Elite Dealers 2017: $20 Million to $50 Million

A&B Business, Inc.
Sioux Falls, SD
www.abbusiness.com

• Year Founded: 1981
• President/Owner: Dennis Aanenson
• Number of Employees: 125
• Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Toshiba, Samsung
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, Print Audit
• Primary Leasing Partners: Anacon, US Bank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20 to $25 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS, managed document services
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Going full force with utilizing the solutions it sells in order to streamline processes internally. A&B Business also consistently achieves its market share growth objectives.

Why We Consider A&B Business Elite:

• Online marketing. A&B Business has shifted much of its marketing focus to online initiatives, particularly in regards to search engine optimization. The dealer is dedicated to targeting only the most relevant customers through this strategy and increasing its market share. A&B also created a marketing strategy to focus on cross-selling to existing customers while being the one-stop office solutions provider in the market. The dealer provides everything from MPS to pens and paper to coffee and water machines.
• Browser browsing. Further to its online endeavors, A&B Business is increasing its percentage of service/toner requests online. The company is creating awareness to current clients through multiple campaigns in order to create an efficient and positive service experience.
• Business principles. A&B Business empowers its employees to make critical decisions that are in the interest of the firm’s customers. Its workers abide by Five Guiding Principles: keep yourself and others accountable, do the right thing, take action, think outside the box and strive for excellence. Fostering a culture of hard work, accountability and flexibility, A&B also instills a sense of volunteerism among its ranks.
• Civic activism. The dealer has partnered with the annual Cleaver’s Chef Challenge, which raises money for the Children’s Home Society in Sioux Falls. Its Seeds to Flowers program has also been warmly embraced by employees. A&B also instituted a volunteer paid time off policy that allows all full-time employees to take 32 hours a year off, paid, to perform volunteer work in the community. In 2016 alone, A&B employees contributed more than 1,400 hours of service to need-based causes.
• Among the other variables that help set A&B Business apart from its competition are quarterly customer reviews, a live call center, online service requests and factory-certified in-house training on installed hardware.

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Access Systems
Waukee, IA
www.accesssystems.com

• Year Founded: 1986
• President/Owner: Shane Sloan
• Number of Employees: 180
• Primary Vendors: Sharp, Ricoh, Lexmark, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Ubiquiti, SonicWall, Avaya, Datto
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, PaperCut, Microsoft, VMware, Notable Solutions, Drivve, and more
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL, Wells Fargo, US Bank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $40+ million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: IT solutions and services, telecommunications, document management, and print solutions
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The dealer notched several honors during 2017, including recognition as a top employer in Iowa, a leading Ricoh dealership in its region and one of the best Sharp dealers in the nation. Its revenues grew substantially, which contributed to 25 percent year-over-year growth. This enabled Access Systems to grow its workforce by more than 23 percent.

Why We Consider Access Systems Elite:

• Value-based relationships. Access Systems ensures customer needs are not only met, but exceeded. This is accomplished through the work of its quality administrative personnel, who answer every call during operating business hours. In addition, its service technicians can assist via the phone or on-site whenever an issue arises. The dealer provides a guaranteed one-hour callback as well as a four-hour on-site response.
• Continual contact. Access Systems develops and distributes a monthly newsletter to current customers that provide information on the dealership, new surrounding the office technology industry and helpful tips. The marketing department creates and curates all content and then distributes it on a monthly/quarterly basis.
• Key contract wins. Of its numerous high-impact contract wins this year, Access Systems was able to procure a non-profit organization with locations nationwide. This account has proven extremely rewarding to work with, because as Access Systems provides more efficiency to the client, it can help more people in need.
• Partner kudos. Access Systems has garnered Sharp’s Hyakuman Kai Award every year since 2007. Other honors include the Ricoh Convergence Mid-Market Revenue Growth Award and the 2017 RFG Circle of Excellence Certified Dealership, Microsoft Gold and Silver Data Center, GreatAmerica Prestige Dealer and Waukee, IA, Chamber Member of the Year-Large Business.
• Employee recognition. Access Systems recognizes its top performers with annual all-expenses paid trips to tropical locations. Past destinations include St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos, Playa Del Carmen, Costa Rica and Jamaica. In 2018, its top performers will be heading to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

