{"id":49566,"date":"2022-04-27T09:05:56","date_gmt":"2022-04-27T16:05:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/?p=49566"},"modified":"2023-07-25T12:11:14","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T19:11:14","slug":"industrys-most-wanted-the-2022-difference-makers-of-the-office-equipment-landscape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/difference-makers\/2022\/04\/industrys-most-wanted-the-2022-difference-makers-of-the-office-equipment-landscape\/","title":{"rendered":"Industry\u2019s Most Wanted: The 2022 Difference Makers of the Office Equipment Landscape"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While face masks and distancing guidelines have faded from our collective consciousness, the impact of COVID-19 continues to manifest itself in various ways, from supply chain headaches to the way we operate our businesses. That\u2019s not to diminish or ignore the mortality toll the pandemic has wrought; the United States is less than 20,000 away from reaching the sobering 1 million death count as of April 4, according to the New York Times<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as we move forward in a post-pandemic context, another compelling storyline continues to be The Great Resignation. In 2021, more than 47 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, averaging more than 4 million letters of resignation per month during the second half of the year. That average continued in January and February of this year, undoubtedly fueled by cases in which employees who left jobs in 2021 found their new positions to also be unfulfilling (a.k.a. Grass is Greener Syndrome).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While current conditions clearly indicate a buyer\u2019s market for job seekers, it also brings into sharp focus the value of high-performing individuals and the need to underscore their importance to the organizations for which they toil. Loyalty is a two-way street, and while today\u2019s employment landscape has provided more leverage for the rank and file, businesses are scrambling to find new and innovative ways to demonstrate their affinity for valued and long-tenured team members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As businesses continue to mobilize in an era of HR musical chairs, it\u2019s recognition programs such as ENX Magazine<\/em>\u2019s Difference Makers that spotlight the many valued contributions\u2014and examples of staunch loyalty\u2014that, given the circumstances, are perhaps more essential now than ever before. From receptionists to executives of multi-million dollar dealers, distributors and OEMs, just about every walk of life imaginable is represented in our 2022 class. And while top-level VPs are less likely to be job-hopping, contributions both great and small are essential to the health and vitality of our industry\u2019s mainstay performers and are worthy of celebrating\u2014and maintaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please take some time to peruse our roster of 63 Difference Makers and the stories behind their careers and contributions to their current employers. We\u2019d also like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time from their busy schedules to call attention to our industry\u2019s Most Wanted. This program isn\u2019t possible without your valued input, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations to this year\u2019s honorees. Read on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Trevor Akervik is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Trevor Akervik
<\/strong>COO
Marco<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Not everyone can trace their career roots to a college parking lot, but that was the genesis of Akervik\u2019s journey in the office technology sector. The St. Cloud (Minnesota) Technical and Community College product began his career in copier sales with Marco, but it wasn\u2019t long before Akervik found a higher calling within the firm. His penchant for exceeding goals led him to become a sales manager, but Akervik soon became one of the chief architects in the dealer\u2019s managed service platform and is credited as a significant force in building Marco\u2019s IT business. His current role as COO is geared toward driving results for Marco as it evolves into a national, integrated business technology provider. Akervik oversees human resources and business strategies that promote growth and opportunities for the company\u2019s talent. He also crafts and modifies strategies to support market dynamics and achieve Marco\u2019s business plan. A Peloton and pickleball enthusiast, Akervik is also involved with United Way of Central Minnesota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrevor is one of the finest, brightest IT people in our industry. His skills are unbelievable; his ability to teach, learn, promote and research gives him great insight into where this industry needs to go. He\u2019s a real visionary and a credit to the Marco organization.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mike Stramaglio, President, Stramaglio Consulting<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Clarence Baker is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Clarence Baker
<\/strong>Finance Director
Toshiba America
Business Solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one position in an organization for which intelligence is a must-have trait, the director of finance is either at or near the top of the list. Toshiba America Business Solutions (TABS) addressed that need in 2001 when it hired Baker as vice president of finance and administration. The Wayne State University magna cum laude had established himself during stints with Deloitte and Pfizer as a marketplace financial controller. Upon joining TABS, Baker soon transitioned into a critical role handling complex accounting and IT system issues, reporting directly to the company CFO. His skill sets combine a CPA with in-depth knowledge of Oracle ERP. That\u2019s enabled him to manage complex issues such as ASC 606, which is highly challenging given the sheer number of transactions, multiple element arrangements, bundled transactions and complex pricing to support bids. Baker\u2019s outgoing and engaging personality bucks the ideal of a droll number-cruncher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cClarence not only possesses unique technical knowledge, but also has an infectious personality that makes him welcome by all business leaders and staff across the organization. This is evident by the fact that he has had several job offers across multiple functions around the country. Clarence also does a phenomenal job managing the large CPA firms we engage with (for both audit and technical support). The CPA firms have tremendous respect for Clarence as well as a trust in what he delivers. This is due to his professionalism, technical skills and ethics. I\u2019ve worked with Clarence for over 10 years, and he truly does stand apart from most.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Michael Torcaso, Senior Executive Vice President and CFO, Toshiba America Business Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Holly Brandt is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Holly Brandt<\/strong>
Director of Human Resources
Doing Better Business<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Brandt has been a fixture at Doing Better Business (DBB) for the past 35 years in her role as human resources director, and she\u2019s also manager of the dealership\u2019s First Touch Team. A graduate of West Virginia University, Brandt arrived at DBB in 1987 and has cemented her reputation as a driving force behind the dealership\u2019s corporate culture. She\u2019s also a keeper of the flame when it comes to enforcing the company\u2019s core values. Brandt\u2019s deft guidance has enabled DBB to capture numerous Best Places to Work honors for both Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. She toils diligently to align DBB\u2019s corporate culture with business outcomes. Due to her leadership, the First Touch Team has consistently exceeded its goals. Brandt has also served as a guest presenter during BTA Select Dealer Group peer meetings. Away from the office, she\u2019s a staunch advocate for animal welfare, children and political issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo one embraces and exemplifies the core values of DBB like Holly Brandt. She\u2019s passionate about both our employees and our customers and truly wants everyone to feel like they\u2019re part of our family. I know I would be lost without Holly and all the things she does every day to make us a great company.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Debra Dellaposta, President and CEO, Doing Better Business<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Sally Brause is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Sally Brause
<\/strong>Director, Human
Resources Consulting
GreatAmerica
Financial Services<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

From her early role as human resources director to sales training and development, and now as director, human resources consulting, Brause has been a 20-plus-year cornerstone for GreatAmerica Financial Services. The holder of a BA in business administration from Coe College and a masters in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose University, Brause had stints with Rockwell Collins, The Ertl Company and Glaxo prior to joining GreatAmerica in 2001. She\u2019s made an indelible impression as part of the firm\u2019s PathShare HR Services offering, which is aimed at enabling client success through strategic focusing on business. She also serves an invaluable role as a certified implementer of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Traction, a set of business tools to help align and synchronize all operational aspects to yield maximized results. Brause\u2019s ability to enable clients to move beyond the day-to-day elements and create a clear direction of actionable initiatives is essential to everyday business and has taken on greater significance during a period of significant change and uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSally is a skilled and certified implementer for EOS Traction. She has a proven track record of helping office technology providers place a structured focus on strategy, so they can continue to navigate the pandemic and long term as they evaluate adding services and solutions.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jennie Fisher, Senior Vice President and General Manager, GreatAmerica Financial Services<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwo of the greatest strengths Sally brings to the table are her abilities to tackle strategic problems and encourage others to think differently in a way that produces desired outcomes. I love her ability to mediate discussions among conflicting opinions. She comes at it from an aspect of understanding the root problem that needs solving and doesn\u2019t choose sides. She provides a helpful calmness to strategic conversations.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Sean Seward, President, South Central Regional, Visual Edge IT<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSally is a great implementer for EOS Traction. Looking at our core values has changed the way we do business and helped us implement simple ideas such as, \u2018Do the right thing.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jim Dotter, President and CEO, Virginia Business Systems<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Derris Butler is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Derris Butler
<\/strong>Director of Sales
Pearson-Kelly Technology<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Butler is the personification of a clutch player. During The Great Resignation\u2014which saw approximately 47 million workers exit their jobs\u2014many small businesses were forced to scramble for fresh talent. Pearson-Kelly Technology (PKT) wasn\u2019t immune from this development, as the Missouri dealer lost 60 percent of its sales force. Butler mobilized and was able to restock PKT\u2019s talent pool in a mere nine months. The Columbia Southern University graduate didn\u2019t stop there, adding a new rep, a specialist and a sales development rep\u2014boosting the size of PKT\u2019s sales unit by more than 30% when the smoke had cleared. With a background that includes tours with Baker Phillips Jackson and Federal Protection, Butler has a penchant for identifying driven performers and follows the motto that he would rather \u201chave an ignorant team on fire than a knowledgeable one on ice.\u201d PKT\u2019s newbies brought the fire and were able to hit their numbers, due in no small part to Butler\u2019s motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDerris is PKT\u2019s unofficial hype man. He consistently challenges everyone on the PKT team to look for ways to improve themselves personally and professionally. He\u2019s also one of the most competitive individuals on our team, whether that\u2019s hitting pipeline goals or playing in an impromptu cornhole tournament. If you\u2019re struggling, there\u2019s no one better to be standing in your corner.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Kenzie Ward, Marketing Coordinator, Pearson-Kelly Technology<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Ledena Cayetano is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ledena Cayetano
<\/strong>Program Manager
Toshiba America
Business Solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t find many practicing attorneys in the office technology universe, and that versatility speaks to the value Cayetano brings to Toshiba America Business Solutions (TABS). As the company\u2019s program manager, Cayetano is responsible for developing go-to-market strategies and implementing sales initiatives for the Consortium program. Over the course of her 10-plus years with the organization, Cayetano has showcased her experience in operations, customer relations, sales communications and marketing. This allows her to have an in-depth understanding of the business throughout all parts of the sales cycle. Backed by her former experiences as a practicing attorney, with an emphasis on entertainment law, Cayetano mixes her skill sets to maximize sales potential while adhering to strict requirements that Consortium contracts often present. She has a BS in business administration with an emphasis in marketing management from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLedena is smart, talented and hardworking. She brings a lot of energy to everything she does. A significant part of her job is presenting and communicating our Consortium program to our resellers and partners. Her presentation skills are exceptional, as she is well prepared and has great knowledge of the program. Ledena\u2019s communication skills have helped us to better interact and create mindshare with our resellers, which is very important to our program success.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Khanh Pham, Director, Sales Operations, Toshiba America Business Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Jim Coriddi is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jim Coriddi
<\/strong>Vice President,
Dealer Division
Ricoh USA<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If Coriddi isn\u2019t the face of Ricoh North America in the eyes of the Ricoh Family Group and its 400-plus dealer partners, he\u2019s certainly no stranger to them. A 36-year veteran of the company, Coriddi has been instrumental in the group\u2019s continuous annual growth, which accounts for nearly 50% of the OEM\u2019s unit sales. During his tenure, Coriddi has served in various sales and marketing positions in the field and operational aspects of the business. Before taking the VP helm of the dealer division, he was responsible for coordinating the Ricoh field integration efforts in tandem with the company\u2019s IKON Office Solutions acquisition. He once led the dedicated IKON division\u2014with oversight of all sales, service and marketing operations\u2014and the unit grew 58% to $500 million annually during a five-year period. The Montclair State University graduate was previously vice president of Ricoh dealer sales and vice president of marketing support. In addition to his acquisition work, Coriddi developed and led an innovative consumables sales program and implemented a field marketing initiative to provide training and support for Ricoh\u2019s first digital multifunction product in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJim\u2019s longtime expertise and understanding of dealer needs and pain points makes him a true partner to Ricoh\u2019s dealer community. From his early days of leading sales and marketing teams to recent years of helping dealers innovate in a time of rapid business change, Jim has shown knowledge of how to inspire both his internal teams and external clients. Innovation also sits at the heart of Jim\u2019s work with the dealer community. Last year, at a time when bringing everyone together for in-person events wasn\u2019t possible, Jim led the effort to organize Ricoh Connection21, a six-month virtual program that allowed for meaningful collaboration with dealers. His commitment to Ricoh is beyond compare, while at the same time, he\u2019s always a friend to the dealer community, wanting to support their initiatives and help them grow and change alongside Ricoh.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jennifer Healy, Director, Marketing and Campaign Strategy, Dealer and Partner Channel, Ricoh USA<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Brandon Cork is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Brandon Cork
