Elite Dealers 2017: $10 Million to $20 Million

ASI Business Solutions
Dallas, TX
www.asibiz.com

  • Year Founded: 1989
  • President/Owner: Ken Copeland
  • Number of Employees: 55
  • Primary Vendors: Xerox, Lexmark, KIP, FP Mailing, Fujitsu, MBM, HP
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Ademero, Advanced Capture, FollowMe, EFI, Print Audit, Nuance, MPS
  • Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, GreatAmerica, EverBank, Wells Fargo
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $12 to $14 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Color MFPs (18%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: ASI was acquired by Global Imaging Systems (GIS), A Xerox Company, enabling it to provide that vendor’s hardware and software solutions.

From left: Scott Daniels, area sales manager; Scott Stahl, vice president of finance; Ken Copeland, president; Janel L. Dickey, director of talent acquisition and human resources; Scott Wiggins, executive vice president; Doug Young, vice president of service; David Downs, area sales manager; Frank Abbott, field service manager

Why We Consider ASI Business Solutions Elite:

  • Service philosophy. Culture is a major point of differentiation for ASI, which has embraced the 212° Service philosophy. This philosophy promotes 10 rules for creating a service culture, one in which employees come first and feel empowered to make good business decisions while serving their coworkers and customers on behalf of the company.
  • Spread the word. ASI Business Solutions took a direct approach to encourage its customers to leave positive reviews on Google through an incentive program for both its customers and sales representatives. Over the course of 90 days, the dealer was able to increase its total Google reviews from two to 18, exponentially increasing its overall rating.
  • Social media expansion. The dealer has leveraged social media to build brand awareness and create more exposure for its products and services. Since the beginning of 2017, ASI Business Solutions has witnessed a 57 percent increase in Facebook impressions, a 66 percent bump on LinkedIn and a 38 percent rise for Twitter. The initiative has enabled the dealer to reach more prospects while painting a picture of what ASI is about.
  • Valuable feedback. ASI implemented a Lost Proposal Survey that has helped provide information regarding the customer’s buying experience. It is geared toward prospects that did not accept the dealer’s proposal. It has provided insightful data to help train sales representatives, review pricing procedures and enhance its offerings.
  • Community caring. ASI makes charitable donations to a number of nonprofit organizations through Entrepreneurs for North Texas, which assists companies in harnessing the power of their corporate assets through philanthropy and community programs in order to serve social needs while meeting corporate objectives. The dealer participates in different drives throughout the year and encourage employees to donate school supplies, clothing, food and toys to people in need within the community.

Business Complete Solutions (BCS)
Poway, CA
www.bc.solutions

Keith Justus, President

  • Year Founded: 2002
  • President/Owner: Keith Justus
  • Number of Employees: 57
  • Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Konica Minolta, OKI Data, Muratec, KIP, HP
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, Prism, Objectif Lune, Microsoft, Nuance, EFI, MPS, MNS, VOIP solutions, cloud storage, management/disaster recovery
  • Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, Leaf
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10+ million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: IT services (20%), hardware (45%), service (35%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: BCS acquired CopyFax technologies in Orange County, CA, which had been in business for more than 30 years. This acquisition allowed BCS to expand its footprint into Orange County, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire markets.

Why We Consider Business Complete Solutions (BCS) Elite:

  • Networking initiatives. BCS is bullish on networking with various organizations within the San Diego market to strengthen its roster of clients and prospects. The dealer has a suite at the city’s Petco Park, which is home to the San Diego Padres baseball team, and hosts customer events at various ballgames and concerts.
  • Brand agnostic. BCS puts together the best solutions most tailored toward their customers’ needs. It leverages the full complement of products and services offered by technology providers including Konica Minolta, Toshiba and Muratec to craft their solution packages.
  • Industry recognition. Among its most recent honors, BCS has been named a Top Technology Solution Provider and Top Office Equipment Provider by the San Diego Business Journal. It was also chosen as a Top Service provider in Southern California and one of the Top 100 Service providers in North America by PROs Elite.
  • Employee perks. BCS employees can take advantage of the company’s on-site fitness facility. The dealer offers paid health care benefits and a 401K retirement plan, as well as tuition reimbursements. BCS also provides paid time off days for employees to donate their time to worthwhile charities.
  • Corporate caring. Community involvement is one of the cornerstones of BCS’ value proposition. The dealer has sponsored numerous golf tournaments, galas and nonprofit events such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the San Diego Blues Festival for the San Diego Food Bank. The company donated $300,000 of its revenue to local nonprofits.

Century Business Products, Inc.
Sioux Falls, SD
cbpnow.com

  • Year Founded: 1987
  • President/Owner: Aaron Gerdes, Brett Gildemaster, Kevin Jergeson
  • Number of Employees: 70
  • Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Canon
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Document management solutions, Square 9
  • Primary Leasing Partners: N/A
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $12 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Document management, office equipment
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Century Business Products has attained KYOCERA ‘Premier Dealer’ status for nearly 20 years.

Owners Brett (left), Aaron, and Kevin (right), receiving one of Century’s Premier Dealer Awards

Why We Consider Century Business Products Elite:

  • Quality departments. Century Business Products boasts a team of service technicians that are factory trained and have won awards for their performance, including regional and national recognitions from KYOCERA. Additionally, the dealer’s sales team consistently exceeds their goals in providing targeted solutions for their customers. Its customer support team assists clients with questions and product orders, while its warehouse staff efficiently distributes products and equipment in a timely manner.
  • Social marketing. The dealer now focuses on social media to augment its marketing and lead generation strategies. Century Business Products has trained its sales staff on leveraging the various social media platforms to create new opportunities for the company.
  • Best of the best. The aforementioned KYOCERA honors include being named the Top Technician in the Country. Century Business Products has also inducted many of its sales team members into the President’s Club for exceeding milestone plateaus.
  • Family culture. Century Business Products strives to attain a family feeling within its organization, and the result is a relaxed and fun atmosphere that enables employees to focus on tackling the task at hand. Company outings have helped build a team concept, and other fun events include potluck dinners and holiday celebrations.
  • Community involvement. From sponsoring local athletic teams to participating in fundraisers for various organizations and providing monetary support, Century Business Products continues to enhance its reputation as a model corporate citizen.

