It’s been said that everyone’s eyes sparkle bright in the sunshine. That applies to customer service also; a problem-free experience can elicit a truly happy response. The real challenge is consistently replicating the steps that produced the outcome. But if 99 out of 100 clients are thrilled, how you deal with the one irate client says much more than the glory that stems from the satisfied ones.
Anthony Angelini vividly recalls one of his earliest challenges he endured as a sales manager. A business owner was furious because a service issue with a piece of equipment struck at a critical juncture. The histrionics—generally yelling and screaming—were beyond the pale and like nothing he’d ever experienced. Angelini was certain that the acrimonious display would end at the same time as the business relationship.
Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. He paid close attention to the details that punctuated the shouting and fully appreciated the client’s issues. From that, Angelini was able to devise a comprehensive communications plan going forward that would stave off similar issues and prevent another doomsday scenario.
“Not only did we never have any future issues like the one he just had, but we were also able to keep him as a customer and develop a great working relationship moving forward,” said Angelini, a 2026 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “This encounter helped me realize that truly understanding your customer’s business challenges and how you can solve them with your products and services are how you become successful in this industry.”
Rising Tide
A Waynesburg University product and 22-year veteran of Konica Minolta, Angelini currently serves as the director of strategic planning, helping the dealer channel thrive with production print. He knew he’d found his professional home while serving as a sales manager for the OEM in Denver. It wasn’t the high volume of sales Angelini found rewarding as much as the satisfaction he garnered from helping members of his team hit their numbers and enjoy success. He continues to find satisfaction by thriving in a team dynamic.
Little did Angelini know at the time how influential two training courses would be throughout his Konica Minolta tenure. In fact, the courses he took for sales manager and strategic account management continue to shape the way he does business.
“The concepts learned there over 15 years ago continue to shape how I navigate our industry daily,” he said.
One of Angelini’s most unlikely influences was his high school golf coach, who challenged his pupils to be better people as well as better players. It’s a philosophy that continues to color his day-to-day life. The better person aspect is partly what leads Angelini to feed off the small wins his fellow team members reap with his input.
AI Impact
As 2026 heads into the home stretch, Angelini is focused on incorporating AI into more interactions and processes to enable dealer partners to be even more successful with the Konica Minolta portfolio. He believes the technology hasn’t reached its potential for helping to drive better outcomes for dealers and clients.
Outside the office, Angelini and his wife, Christine, have been married 23 years. They have two sons: Nick, 21, and Chris, 17. Nick currently studies finance at Colorado State, where he is a percussionist in the marching band. Chris is a talented athlete in his senior year of high school and may follow in his father’s footsteps by getting into sales. Angelini enjoys golfing and grilling, but probably regrets introducing his boys to some of the finer cuisine.
“We all enjoy spending time together over a nice meal out,” he noted. “Unfortunately, I introduced sushi to the kids at a young age and it has been a financial decision that I regret because that’s where they always want to go to eat.”
The high school version of me wanted to be an: Accountant
Interesting fact about you: After college, I managed rock bands and was a production manager for a one-man show that traveled and performed at theaters all over North America.
Celebrities you have met: Countless musicians from when I worked at an amphitheater in Pittsburgh—Dave Matthews, Christina Aguilera and Eddie Van Halen, to name a few.
Favorite book or movie: Book: “My Side of the Mountain”; movie: “Tommy Boy”
Favorite food: Italian food
Person you’d most like to meet: My grandfather on my dad’s side. He died before I was born and I would’ve loved to have known what it was like to be an Italian immigrant and how he got started in this country.
Dream vacation destination: Italy
Any special talents: Cooking
Guilty pleasure: Watching YouTube to follow my interests.
Most prized possession: A CD signed by Dave Matthews.