<\/strong>Branch Sales Manager
Pulse Technology<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In a span of less than two years, Cork has made his presence felt as a Chicago-area branch sales manager for Pulse Technology. He\u2019s represented the dealer at five area Chambers of Commerce and two networking groups for business development, and quarterbacked several significant community initiatives. He\u2019s also demonstrated leadership qualities while serving as a representative at BTA sales management meetings alongside other MPS influencers. From a community outreach perspective, Cork led a Pulse team of six that volunteered with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to help prepare 3,600 meals for the underserved. He\u2019s also carried the torch for CEO Chip Miceli\u2019s \u201cBuy Local Give Local\u201d program, providing area nonprofits with off-lease printers. Prior to Pulse, the Robert Morris University graduate (bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in business administration) was a sales manager for Canon Solutions America and worked in admissions for both DeVry University and Colorado Technical University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBrandon brings enthusiasm, optimism and a can-do attitude to everything he does. He\u2019s a strong leader and a goodwill ambassador who\u2019s passionate about giving 110% to the company and the community. Brandon is all in when it comes to making Pulse Technology a household word throughout the state and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jim Farrell, Founder, Farrell PR<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Tony Donnellon is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Tony Donnellon
<\/strong>Vice President of Operations
Donnellon McCarthy
Enterprises<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Every company has a \u201cwithout whom\u201d performer whose versatility and willingness to chip in where needed is essential to the success of the organization. Donnellon is a prime example of an individual who will handle any duty necessary to advance the cause of his firm\u2014in this case, Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises (DME). He\u2019s been known to climb into a truck and make deliveries or lend a hand to the billing department when needed. But the former Columbus branch manager and 20-year industry veteran is most at home in his current role as vice president of operations, which he took on in 2016, and he\u2019s been critical to the success and growth of DME. His various roles have also included sales and sales management, service technician and logistics. A proud alum of Xavier University, Donnellon\u2019s background also includes stints with American Racing and Belterra Casino Resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTony is an extremely hard worker for DME. He\u2019s helped with our deliveries, billing and even helps with our sales department. We couldn\u2019t run this operation without him.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Erica Huentelman, Executive Assistant, Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Kimberly Doyle is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Kimberly Doyle
<\/strong>Field Marketing Specialist
Epson America<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Rowan University graduate and four-year stalwart on the school\u2019s lacrosse team, Doyle embodies the team concept. In her short time with Epson, she\u2019s demonstrated a willingness to step up or volunteer for any task to advance the team cause. Boasting a background in sales provides her with a deep understanding of what an executive requires to be successful, making her a key cog in Epson\u2019s channel and field marketing team. Doyle understands how marketing complements sales with thoughtful enablement tools and develops whatever is needed to advance projects. Forging a reputation for reliability within the sales unit has produced a halo effect within Epson\u2019s field team\u2014she\u2019s one of the most pursued specialists with whom to partner. Cultivating relationships is one of her trademark attributes. Partners\u2019 sales teams seek out Doyle\u2019s support because of the value-add created by her attentiveness. Away from the office, she\u2019s still involved with lacrosse as a coach for recreation and travel organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKim Doyle is an outstanding field marketing specialist. I find her to be very approachable and willing to assist me and any of our dealers in supporting their efforts in selling Epson. She\u2019s very creative, responsive to the needs of our dealers and is always one of the first to jump in and offer assistance. She is a pleasure to work with, and I\u2019m very happy to have her on my team.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Sandy DiMarcello, Business Development Manager, Epson America<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Leroy Farrell is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Leroy Farrell
<\/strong>Vice President\/
General Manager,
Engineering Services and
SolutionsCanon U.S.A.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Farrell is a respected dean within Canon U.S.A., having spent more than 33 years with the organization. A leader committed to providing efficient, innovative and industry-leading service, he has a steadfast focus on enhancing the Canon customer experience. Farrell\u2019s leadership has paved the way to major customer support enhancement tools, including virtual presence, proactive and predictive services, and innovative remote services. Through remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, Canon can identify issues before they become problematic for the client. As a result, the manufacturer\u2019s customer solutions center has earned the Center of Excellence Award from Benchmark Portal for more than a decade. Farrell\u2019s team continues to unveil new device and software services that improve productivity, efficiency and profitability for Canon service partners. This includes remote monitoring services, data distribution services and customer applications. He continues to stay two steps ahead of the changing business climate by incorporating technological advancements to Canon\u2019s service value proposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLee has been an important part of Canon\u2019s success, and his impact can be seen in the numerous awards his team has earned throughout the years, highlighted by Canon\u2019s Customer Solutions Center garnering Center Of Excellence recognition from Benchmark Portal. He\u2019s made a difference in heading a group that continues to enhance the customer support experience. In an ever-changing business environment, Lee\u2019s team continues to show great adaptability, evidenced by his unit\u2019s focus on items such as remote monitoring services, data distribution services and applications that help improve the end-user experience.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Shinichi \u201cSam\u201d Yoshida, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Canon U.S.A.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Mark Flesch is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Mark Flesch
<\/strong>Chief Operating Officer
Gordon Flesch Company<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If it can be said that the Flesch family is royalty within office technology dealership circles, then suffice to say that Mark Flesch has earned prince status. He\u2019s been instrumental in spearheading four acquisitions since taking over as COO of The Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) in 2018, enabling the dealer to diversify its equipment offerings and transform its managed technology services. A graduate of University of Miami (Ohio) with a degree in marketing, Flesch is constantly seeking new avenues to innovation and has launched several initiatives aimed at bolstering the dealership. He created the GFC Customer Experience, a senior leadership team that builds on GFC\u2019s reputation for excellent customer service through training, internal communications, team-building efforts and improved workflows. He also had a hand in launching the Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) committee to foster a culture that values a more diverse and equitable workplace, ensuring all employees are valued and supported. Flesch also furthers his family\u2019s commitment to supporting the communities it serves; he sits on the boards of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Ohio Health Dublin Methodist Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMark\u2019s leadership style is to always look for ways to make GFC more competitive and innovative. He\u2019s committed to protecting the company\u2019s legacy while moving us forward into the future. His drive, optimism and initiative are inspiring to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Connie Dettman, Director of Marketing, Gordon Flesch Company<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Carrie Fox is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Carrie Fox
Director, Scanners,
Consumables and
New Business Initiatives
Epson America<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Epson America has carved a reputation as one of the fastest-growing scanner brands in North America, and Fox has played an integral role in its development. She was instrumental in the introduction of a new wireless network color document scanner, the DS-790WN, to meet increased demand for networking technologies. Fox has served various business units within Epson during her 15 years with the organization, including product manager and group product manager for the consumer inkjet team, prior to leading the scanner team in 2019. Her people-management skills have produced tremendous results with retail accounts and she\u2019s been honored by the manufacturer for her efforts in helping launch FastFoto and EcoTank. The holder of a BA in psychology from Mercer University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University\u2019s Owen Graduate School of Management, Fox also served as a senior product manager for Belkin Corporation and worked in the HR department with Universal Studios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFaced with turbulent and challenging times, Carrie has led her business group with nimbleness, a can-do attitude and an inclusiveness that values every team member\u2019s contribution. Like many teams, Carrie\u2019s group has seen severe supply challenges, attrition and the obvious issues of transitioning overnight to a remote workplace. Despite these obstacles, she\u2019s guided the group with a laser-like focus on our customers and partners. She brings to the table a unique ability to be decisive when necessary, but also follows a collaborative process, gathering input from extended teams with an openness that invites everyone\u2019s voice to be heard. Indeed, I believe it\u2019s her inclusiveness, the ability to make everyone feel that their contribution is valuable, that brings to the table unique and creative solutions that have elevated our business.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Tim Anderson, Group Product Manager, Epson America<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why John Fulena is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
John Fulena
<\/strong>Director, Production
and Industrial Printing,
Dealer Division
Konica Minolta
Business Solutions U.S.A.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Though his impressive resume encompasses a comprehensive tour of imaging and graphic arts, Fulena\u2019s latest challenge is one of new beginnings. He\u2019s seeking to foster new growth opportunities for dealers in the world of print production and industrial printing (PP\/IP) through the development and implementation of programs that aid in this diversification. A 35-year veteran who\u2019s plied his craft with Ricoh, Kodak, Oc\u00e9 (Canon) and HP Indigo, Fulena joined Konica Minolta in 2020 as the pandemic was changing the way businesses engage with one another. His team used the OEM\u2019s client engagement center to provide virtual product demonstrations, which helped proliferate the sale of PP\/IP solutions. And as supply chain issues continued to mount, the Gannon University graduate remained highly focused on managing inventory and allocating toner. He assessed needs and identified priorities to fulfill as many orders as possible on a weekly basis. As part of his 13 years with Ricoh, Fulena was an original member of the production printing business group, with whom he helped build and develop Ricoh\u2019s initial product line of sheetfed color and black-and-white digital production printing solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn makes an incredible difference by ensuring that PP\/IP is a growth product and very profitable for our dealers. Through his virtual tour program, he\u2019s doing so much more than providing equipment demos; he\u2019s telling the Konica Minolta PP\/IP story. John makes print come alive for the dealers. Once hosting eight straight days of live Zoom demos for 450 people, John\u2019s enthusiasm, passion and ability to get dealers excited about print never waned. We\u2019ve had an incredible year with sales of our presses thanks to education, awareness, training and understanding, and adjusting to the ever-changing marketplace. John\u2019s played a huge part in that. Additionally, John\u2018s done an amazing job of helping dealers manage through supply chain challenges, being creative with customers, staying engaged and answering the hard questions. He works tirelessly and we are so lucky to have him on our team.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Mike Gallagher is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Mike Gallagher
<\/strong>Service Manager
ECMSI<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While his career path at ECMSI has continuously evolved, Gallagher constantly embodies the core values and work ethic of the firm, having captured the organization\u2019s internal Ox Award for two consecutive years. A graduate of ITT Technical Institute with an associate\u2019s degree in electrical engineering, he previously owned CompTech Networking Solutions and has enjoyed a 10-year journey in the information technology sector. During his time with ECMI, Gallagher has served as account manager, service team lead and vCIO. In his current position as service manager, he focuses on furnishing exceptional service and support for partners on a daily basis. Gallagher also offers cross-departmental assistance to solve issues, educate and promote growth, ensuring the development of ECMSI and its partner base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t work with Mike directly, but as a tight-knit company, it\u2019s not hard to notice that he\u2019s the workhorse of ECMSI. Mike is always there to step up, take additional responsibility and ensure the team feels supported and understood. He\u2019s won our internal Ox Award for two consecutive years because of his hard work ethic.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Lauren Butka, Marketing and Communications Specialist, ECMSI<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Patrick Garcia is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Patrick Garcia
<\/strong>Sales and Major
Accounts Manager