Copy Products, Inc.
Springfield, MO
www.copyproductsinc.com

  • Year Founded: 1963
  • President/Owner: Erik Crane
  • Number of Employees: 55
  • Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Konica Minolta, Samsung, RISO, HP, Lexmark, KIP, Canon
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Konica Minolta Office of the Future technology, PaperCut, DocuWare, Print Audit, Drivve, Samsung
  • Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, GreatAmerica
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS (25-30%), interactive white boards, displays and room schedulers (100%), hardware sales
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Copy Products has invested time and financial resources into training for its management, sales and administrative staff in order to expand knowledge in their respective fields.

Shown from left: Rob Kassing, director of sales; Jesse Watson, solutions and software specialist; Heidi Crane, CFO; Erik Crane, president

Why We Consider Copy Products Elite:

  • Value propositions. Copy Products has a four-tiered value proposition that it offers clients. The dealer is a highly ethical company that delivers on promises, providing transparency and up-front communications. Its hands-on approach provides customers with access to upper-level management for assistance in conflict resolution. Copy Products is also dedicated to keeping its technical support staff highly trained, which helps reduce service issues. Lastly, the dealer operates as a team, pulling in one direction to constantly improve and serve client needs.
  • Telemarketing prowess. Copy Products has engaged third-party telemarketing firm Demand Marketing to help penetrate the dealer’s territories, which has proven to be a productive use of its resources. Demand Marketing has essentially provided an additional sales rep to the Copy Products team.
  • Digital marketing. The dealer has invested in modifying its marketing strategy to infuse a large degree of social media initiatives to enhance its brand awareness and create more sales opportunities. The program started as an in-house endeavor, but Copy Products now relies on a marketing firm to provide blog posts and platform updates, as well as craft search engine optimization and pay-per-click ads.
  • Account wins. Copy Products secured a number of significant new accounts during the year, primarily school district wins. A number of the pacts entailed hardware, software and interactive white boards.
  • Community responsiveness. Owners Erik and Heidi Crane serve on the advisory board of Care to Learn Springfield, a local organization that meets the health, hunger and hygiene needs of local students. The company also participates in the Care to Learn fundraising event by matching dollars in the annual Kick Hunger to the Curb campaign. Erik Crane serves as a “celebrity bartender” in the annual Celebrity Bartender event to raise money. The dealer is a sponsor of the Price Cutter Charity Championship golf tournament, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of 40 local children’s charities. The dealer also sponsors many JDRF events.

Des Plaines Office Equipment (DPOE)
Elk Grove Village, IL
dpoe.com

Chip Miceli, President

  • Year Founded: 1955
  • President/Owner: Chip Miceli
  • Number of Employees: 90
  • Primary Vendors: Sharp, OKI Data, HP, KYOCERA, Toshiba, Konica Minolta, KIP, Muratec, Lenovo
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: MPS, managed network services, social media, archiving solutions, mailing solutions
  • Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS, managed network services, marketing and publishing services, video display boards, records archiving
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: DPOE invested in Diversified Marketing Strategies, which added the availability of logo design, printing, direct mail campaigns and publishing (newsletters, magazines, etc.). The dealer also integrated the work of McShane’s into its offerings.

The DPOE team at a recent company event

Why We Consider DPOE Elite:

  • Industry leadership. DPOE President Chip Miceli is a founder and president of the Select Dealer Group, a trade association dedicated to sharing industry best practices. The dealer also has a seat on the board of directors of the Small Business Advisory Council.
  • Managed print services. The dealer offers a “Speakers’ Bureau” where a representative of DPOE will address a business association, individual company or civic organization such as a Chamber of Commerce to talk on the subject of MPS and its importance to the business owner. DPOE has also built a Network Operations Center and will greatly expand its presence in this market.
  • Information security. DPOE continues its campaign to instruct business owners on the issue of information security as it relates to the office copier/MFP. The company has offered free seminars on the topic, which is included in its Speaker’s Bureau topics, and has promoted the importance of the topic through guest editorials in the local media.
  • DPOE was an early industry adopter as a Fleetview Beta test site, enabling clients with locations in multiple markets to have automatic monitoring of the work status of their equipment done constantly, and problems corrected before they interrupt workflow. DPOE’s work with HP and other suppliers makes the company a competitively priced, knowledge-based company. All of these initiatives are promoted not only through public relations but social media as well.
  • Community care. Chip Miceli is a past Scoutmaster and current Scout leader with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 335 in Palatine, IL. He has organized trips to Alaska, Canada, Colorado, Minnesota and Washington, D.C. (the National Jamboree). DPOE has also collaborated on a project with the Illinois Shorthair Rescue and food giant Del Monte where DPOE provided storage space for food donations that benefitted more than a half dozen animal rescue operations and shelters throughout northern Illinois. The dealer also supports WINGS, a Chicago-based organization that provides services to abused and homeless people.

Fisher’s Technology
Boise, ID
www.fisherstech.com

  • Year Founded: 1936
  • President/Owner: Chris Taylor
  • Number of Employees: 119
  • Primary Vendors: Canon, Konica Minolta, Lanier
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Laserfiche, DocuWare, LincDoc, xMedius, ABBYY, PaperCut
  • Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, US Bank, EverBank, GE
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 to $20 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Geographic expansion, managed IT services, software solutions and professional services, acquisitions (IT services companies and imaging companies), production equipment and service, facilities management
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The dealership acquired a copier company in Billings, MT, and opened offices in Billings and Great Falls, MT.

On Sept. 28, Fisher’s Technology celebrated its official grand opening. The Billings Chamber lead the event with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting in Fisher’s newly renovated office building in Billings, MT

Why We Consider Fisher’s Technology Elite:

  • Having a ball. Fisher’s Technology hosts a tailgate event for every home Boise State football game. It is an effective way to thank current customers and help potential clients get to know the dealer. The event provides free food and drinks for more than 500 guests. The football games are one way Fisher’s Technology creates “extremely happy” customers while giving back to the local community.
  • Pinup prowess. The annual Faces of Fisher’s calendar showcases the customers and service technicians/engineers in the customers’ environment. The dealer considers it a unique way to capture the fun relationships it has with customers, and highlighting Fisher’s product and services in the process.
  • Showcase opportunity. Fisher’s Technology hosted the sixth annual Boise Tech Show, a gathering of Idaho businesses to experience the latest office technologies and products offered by various vendors. The show features a keynote address, educational seminars and a networking reception. Attendees can interact with Idaho’s innovative business leaders and IT experts.
  • Employee retention. A key driver behind the 8 percent growth realized by Fisher’s Technology was its ability to retain its valuable employees. Its people landed big deals and continue to retain all major clients despite being tested by large RFPs. Employee energy and enthusiasm is also a drawing card during the hiring process.
  • Great place to work. Fisher’s has been named to the Best Place to Work in Idaho list for nine consecutive years, which stems from its corporate culture’s mantra of doing what is right for the customer at all costs while having fun doing it. Its team members love the culture and are an integral part of the dealer’s continuous improvement.