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Adams Remco Inc.
South Bend, IN
www.adamsremco.com

• Year Founded: 1945
• President/Owner: Don Carlile
• Number of Employees: 160
• Primary Vendors: HughesOn, Toshiba, Daktronics, Savin, Lexmark, HP, Riso, MBM, Epson, GBC
• Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, FileBound, FM Audit
• Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, GreatAmerica, Capital Advantage, Team Financial
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $25 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Digital signage, software, professional services (IT)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Adams Remco experienced significant growth in its digital signage department, with all of the services included.

Why We Consider Adams Remco Elite:

• Effective coverage. Adams Remco provides a wide variety of office solutions with local product specialists to better serve the needs of customers throughout its 11 locations. Its expansive coverage provides more service technicians near clients to help resolve issues sooner. The dealer also prides itself in being a family-owned business with more than 70 years of experience.
• Target marketing. Adams Remco utilizes retargeted advertisements, social media campaigns and email marketing. The analytics it gleans from campaigns enables the dealer to better understand and assist its client base.
• The great outdoors. One of Adams Remco’s biggest wins during 2017 was providing a new outdoor digital signage monument for a large, downtown convention center. The dealer also placed 80-plus MFPs in the Michigan state school system.
• Helping others. Using social media, Adams Remco holds a 12 Days of Giving campaign that entails contributions to a different person or charitable cause for 12 working days. The dealer also supports nonprofits including the Humane Society, Goodwill and Beacon Children’s Hospital, among others. The Northern Indiana Food Bank is another organization near and dear to Adams Remco.
• Points of differentiation. The dealer boasts internal leasing for its clients. Adams Remco also covers a significant chunk of territory, including western Michigan, all of northern Indiana and eastern Florida. Lastly, Adams Remco counts a number of 30-year company veterans among its ranks.

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Advance Business Systems
Cockeysville, MD
www.advancestuff.com

• Year Founded: 1964
• President/Owner: Jeff Elkin
• Number of Employees: 170
• Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Savin, Canon, KIP, KYOCERA, Samsung, Panasonic
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Treeno, DocuWare, Nuance, LincWare, MBM, PaperCut, Dell, EFI, Objectif Lune
• Primary Leasing Partners: Advance Business Systems & Supply Company (ABSSCO)
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $40 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: The dealership has tripled its number of managed IT users in the past year.
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Employee development. Advance Business Systems has developed tools to improve critical thinking and problem solving skills which has improved internal processes but also armed employees to better serve customers.

Why We Consider Advance Business Systems Elite:

• Extensive training. Advance Business Systems’ training program is led by two full-time service trainers with over 60 years of combined training experience. They oversee the management of a weekly training curriculum consisting of product launches, technical updates, and practice workshops, so that technicians are always prepared to handle any situation they may encounter in the field. In addition to training, its service team leaders participate in regular roundtables to share best practices.
• Managed IT. As Advance Business Systems increases awareness in managed IT, it has added an additional layer to its marketing strategy that is focused on proving expertise in this area. This encompasses a fully integrated content marketing plan which pushes out valuable information to arm C-level executives and decision makers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions for their organizations as it relates to IT topics. With increased security threats and ever shifting technological advancements, Advance Business Systems provides businesses with the tools they need to stay informed.
• New accounts. Advance Business Systems on-boarded several enterprise accounts during 2017. After analyzing the unique needs of enterprise accounts and developing a program that delivers an unparalleled experience for organizations of this size, the dealer was able to leverage its offering as a differentiator and capture several large deals.
• Productive working atmosphere. As a privately-owned dealer, Advance’s employees have the latitude to address customer concerns or opportunities based on their best judgment, which results in better customer service and more engaged, satisfied employees. The dealer tackles initiatives utilizing cross-departmental teams to avoid silos and create a buy-in. Wins are celebrated as an organization, and Advance creates opportunities to bring accomplishments to the forefront. Its “shout out” wall allows employees to promote their co-workers’ actions and wins. The dealer also holds monthly breakfasts to bring all employees together to discuss initiatives, wins and challenges that impact the organization.
• Charitable efforts. Each May, Advance sponsors Believe in Tomorrow’s annual 6k running festival, Port to Fort. The dealer is a longtime supporter of the third-oldest zoo in the country, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, and has contributed to the creation and upkeep of a number of exhibits over the years, including the Polar Bear Watch and Petting Zoo. Advance also partners with ARC of Baltimore, The Children’s Guild, Maryland School for the Blind, and the Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, among other causes.