Southwest Copy Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Garcia is currently on his second tour of duty with Southwest Copy Systems, having rejoined the firm in 2015 after spending nearly five years as the CEO of the non-profit Center for Hands-On Learning. In 2019, he was elevated to sales manager in tandem with his major accounts. During the pandemic, Garcia enabled Southwest to attain annual sales growth, and he shares his expertise and experience with the organization\u2019s sales executives and solution providers to maintain the dealership\u2019s position as a preeminent purveyor of copiers, printers, managed IT, VoIP and solutions in New Mexico. Prior to Southwest, Garcia spent 10 years on the support staff of one of the state\u2019s largest law firms, where he garnered an understanding of the workflow and office equipment needs of the legal environment. The University of New Mexico product also served as a down-the-street sales representative for Office World Technologies, where his ability to secure numerous major accounts caught the eye of Southwest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery company has a mission and a culture, but those missions and cultures within the workplace are upheld and ever changing from the individuals that make a company what it is. Patrick Garcia is the definition of positivity, the face of gratitude and a leader whose followers want to model his actions. His knowledge and wisdom go beyond the technology industry. He brings value to each situation in life and does the right thing for whoever he interacts with. Customer satisfaction seems to be the goal of countless companies and their employees, but if you ask those who Patrick interacts with, both in and out of the workplace, you\u2019ll find that he has loyalty in and with these individuals. Patrick is a selfless man who looks to the positive and works to make this world a better place in every aspect of his life.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Josh Herrera, Sales Rep, Southwest Copy Systems<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Brain Gertler is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Brian Gertler
<\/strong>Senior Vice President\/Partner
LDI Connect<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A master of building relationships, Gertler\u2019s boundless enthusiasm and big-picture perspective have been essential in helping the LDI Connect shine a light on the technologies end-users need to be successful, with an eye toward emerging technologies. Perhaps it\u2019s only fitting that his past life includes the ophthalmic dispensing world; innovation and creativity allow LDI\u2019s customers to focus their technologies more clearly. Gertler was a driver of the company\u2019s rebranding to LDI Connect earlier this year, an effort that gives more clarity to the overall product and solution catalog that has evolved and grown to better fit clients\u2019 needs. With managed IT, professional audio\/visual, document workflow, cloud communications and security boosting the portfolio, Gertler showcases how these tools can enable organizations to be more modern and efficient. His fingerprints are all over the proof of concept and market development of the firm\u2019s core disciplines. Prior to joining LDI more than 20 years ago, the NYU alum was the president of Integrated Media Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBrian is the biggest advocate for working with, partnering with and being employed by LDI Connect. I was recruited by Brian to work for LDI Connect on the train. Brian treats everyone he communicates with as equals. I say I work for Brian, and Brian says we work together. He values long-term relationships and ensures the company morale is high. With so much on his plate, Brian still finds time to decorate our offices for the holidays, take photos at our corporate events (tens of thousands), apply corporate window decals and help everyone around him be successful.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Louis Pearlman, Graphic Designer, LDI Connect<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Jodie Grice is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jodie Grice
<\/strong>Senior Vice President
of Customer Experience
GoodSuite<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The best way to understand Grice\u2019s value is to appreciate her style and adept people-handling skills, which were cultivated during a 30-year odyssey with Xerox. It was truly a family affair for Grice, whose mother and father also worked at the manufacturing giant for 30-plus years. Xerox kept close tabs on how its customer service team interacted with clients. Grice fielded many a call from irate clients, but by conversation\u2019s end, the anger and frustration melted into laughter and appreciation for her assistance. It wouldn\u2019t be long before Grice was elevated to service admin, then later to field rep, where she handled a fleet of 325 copiers on a studio lot. She moved over to family-owned GoodSuite in 2015 and oversees the imaging and IT service teams. She\u2019s thrived in an environment that cares for its employees and customers, and is a staunch proponent of the firm\u2019s core values. Grice is also deeply involved with community outreach endeavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJodie started out in dispatch, and it was apparent right away that we had a rock star. We modeled our core values that we live by every day from looking at the way Jodie attacks her work. She takes pride in every detail and continuously gets better. Whenever someone says rock star, we know it must be about Jodie.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Dan Strull, CEO, GoodSuite<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Malea Habbal is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Malea Habbal
<\/strong>Director of Marketing
Vision Office Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Marketing has long been a passion for Habbal, but she first joined her family\u2019s Vision Office Systems as an account executive in 2007 to manage a three-county territory. Habbal then embarked on a freelance marketing career in 2011, providing consultation and action plans for a variety of business sectors before returning to Vision as director of marketing in 2019. Upon her return, she added leasing company manager to her responsibilities. The holder of a BSBA in marketing from Western Carolina University and an MBA from Wingate University, Habbal is also the president and founder of Digital Marketing On-Ramp, which helps clients improve their digital strategies. A health enthusiast, Habbal also serves as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer for a local YMCA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMalea continues to show that she knows the ins and outs of marketing. She constantly has new things the company rolls out, which has helped us continue to grow during the two years of the pandemic. On top of the marketing side, Malea also manages our leasing company and takes great care of our clients who lease their equipment from us directly. She\u2019s a true asset to the company.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jason Habbal, Vice President, Vision Office Systems<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Amine Hammedi is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Amine Hammedi
<\/strong>Vice President
Nauticon Office Solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hammedi can speak four languages, but is perhaps most fluent in finance and profits. He\u2019s thrived during his decade-long venture at Nauticon Office Solutions, where he leads the office equipment sales division and has been instrumental in building the team through recruiting and sales efforts. Despite the pandemic downturn for most businesses, Nauticon has enjoyed record months, and Hammedi played a critical role in the dealer realizing record company sales in 2021. The holder of a BSBA from American University, he attributes the success to Nauticon\u2019s incredible service team, led by Vinh Phan and John-Austin Shepard, who have been vital in implementing a sales process that enabled the dealer to nearly double its revenue per deal since he joined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAmine\u2019s favorite phrase is \u2018humble and hungry,\u2019 and you won\u2019t find anyone who demonstrates those characteristics better. He enjoys rolling up his sleeves and supporting the team out in the field, on the phones and alongside teammates throughout the sales process to help others achieve success. He sets a fast pace for the team and truly embodies our company values of service first, teamwork and inclusion.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 John-Austin Shepard, Vice President of Sales, Nauticon Office Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why David Hanlon is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
David Hanlon
<\/strong>Equipment Sales
Operations Manager
Distribution Management<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hanlon served his country as an electronics technician in the United States Marine Corps, then began his 33-year journey in the office technology world with a copier dealership, A-Tec Office Equipment. After stints as a sales rep with Dealers Unlimited and Danka Wholesale, Hanlon spent 19 years at Collins Distributing Company. He joined Distribution Management in 2018 to focus on building the organization\u2019s A3 hardware business. It quickly became clear that Hanlon\u2019s knowledge and expertise in distribution and operations would be vital to navigating the unique supply chain and logistics needs of selling hardware. He\u2019s proven more than adept at juggling inventory needs, supply chain challenges and the coordination of device installation rollouts. Hanlon has effectively bridged the gap between manufacturer, distributor, dealer and end-user during this difficult business period. His love of college football is equaled by his penchant for rolling around town on his Harley Davidson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with David these past couple of years, which quite possibly have been the most difficult of times in our industry. The pandemic drastically impacted not only everyone\u2019s business but our supply chain as well. David\u2019s expertise in our channel, along with his knowledge of A4 and A3 hardware, really helped bring a sense of calm and structure to the chaos caused by the pandemic. We\u2019ve known David as a difference maker at Distribution Management since he arrived. In these adverse times, our manufacturer partners and customers recognize how big of a difference maker he is and how much we rely on his expertise.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jason Moore, Services and Solutions Sales Manager, Distribution Management<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Gary Harouff is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Gary Harouff
<\/strong>President
AIS-Advanced
Imaging Solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As his company celebrates its 20th year in business, Harouff has forged a reputation for providing greater opportunities to customers, employees and the community. He expanded AIS\u2019 portfolio into IT services, telecom, physical security (cameras and access control) and digital marketing services, and also devised innovative, customer-centric initiatives such as an e-commerce solution and a self-selection tool for prospects. He boosted profit sharing for employees and developed culture committees that enable team members to connect with one another through shared passions, hobbies and interests. In addition, Harouff provides employees with the opportunity to dedicate 24 hours per year toward the non-profit organizations of their choice\u2014eclipsing 500 hours in all during 2021. The UNLV product spent five years as president of Toshiba Business Solutions and was a founder of Skipco, where he spent the first 15 years of his career prior to selling the family-owned business to Toshiba. He\u2019s involved with the Copier Dealers Association and will be installed as president in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGary and AIS have been a valued customer of GreatAmerica for many years. I\u2019ve been impressed with his leadership not only with his team at AIS, but in our industry. He\u2019s a true entrepreneur, pushing the envelope for innovation. He was one of the first dealers in our industry to embrace inbound marketing (as a marketer myself, this has been inspirational to witness) as well as many other forward-thinking solutions to solve business and customer problems. I\u2019ve been particularly impressed with his willingness to share his company\u2019s best practices to help better our industry. At last year\u2019s CDA meeting, he and his team shared their process and work behind their fully-integrated configurator and online store (e-commerce solution).\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Josie Heskje, Director, Strategic Marketing, GreatAmerica Financial Services<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Karin Harrington is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Karin Harrington
<\/strong>Senior Director of Sales
Canon U.S.A.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Harrington is celebrating 30 years of service at Canon U.S.A. and has played a vital part in leading the OEM\u2019s dealer strategy initiatives. In a male-dominated industry, Harrington continues to drive success in her new role as senior sales director for dealer services, in charge of the independent dealer network. Ever since arriving at Canon U.S.A. in 1992, she\u2019s been a key cog in growing the manufacturer\u2019s partnerships and guiding them through the evolution of an ever-changing industry. Her leadership qualities dovetail with Canon U.S.A.\u2019s commitment to bringing innovative technology that expands business opportunities with the authorized dealer network. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a BS in business management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKarin\u2019s diligence, combined with strong knowledge of the industry, has been an important part in growing our partnerships and will continue to be a key factor in expanding opportunities with our authorized dealers.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mason Olds, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Canon U.S.A.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Melody Harris is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Melody Harris
<\/strong>Vice President,
Administration
Milner Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A past honoree, Harris has many adjectives attached to her pedigree: organized, disciplined, detail-oriented, analytical problem-solver and top-flight project manager. She\u2019s been wildly successful at every stop along her career, including her current role with Milner. In this business operations capacity, she can hit revenue goals while still meeting customer satisfaction standards. Harris focuses on centralized processes and systems, with a concentration on increased efficiencies in the quote-to-cash workflow. A wealth of experience in project management and logistics adds depth to her overall value. Prior to Milner, she spent 12 years with United Technologies as director of customer operations and manager of North America hospitality projects. While there, she oversaw the company\u2019s 24\/7 tech support team, warehouse, global security rollouts and nationwide installations for large accounts. Harris was also director of signage services for Benson Integrated Marketing Solutions. An Emory University alum, she holds a Georgia real estate license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019re watching CEOs and CFOs making decisions about how to effectively improve profit, either through software or processes, she\u2019s one of the top five people I know in getting that done. Melody is a hard-nosed negotiator to the extent that she manages some very opinionated people who work in the IT world. She manages to stand her ground when she needs to. She gets the job done, and in my opinion, that makes her a great leader.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mike Stramaglio, President, Stramaglio Consulting<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Diane Henriquez is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Diane Henriquez
<\/strong>Receptionist
Coast to Coast