imageOne
Oak Park, MI
www.imageoneway.com

  • Year Founded: 1991
  • President/Owner: Rob Dube
  • Number of Employees: 52
  • Primary Vendors: HP, Xerox, Lexmark, Konica Minolta
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Intellinetics, Laserfiche, Printer Logic, Print Audit
  • Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, HP Financial
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Solutions
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: This past year, imageOne was named to Forbes’ list of 25 Small Giants — 25 of America’s best small companies. This list of 25 small companies from all industries across the country features small businesses that have sound business models and steady profits, but also demonstrate excellence in company culture and community involvement.

imageOne co-founders Rob Dube, president (left) and Joel Pearlman, CEO

Why We Consider imageOne Elite:

  • The survey says… imageOne recently polled its client base to learn the top five reasons why they do business with the dealer. The top five answers were: responsive to needs, friendly team, easy to work with, saves the customer money and saves the customer time.
  • Marketing magic. The dealer created a lead generation marketing campaign that integrated direct mail, telemarketing, email marketing and content marketing. imageOne measured the response rate of various direct mail items such as funny socks and electronics in order to determine the optimal campaign — the right direct mail piece, the proper call cadence and the proper email messaging.
  • Key contract win. A large national bank was added to the imageOne client roster this year. The bank has 50-plus locations and a complex service model.
  • Dealer kudos. Among the honors imageOne has received in recent years are: the National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, the Top 100 Work Places by the Detroit Free Press, Cool Places to Work by Crain’s Detroit Business, When Work Works and Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch.
  • Employee enticements. The dealer has crafted a number of employee-friendly initiatives, including a “visioning exercise” that helps workers determine personal, health and professional goals over a period of time. Employees get days off for their birthday as well as for community days. Every employee can choose a cause and spend a paid day contributing to the community through that organization. Another perk is “we care Fridays,” where an employee is told on a Thursday that he/she has the next day off.

Integrated Office Technology (IOTEC)
Santa Fe Springs, CA
www.iotecdigital.com

  • Year Founded: 2001
  • President/Owner: Bob Zieman, Doug Lu, Dana Ruf
  • Number of Employees: 68
  • Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Konica Minolta, HP, Fujitsu, Panasonic
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: M-Files, Prism, Square 9, MPS, Managed IT
  • Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, US Bank, Leaf, DLL, EverBank
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 to $20 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Software
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The implementation of IOTEC’s new software for the service department with the goal to create a better internal infrastructure to help run its service department more efficiently. The automation of the new software has helped increase its productivity and bottom line.

Why We Consider IOTEC Elite:

  • Partner approach. Clients like doing business with IOTEC because it treats every customer as a partner. IOTEC offers a consultative approach from the beginning and its sales team is attentive to the customer’s needs, seeking to find the right solutions to improve processes or save money. That commitment is underscored by IOTEC’s service team. Once the hardware, software or services are in place, the service department goes “above and beyond” in helping to provide a first-rate customer service.
  • Vertical market campaigns. IOTEC recently started targeting specific vertical markets (logistics/manufacturing, education, health care) through email marketing campaigns and is now able to showcase specific solutions for the individual spaces. The initiative is expected to produce positive results.
  • Pounding the phone. IOTEC’s in-house telemarketing division makes more than 400 phone calls per day in order to set up appointments for its sales staff.
  • Hosted events. The dealer and its partners host events to show current and prospective customers all of the solutions that IOTEC and its manufacturers have to offer. In order to avoid having the event feel too corporate or formal, IOTEC selects fun environments to engage customers and prospects in a more casual and intimate manner.
  • Community consciousness. Many of IOTEC’s community endeavors focus on enhancing education, improving health care, fighting disease and providing its community with supportive programs and services. Its initiatives include giving money to inner-city schools within Los Angeles County, as well as participating in numerous customer charities. For the past 11 years, IOTEC has been the main sponsor for “Hook the Cure,” which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This event has raised more than $6 million dollars for the Foundation to help find a cure.

James Imaging Systems, Inc.
Brookfield, WI
www.jamesimaging.com

  • Year Founded: 1977
  • President/Owner: Tom Tegeder
  • Number of Employees: 80
  • Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Konica Minolta, KIP, HP, Lexmark, OKI Data
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, ViaWorks, Objectif Lune, Nuance, Drivve, ScanPath, ReRite, PaperCut, eCopy PDF Pro Office, Google Cloud Print, e-Bridge Print & Capture, Page Scope
  • Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, US Bank, James Leasing LLC
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 to $20 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Color imaging product sales (70%), MPS (50%), software solutions (65%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: James Imaging is currently undergoing an expansion to accommodate continuing growth. The building addition will double its current warehouse and office facility. The warehouse portion was slated to be finished in late 2017, with the office space completed in early 2018.

Lola Tegeder, CEO, and Tom Tegeder, president of James Imaging Systems

Why We Consider James Imaging Systems Elite:

  • Ready to service. Quick and accurate service calls are the bread and butter of James Imaging Systems’ value proposition. The dealer has a four-hour guaranteed response time, with an average of 2.65 hours. Tech vehicles are company-owned and GPS tracked, stocked with up to $10,000 worth of parts and supplies.
  • Key contract wins. Among James Imaging Systems’ great conquests in 2017 was the securing of pacts with a large energy firm, a high-quality catalog printer and a large health care system. The deals enabled James to streamline their workflow processes, maintain an eco-friendly environment and optimize print fleets while providing a fast return on investment.
  • Employee perks. The dealer offers its employees an attractive benefits package, and its ongoing building expansion will create larger, modern work spaces, advanced technology meeting rooms and a new employee lounge that can double as a collaborative meeting area.
  • Supporting causes. James Imaging Systems provides cash, gifts and service donations to a number of organizations, including United Way, Falls Baptist Church, St. Joseph Medical Clinic, Tabernacle Community Baptist Church, Waukesha County Business Alliance, Special Olympics of Wisconsin, the Congenital Heart Walk, Sunset Playhouse, Boy Scouts of America and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
  • Industry recognition. The dealer is a seven-time National Women’s Business Enterprise Certification recipient, as well as a winner of the 2016 Midwest Region Top Dealer Award from Toshiba and the 2016 Prestige Dealer Award from GreatAmerica Financial Services. Other honors include CompTIA Managed Print Trustmark Provider and ACDI Authorized PaperCut Reseller Award.

