as an adjunct professor, teaching classes in sales strategy at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.
“I love the opportunity to coach aspiring sales professionals,” he said. “I always try to get engaged a couple times per week with a sales professional that’s just getting started, and I like to help dealers onboard their sales reps. Every time I’m on a phone call or in person with someone impressionable who is just starting out, we’ll do a little lesson and I’ll offer suggestions. I hear back from people who say my suggestion worked or that they’re still trying. Those are the kind of things that bring me joy.”
Constantly Learning
However, Dunkelberger does not see himself as a finished product. He’s worked with a mentor, Dane Dunston, a speech coach who helps with writing and presentation delivery. Dunkelberger also takes cues from Chris Glover, who works on Ricoh’s dealer division side. The pair struck up a friendship and offer each other feedback. It’s Glover’s approach to presenting that makes him a compelling role model.
“It’s an example of watching what other people do and appreciating how good they are at it,” Dunkelberger added. “I then try to find my own way to utilize [their style].”
On the home front, Jon and Linda Dunkelberger consider themselves nomads who enjoy moving to new communities and molding homes to suit their taste. The happy couple have 28-year-old twin boys who are thriving in their young careers. Not surprisingly, Dunkelberger loves when they ask for advice and he can impart his life’s experiences. He loves to fish, golf and travel, and has a passion for rescue dogs. He especially loves doing sales instruction at the Darla Moore School of Business, where he can challenge the students, and vice versa.
“The people I’ve had in classes over the last five years are now influencers that companies like ours have to work with out in the business world,” Dunkelberger added. “It’s been very helpful and rewarding.”
The high school version of me wanted to be a: Banker
Celebrities you have met: Julius Irving, Dr. J
Favorite book or movie: Theodore Roosevelt biography (book) and “Last of the Mohicans” (movie)
Favorite food: Pepperoni Pizza
Person you’d most like to meet: John Kruk
Dream vacation destination: Greek Islands
Guilty pleasure: Micro brews Most prized possession: Signed Philadelphia Eagles jacket