Computer Products<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not a stretch to say that the impression a business makes with its clients and prospects is dictated by the first contact that\u2019s made. In the case of Diane Henriquez\u2014the receptionist for Coast to Coast Computer Products\u2014it\u2019s one that is both lasting and favorable. Coast to Coast\u2019s staff and customer base credit Henriquez, who\u2019s been the familiar, friendly voice on the other end of the line for 30 years, with setting the tone for doing business with the company. While she\u2019s worked in many departments within Coast to Coast, her smile and can-do attitude makes her the perfect fit for being that first point of contact, whether on the phone or in the office. Her positive attitude is infectious, to the point where many a business associate has complimented Henriquez. That friendly face at the onset of an engagement has been vital to the organization\u2019s success, and her teammates view Henriquez as more than \u201conly a receptionist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t find too many beautiful people like Diane. She brightens every room she enters and is missed when she\u2019s not around. I\u2019ve worked with Diane since I was about 19 years old and when I turned 21, she rented a limo to drive us around during our lunch break. She\u2019s giving, caring and fun, but stern. She will not be taken advantage of, yet she would give you the shirt off her back. I\u2019ve always looked up to Diane, confided in her and respected her advice. She takes care of all of us here and is loved by all. She deserves all the praise she receives and more. Our customers love her just as much as they do their sales representatives!\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Melissa Servatdjoo, Technology Sales Manager, Coast to Coast Computer Products<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Kimberly Herold is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Kimberly Herold
<\/strong>Sales Manager and Partner
Impact Networking<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Grit, persistence, passion and the dedication to be the best are all qualities that have driven Herold during her 20-plus years in the office technology sector. She joined Ohio Business Machines (OBM) shortly after graduating from John Carroll University in Cleveland with a degree in marketing, but quickly found a calling as a high-performing sales professional. During her 12-year stint with OBM, she recruited, coached and mentored many sales professionals and administrative teams, enabling her to rise to the position of vice president. In her seven years as VP, Herold helped increase sales revenue 320%. Following a stint as a Chicago sales manager for Des Plaines Office Equipment (now Pulse Technology)\u2014a time in which she was honored as a top under-40 professional by The Cannata Report\u2014she joined Impact Networking as a sales manager in downtown Chicago. She\u2019s been particularly effective with driving growth in managed services and helped Impact reach its goal of $100 million for 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKimberly was made partner in January 2018 for her success leading, promoting and mentoring team members and her dedication to Impact\u2019s overall growth. I first met Kimberly 22 years ago and immediately recognized that she was very talented and was bound to have a great career. She\u2019s been the highest-level achiever in our industry and has garnered several awards. Impact is an excellent organization, and to make it to partner level is a testimony to her professionalism and dedication.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 John Rickey, Vice President Sales Eastern Zone, Kyocera Document Solutions America<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Hector Jara is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Hector Jara
<\/strong>Senior Field Sales Engineer,
Solutions\/Architect
Brother International<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A one-time construction foreman, Jara has never been afraid to get his hands dirty and leads by example; he won\u2019t ask his charges to tackle a task he wouldn\u2019t handle himself. An 18-year veteran of Brother International with 30-plus years under his belt, Jara was certified in all printer brands prior to joining the firm\u2019s color division as a product support specialist. As part of the OEM\u2019s national service, he was tasked with launching Brother\u2019s first color engine. He traveled through Latin America, training the continent on the printer in three languages\u2014English, Spanish and Portuguese. Upon returning to the U.S., Jara took over as a solutions engineer to support sales. He\u2019s thrived in that role by prioritizing relationships; if Jara doesn\u2019t have a product that\u2019s ideal for a client\u2019s needs, he\u2019ll recommend another reputable brand. His focus on transparency and building long-term relationships has helped cultivate a pipeline of consistent, happy customers, many of whom have been with him for 18 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo one deserves this award more than Hector. Those who have had the privilege of working with him are well aware of his exceptional leadership skills and empathy for others. He truly seeks to understand and connect with those around him. We\u2019re fortunate to have Hector on our team, given everything that he\u2019s accomplished for Brother, and look forward to seeing him achieve even greater success in the future.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Bob Burnett, Director of B2B Solutions Deployment and Planning, Brother International<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Chris Johnson is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Chris Johnson
<\/strong>Senior Director of
Channel Sales,
Central Region
Sharp Imaging and
Information Company
of America<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In a career that spans more than 20 years, Johnson has gained insights at every level, from solutions engineer to sales, and currently guides channel sales for Sharp\u2019s central region. During the past five years with Sharp, he\u2019s navigated his team and reseller partners through difficult times to produce 15% in revenue growth. Blending skills with a focus on understanding the vision of Sharp\u2019s partners, he\u2019s carved a path to success for both the OEM and its dealers. Johnson\u2019s leadership skills have been demonstrated repeatedly through his career, including tours of duty with the U.S. Army in deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was responsible for the health, welfare, morale, family support and discipline for more than 80 soldiers. The holder of a bachelor\u2019s degree in political science and government from North Central College and an associate\u2019s degree in computer networking from Robert Morris University, Johnson carved out a 16-year career with Konica Minolta as a branch sales manager and later an IT services consultant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can remember when I was first introduced to Chris. At our first meeting, he came into our organization and began offering his support, ideas and experience. He didn\u2019t realize this, but his passion for major accounts created a vision for our major accounts program, and his spark ignited a fire within our sales organization. Over the years, he\u2019s been a difference maker for me and the growth of our company. He\u2019s encouraged and challenged me to reach levels that I never thought would be possible. Our partnership with Sharp is undeniably one of the strongest, and I attribute that to our relationship with Chris. A difference maker is an ordinary person who accomplishes extraordinary things by creating positive change in the lives of others. Chris Johnson has made the difference for Platinum.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Kimberly Gonzalez, President, Platinum Copier Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChris is always available with an answer and does all he can to help. From the first phone call, he\u2019s knowledgeable about technology and price support. He\u2019s made a big difference in our relationship with Sharp.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Bruce Gibbs, President, GFI Digital<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Ryan Jones is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ryan Jones
<\/strong>General Manager
American Business
Machines<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Keeping up with the Jonses may be an idiom for matching established benchmarks of the elite, but as a third-generation caretaker of the American Business Machines (ABM) dynasty, Jones has done more than his share of maintaining standards during the course of his 28-year career. Known for setting the highest of bars, Jones has been strategic in his expansion to key sectors of the company, from incorporating security technology equipment to document and process management software. Under his guidance, ABM has grown the company from eight employees to more than 100 while maintaining a customer-first mentality. ABM has been recognized as a Canon Elite Member and is consistently one of Canon\u2019s top 10 dealership partners by sales. He continues to follow the quality and customer service guidance set forth by founder Wallace T. Jones by providing the tools each of ABM\u2019s seven central California branches require to be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you need someone who understands the value of dreaming big, you look to Ryan. His ability to look forward and see our company\u2019s potential got us through this difficult time. Because of that, we were able to thrive in the current environment and continually expand our business to support our employees as well as the community. Even with his big ideas, Ryan never forgets about the people who have helped propel this company forward and always stresses the importance of quality customer service. Ryan is a pillar in both our company and the city he lives in, and we\u2019re blessed to have him lead us through these unprecedented times.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Saretta Micciche, Operations Director, American Business Machines<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Steve Keeter is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Steve Keeter
<\/strong>Service Manager
Southwest Copy Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tireless is an apt descriptor for Keeter, who regularly checks in 5 a.m. at Southwest Copy Systems and doesn\u2019t make his way home until 7 p.m. But it\u2019s not just the amount of time he puts in that has added value to the dealership for the past 13 years. Keeter had the good fortune (or misfortune, depending on your point of view) of replacing a service manager who was universally disliked. The change in leadership sent positive ripples throughout the service department, and Keeter\u2019s managerial style has significantly brightened the department. He wears many hats beyond managing service; Keeter is the main instructor for Southwest Copy System\u2019s fleet of printers and can still be called upon to make service calls and deliveries. Keeter\u2019s career began in commercial storefront before transitioning to residential service manager and instructor. His mechanical gifts also fuel his passion for restoring motorcycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSteve is always one to help out when he needs to and he goes the extra distance not only for the bosses, but for the employees he directly manages. I\u2019ve worked alongside Steve for almost three years now and I wouldn\u2019t want anyone else in his position. I know we can rely on him and he\u2019ll do his absolute best to help anyone.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Nick Manning, Systems Engineer, Southwest Copy Systems<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Michael Kidd is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Michael Kidd
<\/strong>President and CEO
U.S. Business Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A results-oriented leader, Kidd feels both \u201clucky and blessed\u201d to have cultivated a 42-year career that\u2019s culminated with his current position as president and CEO of U.S. Business Systems (USBS) in Elkhart, Indiana. The Northern Illinois University graduate (BS in marketing) began his career with an independent Minolta dealer in Chicago before joining Minolta corporate, rising to district sales manager and twice capturing the firm\u2019s Salesman of the Year award. Recruited to Wisconsin dealer NEP as vice president and general manager, Kidd then hooked on with McShane\u2019s, where he spent 12 years as a GM. After McShane\u2019s was sold, he landed with USBS in the same GM capacity\u2014the beginning of a five-year odyssey that\u2019s led him to the top leadership role. His giving nature is evidenced by not only his willingness to share knowledge, but also through his dedication to area youth through the Boys & Girls Club and the Boy Scouts of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI first met Michael in 2014, when I took the position of Midwest regional manager for Kyocera. Michael attended every regional event we had and always seemed willing to contribute in any way. I could tell immediately that he had a great love and passion for the technology industry. Michael was a giver versus a taker, and I\u2019m sure that\u2019s what allowed him to ascend the ranks during his career. Even after moving to another position within Kyocera, we\u2019ve remained good friends, and my respect for him has continued to grow over the years.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 John Rickey, Vice President Sales\u2014Eastern Zone, Kyocera Document Solutions America<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Kate Kingston is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Kate Kingston
<\/strong>Founder and President
Kingston Training Group<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s impossible to have a discussion about sales training in the office technology sector without someone name-checking Kingston. A ubiquitous fixture, Kingston brings high energy, insights, mounds of suggestions and an endless font of tools designed to help representatives close deals by overcoming objections. An energized communicator and a wizard in the fields of lead generation and new business development, Kingston can often be found at industry events and dealer engagements, electrifying the room with humor, audience participation, role-play drills and live calls. Her proven techniques and practical guides offer students a roadmap to cultivating new business opportunities. The one-time theater actress built her engagement proficiency while setting appointments as a secretary to pay the bills while waiting for her big professional break. Kingston kept getting \u201cno, thank you,\u201d answers, so she changed her strategy, tracked the results and tweaked her approach. Her employer was so taken with Kingston\u2019s success that management began telling sales reps to \u201csit with Kate\u201d and learn how she gets results. Before long, Fortune 500 companies in New York City engaged Kingston as a freelance cold-calling consultant. The appointment-setting skill soon took form as The Kingston Training Group, and she\u2019s trained thousands of sales reps and managers in forging more meetings with ideal prospects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a fantastic, well-known personality in our business. Kate has great leadership skills and tremendous imagination. Her presentations and the way she conducts herself are really top-shelf. She\u2019s very professional and articulate. Kate has trained thousands of salespeople and managers in our industry for years. She\u2019s really a secret weapon, and she\u2019s truly the best at motivating, inspiring, teaching and follow-up. Her execution skills are the best, bar none. Kate\u2019s reputation is as good as it gets.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mike Stramaglio, President, Stramaglio Consulting<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why John Konynenbelt is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
John Konynenbelt
<\/strong>Vice President of Sales
Applied Imaging<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The ascension of Applied Imaging to the $100-plus million stratosphere is due in no small measure to the efforts of Konynenbelt. The Calvin University graduate started with Applied Imaging during its humble beginnings and has been instrumental in the dealer\u2019s expansion from a mere copier dealership to offering managed print services, document imaging products, network and IT services, and various other products in the information lifecycle. A driven executive with high integrity, Konynenbelt also helped establish the dealer\u2019s renowned corporate culture, which touches not only the way Applied Imaging relates to clients and prospects, but its internal core values as well. While Applied Imaging has experienced significant organic and acquisition-based growth, Konynenbelt and the dealer\u2019s other top management personnel have ensured the corporate culture has been maintained, fostering the smooth integration of acquired employees and new hires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve known John for close to 20 years, and he\u2019s one of the nicest guys I\u2019ve met in the industry. He enjoys having fun and being creative in his attempts to motivate not just the salespeople, but all Applied Imaging employees. Outside of work, he\u2019s very active in the community and a proud member of Calvin College\u2019s alumni. Over the years, I\u2019ve interviewed over 100 Applied Imaging customers for radio commercials, and many of those interviewed mention John as one of the primary reasons for their long-term partnership with Applied Imaging. I\u2019ve discovered over the years that due to his multi-syllable last name, employees as well as customers simply know him as J.K.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Ian Crockett, President, ICE Advertising<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Rick Lambert is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Rick Lambert<\/strong>