KOMAX Business Systems
South Charleston, WV
www.komaxwv.com

  • Year Founded: 1999
  • President/Owner: Bob Maxwell
  • Number of Employees: 46
  • Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Muratec, KIP, FP, Canon
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: All Covered, bizhub SECURE, Dispatcher, Ademero, PaperCut, DocAudit
  • Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, US Bank, EverBank
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $12.5 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Managed IT (60%), mailing equipment (50%), production print (40%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: KOMAX received Konica Minolta’s Pro-Tech Service Award for the second consecutive year.

Why We Consider KOMAX Business Systems Elite:

  • Supporting cast. A dedicated KOMAX customer support representative accompanies deliveries, trains customers to use the equipment and provides ongoing follow up and support at no cost to the customer. On the technical service end, KOMAX takes pride in its response time, which is under three business hours. Customers can also place service calls or order supplies through the KOMAX website, which includes training videos on basic copier use.
  • Marketing innovations. The dealer has hosted a series of lunch-and-learn workshops for non-KOMAX customers, which enables it to introduce its product and service offering to a variety of prospects. The dealer also played host to a managed IT services seminar at Appalachian Power Park. More than 50 companies attended the event and learned about the All Covered program KOMAX delivers through Konica Minolta.
  • Stately win. KOMAX Business Systems was awarded the State of West Virginia copier contract. This is the second consecutive award of this contract KOMAX has received as the sole source vendor. KOMAX will continue to provide copiers for all state agencies within West Virginia.
  • Wishes fulfilled. For the 13th straight year, KOMAX hosted its annual charity golf tournament to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. To date, the dealer has raised more than $130,000 to help grant the requests of children facing life-threatening illnesses. In the past year, KOMAX also donated 25 copiers to churches, schools and nonprofits in need of equipment. KOMAX supports its four-legged friends as well by donating equipment and services to a local animal shelter.
  • Local exposure. KOMAX boasts a comprehensive marketing program that leverages TV commercials, radio and internet ads that target the potential decision makers in its market.

McShane’s Inc.
Munster, IN
mcshanes.com

Brian McShane, President and CEO

  • Year Founded: 1921
  • President/Owner: Brian McShane (president and CEO), Chip Miceli (chairman)
  • Number of Employees: 46
  • Primary Vendors: Canon, Konica Minolta, KIP, HP, Muratec
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, Square 9, Intellinetics, Microsoft 365, SAP Business One, Printfleet, PaperCut
  • Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, US Bank
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Expanding into managed print and managed network services through McShane’s affiliation with DPOE.

Why We Consider McShane’s Elite:

  • Long-term relationships. McShane’s employees understand that a vital key to success lies in creating strong relationships with clients that can span decades. Representatives develop a rapport with their clients to understand their business needs and offer a bevy of solutions for print, IT, office supplies and other business needs.
  • Professional growth. Representatives have the opportunity to prepare and present business proposals and demonstrate products offered to meet their clients’ business needs. McShane’s employees learn how to plan a sales budget and develop strategies for meeting goals. The dealer offers a tenured team of experts who can provide employees with skill sets and enhance their own expertise.
  • Publication props. In 2017, McShane’s was voted No. 1 as the Best Office Equipment and Supply Co. for the 14th consecutive year by the readers of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly magazine.
  • Charitable endeavors. McShane’s has a “Buy Local, Give Local” initiative to support local charities. By highlighting the efforts of up to three different nonprofits each month through its website and marketing materials, McShane’s encourages and welcomes clients to join them in “giving back” as it donates a portion of sales to each charity. McShane’s assisted 16 different organizations this year, and to date, the dealer has donated more than $300,000 through this campaign.
  • Contract win. During 2017, McShane’s upgraded a client that it has served for nearly 95 years, of which 38 years have included tending to the customer’s office equipment needs.

Millennium Business Systems
Cincinnati, OH
www.GetMillennium.com

  • Year Founded: 2000
  • President/Owner: David A. Bartlow
  • Number of Employees: 52
  • Primary Vendors: Sharp, Lexmark, Dahle Shredders
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Square 9, Infodynamics, Drivve, GoldFax, Search Express, Lexmark Embedded Solutions
  • Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica, Millennium Capital, Fifth Third Bank, US Bank
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: MFPs, MPS
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Continued growth in the K-12 vertical marketplace.

Shown from left: David Varney, director of service; David Bartlow, president; Venetta Diesel, MPS manager; Carolyn Ball, controller; Jim Sweeney, sales manager; Don Trame, CFO

Why We Consider Millennium Business Systems Elite:

  • Quality customer care. The success and continued growth of Millennium Business Systems is a product of the dealer’s excellent customer service and support, consultative account management and First-Call Efficiency approach to service. First-Call Efficiency encourages technicians to address issues on the first visit as opposed to returning for parts. This approach allows Millennium to keep customer machines up and running efficiently with minimal downtime.
  • Spreading the word. Millennium Business Systems grew from scratch in 2000 to more than 10,000 customers today, based strongly on referrals and word of mouth. Its marketing strategies are primarily quarterly promotions that typically include the company’s standard mission statement—providing customers with fair and competitive pricing, leading-edge technology and excellence in aftermarket service and support.
  • Educational excellence. The dealer continues to grow its stake in the K-12 educational vertical, and during this past summer, it was awarded a contract with one of the largest school districts in the greater metro Cincinnati market.
  • Helping out. Millennium Business Systems fosters solid, ongoing relationships with its customer base by donating to their events and providing sponsorships. It donates to charities including those supporting Down Syndrome, area schools and retirement facilities. The dealer is also a premier sponsor for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats athletics.
  • Family-oriented environment. Many employees of Millennium Business Systems boast long tenure with the organization or the industry in general. A tightly knit team environment is an added enticement for new and prospective employees, as is the company’s compensation and benefits package.

NATIONAL Business Technologies
Albany, NY
www.national1927.com

  • Year Founded: 1927
  • President/Owner: Scott Mueller
  • Number of Employees: 70
  • Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Konica Minolta, Sharp, Avaya, FP Mailing, Dell, Datto
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, DocuWare, PaperCut, Continuum
  • Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS contracts, KYOCERA hardware, IT services
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: This year marked the 90th anniversary of being in business for NATIONAL Business Technologies and serving the tech valley. The dealer rebranded in order to encompass all the updated products and services it can provide for clients.

