If you scanned the other articles from this week’s newsletter, you undoubtedly caught the reveal of the 2026 Difference Makers, a collection of 67 MVPs from every house in the office technology neighborhood. Human resources departments everywhere are keen on sourcing folks such as these high-impact professionals, simply because not only do they produce an impressive body of work, they also reflect positively on their employer.
Assembling a Dream Team of such folk begins with a casting call that positions your organization in the most flattering light. The pitch certainly has to include a strong compensation and benefits package that is at least competitive. There are other variables beyond what you, as a company, offer prospective employees that can dictate why they showed up at your door. But all things being equal, a healthy 401K contribution alone will not close the deal.
But what else is there? On-site gym with a basketball court in the back lot? Beer in the break room fridge? Massages every Friday and tarot card readings every Tuesday? As we put the wraps on this month’s State of the Industry report on hiring and retention, we ask our dealer panel about the selling points they offer to position themselves as a destination employer.
Culture and momentum are the twin cornerstones that attract—and retain—team members at WiZiX Technology Group of Roseville, California. Tyler Johnson, the senior vice president of sales, points out that gestures of kindness resonate with people, especially in a tough business climate.
“We work hard and this business is demanding, so we’re intentional about celebrating success,” he said. “Whether it’s contests, team events, dinners or recognition moments, we create shared wins.”
When it comes to a large organization such as UBEO Business Services of Austin, Texas, no one elixir can be applied across the network when it comes to ensuring job satisfaction. Melanie West, a director of HR for the company’s western region, cites a wide-ranging checklist that offers upward mobility and interactive growth, among other aspects.
“Beyond offering competitive compensation and benefits, UBEO attracts employees with a collaborative culture, professional development opportunities, recognition programs, work-life balance initiatives, and a mission-driven environment focused on innovative office solutions and exceptional customer service,” she noted.
As the company goes, so does the individual, according to Vince Miceli, vice president for Pulse Technology of Schaumburg, Illinois. The company’s addition of the Pudu line of versatile, AI-driven robotics opens the door for team members to widen their scope of expertise.
“We’re always looking to further diversify our offerings, which provides more opportunities for our employees to succeed,” he said.
Doceo of York, Pennsylvania has an array of selling points for wooing job candidates. The dealer is actively investing in AI, technology and new service lines, which is attractive for interviewees who seek assurance that the company is forward-thinking. Being culture-driven matters to candidates, as Doceo delivers via its Dream Big annual kickoff event, strong relationships with OEMs Toshiba and Kyocera, and investment in community relations. That genuine engagement communicates a philosophy that is not solely driven by quarterly financials.
Other variables include access to leadership and the opportunity to contribute to the direction of the firm. “At a $24 million company, your voice matters. You’re not a number,” Doceo shared. “The ideas you bring can actually shape where the company goes. For the right person, that level of impact is worth more than a bigger paycheck at a larger organization where you’re one of hundreds.”