CEO and Founder
selltoWIN\/
IN2communications<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lambert has coached more than 2,000 sales professionals on showcasing their personal brand via LinkedIn, assisted a major distributor in a rebrand, coached employees of two major OEMs on how to appear on video and strengthened the digital DNA of hundreds of technology dealers\/MSPs. The University of New Hampshire product began his career with Xerox and captured the Rookie Sales Rep of the Year award in Canada. With notable experiences such as IKON Office Solutions to his credit, Lambert created selltowin.com, a tool for transforming sales professionals built through his experiences as a rep, sales manager and VP of sales. An AskTheCoach YouTube series followed, furnishing sales professionals with insights for improving results, and in 2018 he unveiled the selltowin.com eCademy, a core of on-demand training videos that capture the energy of his live coaching engagements. Between his IN2communications digital marketing agency and THE SMARKETING SHOW YouTube series, Lambert continues to plumb the possibilities for helping traditional copier dealers digitally transform their sales and marketing to align with today\u2019s digital buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRick helps OEMs, distributors, dealers and their people unleash their business potential in today\u2019s digital business environment. His ability to create and execute comprehensive sales and marketing strategies makes him a giant among others in the business technology arena. Rick doesn\u2019t just consult from the sidelines\u2014he walks the walk.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Melissa Theriault, Business Manager, Virtual Events, IN2communications<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Bob Lamendola is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Bob Lamendola<\/strong>
Senior Vice President,
Technology and Head
of Digital Services Center
Ricoh North America<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A passion for innovation and a customer-centric leadership approach has served Lamendola well. Tasked with creating a clear strategy and identity for Ricoh\u2019s digital services portfolio, his team has developed integrated solutions and services that enable organizations to become more agile, effective and secure. Among his team\u2019s credits: a market-leading service that transforms inbound communications into digital information, leveraging Ricoh\u2019s AI-powered automation system; a ransomware containment solution that helps prevent attacks; and RICOH Capture & Conversion Services, an AI-fueled solution that intelligently captures, digitizes and stores information, making it securely and efficiently accessible and searchable anywhere. On the strength of Lamendola and his team, Ricoh was named Best Cloud Infrastructure at The Cloud Awards and ranked on CRN\u2019s 2022 MSP 500 list. The Bloomsburg University alum has been with Ricoh in various capacities since 2007, serving numerous leadership roles within the IT services organization including oversight of the managed hosting, application development, and ITS infrastructure and support teams. His past experiences include Invision, Vishay and General Semiconductor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBob\u2019s deep technical knowledge and understanding of key trends that impact both our customers and valued dealer partners make him an excellent leader. He constantly encourages team members to actively participate in business strategy and portfolio development, and he\u2019s a huge supporter of personal growth and development, recognizing that individuals who are inspired and excited to come to work each day contribute to a positive and collective team environment. Bob also contributed his expertise and knowledge to our Ricoh Connection21 dealer program by participating in the first themed cycle event on security. His commitment to our dealer partners and customers and ability to always think ahead help ensure that our support aligns with their needs and that these needs are always at the foreground of all ideation and go-to market plans.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jennifer Healy, Director, Marketing and Campaign Strategy, Dealer and Partner Channel, Ricoh USA<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Josh Lane is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Josh Lane<\/strong>
President and CEO
ACDI<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Possessing the prescience of an executive with decades of experience is but one calling card for Lane, so don\u2019t let his youthful exuberance suggest otherwise. Industry distributor Access Control Devices Inc. (ACDI) has leveraged extensive R&D to develop feature-rich, value-added cost recovery solutions that dovetail nicely with PaperCut MF, an undisputed global leader in cost accounting print management software. A graduate of the University of Arkansas (BSBA finance), Lane started his career as a finance supervisor for UPS. He launched ACDI in 2000 with a five-person staff, which has grown to nearly 100 team members across the U.S. With a quest to deliver sustainable products and services, ACDI provides best-of-breed solutions from the aforementioned PaperCut to the newly announced EV technology services\u2014all speaking to the company\u2019s mission statement to be \u201cBetter than Yesterday.\u201d Lane\u2019s community involvement includes coaching for the Boys and Girls Club, teaching a middle school Life Group at his church and serving on the advisory board of Benton BRIGHTfutures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJosh is one of the visionary people in our business and a man of high integrity. He\u2019s an advocate for promoting new products and new directions for clients. Josh\u2019s ability to translate analytics and explore marketing tools is as good as it gets. For a younger guy, his ability to see and do things and pivot are amazing. He has the ability to assess, study and research, and also make decisions as he\u2019s doing it. Besides that, he\u2019s one of the nicest and most humble people I know.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mike Stramaglio, President, Stramaglio Consulting<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Casey Lowery is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Casey Lowery<\/strong>
Chief Operations Officer
Applied Imaging<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The next generation of leadership at Applied Imaging, Lowery offers a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm\u2014not to mention innovative ideas\u2014that are poised to keep the dealership at the fore of the office technology leaderboard. A 15-year veteran of the company, Lowery is responsible for the day-to-day logistics at Applied Imaging\u2019s 18 offices in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Florida. He helps keep employees loose and productive by maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere, but by the same token, Lowery is constantly analyzing how to keep operations streamlined so employees are working smarter rather than harder. An ideas-driven executive, Lowery loves to brainstorm on topics such as efficiency, sustainability and innovation. A product of Indiana University Bloomington and the institution\u2019s Kelly School of Business, Lowery was also instrumental in acquiring new offices and introducing the dealer\u2019s Applied Chemistry to the marketplaces it serves. Prior to joining the family business, Lowery cut his teeth as an account representative for Ricoh Business Systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCasey is always beaming with energy from the minute he walks in the door to the minute he leaves. It\u2019s hard not to laugh or smile when he comes to talk to you because he has a way of making sure all employees are having the best day. It\u2019s such a family environment at the office, and the Lowerys are always inclusive and transparent about the state of the business, so we all feel as though we\u2019re part of the family. Casey\u2019s innovative ideas and ability to get everyone excited about new developments are what make him a perfect difference maker. Not only is he passionate about people, service and business, but he always wants to find the most environmentally friendly way to operate.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Sheila Keller, Marketing Strategist, Applied Imaging<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Maegan Lujan is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Maegan Lujan<\/strong>
Director,
Solutions and Services
Toshiba America
Business Solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Of all the success stories outlined in this issue, perhaps Lujan\u2019s is the most improbable. At the age of 14, she was a foster youth who was on her own, but was able to persevere and overcome such a drastic challenge by channeling her energy toward positive growth and self-improvement. Lujan has left her mark in a nearly two-decade journey: she\u2019s a two-time nominee for the Orange County Business Journal\u2019s Women in Business Award and a Product Marketing Alliance 2020 Top 100 Product Marketing Influencer. She\u2019s been lauded three times by The Cannata Report\u2014a 2016 Young Influencer, 2019 Woman of Influence and the 2021 People to Watch List. In her current position with Toshiba, Lujan is responsible for the direction, planning and strategy for the OEM\u2019s solutions and services portfolio and is a frequent presenter at industry events, workshops, vendor seminars and webinars. This brand strategist and author has a new book, \u201cA Million Little Clicks: Brand Vision,\u201d slated for release this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaegan as an individual\/contributor is someone you can count on to get things done. Give her a task and a timeline and she\u2019ll conquer it. And as a manger, she\u2019s extremely organized and truly cares about the people on her team. Together, her can-do attitude and team support make her a wonderful leader.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Kerstin Woods, Vice President Solutions and Outbound Marketing, Toshiba America Business Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Kohei Maeda is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Kohei Maeda<\/strong>
Supervisor, Marketing,
Business Information
Communications Group
Canon U.S.A.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A graduate of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Maeda has proven to be a champion of innovation during his six years with Canon U.S.A. He helps quarterback dynamic new technologies such as the product lead on the Activate My Line of Site (AMLOS) team. Maeda puts into practice Canon\u2019s vision to leverage imaging technology that enhances creativity and helps people collaborate and create together. As the workplace dynamic shifts to a hybrid model, Maeda leads the cross-functional team in developing the AMLOS system. This improves the hybrid collaboration process by making it more productive, natural and human. Maeda has been part of a team utilizing Canon\u2019s imaging technology to help improve the collaboration process, working at the fore to use existing technology in unique ways. Maeda\u2019s passion for his work made him a natural fit to be a spokesperson for special projects, including his presentation of AMLOS to international media during the 2022 CES tech show in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKohei has distinguished himself as a difference maker by helping to drive new initiatives at Canon, evidenced by his tireless work as the product lead for the team responsible for the new AMLOS solution. With his support, Kohei\u2019s team has been able to enhance creativity, allowing our company to boldly pursue innovation.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mike Betsko, Senior Director, Integrated Marketing-Business Imaging Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Ron McClintock is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ron McClintock<\/strong>
Director of
Aftermarket Services
CopyPro Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

McClintock is a savvy veteran of the service sector, having logged more than 36 years of experience with a wide variety of dealers. A dedicated team player, he\u2019s spent the past seven years as director of aftermarket services with CopyPro, where his responsibilities include overseeing parts and supplies inventory, service contract management, equipment setup and delivery, along with warehouse management. McClintock is a consistent performer who\u2019s been named to the organization\u2019s President\u2019s Club each year. During the course of his career, he\u2019s managed service, parts and supplies, service contracts and budget\/expense control for a number of organizations, including Coeco Office Systems, Digital Office Solutions, Ricoh Business Solutions, Kelley Connect, Copyco and Copier Specialists. McClintock also spent more than six and a half years as a commercial finance broker for Cypress Financial Corporation. By leveraging a superior business knowledge and structure implementation, he\u2019s able to foster customer satisfaction and produce positive results for his team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn 2021, Ron\u2019s expertise and relationships with outside vendors was crucial in helping us manage the supply chain disruption. Ron led his team to keep our toner inventory at the level needed to support our customers. His can-do attitude kept our team motivated in spite of the pressure of potentially running out of supplies. The term difference maker fits Ron perfectly, because in a year of disruption, he made a difference!\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Debra Dennis, Vice President of Support Services, CopyPro Inc.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Denise Miller is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Denise Miller<\/strong>
Senior HR Consultant,
PathShare HR Services
GreatAmerica
Financial Services<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Miller is an invaluable resource for customers as they evaluate their staffing needs and hiring processes by helping them prioritize and identify practices that work and those that require adjusting. This has been critical for businesses during the high turnover of The Great Resignation, which has challenged companies to source and onboard high-performing individuals. A Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) with an additional specialty credential in talent acquisition, Miller innovates through continuous self-improvement and advancement to furnish forward-thinking best practices and ideas that speak to the needs of challenged HR departments. She studies the challenges of modern business to identify process-improvement tools and drive faster results, then conducts training sessions for new skill development to overcome the challenges identified. Prior to joining PathShare in 2013, Miller spent 10 years in a leasing sales role with GreatAmerica, helping office equipment dealers grow their customer base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDenise is a superb trainer, facilitator and moderator. Training salespeople is often a thankless job. Denise does an outstanding job at not only presenting the material in an informative and entertaining fashion, but she\u2019s also excellent at gaining participation from everyone involved, even during remote sessions, which is incredibly difficult. She\u2019s insightful, patient and concise, and her real-world scenarios and dialogues have helped immensely. She knows our business and our industry. I highly recommend Denise and the work that she does.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mike Steinhoff, President, Rhyme<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe wouldn\u2019t be where we are today without Denise and Sally (Brause). They both contribute to the success of AIS and they\u2019re dynamite to work with. Providing responsiveness and an exceptional experience each and every time sets them apart from competitors.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Rosa Solares-Harouff, Director of Culture and Talent Management, Advanced Imaging Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDenise\u2019s approach to understanding the needs of our customers by thinking through and prioritizing their challenges, coupled with her impeccable follow up in bringing solutions, is valued by so many of our customers\u2014organizations of all sizes.<\/p>\u2014 Jennie Fisher, Senior Vice President and General Manager, GreatAmerica Financial Services<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why George Milton is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