CEO Scott Mueller (center) with the award-winning NATIONAL service team

Why We Consider NATIONAL Business Technologies Elite:

  • Local presence. NATIONAL Business Technologies employees live in the communities which they serve. As management teams are local, decisions are made quickly and problems get resolved without red tape.
  • Wins and growth. The dealer made several county government placements during the past year and secured significant higher education contracts. NATIONAL Business Technologies was also able to grow its footprint, particularly in the Plattsburgh and Vermont markets, via the acquisition of Lockrows Business and Catamount Office Technologies.
  • Industry honors. Among its recent recognitions, NATIONAL Business Technologies has claimed the BEI Gold, Platinum and Diamond Service Excellence Awards. KYOCERA honored the printer as a Premier Dealer and a Service Solutions Provider. Additionally, the company was cited as one of the 2016 Best Places to Work by the Albany Business Review.
  • Employee recognition. NATIONAL Business Technologies incentivizes its employees and honors them with awards for service, performance and going above and beyond the call of duty. The dealer promotes a culture of personal and professional growth, and provides numerous opportunities for growth within the organization.
  • Community caring. Donations to youth and collegiate athletic organizations, an active presence in community events and contributions to local charities and nonprofit organizations top NATIONAL Business Technologies’ community outreach initiatives.

Offix LC
Gainesville, VA
www.offix.com

  • Year Founded: 1999
  • President/Owner: Stephen Valenta
  • Number of Employees: 36
  • Primary Vendors: Canon, Sharp, Samsung, Océ, KIP, HP, FP Mailing, Formax, MBM, Duplo
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon uniFLOW, EFI, Worldox, Info Dynamics, PaperCut, Everyone Print, Umango, Drivve, GoldFax
  • Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Finance, EverBank, GE, GreatAmerica
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Wide-format equipment (200%), Canon equipment (20%), mailing room equipment (175%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Offix implemented a small-business GSA schedule, which introduces it to a new line of business and structure, while reviewing processes and procedures, and enhancing skill sets.

Why We Consider Offix Elite:

  • Contract excellence. Offix performed a complete office technology overhaul of a large local college with multiple locations. The dealer replaced 42 MFPs, installed Aquos Boards and three digital signage displays in each location, and has 70-80 printers under managed print services. Offix analyzed usage and upcoming projects, then moved, bought, sold and retired equipment over a 90-day period, resulting in an annual savings of more than $75,000.
  • Fortified arsenal. Offix’s service technicians carry in excess of $7,000 worth of parts in their company vehicles and also have laptops that allow them to upgrade software on the spot, reducing customer downtime while increasing response time. Its dispatch uses GPS mapping software that ensures technicians are making the best use of their time, working on customer equipment instead of traveling.
  • Guarantees. Offix has a comprehensive Service Smart Guarantee list. They include a 15-month equipment and/or money back; 36-month lease upgrade; certified technicians; service response time; 95% uptime; free delivery, installation and training; free maintenance contract for any laser printer; referral program; loaner equipment and lifetime performance.
  • Best practices. Offix uses CEO Juice to gain automated best practices. It subscribes to numerous reports and bulletins, from alerts regarding the creation of new items in its system to in-depth service and sales statistics. The software has been critical for Offix’s administration, sales and service teams, and it has allowed the dealer to track customer satisfaction, monitor customer communications throughout the service call process and indicate areas which need improvement.
  • Social media awareness. Offix leverages Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube to increase brand recognition, facilitate live interactions with employees and customers, promote a positive work environment and outline opportunities for new customers and employees. The dealer also uses social media as a vehicle to keep followers updated with the latest product news.

Ohio Business Machines, LLC (OBM)
Cleveland, OH
www.ohiobusinessmachines.com

  • Year Founded: 2002
  • President/Owner: Salvatore J. Spagnola
  • Number of Employees: 105
  • Primary Vendors: Sharp, Canon, KYOCERA, FP Mailing, Star2Star
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Infodynamics, Drivve, MNS, MPS
  • Primary Leasing Partners: Leaf, Wells Fargo, DLL, PNC Equipment Finance
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $20 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS (100%), managed IT (300%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: OBM has grown its IT Managed Network Services division by 300 percent. The dealer added a full-time MNS sales person.

Why We Consider Ohio Business Machines (OBM) Elite:

  • Customer guarantees. OBM offers a Seven-Year Security Blanket that provides customers with a total protection guarantee for risk-free acquisition. Also, clients are assured to receive a live person when they call in to OBM without getting stuck in an automated phone system. Another perk is auto supply fulfillment, which eliminates administrative duties on the customer’s end in ordering, tracking and managing supplies.
  • Binding matters. OBM offers current and potential customers an innovative binding solution through a partnership with an international company that specializes in document presentation systems.
  • Pigskin potential. The dealer remains the preferred provider of copiers and document services for the Cleveland Browns.
  • Great working environment. OBM offers an excellent compensation program for its employees. They are encouraged to provide input into the company’s procedures and best practices. Employees in every department have the opportunity to go on sales incentive-based trips to tropical destinations. Quarterly and annual top employee awards are given out to non-sales people, which includes a plaque and money. Additionally, non-sales people can earn bonuses for generating sales leads.
  • Community contributions. Among its charitable efforts, OBM is a principal sponsor of The Anne Grady Foundation’s annual Enchanted Evening, a corporate sponsor for the Merrick “Rocks the House” benefit concert, as well as a sponsor of a Parma Heights Catholic Youth Organization baseball team.

Quality Business Solutions
Baltimore, MD
www.copyquality.com

  • Year Founded: 2001
  • President/Owner: Jerry & Janey DiMartino
  • Number of Employees: 55
  • Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Konica Minolta, FP Mailing, Duplo, MBM, HP, Dell, KIP
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Managed IT Services, MPS, website design, document management, PaperCut, Nuance, Prism Doc Record/Audit, Labtech, eAutomate, Soaring CRM, FM Audit
  • Primary Leasing Partners: In-house leasing, DLL, EverBank, Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica, Leaf
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: IT services (70%), website development (35%), Konica Minolta production copier equipment (100%), FP postage mailing solutions (40%), document management software solutions (30%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The addition of its director of sales has broadened Quality Business Solutions’ approach in solution and document flow analysis for customers. Its sales have increased more than 30% this year as a result.

