Elite Dealers: $50 million to $100 million

Access Systems
Waukee, IA
www.accesssystems.com

Year Founded: 1986
President/Owner: Shane Sloan (CEO), Jay Agard (president of operations), Jon Joynt (president of sales)
Number of Employees: 270
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Ricoh, Toshiba, HP, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Microsoft, VMware, Drivve, Square 9 Softworks, Fortinet, Kaseya
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica, DLL, in-house
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $90–$100 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print and MPS
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Once again, the company attained Hyakuman Kai status with OEM partner Sharp.

Why We Consider Access Systems Elite:

  • Midwestern charm. A driving force behind Access Systems’ 20% annual growth is its ability to consistently deliver customer support. It’s enabled the dealer to forge relationships and networks that span communities large and small.
  • Double threat. One of the qualities clients value about Access Systems is its blend of technology expertise and in-depth knowledge of the vertical markets it serves.
  • Ample opportunities. Access Systems was able to leverage existing agreements to greatly increase poly-subcontractor and other contract-related business. The benefits of purchasing under those programs was communicated to prospects via an integrated sales and marketing approach.
  • Team players. Every month, the dealer introduces new opportunities for team members and their families to give back to the communities they serve. Earlier in the year, Access employees took part in three charity walks to fundraise for different causes.

Braden Business Systems, Inc.
Fishers, IN
www.bradenonline.com

Year Founded: 1989
President/Owner: David Braden (president), Erik Braden (managing partner)
Number of Employees: 101
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Lexmark, Toshiba, HP, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, ConnectWise, Dell, Lenovo, KnowBe4, BlackPoint, Nextiva, ECI Software Solutions, PaperCut, DocuWare, Ubiquiti, Cisco
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, DLL, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $50–$60 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (38%), production print (31%), cybersecurity (28%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Braden Business Systems increased its bottom-line revenue 15%, backed by a 98% client retention rate.

The Braden Business Systems team (from left): Joe Doyle, Pam Wolf, Carole Palazzo, Melissa Piworski, Lila Welch, Ester Lathrem, Doug Dick, Austin Ballard, Joe Lobraco, Lisa Gray, Dave Childers, Andrew Doerfler and Dave Braden

Why We Consider Braden Business Systems Elite:

  • Lights, camera! In an effort to forge a stronger relationship with clients, the dealer rolled out a Braden Behind the Scenes video series that highlights customer and employee stories, team culture and service excellence. The clips also enable Braden Business Systems to humanize its brand.
  • Artificial flavor. The dealer launched SmartOps, a proprietary AI-enabled self-service management platform with real-time alerts and automated workflows.
  • Comprehensive deal. Braden Business Systems hammered out an accord with one of Indiana’s largest public school districts. In addition to hundreds of MFPs and a full managed print solution, the deal also featured secure print software, remote monitoring and strategic IT planning support.
  • Helping hands. Each year, Braden Business Systems supports more than 100 non-profit organizations across Indiana. Team members also take advantage of volunteer days and community service initiatives.

Copiers Northwest, Inc.
Seattle, WA
www.copiersnw.com

Year Founded: 1986
President/Owner: Mark Petrie (CEO), Gregg Petrie (president)
Number of Employees: 200+
Primary Vendors: Canon, Sharp, HP, Lexmark, RISO, Colex, Roland, Verkada, Nextiva, FP Mailing, Duplo
Primary Solutions Offerings: Tungsten Automation, PaperCut, Canon, PrinterLogic, Sepialine, Foxit Software, Upland Software, Laserfiche, Square 9 Softworks, OpenText, Rochester Software Associates, Solimar Systems, Print ePS
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, Canon Financial Services, DLL, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $50+ million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (20%), MPS (15%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Copiers Northwest saw its profitability increase, and locations were added in Wenatchee and Moses Lake.