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Advanced Imaging Solutions
Minnetonka, MN
www.ais-mn.com

• Year Founded: 1997
• Owners: Michael Keating and Tim Keating
• Number of Employees: 54
• Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Sharp, Lexmark, HP, Epson
• Primary Solutions Offerings: BSA, PaperCut, Intellinetics, Nuance, Prism, Square 9, Umango, RightFax, Intact, EFI, Creo
• Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, Wells Fargo, GE
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20+ million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Equipment sales, midrange through production print
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: During the past year AIS launched a managed services program to the marketplace, which has been quite successful.

Why We Consider AIS Elite:

• Skilled service. AIS believes it provides exceptional service because its employees are highly trained by the manufacturers. Its technicians average 13-plus years of tenure, and the dealer has color analysts who specialize in working with color and black production products. Additionally, all accounts have access to AIS’ ownership at any time, and decisions are made quickly.
• Change culture. AIS’ marketing efforts and strategies have been successful when its team has embraced change and grasped new opportunities. The dealer strives to create and publish content that helps and connects with the audience while establishing Advanced Imaging Solutions as a go-to resource for document and management services needs.
• Selling education. Advanced Imaging Solutions secured businesses with several large school districts, encompassing production print with midrange and MPS along with RSA web submissions and PaperCut. The dealer also initiated an auto toner fulfillment program that has proven to be successful.
• Dealer distinction. Advanced Imaging Solutions is a mark of consistency with its vendor partners, winning the Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Award (11 consecutive years), Sharp’s Hyakuman Kai Award (seven straight years) and the Sharp Platinum Award (seven years running).
• Community involvement. AIS supports Meals on Wheels, Feed My Starving Children and numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the year.

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AIS (Advanced Imaging Solutions)
North Las Vegas, NV
www.ais-now.com

• Year Founded: 2002
• President/Owner: Gary Harouff
• Number of Employees: 77
• Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Shortel, Dell, HP, 3D Systems, KIP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, OnBase, Microsoft, Blue Jeans, EFI, PrintFleet, HyPAS
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo, Leaf
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20 to $25 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Equipment (20-30%), EDM/ECM (60%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: AIS did a complete renovation of its corporate headquarters and almost doubled the size of its facility, opened up a new office in Corona and a new California distribution center in Riverside, CA.

Why We Consider AIS Elite:

• Quick and responsive. AIS prides itself on being responsive and providing a quick resolution for customers. In the past year, AIS’ five locations posted an average response time of 1.1 hours, with 25 percent of all calls completed in less than one hour and 62 percent finished in less than two. Its KFS System enables AIS to address issues, walking customers through problems directly on the control panel and pushing out firmware updates without stepping foot in the customers’ offices.
• Done right the first time. AIS service technicians boast more than 50 manufacturer certifications and carry more than $13,000 in parts in their vehicles. The dealer has $4.7 million worth of supplies and parts on hand at all times, which enables its technicians to remedy issues in short order while reducing the amount of call backs.
• Inbound marketing. AIS launched HubSpot Inbound Marketing methodologies and processes 16 months ago, and the initiative changed the way it markets to clients. That enabled AIS to redirect its energies to customers based on vertical markets and the needs within their organizations. AIS integrated a new website and social media strategy, created blog content and changed the sales team’s mindset to be more client focused.
• Critical win. AIS secured a $500,000 contract with a county health agency. The pact included MFPs, Printers and MPS, and AIS-implemented change management, utilizing PaperCut and Card Authentication.
• Mobile recognition. AIS has an online/mobile application called You Earned It that enables employees to immediately recognize a fellow worker for going above and beyond the call of duty. The recognition awards points, and users indicate which of the AIS core values a given worker represented (adapt, integrity, surpass, nurturing, optimistic, wow). These points can be used for gift cards, days off, coffee from the boss, free dinner on AIS and other treats.