Front row (from left): Janey DiMartino, CFO; Christina DiMartino, admin manager; Jerry DiMartino, CEO; back row: Anthony DiMartino, accountant; Joseph DiMartino, sales manager

Why We Consider Quality Business Solutions (QBS) Elite:

  • Specific solutions. QBS is able to provide custom-tailored document workflow solutions and proactive support. Once the solution is in place, QBS focuses on increasing the customer’s business growth and making its daily operations more productive.
  • Remote monitoring. QBS uses software to automatically send copier meter readings directly to its accounting system, ensuring accuracy and convenience. The dealer can also remotely service equipment to prevent a customer from having a down machine. Customers no longer have to wait for a technician to arrive at their office to print/copy/scan if the equipment malfunctions.
  • Single-source solution. Besides its menu of copier providers that includes KYOCERA and Konica Minolta, QBS provides ancillary offerings including website design and IT service support. Customers also value QBS’ accountability in getting tasks completed.
  • Healthy business. Backed by its reputation for quality service, the dealer procured a contract with a local health care entity with multiple locations for the placement of 30 machines. It increased QBS’ office equipment and service revenue by more than $500,000 per year.
  • Community involvement. In addition to making donations to local nonprofit groups, QBS supports organizations including the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Penn North Kids Safe Zone.

Quality Digital Office Technology
York, PA
www.qualitydot.com

  • Year Founded: 1981
  • President/Owner: Jeff Poet, Cindy Workinger, Bill Wurster
  • Number of Employees: 52
  • Primary Vendors: Konica, KYOCERA, HP, OKI Data, Brother, HSM, HP, Kodak, Panasonic
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, NUANCE, DocStar, New Wave, Sonic Wall, Logic Now, Carbonite, GFI, VMware, Barracuda, Threat Track, Global/Evolve, Coe, Special-T, Essendant, OFS Brands, Richelieu, Compell, Great Openings, HPFI
  • Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, GE, US Bank, EverBank
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Solution sales with MFPs, managed network services
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The dealer enjoyed two major college takedowns, with each in excess of 70 units and one incorporating two solutions with the sale. Quality DOT also had a refresh of product of a large commercial account with a solution sale.

Shown from left: Bill Wurster, Jeff Poet, Cindy Workinger (Quality’s equity group) and Dave Cook of LifePath Christian Ministries, the recipient of the dealer’s charitable contribution in York, PA

Why We Consider Quality Digital Office Technology (DOT) Elite:

  • Legendary service. Quality DOT prides itself on providing legendary services to customers of all sizes. It abides by the motto “Under promise and over deliver” within its administration, sales and service teams.
  • Staff reinforcements. At the beginning of the year, Quality DOT fortified its sales force, putting more feet on the street. The new team has thrived by utilizing cold calling, social media and other innovative strategies. Also, the dealer implemented a new CRM system that links with its operating system.
  • Schooling the competition. During 2017, Quality DOT picked up a pair of major collegiate accounts. Both schools included placements of more than 70 units, and one of the deals featured a pair of solutions. The dealer also renewed a pact with a large commercial account with a solution sale. Quality DOT is confident it can increase growth through acquisitions in the south central Pennsylvania market.
  • Well-fed staff. Quality DOT has a number of culinary delights to entice its workforce, including Taco Tuesdays and Sundaes on Fridays. An annual company outing has also proven popular with the dealer’s workforce.
  • Sense of community. During the past 11 years, Quality DOT has hosted a Giving Thanks event at each of its offices. The endeavor has raised more than $50,000 to date, along with 20,000 pounds of food that have been donated to local food banks and soup kitchens. The company also sponsors the Junior Achievement Wine event, which benefits JA Biztown, and is a major sponsor of the York College Alumni Golf Event.

Repeat Business Systems, Inc.
Albany, NY
www.RepeatBusinessSystems.com

  • Year Founded: 1987
  • President/Owner: Dawn Abbuhl
  • Number of Employees: 51
  • Primary Vendors: Ricoh
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Nuance
  • Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, Wells Fargo, DLL
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: IT (10-20%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Repeat Business Systems completed two acquisitions, increasing its business by 20 percent.

The Repeat Business Systems administrative and sales teams

Why We Consider Repeat Business Systems Elite:

  • Verified efficiencies. The dealer employs a consultative approach and provides customers data on cost savings, paper reduction and efficiencies. Repeat Business Systems boasts expertise in leading-edge technology in order to offer novel suggestions that will provide a strong impact on customer business.
  • Anniversary blessings. In conjunction with its 30th anniversary celebration, Repeat Business Systems launched a 30 Days of Giving campaign. The initiative included a pet adoption, blood drive, dinner and various fundraising efforts for organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, Catholic Charities, Double H Hole in the Wall and Ronald McDonald House. Among the other causes, 50 in all, the dealer supported health organizations seeking to find treatments and cures for juvenile diabetes, leukemia and lymphoma.
  • Industry recognition. Repeat Business Systems has been lauded with a number of awards, including Woman of Excellence, the Achiever’s Award for Small Business of the Year, Best Places to Work, Resourceful Woman of the Year, Top Workplaces in the Capital Region, the Manufacturer’s Circle of Excellence and the YMCA Leadership Award.
  • Employee enticements. Repeat Business Systems holds a lottery for its employees based on outstanding accomplishments. Every time an employee receives a customer compliment or does something extraordinary for a colleague, he/she gets a lottery ticket. An end-of-year lottery is held, and the winning ticket recipient gets a bucket list wish fulfilled. The dealer also provides monthly team activities, including ice cream, concert tickets, free financial planning and chair massages.
  • Executive treatment. Once a month, Repeat Business Systems President Dawn Abbuhl meets with small groups for breakfast in order to discuss what the dealership can improve upon, along with where it is flourishing. The input is shared across the company and the president is held accountable.

Rhyme
Portage WI
www.rhymebiz.com

  • Year Founded: 1945
  • President/Owner: Mike Steinhoff
  • Number of Employees: 90
  • Primary Vendors: Sharp, KYOCERA, HP, Lexmark
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Square 9, Drivve
  • Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 to $20 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: IT Services (42%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Rhyme is on track to record its 19th year of growth, which it feels is a considerable achievement in a highly competitive industry.