Copiers Northwest executives Mark Petrie (left) and Gregg Petrie

Why We Consider Copiers Northwest Elite:

  • Play ball. The dealer continues to gain traction (and more fans) with its All-Star Open House, a technology-baseball hybrid event. After an overview of some new offerings, Copiers Northwest treats its guests to an evening of Mariners baseball, with the park within walking distance of the dealer. Open houses are being added at branch locations that tie into the local community, such as a country music concert in Tri Cities and a fall theme in Portland with a choice of events.
  • Digital enhancements. A targeted digital marketing approach has produced tangible leads and meshed well with the dealer’s overall SEO strategy. It enables Copiers Northwest to target certain geographies and re-engage potential customers.
  • Cashing in. The top takedowns for Copiers Northwest included a pair of large school districts and several regional banks, all of which were net-new accounts.
  • Sporting gestures. Copiers Northwest sponsors a number of local athletic organizations, including the Seattle Thunderbirds and Emerald Downs.

Datamax, Inc.
Little Rock, AR
www.datamaxarkansas.com
www.datamaxtexas.com

Year Founded: 1955
President/Owner: Barry Simon
Number of Employees: 230
Primary Vendors: Canon, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, Kyocera, Dell
Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, Kyocera, Microsoft, Laserfiche, Intermedia, PaperCut, EFI, Kaseya, eGoldFax, Tungsten Automation
Primary Leasing Partners: Datamax Leasing Division
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $51.4 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Service revenues (4.67%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Datamax procured new office accommodations for its Jonesboro operations, modernizing its work environment and bolstering accessibility for clients and employees.

Datamax executives (from left): David Rhodes, division president, Datamax Texas; Barry Simon, president, Datamax Inc.; David Holzhauer, division president, Datamax Arkansas; and Steven Sumner, COO, Datamax Inc.

Why We Consider Datamax Elite:

  • Reeling in. The dealer was especially pleased to reacquire a large Arkansas-based health care account’s copier and printer business. The takedown helped validate Datamax’s long-term strategy, persistence and ability to deliver high value in a competitive market.
  • Managerial magnificence. Structural management changes infused new blood into sales, service and administration. Fortifying the managerial ranks with younger managers improved organizational alignment and accountability, and it set the stage for long-term sustainability.
  • Velvet ropes. Datamax embarked on a Difference Makers “Seat at Your Table” direct mail campaign. Targeting the company’s top 50 FTA accounts, the messaging included the theme of “earning a seat at your table.” Prospects received a customized package including a complimentary folding chair imprinted with Difference Makers, a personalized insert with the assigned sales representative’s photo and signature, and a branded shipping box. The CTA sought a conversation about the client’s challenges and goals.
  • High honors. In addition to being a Canon Advanced Partner 12 consecutive years, Datamax has earned ATSP National Service recognition 18 years running and has collected honors from Konica Minolta, Lexmark and Microsoft. For the last eight years, it’s been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Arkansas.”

Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises
Cincinnati, OH
www.dme.us.com

Year Founded: 1957
President/Owner: Jim George (president, CEO), Jim Donnellon (board chairman)
Number of Employees: 200
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Toshiba, Ricoh, Brother, FP Mailing, Verkada, Ubiquiti, ACDI Energy
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, DocuWare,Toshiba, Sharp, Ricoh, Kodak, eGoldFax, Microsoft, Sangona, Sophos, SocSoter
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, DLL, GreatAmerica, LEAF, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $50+ million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: IT service (128%), hardware (32%), mailing (14%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The acquisition of Ohio Business Machines (OBM) significantly expanded Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises presence and capabilities across Ohio.