George Milton<\/strong>
CEO
Clover Imaging Group<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A major player for more than 30 years in the office products space, Milton has held senior management operations positions with some of the most notable distributors in the industry, including Boise Cascade Office Products and Associated Stationers. Before becoming CEO of Clover Imaging Group in 2017, he served as COO with oversight of product research and development, engineering and robotic automation, worldwide manufacturing, global distribution, quality assurance, global procurement, packaging engineering, customer service and technical support. He has extensive experience with system integrations and operations management and has been instrumental in helping Clover build its world-class infrastructure. Before joining Clover in 2004, Milton served as vice president of operations for the Chicago and Wisconsin markets with Corporate Express, where he had P&L responsibility for over $200 million and was instrumental in the integration of several large acquisitions and managed the start-up of a new distribution center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGeorge isn\u2019t driven by recognition or accolades, which is one of the many reasons why he\u2019s such a fantastic leader. He deeply understands all facets of the business and can just as easily deep dive into operations as he can discuss marketing and sales strategy. Through all the challenges Clover Imaging has faced over the last two years, George\u2019s unwavering leadership and ability to steer the business has served as the inspiration and motivation for the entire organization.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Keli Posch, Director of Marketing and Sustainability, Clover Imaging Group<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Brad Mofield is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Brad Mofield
Vice President of Services
Copiers Northwest<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mofield embarked on his career at Copiers Northwest upon completing his tour of duty in the Navy, where he served at the Naval Communications Station in Keflavik, Iceland. The dealer was in business for just three years prior to Mofield cutting his teeth as a tech trainee, and he moved through the ranks as supervisor and service manager. Now, as vice president of services, Mofield is responsible for developing innovative tech bonus programs, improving the company\u2019s aftermarket performance and overseeing the dealer\u2019s customer-based service culture. Under his guidance, the service department boasts an average employee tenure of 23 years. Mofield is also instrumental in Copiers Northwest attaining one of the highest Net Promoter Scores\u2014based on customer satisfaction\u2014in the industry. The dealer finished 2021 with an 87.88 NPS, recording three 100 scores in the process and solidifying its reputation for delivering world-class service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHaving been with Copiers Northwest for over 30 years and coming up through the service ranks, Brad embodies the customer service culture that\u2019s made Copiers Northwest successful. I\u2019ve been around the office technology industry for a long time and can\u2019t think of any other dealership that has field technicians averaging 23 years with the company. Brad deserves a lot of the credit for that statistic and for their Net Promoter Score that annually places them in the World Class Service category.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Ian Crockett, President, ICE Advertising<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Cindy Moyer is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Cindy Moyer<\/strong>
Service and Supply
Group Supervisor
Edwards Business
Systems and
Virginia Business Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Moyer has long been a constant for Edwards Business Systems\/Virginia Business Systems (EBS\/VBS), having worn many hats during her 27-plus years. She joined the firm in 1994 as a receptionist\/dispatcher, then evolved her role to administrative assistant, sales support specialist and customer service representative. In her current role as a service and supply group supervisor with multiple integrated job duties, she coordinates with service, sales, billing, internal and external purchasing and logistics, to name a few. Moyer is viewed as the glue that ties everything together for EBS\/VBS\u2014she\u2019s taken on various new responsibilities as the pandemic and supply chain entanglements have added to the challenges confronting dealers. A consummate professional who boasts a work ethic that is \u201cbeyond compare,\u201d according to her EBS\/VBS teammates, Moyer provides a calming influence and has kept EBS\/VBS clients appropriately supplied during a period of great turmoil. Moyer also handles many of the company\u2019s fundraising initiatives and serves as the team captain for the Relay for Life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCindy takes great pride in her work, her department and our company. She ensures that our clients and all the departments that she deals with are responded to in a timely manner. Cindy is also involved with other EBS\/VBS company committees such as safety and community service. She makes a difference every day.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Nick Phillips, Executive Vice President of Sales, Service and Logistics, Edwards Business Systems<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCindy takes pride in and responsibility for her work. I\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with Cindy for the past 20 years and most recently the last three directly, and I know I can always depend on her professionalism and hard work, day in and day out, without question.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Sam Shillabeer, Pennsylvania Director of Service, Edwards Business Systems<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Shane Nesbitt is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Shane Nesbitt<\/strong>
Sales Manager
ECMSI<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no dearth of industry veterans among this year\u2019s crop of Difference Makers, and Nesbitt\u2014with more than 30 years of sales, marketing and telecommunications experience under his belt\u2014is a prime example. The Youngstown State University product (business administration) has ushered in significant growth for ECMSI since joining the firm in 2018. Tasked with guiding the sales and marketing department, Nesbitt has cultivated a dedicated, streamlined team that\u2019s been critical to attaining financial and sales goals year over year. With an eye toward future goals, he works across multiple departments to provide clients and prospects with optimal satisfaction while supporting the day-to-day sales process. An entrepreneur in his own right, Nesbitt is the owner of a restaurant and bar that has enjoyed explosive growth during the pandemic\u2014making it an outlier from the many businesses that have struggled during this period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShane has an infectious attitude for success and brings out the best in everyone he encounters. He wholeheartedly puts everything he has into his work and in the support of his team. Shane goes out of his typical lines of duty as a sales manager and actively seeks out additional work through project management and service to ensure our prospects and partners feel heard, understood and see progress in the issues they may have along the way. Shane goes the extra mile in everything he does, in and out of work. As a direct report to Shane, I have the confidence of knowing I have someone knowledgeable, kind and supportive in my corner.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Lauren Butka, Marketing and Communications Specialist, ECMSI<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Hannah O\u2019Donnell is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Hannah O\u2019Donnell<\/strong>
Vice President of Sales
Collabrance<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Described as a driving force in the industry, O\u2019Donnell is actively involved in industry events, trade shows and associations and is frequently called upon as a subject matter expert. O\u2019Donnell\u2019s success in her nine years with Collabrance was foreshadowed by her capturing the organization\u2019s Rookie of the Year award in 2014. The following year, she joined the 100% Sales Achievement Club with parent organization GreatAmerica. Since then, the recognitions have continued to pile up: she was honored among CRN\u2019s Women of the Channel in 2019, 2020 and 2021; bestowed with the 2020 ChannelChanger Award by CompTIA; and elected to serve on the CompTIA Managed Services Community Executive Council. In addition, O\u2019Donnell was recognized as one of The Cannata Report\u2019s 2021 People to Watch. She provides expertise in managed IT, sales, marketing and hiring, among other disciplines. She earned her business degree in marketing and management information systems from the University of Iowa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had the pleasure to work with Hannah for many years. Her energy and tenacity mixed with her professionalism make her one of the best in the industry.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Greg VanDeWalker, Senior Vice President, IT Channel and Services, Collabrance<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Melani Patterson is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Melani Patterson<\/strong>
Associate Vice President,
Sales Strategy
Sharp Business Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

During a storied career that spans nearly 25 years, primarily with Global Imaging Systems (GIS) and Sharp, Patterson has served in a variety of capacities, including sales executive, major accounts manager, sales manager, general sales manager and general manager. In her leadership roles, Patterson strives to expand her skills and leads with authentic intention. Since 2010, this dynamic leader has been promoted a staggering six times. Recently promoted to associate vice president, sales strategy for Sharp Business Systems, Patterson\u2019s goal is to provide consistent results while aligning people and companies to achieve their strategic goals. She began her industry tour as an account executive with Pitney Bowes in 1998, then took on sales roles with QBSI, a Xerox Company. She\u2019s captured multiple honors throughout her career, including President\u2019s Club and the Global Leaders award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Melani. She\u2019s established herself as one of our industry\u2019s premier leaders and most successful executives by virtue of her commitment to excellence and her unwavering dedication to her clients, team and the industry at large. I never cease to be amazed by her desire to learn and apply herself with intelligence, ideas, initiative and empathy! Melani is the definition of a difference maker!\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mike Stramaglio, President and CEO, Stramaglio Consulting<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Michael Pietrunti is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Michael Pietrunti<\/strong>
Senior Vice President,
U.S. Multi-Brand
Dealer Channel
Xerox Corporation<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s nearly impossible to discuss Xerox\u2019s role in the office technology space without Pietrunti\u2019s name being bandied about. But he\u2019s also a well-traveled executive, having plied his craft with Kyocera Mita and Sharp. Pietrunti took the helm as senior vice president of the U.S. multi-brand dealer channel in 2019, tasked with expanding Xerox\u2019s business in the BTA dealer space. He\u2019s worked alongside his team to transition Xerox\u2019s dealer program into a more simplified and dealer-friendly experience. During the pandemic, Pietrunti and his team huddled with dealers to better understand the specific challenges they face and provide tailored feedback on a case-by-case basis. By 2021, the resilient dealer channel began to bounce back to pre-pandemic performance levels, sparking growth for Xerox. A visionary blessed with a talent for inspiring teammates to greater heights, Pietrunti was formerly senior vice president for acquisitions, corporate service and marketing for Xerox Business Solutions (XBS, formerly Global Imaging Systems). At XBS, he ushered in more than $400 million in acquired dealer revenue and continued to manage those firms post-acquisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne of our dealers said it best: \u2018Mike makes himself available, listens and understands dealers\u2019 pain points. He works hard to deliver best-in-class solutions and goes above and beyond what you might expect.\u2019 More importantly, Mike acts with integrity in all he does, making him one of the best in the industry.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Todd Smith, U.S. Partner Development, Xerox Corporation<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Jon Pottebaum is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jon Pottebaum<\/strong>
Service Operations Manager
Advanced Imaging Solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In a career that traces back 25 years\u2014predating digital technologies\u2014Pottebaum started as a technician with Advanced Imaging Solutions (AIS) in 2000 and was celebrated for his ability to handle a substantial workload. But while his client list burgeoned, the dealer saw leadership qualities in Pottebaum, thus he was moved into a management role. He eventually became AIS\u2019 service manager and now serves as operations and service manager. Passionate about his job and the company, Pottebaum continues to focus his efforts on sparking growth. He also played a big part in the company\u2019s decision to remodel in 2021. An avid boater and golfer, Pottebaum holds an associate\u2019s degree from Hawkeye Community College. He\u2019s currently taking courses to complete his bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn this crazy world of supply chain issues, Jon\u2019s really shown his abilities as a leader. He\u2019s managed to work with AIS\u2019 vendor partners, his team and our clients to ensure that our clients are up and running. That task has been a bit daunting and tedious to say the least, but he\u2019s managed to make it work. Jon is extremely passionate about his job and working at AIS and continues to focus on helping the company grow. Jon was a big part of the decision-making team of the AIS remodel this past year. Jon continues to grow as a leader and is getting very good at making lemonade out of lemons.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Stephanie Keating Phillips, Director of Solutions, Advanced Imaging Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Lance Redler is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Lance Redler<\/strong>
Senior Vice President
of Sales
Docugraphics LLC<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Redler is the personification of a team player. He played for the State University of New York Delhi\u2019s baseball team and has manned multiple positions on winning teams during his professional career. From age 21-24, he earned his way onto four consecutive President\u2019s Club lists during a stint at Konica Business machines in the early 1990s. Upon joining Xerox in 1995, Redler became the second-youngest sales manager in company history at the time, leading a team of eight major account representatives. He later held a number of executive roles during a five-year turn with Danka Office Imaging, including vice president of sales operations, creating a nationwide sales management process. Redler then became regional manager for southern Florida, where he captained a team of roughly 80 employees with a $60 million budget. Executive roles at Delcop USA and COMDOC followed before his arrival at Docugraphics in 2016. As senior vice president of sales, Redler has been instrumental in leading nine branch offices, delivering double-digit growth year over year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt this time of accelerated growth and business expansion for Docugraphics, we\u2019re fortunate to have in Lance such a uniquely qualified and talented sales management leader to support our customers and business.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Thomas Fimian, CEO, Docugraphics LLC<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Why Scott Robinson is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Scott Robinson<\/strong>