Why We Consider Rhyme Elite:

  • Service savvy. Rhyme is proud of its service performance as measured in the BEI program. Its overall First Call Efficiency (FCE) for August was 67%, and out of the 90 Sharp dealers across the country that participate in the BEI program, it remains the No. 1-ranked Sharp dealer in the FCE category.
  • Customer feedback. Surveys are a critical measuring stick for Rhyme’s success with clients. It sends out surveys following each service call and has received valuable feedback on its performance. The most common notes from customers indicated technicians took the time to explain the problem and what was done to remedy it, and they also value the unlimited training Rhyme offers them. Its Net Promoter Score of 90 exceeds the industry average.
  • Big provider on campus. Rhyme recently became the office technology partner for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The dealer custom wrapped the university’s machines and now advertises its services throughout campus, backed by its strong roots with the Oshkosh community.
  • Showing the way. Perhaps the biggest contract notched by Rhyme was a deal with a service industry organization that previously relied on multiple vendors, but did not have a grasp on how many printers and MFPs it had across its 20-facility network, nor was it aware of printing volume, expenses or contract obligations. Using Rhyme, this customer now enjoys monthly reporting that has helped increase electronic documentation transfer and reduce output, expense and internal man-hours required to support their fleet.
  • Corporate generosity. The Rhyme Time Scholarship Foundation has awarded 29 scholarships to date for students affected by cancer. The dealer hosts an annual fundraiser, the Steve Ennis Memorial Golf Classic, every September. It has raised more than $120,000 in its first nine years. Another cause to fight cancer, the Lee Lake Polar Plunge, has resulted in $40,000 raised by Rhyme employees. Lastly, the dealer donates between 10 and 20 copiers and printers annually to local nonprofits that can’t afford office equipment.

Sims Business Systems, Inc.
Tempe, AZ
www.getsims.com

  • Year Founded: 1978
  • President/Owner: Mark Sims
  • Number of Employees: 42
  • Primary Vendors: Ricoh/Lanier, Samsung, Brother, Dell, Crexendo
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: Ricoh/Lanier, Samsung
  • Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, EverBank, GreatAmerica
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $8 to $12 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Managed IT, hardware
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Sims Business Systems recently started an IT company, Sims Professional Services, to maintain, upgrade and monitor client computer systems and equipment.

Why We Consider Sims Business Systems Elite:

  • Solid reputation. Backed by 40 years of excellence, Sims Business Systems stakes claim to a reputation that is virtually flawless. Its clients value the dealer’s open communications and honest dialogue. The dealer is backed by what it believes to be the top product lines in Ricoh and Samsung.
  • Analysis and testimonials. Sims Business Systems provides potential clients with a no-obligation assessment/analysis of their business equipment free of charge, a service some companies charge thousands of dollars to perform. The dealer recently started a Customer Spotlight program of short videos that discusses the customer’s business and how Sims has provided critical solutions to address their needs. The videos can be found on Sims’ YouTube channel.
  • Community awareness. All of Sims’ officers serve on the boards of various local nonprofit organizations. Many employees also donate their time to these causes. The dealer organizes fundraising campaigns for its workers and matches up to 25 percent of the money they raise.
  • Local recognition. Sims Business Systems was voted the No. 1 Family-Owned Company in Arizona by Ranking Arizona. The mayor of Tempe, Mark Mitchell, honored Sims at its 39th anniversary Customer Appreciation day with “The Sims Proclamation” for the dealer’s dedication to exceptional business services, strong commitment to community and for contributing to the economic prosperity of Tempe. The mayor declared Feb. 22, 2017 as Sims Business Systems Day in Tempe.
  • Quality workplace. The dealer fosters a positive atmosphere that rewards productivity, creative ideas and attitude. Various company functions include a bowling tournament and monthly barbecues for all departments. As a result, Sims enjoys an average employee tenure exceeding 10 years.

Solutions YES
Portland, OR
www.solutionsyes.com

  • Year Founded: 2011
  • President/Owner: Sean Bell
  • Number of Employees: 45
  • Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Xerox
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, Nuance
  • Primary Leasing Partners: EverBank, US Bank
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 to $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Sales to mid- to large-sized companies with local headquarters
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Solutions YES collected a number of business recognitions, including 2017 Inc. 5000 as one of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the country; the 2016 Fast 100 from Portland Business Journal as one of the 100 fastest-growing private companies in Oregon; the 100 Best Companies in Oregon To Work For 2016 by Oregon Business Magazine; and a KYOCERA 2017 Premier Dealer.

Solutions YES, recipient of the Portland Business Journal’s 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Oregon award

Why We Consider Solutions YES Elite:

  • White glove treatment. Solutions YES employs a methodical white glove treatment on all installations. During the process, the installer decommissions the old machine (including hard drive wipe), sets up printing workflows, programs all scanning destinations, populates fax address books, confirms extra toner is on site and performs end-user training. The customer is up and running about three hours after the delivery truck arrives.
  • Account management. The dealer boasts a broad account management team for major accounts, which features a primary account manager, MPS rep, software consultant, project manager and a solutions specialist assigned to support the customer. This team is optimized to identify areas of improvement and put in place solutions that create maximum value.
  • Superior work environment. The aforementioned Oregon Business Magazine recognition marks the fourth straight year in which Solutions YES has garnered the Best Companies to Work For award, and it is the only office equipment dealership to make the list. All employees participate in corporate profit sharing as well.
  • Corporate score. One of Solutions YES’ biggest contract wins in 2017 was a deal with a large health care provider that entailed more than 130 machine placements.
  • Employee effectiveness. All employees are placed in work groups when hired. These groups are given objectives and work in concert to create a plan that addresses their goals. The groups are highly empowered, and intra-group communications ensure the teams come together for the betterment of the customer.

Southwest Office Systems, Inc.
Euless, TX
sostexas.com

  • Year Founded: 1964
  • President/Owner: Vince E. Puente Sr. (president, sales and marketing, co-owner) and Buddy Puente (president, finance and operations, co-owner)
  • Number of Employees: 51
  • Primary Vendors: Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Infodynamics
  • Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 to $20 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: The conversion of clients moving from b&w to color MFDs has created equipment and service revenue increases at a significant rate. Its conversion ratio for b&w placements is 40% and color placements is 60%.
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Its relationship with Vistra Energy led to a review of the existing 245 MFDs, 668 managed printers and countless personal printers in the field. Vistra provided office floor plans/layouts of plant sites, which Southwest Office Systems employees used to locate and map each print device (MFDs, network connected printers and non-network personal printers). The information obtained was used to provide visual data showing where money could be saved, where overpopulation existed and introduce secure printing for confidential documents. This included high security clearance for employees to clone all current MFDs, program email addresses, preloading on all new Sharp units prior to installation. The results ended with a significant savings to the client both monetarily and in productivity.