DME top executives Jim George (left) and Jim Donnellon

Why We Consider Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises (DME) Elite:

  • Deeper dive. The OBM acquisition was one of the year’s most significant dealer transactions in the country. Beyond the aforementioned benefits for DME, OBM brought with it a talented team, many longtime relationships and high-profile partners including the Cleveland Browns.
  • Celebration time. To tout the OBM acquisition, DME played host to a Tech Show Summit at Huntington Bank Field, home of the Browns. It was an opportunity to tout its expanded capabilities, elevate the brand and leverage new business opportunities.
  • High potential. By being awarded an Inter-University Council (IUC) of Ohio contract, DME gained the distinction of being one of the preferred providers of copiers and printers for colleges and universities across the state. Since inking the pact, DME has completed an installation for one school and is in discussions with several other universities, cultivating an extensive pipeline.
  • Corporate caring. Each DME office takes part in quarterly volunteer initiatives. The Cincinnati unit teamed with A Child’s Hope International to pack meals for children in need. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati is also a popular cause among team member

Fraser Advanced Information Systems
West Reading, PA
www.fraser-ais.com
www.watchkeep.com

Year Founded: 1971
President/Owner: William A. Fraser (CEO), Melissa Confalone (president)
Number of Employees: 165
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Canon, Lexmark, KIP, HP, Muratec
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Microsoft, Kaseya, EFI, Cisco, ConnectWise, Intermedia, Bitdefender, DUO, VMware
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, DLL, FPP (internal)
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $58 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (30%), MPS (20%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Fraser Advanced Information Systems achieved double-digit growth across its copier and printer business.

The Fraser leadership team of (from left): Josh Kennet, CFO; Bill Fraser, CEO and owner; and Melissa Confalone, president

Why We Consider Fraser Advanced Information Systems (Fraser AIS) Elite:

  • AI factor. The dealer introduced AI tools to every major in-house department, enabling its teams to automate time-consuming tasks, increase productivity and make faster, more data-informed decisions. From a customer-facing standpoint, it’s led to faster response times, more accurate support and a dramatically improved experience at every touchpoint.
  • IT growth. Watchkeep, an independent subsidiary of Fraser, acquired Computer Management and Marketing Associates, a leading independent managed IT company in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. The deal added $2 million in revenue to Fraser’s managed IT unit.
  • Enhanced brand. The company introduced a new brand identity complete with a modern logo, refreshed visuals and a redesigned website. Recast as a true resource hub, the website offers in-depth, jargon-free content for businesses exploring copiers and printers, managed IT, cybersecurity, VoIP, print solutions and other areas. The marketing focus helped Fraser add nearly $1 million in new business.
  • Class leader. Fraser enjoyed netting four large school districts and unseated two large OEM accounts in the process. From copiers and printers to MPS and education software, the deals added $5 million-plus in revenue.

LDI Connect
Jericho, NY
www.myLDI.com

Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Jerry Blaine (CEO), Paul Schwartz (president)
Number of Employees: 275
Primary Vendors: Canon, Sharp, HP, Samsung, Epson, MAXHUB, Axis Communications, Verkada
Primary Solutions Offerings: Fiery, Vasion Print, Canon, Tungsten Automation, PaperCut, Cisco, Meraki, Ubiquiti, Microsoft, Intermedia, HYAS, Martello
Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Financial Services, DLL, First Citizens Bank, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $70–$80 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (10%), surveillance (10%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: While overall click volume is down, LDI Connect has enjoyed growth in equipment revenue.

LDI Connect partners Paul Schwartz (left) and Jerry Blaine

Why We Consider LDI Connect Elite:

  • Managed marvels. The integration of sales and marketing collaterals with CRM has enabled LDI Connect’s sales force to release specific, customized messages to its client base.
  • Superior service. LDI Connect’s technical service force continues to bolster its performance on the strength of predictive maintenance, using a proactive approach to field analytics and preventive repair. Techs are assigned to accounts, not territories, and quarterly business reviews and surveys allow the dealer to constantly monitor performance.
  • Repeat performance. The dealer scored significant client renewals in health care, education, legal and luxury brands. Many wins were driven by success in non-print categories.
  • Destination employer. LDI Connect plays host to monthly, themed branch events throughout the year in addition to the annual holiday celebration. Its newsletter trumpets birthdays, anniversaries, family additions and top performers.