Vice President of
Managed Print as a Service
Toshiba America
Business Solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Robinson announced his presence with authority upon joining Toshiba in 1999, spearheading a team that acquired 40 companies, producing more than $200 million in annual revenues while increasing those subsidiaries\u2019 profitability by over 400 percent. Talk about setting the bar high. Robinson continues delivering in the clutch via world-class managed print as a service (MPaaS) programs to help streamline employees\u2019 everyday tasks across thousands of clients throughout the United States and Latin America. Employing a people-first approach and tireless work ethic, he\u2019s become widely popular within the organization by also demonstrating selfless leadership. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Robinson is a staunch supporter of charitable and non-profit organizations ranging from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to Easterseals. He\u2019s also a lifetime supporter of the Special Olympics, having served as a board member and volunteer coach for the Virginia Special Olympics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThroughout his tenure at Toshiba, Scott Robinson has been instrumental in elevating the overall success of our business. Particularly so by building, establishing and separating our industry-recognized managed print as a service program from the rest. His strong business acumen and expansive knowledge in a myriad of functional areas are integral elements driving the impressive profitability and continual year-over-year success of our MPaaS program. He\u2019s also one of Toshiba\u2019s most popular employees. Scott is driven to meet our financial objectives while always placing our clients\u2019 and employees\u2019 needs first.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Steven Sauer, President, Toshiba Business Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Scott Roussin is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Scott Roussin<\/strong>
General Manager
Coast to Coast
Computer Products<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This is one performer who was making a difference long before arriving at Coast to Coast. Roussin\u2019s impressive portfolio includes a 12-year stint at Clorox, where he served in various capacities for IT service and solutions manager. His duties there included logistics, backup and disaster recovery, and plant operations. He held managerial posts with Pactiv Corporation during his four-year stay, handling warehouse operations, logistics and strategic planning. Roussin also served with another household name, General Mills, tending to distribution planning, manufacturing scheduling and logistics operations. The Michigan State University graduate has a BA in supply chain management, which has been put to good use during his seven-plus years with Coast to Coast. With proficiencies in vendor relations and technology, Roussin has worked rigorously to streamline manual processes into automated ones and has developed stronger relationships with the company\u2019s manufacturers and distributors\u2014all the while seeking out avenues to increase productivity and growth. A master of incentive programs, Roussin huddles closely with the Coast to Coast sales team to provide insights into distributor\/vendor programs, shipping points and cutoff times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love working with Scott, and we are similar minded when it comes to business and performance. If there is \u2018crazy\u2019 in business, he takes it head on and makes it look easy. I really couldn\u2019t ask for a better general manager and business colleague. His knowledge has created so many avenues of success within our organization, and I\u2019m a better employee and person because of him. Not only is Scott a mastermind in business, but he\u2019s also fun to work with, honest, caring and has a great sense of humor. He treats everyone fairly and with respect inside and outside of our company and is a true asset to our organization.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Melissa Servatdjoo, Technology Sales Manager, Coast to Coast Computer Products<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cScott has great enthusiasm for our industry and a tremendous mindset of growth and improvement! He\u2019s an asset not only to Coast to Coast, but to the entire industry!\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Giuseppe Alleva, Vice President of MPS, Coast to Coast Computer Products<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Jay Schofield is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jay Schofield<\/strong>
Business Development
Manager-AIDC\/Barcoding
Distribution Management<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The former Supplies Network went shopping for a subject matter expert to help proliferate the company\u2019s thermal line of business, seeking an individual who could educate its internal salesforce as well as the reseller community. Distribution Management had forged a partnership with Zebra Technologies, and since many of its resellers weren\u2019t doing thermal, a category expert was what the doctor ordered. Enter Schofield, who touted 15 years of experience in the automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) channel. He worked closely with Zebra to ferret out opportunities, then devised a program that is now called Barcode Select, an automated, hands-off approach to replenishing critical Zebra Certified supplies. Since then, he\u2019s worked with a full range of resellers\u2014BTA, MPS and traditional AIDC dealers\u2014to grow their business and offer new revenue opportunities to diversify. This offering took on greater meaning when the pandemic slowed office printing. Despite the supply chain challenges, Schofield\u2019s strategic planning and business development acumen has helped growth flourish for Distribution Management and its customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with Jay on my team the past four years. Jay was exactly the person we needed to take us from our barcoding infancy to one of our fastest-growing categories. He brought the perfect blend of barcoding product knowledge, tenacity and attention to detail to help develop the category. Since Jay joined the team, he\u2019s become the go-to guy helping many of our dealers enter into the barcoding space as they look to replace declining print volumes. He\u2019s been a critical part in the development of our Barcode Select program and our expansion with Zebra Technologies. On more than one occasion, I\u2019ve had partners and internal team members describe Jay as a game changer. Thank you, Jay, for your passion and persistence. I couldn\u2019t be more excited to see barcoding explode today and into the future for DM and our partners!\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Ted Gruener, Vice President of Sales, Distribution Management<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Mason Smith is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Mason Smith<\/strong>
President and CEO
MTS Office Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Success has come quickly for Smith, who had carved out a 10-plus year career at G5 as its vice president of sales. The Greenville, South Carolina dealership was acquired by Xerox\u2019s Global Imaging Systems in 2017, which led to it becoming corporately controlled as opposed to locally owned. Smith decided he wanted to take the helm of his own organization, and he found the ideal opportunity in the form of MTS Office Systems in 2020. MTS has flourished during the pandemic, recording 35% growth in 2021. Smith targets a client persona that values personal relationships, rapid response times, live phone support and local help desk assistance. And during a period of significant national turnover, MTS lost just one employee while adding five. Smith has helped facilitate the company\u2019s success by launching a new website, embarking on a new ERP system and making improvements to the company headquarters. The Furman University graduate was formerly a right-handed pitcher in the Washington Nationals organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve worked with Mason for over 12 years, actually hiring him into the industry back in 2009. I\u2019ve seen him grow from a skilled salesperson to a dealer executive, to now a dealer principal. Mason is passionate about taking care of employees and clients, which are two of the main reasons he purchased MTS. He\u2019s shown great ability as a leader in both dealing with the complex business world we\u2019re all living in and also great vision in guiding MTS in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Justin Wagner, Vice President, MTS Office Systems<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Kevin Snyder is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Kevin Snyder<\/strong>
President, SumnerOne
Southwest Region
SumnerOne<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A sales leader for more than 20 years, Snyder has oversight for the entire SumnerOne organization, covering five states. A graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in business management, he spent more than two decades with Drake Systems, advancing through the organization from account executive to vice president and general manager before being named president. Snyder left Drake for a two-year stretch, during which he served as a major account manager for Xerox. He\u2019s carved out a reputation for superior communication skills that have made him such an effective manager, adding to his proficiencies in negotiation, budgeting, business planning and customer relationships. Snyder embodies the core values embraced by SumnerOne, including integrity, collaboration, achievement, service, growth, resilience and giving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done business with Kevin for 13 years. He\u2019s truly a rock in the organization. Kevin is a good listener and always willing to engage in conversation with anyone. His door is always open to lend a helping hand or bounce thoughts off of. He\u2019s not judgmental or arrogant. He\u2019s simply a professional leader and an easy guy to follow.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Bob Burke, Vice President of Western Region, Kyocera Document Solutions America<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Ken Stinson is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ken Stinson<\/strong>
President
Usherwood
Office Technology<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In January, Stinson gained the distinction of being the first non-Usherwood family member to lead the Syracuse, New York-based dealership. Known for his ability to inspire and generate enthusiasm among team members, he joined in the company in 2015 as vice president of information technology sales and services. Stinson came to Usherwood following a nearly 10-year stretch with firms (Eastern Managed Print Network, ComDoc) acquired by Xerox\u2019s then-Global Imaging Systems division. At ComDoc, he earned multiple President\u2019s Club awards and became a dominant sales leader for the western New York region. In 1999, he became vice president of sales and a founding member of a Boston-based technology company, leading the firm\u2019s sales organization until its acquisition in 2004. Stinson is a 1995 graduate of Buffalo State College with a BA in communications. He coaches Lou Gehrig youth baseball and is a board member for the 100 Club of Buffalo, which provides financial assistance to the families of public safety officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who have died or were seriously injured in the line of duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKen has had an incredible impact since he joined the Usherwood team. His ability to inspire positive, genuine dialogue that balances the (at times) competing internal interests toward our common goal of thrilling clients is second to none in our industry. I\u2019m tremendously proud to have the opportunity to work alongside a leader such as Ken on a daily basis.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Andrew Flamik, CFO, Usherwood Office Technology<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve worked at Usherwood for 24 years, and Ken is one of the most pivotal additions we\u2019ve made to this company. He\u2019s become an incredible mentor and friend that I\u2019m grateful to work alongside every day.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Cliff Laws, COO, Usherwood Office Technology<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Linda Sudderth is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Linda Sudderth<\/strong>
North American
Sales Manager,
Business Systems
Epson America<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

One would be hard pressed to cite an individual who\u2019s as accomplished and experienced in the realm of the retail and hospitality industries\u2014segments in which Sudderth has flourished for nearly 30 years. The pandemic era provided an even greater challenge, given the onerous impact it visited on retail and hospitality the past two-plus years. As Epson\u2019s North American sales manager for business systems, Sudderth has gone to great lengths in partnering with the OEM\u2019s customers and ensures that both her sales team and customers remain a foremost priority. During 2021 alone, this solutions-oriented manager, partner and team member provided multiple options when faced with obstacles and engaged with Epson\u2019s cross-functional teams, encouraging her direct reports to do likewise. Sudderth assumed added responsibilities with forecasts, airfreight and allocations for all sales teams. She\u2019s been unfailing when it comes to customer engagement and maintains a positive outlook with customers. In 2019, the Sam Houston State University graduate captured the Women to Women Leader of the Year Award from the Retail Solutions Providers Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the kind of leadership that earns respect from direct reports, peers and customers, Linda is a valued team member that any organization would want in their corner. Linda is committed to the continual improvement of her team, offering excellent mentorship to help others grow and reach their goals. She has strength in both interpersonal and organizational communication. And she\u2019s able to read complicated situations and develop innovative and effective plans to address issues. As business has changed in the last few years, Linda has proven herself nimble to meet the changing environments, and committed to her team and customers.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Tom Kettell, Director, Commercial Channel, Epson America<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Elizabeth Sumner is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Elizabeth Sumner<\/strong>
Managing Director
SumnerOne<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

An M&A maven, \u201cLiz\u201d is responsible for acquisition strategy. Deals that onboarded Corporate Business Systems of Springfield, Missouri, and Drake Business Systems of Tulsa, Oklahoma, among others, enabled SumnerOne to branch into new markets. Her M&A skills were honed during her tenure with Philips Respironics, a multi-national health care solutions provider, where she also directed strategic marketing within continental Europe. Blessed with problem-solving and analytical skills, Sumner quarterbacked the dealer\u2019s innovative production print solutions rollout. The holder of an MBA from Carnegie Mellon and a member of YPO, she\u2019s led marketing efforts to provide distinction and visibility for SumnerOne. Sumner can also be counted on to provide expertise in a number of disciplines, from leasing to health care benefits planning simulation and financial management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLiz has an intellect, diligence and work ethic that\u2019s unique and critical to navigating the challenges of the digital imaging industry. Her professional networking skills have impressed everyone who deals with her, including customers, prospective clients, vendor partners and key stakeholders in our industry. Her logical reasoning and problem-solving skills support making the right decisions that are consistent and clearly focused on moving in the right direction. Liz has the ability to learn quickly, to assess the competitive forces affecting our company and our industry, and to focus on the critical strategies which will enable focus, financial performance and profitability. As a member of the Sumner family, she\u2019s devoted her knowledge, skills and capabilities to moving SumnerOne forward.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mary Sumner, Chief Information Officer, SumnerOne<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Tony Titone is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Tony Titone<\/strong>