Vince E. Puente Sr., president, sales and marketing (left) and Buddy Puente, president, operations and finance

Why We Consider Southwest Office Systems (SOS) Elite:

  • Service proficiency. Team members support every aspect of how SOS provides “Texas Class” service to clients, including pre-installation conformation, receiving and dispatching service calls, automated response to copier toner usage and remote meter readings through FM Audit. Its Call Assistance Technical Service (CATS) is a team of technicians who provide a sophisticated help/fix desk, managing repairs online with a goal of less than 30 minutes via remote technical support.
  • Internal marketing. The dealer issues SOS Bucks to reward sales staff and other internal staff based on performance. Sales staff receive them based on monthly sales while other department members are rewarded when they receive “Shout Outs” for exemplary performance, and on a monthly basis when the company meets its target goals.
  • Big score. A Texas-based energy company represented the biggest contract win for SOS in 2016. The $1.25 million deal saw SOS unseat a multi-decade provider in the process. Through extensive mapping of the customer’s corporate office and 30 other locations, SOS reduced the print device population of 1,600 units to 163.
  • Industry honors. The 2017 campaign was a rewarding one for SOS, which garnered the following honors: Small Business of the Year by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; North Dallas Chamber Business of the Year; Sharp’s Hyakuman Kai Elite Dealer and AAA Platinum Level Service Provider; the Gold Star Legacy Award from Vistra Energy; Minority Leader, Tarrant County from the Fort Worth Business Press; Minority Leader, Dallas County from the Dallas Business Journal; the John McMillan Hall of Fame (given posthumously to Victor Puente Sr.) by the Ft. Worth Hispanic Chamber; and the Best of Euless Award.
  • Great place to work. SOS offers a number of employee incentives. The million Dollar month program rewards all team members with cash bonuses when the company reaches that plateau in a given month. SOS also hosts events each year for team members and their families. The aforementioned “Shout Out” program allows team members to recognize one another for outstanding support and through its annual Team Member Awards Banquet. SOS has developed the “SOS Bucks” program where team members can “shop” for items such as logo wear, bags, bears, coolers, cups and mugs.

Thermocopy of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
www.thermocopy.com

  • Year Founded: 1964
  • President/Owner: S.R. Sumner
  • Number of Employees: 65
  • Primary Vendors: Ricoh, KYOCERA
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, M-Files, PSIGEN, Collabrance
  • Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, GreatAmerica
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Aftermarket service and supplies (10%)
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Uninstalling and installing over 1,000 MFDs in an existing large account over a four-month period while continuing to serve our other clients excellently.

Thermocopy core values: One Team, Integrity, Excellence, Raving Fans

Why We Consider Thermocopy of Tennessee Elite:

  • Experienced professionals throughout the organization. The dealer boasts an average of nine-plus years of experience among its sales staff, 15-plus years for administrative and nine-plus years in the service department. Clients see their Thermocopy account representative through several contract periods, and its representatives have a vested interest in maximizing client satisfaction. On the administrative end, Thermocopy’s billing accuracy averages more than 99.5 percent. As for service, Thermocopy was the No. 1 U.S. dealer in the 2016 Ricoh Prestige Certification Program, and 19 of its technicians were among a nationwide pool of 137 who scored 90 or higher on the Circle of Excellence test.
  • Commitment to privacy and confidential information. Thermocopy works with organizations that are subject to information security and privacy regulations such as PCI, HIPPA, and Sarbanes-Oxley and collaborates with them to reduce exposure regarding such information. The dealer has knowledge of many plans to help safeguard the information flowing through the office equipment and IT solutions provided and can help advise them on the required safeguards.
  • Education for clients. Thermocopy University is a formal program that utilizes instructor-led workshops and seminars open to current Thermocopy clients at no charge. The program provides advanced training not included during the initial key operator session.
  • Community recognition. A past finalist for the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award, Thermocopy was awarded the prestigious Keep Tennessee Beautiful Excellence in Business Award for Excellence in Public Education. It was one of 10 local businesses certified by the Knoxville Chamber’s Green Recognition Program in its inaugural year, and the dealer has been named a Platinum Level Recycle Champion by Knox County.
  • Charitable civic contributions. Thermocopy has supported nearly 100 civic organizations during its five decades in business. These include the United Way, Fort Loudon Lake Association, University of Tennessee Lady Vols, American Red Cross, EarthFest, Knox Area Rescue Ministries, Knoxville Recycling Coalition, GiveHaitiHope.org, West Hills Tennis Rescue, Friends of ETHRA, The Historic Tennessee Theatre and the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Tennessee. Thermocopy is also a proud supporter of The Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley.

Woodhull, LLC
Springboro, OH
www.woodhullusa.com

  • Year Founded: 2000
  • President/Owner: Susie S. Woodhull
  • Number of Employees: 68
  • Primary Vendors: Ricoh
  • Primary Solutions Offerings: MPS, Nuance, Square 9, PaperCut, Commercial Imaging, RightFax.
  • Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo
  • Approximate Yearly Revenue: $19.7 million
  • Fastest Growing Business Segments: Software Solutions (45%) in 2017 and the annual revenue has doubled in three years.
  • Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Woodhull built an additional 5,000 square feet of warehouse space and no longer needs to rent outside facilities. The dealer also added a second sales manager with more sales reps to its Cincinnati branch, resulting in the largest revenue year in the company’s history.

Why We Consider Woodhull Elite:

  • Commitment to quality. Woodhull’s hallmark is a consistent commitment to quality throughout its entire organization. Its mission is to establish, model and maintain a spirit of excellence by building business relationships with employees and customers alike.
  • Technology expos. The dealer has enjoyed much success with its in-house technology expos. Woodhull invites all its vendors to display their products and educate its client base. Customers receive a stamp upon completion of each vendor’s product stations to enter into a door prize drawing at the end of the event.
  • Local and national recognition. Woodhull has been recognized by its vendors and local newspapers in a number of areas. It received the Ricoh Service Excellence Certified Dealer for the fourth straight year and was cited by the NWBOC as a Woman-Owned Business. Leasing companies US Bank (Diamond Award) and GreatAmerica (Dealer of Distinction), and the Dayton Business Journal (Fastest Growing Companies, Top 25 Dayton Area Woman-Owned Companies) also recognized Woodhull’s excellence.
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