Les Olson IT
Salt Lake City, UT
www.lesolson.com

Year Founded: 1956
President/Owner: James Olson (CEO), Lisa Thaller (CBO/board chair), Troy Olson (CBDO)
Number of Employees: 331
Primary Vendors: HP, Sharp, Verkada
Primary Solutions Offerings: Elevate, Sophos, Axcient, Microsoft
Primary Leasing Partners: REVCO (internal leasing), U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo,
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $70–$80 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Telecom (75%), production (27%), physical security (17%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Les Olson IT continues to expand into and grow adjacent product lines including physical security and telecom.

Les Olson IT executives James Olson, CEO (left) and Lisa Thaller, CBO/board chair

Why We Consider Les Olson IT Elite:

  • Client vigilance. The dealer became licensed in the state of Utah for installing and maintaining burglar alarms. Les Olson IT also has an expert cabling team to handle wiring, installation, configuration and ongoing support.
  • Financing solutions. While it works with several different leasing partners, Les Olson IT also boasts its own in-house leasing department, REVCO. This enables the dealer to provide flexible and creative solutions for clients.
  • Contract success. One of the bigger deals saw Les Olson IT provide 200-plus devices for a top 20 global hotel chain. The largest health system in the intermountain west inked a significant print service deal.
  • Giving back. Les Olson IT supports a variety of causes, participating in the summer food drive in Utah and southern Nevada. It backs the local children’s hospital with a photo contest and weather calendar, as well as Special Olympics Utah and Treats for Troops.

Modern Office Methods (MOM)
Cincinnati, OH
www.momnet.com
https://www.obviam.com

Year Founded: 1957
President/Owner: Kevin McCarthy
Number of Employees: 245
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Canon, HP, Zebra
Primary Solutions Offerings: OpenText, PaperCut, Canon, Ricoh, Square 9 Softworks, Ademero, Upland Software, Seceon
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $65–$75 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Cybersecurity (100%), managed IT (17%), production (13%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Modern Office Methods integrated services from its partner companies, OptimizedIT and Obviam, into one unified offering that entails managed print services, managed IT and cybersecurity.

Modern Office Methods executives (from left): Eric George, CFO; Kevin McCarthy, CEO; and Ken Staubitz, COO

Why We Consider Modern Office Methods (MOM) Elite:

  • Lead vetting. MOM devised a lead scoring model within HubSpot that assigns values based on engagement, behavior and demographic data. This enables the dealer’s teams to prioritize the most qualified opportunities. The upshot has been improved efficiency, shortened sales cycles and higher conversion rates by ensuring targeted leads receive timely, personalized follow-up.
  • Top takedown. Having long endured inconsistent service, aging devices and an inflexible contract structure with its prior vendor that hindered both performance and cost control, a large community college turned to MOM. With the help of a Fleetcare360 assessment, the dealer was able to take over service and management of the existing fleet immediately, stabilizing performance and reducing downtime while planning for strategic equipment upgrades over the contract term.
  • Thought leadership. MOM is generating high-quality educational content in the form of blog posts, whitepapers, webinars and videos. These sources highlight the dealer’s expertise and help to forge credibility and long-term trust with clients.
  • Growth opportunities. Backed by its MOM Leadership Development Institute, the dealer is able to shape and mold the next generation of leaders. The program identifies talent within the organization and provides the resources, tools and training needed to prepare employees for leadership roles.

Proven IT
Tinley Park, IL
www.provenIT.com

Year Founded: 2003
President/Owner: John Cosich (CEO), Brett Cosich (COO)
Number of Employees: 305
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Canon, Xerox, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Kaseya, Cisco, Ruckus, Proofpoint, CrowdStrike, HP, Dell, Microsoft, Intermedia
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, First Citizens Bank, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $87 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: BPA (30%), MPS (25%), MNS (21%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Proven IT expanded its cybersecurity division by 75% year over year.