Senior Product
Marketing Manager
Sharp Electronics
Corporation<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In a career that spans more than 27 years for Sharp Electronics Corporation, Titone has held numerous business-to-business and business-to-consumer roles. He\u2019s served in marketing, product management and product planning positions in every facet of the imaging technology marketplace. Titone\u2019s support of Sharp\u2019s sales team and the manufacturer\u2019s dealer\/distributor network has led to successful engagements on both sides of the sale. He strives to not only provide products that are unique and appropriately priced, but also ensures they remain profitable for both Sharp and his customers. A warm and engaging manner has enabled Titone to foster long-lasting relationships. The Southern Illinois University product\u2019s past experiences include electronics channel manager for Dealtime.com\u2019s comparison shopping website and marketing manager for Datatec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with Tony for more than six years in supporting the Sharp\/Lexmark alliance. Over my 30-plus year career in the output industry, I can honestly say that Tony has been the most collaborative person I\u2019ve worked with. He always has a mutually beneficial approach which is combined with a deep understanding of the industry, making him a great asset for Sharp.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jim Barnett, Territory Sales Manager, Lexmark<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Hiro Ueda is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Hiro Ueda<\/strong>
COO\/Partner
Stramaglio Consulting<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ueda abides by the motto \u201chataraku\u201d\u2014he seeks to work hard and make others happy. In 1985, he backpacked across the United States, and that month-long experience kindled a desire to become a U.S. businessman. Loyalty and integrity are twin fortes for Ueda, who fulfilled his dream of business success in 1996. During the course of his 36 years serving in the office imaging, IT and software industries, Ueda has toiled for organizations large and small in Japan and the U.S. He began his career with Tokyo-based Nissei Sangyo, where his responsibilities included strategic alliance, corporate planning and business development. More recently, he served 14 years as chief planning officer at MWA Intelligence, later acquired by Konica Minolta\u2019s All Covered division. Today, as a COO\/partner with Stramaglio Consulting, he\u2019s played a large role in developing and expanding The Consortium, a think tank for the imaging channel. Ueda graduated from Faculty of Law, Hiroshima University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHiro is a brilliant guy and an international businessperson. He\u2019s one of the most loyal, high integrity, honest people I\u2019ve ever encountered. He can steal people\u2019s hearts and minds and is a great guy. He does a great job of managing relationships on a global basis and is a wonderful example of someone who\u2019s able to leverage his Japanese relationships, Asian relationships and American relationships.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Mike Stramaglio, President, Stramaglio Consulting<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Suzanne Wahba is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Suzanne Wahba<\/strong>
Senior Product Manager
Distribution Management<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Wahba has been a fixture in the print and imaging space for nearly 10 years at Distribution Management, playing an essential role as a member of the organization\u2019s product management team. Like fellow team member Jay Schofield, she\u2019s been instrumental in onboarding and launching Zebra Technologies to Distribution Management resellers\u2014crafting the Barcode Select platform, the Zebra-certified supplies program that utilizes mpsSELECT. Wahba and her team put Barcode Select through a rigorous vetting and testing process in advance of its official launch in 2019. Her enthusiasm and penchant for effective collaboration made the initiative a rousing success. Prior to joining Distribution Management, she served as an indirect services specialists for Cricket Communications as well as a sales consultant for five years at U.S. Cellular. Wahba graduated with honors from University of Missouri-St. Louis and holds an MBA from Webster University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuzanne has been an integral part in growing our Zebra relationship over the last six years. Her strong work ethic, high energy and ability to collaborate with various departments was critical in the development and launch of Barcode Select in 2019. Suzanne is clearly a difference maker in our business, just as Barcode Select has been a difference maker in our partners\u2019 businesses.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Monte White, Senior Vice President of Product Marketing, Distribution Management<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Cody Walton is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Cody Walton<\/strong>
National Manager,
Strategic Solutions,
Dealer Sales
Konica Minolta
Business Solutions U.S.A.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Walton joined the Konica Minolta organization in 2015 as a solutions consultant, buffered by a 10-year hitch with Toshiba, where he provided various solutions engineering support. At the onset of his Konica Minolta career, Walton handled the company\u2019s software portfolio, and in 2018 he added support for managed IT offerings to his oversight. Currently, Walton is responsible for assessing Konica Minolta\u2019s wide range of offerings\u2014including managed IT, intelligent information management, unified communications, traditional software solutions and video security solutions\u2014and strategically fitting them into the dealer sales model. He evaluates dealer partners\u2019 business plans, current portfolio and offerings, customer base, commitment and capabilities to formulate new lines of business they can successfully incorporate into their sales strategy. And when the manufacturer launched an initiative in 2021 to focus on vertical markets, the Texas State University graduate devised a plan for how Konica Minolta could align the approach used by its direct sales organization with its dealer channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA master at rapport building, Cody brought strong relationships with software providers and vendors he had cultivated over the years, which have been very beneficial to Konica Minolta. Through his extensive industry experience, he has great intuition when working with our dealers and finding solutions to meet their needs. He takes great pains to thoroughly learn our products and services as well as our dealers\u2019 businesses, then matches them up to ensure their success. In his role, Cody has helped Konica Minolta by allowing the company to hyper-focus on dealer incentives around its DX strategies. Helping dealers understand and carry out the go-to-market strategies, he\u2019s created accelerators to reward them for diversifying through purchases of Konica Minolta\u2019s DX portfolio products, expanding their offerings beyond the core product. Cody makes a difference by not only helping dealers reach optimal growth, but serving to advance Konica Minolta\u2019s initiatives through our dealer network.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Mike Wilkes is a difference maker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Mike Wilkes<\/strong>
Channel Business
Manager,
U.S. Multi-Brand
Dealer Channel
Xerox Corporation<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to argue with the credentials of a channel business manager who\u2019s earned the nickname, \u201cThe True Professional.\u201d Wilkes, who\u2019s spent 23 of his 25 years in the industry with Xerox, is noted for his passion, performance and prowess. A model of consistency, Wilkes\u2019 dedication and passion in supporting his partners has solidified his reputation. He\u2019s also earned his stripes for taking the time to mentor and support his Xerox teammates. Based in his hometown of St. Louis, Wilkes has been instrumental in the development and growth of the company\u2019s multi-branded channel for the past eight years. He\u2019s selfless in supporting partners, striving every day to improve the relationship between them and the manufacturer. A graduate of the University of Kansas, his background includes five-year stints with MicroAge and NCR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve worked closely with Mike over the past three years, and while there\u2019s much I\u2019ve learned from him, the one thing that stands out is how much he cares. He always has the time to assist his teammates, and it\u2019s commonplace to find Mike working late to make sure all emails are retuned and questions answered.\u201d<\/p>\u2014 Jason Kerfeld, Channel Business Manager, Xerox<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Thank You<\/strong>

This special issue would not have been possible without the input of the many individuals who took the time to respond to our requests for nominations and comments about this year’s Difference Makers. We would like to thank everybody who participated over the past several months to help put this issue together.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While face masks and distancing guidelines have faded from our collective consciousness, the impact of COVID-19 continues to manifest itself in various ways, from supply chain headaches to the way we operate our businesses. That\u2019s not to diminish or ignore the mortality toll the pandemic has wrought; the United States is less than 20,000 away from reaching the sobering 1 million death count as of April 4, according to the New York Times. But as we move forward in a post-pandemic context, another compelling storyline continues to be The Great Resignation. In 2021, more than 47 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, averaging more than 4 million letters of resignation per month during the second half of the year. That average continued in January and February of this year, undoubtedly fueled by cases in which employees who left jobs in 2021 found their new positions to also be unfulfilling (a.k.a. Grass is Greener Syndrome). While current conditions clearly indicate a buyer\u2019s market for job seekers, it also brings into sharp focus the value of high-performing individuals and the need to underscore their importance to the organizations for which they toil. Loyalty is a two-way street, and while today\u2019s employment landscape has provided more leverage for the rank and file, businesses are scrambling to find new and innovative ways to demonstrate their affinity for valued and long-tenured team members. As businesses continue to mobilize in an era of HR musical chairs, it\u2019s recognition programs such as ENX Magazine\u2019s Difference Makers that spotlight the many valued contributions\u2014and examples of staunch loyalty\u2014that, given the circumstances, are perhaps more essential now than ever before. From receptionists to executives of multi-million dollar dealers, distributors and OEMs, just about every walk of life imaginable is represented in our 2022 class. And while top-level VPs are less likely to be job-hopping, contributions both great and small are essential to the health and vitality of our industry\u2019s mainstay performers and are worthy of celebrating\u2014and maintaining. Please take some time to peruse our roster of 63 Difference Makers and the stories behind their careers and contributions to their current employers. We\u2019d also like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time from their busy schedules to call attention to our industry\u2019s Most Wanted. This program isn\u2019t possible without your valued input, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Congratulations to this year\u2019s honorees. Read on: Why Trevor Akervik is a difference maker: Not everyone can trace their career roots to a college parking lot, but that was the genesis of Akervik\u2019s journey in the office technology sector. The St. Cloud (Minnesota) Technical and Community College product began his career in copier sales with Marco, but it wasn\u2019t long before Akervik found a higher calling within the firm. His penchant for exceeding goals led him to become a sales manager, but Akervik soon became one of the chief architects in the dealer\u2019s managed service platform and is credited as a significant force in building Marco\u2019s IT business. His current role as COO is geared toward driving results for Marco as it evolves into a national, integrated business technology provider. Akervik oversees human resources and business strategies that promote growth and opportunities for the company\u2019s talent. He also crafts and modifies strategies to support market dynamics and achieve Marco\u2019s business plan. A Peloton and pickleball enthusiast, Akervik is also involved with United Way of Central Minnesota. \u201cTrevor is one of the finest, brightest IT people in our industry. His skills are unbelievable; his ability to teach, learn, promote and research gives him great insight into where this industry needs to go. He\u2019s a real visionary and a credit to the Marco organization.\u201d \u2014 Mike Stramaglio, President, Stramaglio Consulting Why Clarence Baker is a difference maker: If there\u2019s one position in an organization for which intelligence is a must-have trait, the director of finance is either at or near the top of the list. Toshiba America Business Solutions (TABS) addressed that need in 2001 when it hired Baker as vice president of finance and administration. The Wayne State University magna cum laude had established himself during stints with Deloitte and Pfizer as a marketplace financial controller. Upon joining TABS, Baker soon transitioned into a critical role handling complex accounting and IT system issues, reporting directly to the company CFO. His skill sets combine a CPA with in-depth knowledge of Oracle ERP. That\u2019s enabled him to manage complex issues such as ASC 606, which is highly challenging given the sheer number of transactions, multiple element arrangements, bundled transactions and complex pricing to support bids. Baker\u2019s outgoing and engaging personality bucks the ideal of a droll number-cruncher. \u201cClarence not only possesses unique technical knowledge, but also has an infectious personality that makes him welcome by all business leaders and staff across the organization. This is evident by the fact that he has had several job offers across multiple functions around the country. Clarence also does a phenomenal job managing the large CPA firms we engage with (for both audit and technical support). The CPA firms have tremendous respect for Clarence as well as a trust in what he delivers. This is due to his professionalism, technical skills and ethics. I\u2019ve worked with Clarence for over 10 years, and he truly does stand apart from most.\u201d \u2014 Michael Torcaso, Senior Executive Vice President and CFO, Toshiba America Business Solutions Why Holly Brandt is a difference maker: Brandt has been a fixture at Doing Better Business (DBB) for the past 35 years in her role as human resources director, and she\u2019s also manager of the dealership\u2019s First Touch Team. A graduate of West Virginia University, Brandt arrived at DBB in 1987 and has cemented her reputation as a driving force behind the dealership\u2019s corporate culture. She\u2019s also a keeper of the flame when it comes to enforcing the company\u2019s core values. Brandt\u2019s deft guidance has enabled DBB to capture numerous Best Places to Work honors […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3626],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49566"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49566"}],"version-history":[{"count":88,"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49566\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56225,"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49566\/revisions\/56225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}