Proven IT leadership (seated, from left): Gina Lyerla, VP of finance; Emir Husic, chief technical officer; Kelly Schweet, VP of human resources; and Matt Opyd, director of managed IT services. Standing: Danielle Gibbons, business development manager; Jake Janik, project engineer manager; Jimmy Kramp, facilities and procurement manager; and John Ross Cosich, managing partner

Why We Consider Proven IT Elite:

  • Website refresh. With the relaunch of its website, the dealer showcased its five core technology service offerings, the Proven process and a comprehensive knowledge base.
  • Security offerings. Proven IT bolstered security and strategic support of its clients with the addition of MSSP services, including CISO and vCISO.
  • Brighter smiles. A Chicagoland regional orthodontics group tapped Proven IT for MPS and MNS. Following a site assessment, the client’s fleet of 80 devices was whittled down to 32. Scanners were added to every client location, and Proven IT streamlined processes to improve efficiency, security and HIPAA compliance.
  • Building blocks. Proven IT supports Habilitative Systems, a Chicago organization that serves individuals with mental illness and substance abuse challenges, youth and families at risk, veterans, seniors, ex-offenders, the homeless and those who are unemployed. TVs, computers and equipment have been donated, and the dealer provided funding to help the nonprofit build a new technology center.

Systel Business Equipment
Fayetteville, NC
www.systeloa.com
www.systelprinting.com

Year Founded: 1981
President/Owner: Janene Aul (CEO), Jacqueline Smith (president), Cara Spencer (vice president)
Number of Employees: 250
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, Lexmark, Mimaki
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9 Softworks, PaperCut, DocuWare, Tungsten Automation, Ricoh, EveryonePrint, OpenText, Upland Software, DocuWare, All Covered
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $55.5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Systel Business Equipment averaged a Net Promoter Score of 93% and maintained online reviews of 4.6-plus stars.

The “Systel Sisters” leadership team at Systel Business Equipment (from left): Jacqueline Smith, president; Cara Spencer, vice president; and Janene Aul, CEO

Why We Consider Systel Business Equipment Elite:

  • Digitally driven. The dealer augmented its marketing efforts by adding a team member whose sole focus is digital campaigns and performance. The position has bolstered Systel’s online presence through consistent social media content, targeted digital ads, website enhancements, and weekly video updates that provide valuable marketing insights to its sales team.
  • Ecommerce efforts. Systel’s printing services division launched an online storefront which enables clients to upload digital print files; select from a variety of templates such as business cards, invitations or banners; and complete transactions online. A customer print and experience space also debuted, providing the opportunity for clients and prospects to get hands-on access to equipment.
  • Passing grade. One of Systel’s most notable takedowns was a multiyear agreement with a higher education client worth nearly half a million dollars. The pact included 100 unit upgrades, two production machines, modernized fax and a campus-wide print management solution with secure print release, rules-based printing and detailed reporting.
  • Answering call. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Systel donated more than $10,000 to support recovery and restoration efforts in Asheville, one of North Carolina’s hardest-hit cities. A match campaign was created to encourage employees to make contributions.
Stu Wise

United Business Technologies
Gaithersburg, MD
www.ubti.com

Year Founded: 1978
President/Owner: Armen Manoogian (CEO), Stu Wise (president/COO)
Number of Employees: 80
Primary Vendors: Canon, HP, Toshiba, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, PaperCut, SalesChain, ZoomInfo, LinkedIn Navigator, Canon, PaperCut, Fiery, Microsoft, Jira, ECI Software Solutions
Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Financial Services, First Citizens Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $72 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: New accounts (22%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The focus on new business accounts led UBT to expand into markets including health care, legal and financial services.

Why We Consider United Business Technologies (UBT) Elite:

  • Vertical ventures. The dealer saw much success with vertical-specific email campaigns tailored toward legal, health care and education that entailed customized, informative emails and solution blogs.
  • Top takedown. UBT reached terms on a $2 million-plus contract with a prominent Big Apple charter school network. A comprehensive deployment of multifunction devices, managed print services and workflow optimization tools tailored to the education sector was spread across 21 campus locations.
  • Career development. Whether it’s ongoing training, certification programs or mentorship opportunities, UBT consistently invests in ensuring its team members can forge a growth path within the organization.
  • Selling points. Among the benefits of doing business with UBT is its one-year, unconditional money-back guarantee. The dealer also boasts a three-hour average response time.
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