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Cannon IV, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
www.cannon4.com

• Year Founded: 1974
• President/Owner: Jerry Jones
• Number of Employees: 45
• Primary Vendors: HP, Lexmark, Toshiba, Zebra
• Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, FM Audit
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 to $25 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Cannon IV was named GreatAmerica’s Dealer of Distinction. This award was given to Cannon IV for its leadership qualities, long-term vision and stability.

Why We Consider Cannon IV Elite:

• Problem-solving skills. Cannon IV constantly seeks to improve upon how it does business to solve customer challenges. The dealer uses a consultative approach to discern a client’s needs and pain points. Client case studies on the Cannon IV website underscore the dealer’s ability to troubleshoot and craft economical and effective solutions.
• Social media growth. The dealer has greatly bolstered its social media activities and has a dedicated employee who engages with clients and prospects through the various social media platforms on a regular basis.
• Dealer distinctions. During the past two years, Cannon IV has been cited for its excellence in a number of disciplines. It was named the 2017 National Dealer of the Year by Perfect Image. It garnered the 2017 GreatAmerica Dealer of Distinction and the 2016 INTEC Dealer of the Year, and was named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana.
• Strong culture. Cannon IV works to create a family atmosphere and encourages teamwork across all departments. Employees are empowered to make decisions and bring new ideas to the table. The company also takes care of its employees when they are in need.
• Community caring. Cannon IV has a charity committee that raises funds for various community needs. Its beneficiaries include the Indy BackPack Attack, which provides school supplies for needy children; Family Promise Indy, a need-based aftercare program; and RTV6 Toy Drive, which provides children Christmas presents.

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CBE Office Solutions
Irvine, CA
www.kopiers.com

• Year Founded: 1993
• President/Owner: Tarek Hafiz
• Number of Employees: 145
• Primary Vendors: Sharp, Ricoh, Canon, Océ, Samsung, FP Mailing
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Nuance, Print Audit, Webiplex, Docupeak, Laserfiche, Prism Software, Notable Solutions, uniFLOW, PaperCut
• Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Wells Fargo, Canon Finance
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $36 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: IT sales (60%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: CBE hired a Laserfiche software specialist, and the result was the sale of more systems in one month than in the previous five years. The installations enabled previously stand-alone (no profit) hardware sales to become profitable solutions sales. Additionally, CBE was able to offer its clients a unique value-added product.

Why We Consider CBE Office Solutions:

• Single-source provider. CBE has become a one-stop solution provider of front- and back-office business needs. When clients communicate their desired resolution or their challenge, CBE’s sales and/or integration staff and IT group is able to offer a labor-saving solution that will normally pay for itself in six to 12 months.
• Thorough analysis. During the initial sales consultation, CBE takes the time to listen to its clients concerns and learn about their business. The dealer prefers to interview a wide variety of workers to determine their points of pain and review their wish list. CBE devises a way to shorten processes through technology. The dealer’s products and services generally pay for themselves by decreasing a client’s necessary labor hours.
• Marketing growth. CBE hired a marketing group that created a YouTube video, which was a blend of CBE customer video testimonials and dealer employees. The video represents a strong community endorsement of what the dealership is about and what it can do for a customer’s business.
• Large deals. CBE reaped a pair of 100-plus piece equipment deals for a local public school district and a governmental firefighting district. The bids culminated with multi-year hardware, software, service and supply sales agreements. By offering a unique software and hardware solution, CBE did not have to compete on hardware price alone.
• Acts of generosity. CBE is committed to giving back to the local community that supports their business. Five percent of all profits are donated back to the community for causes ranging from Angels on the Frontline, Arch of Southern California, Habitat for Humanity, Share for SELVES, Orange County Mission and the Southern California chapter of Easter Seals. CBE also supports local youth sports teams, community endeavors, local food banks and donates equipment to nonprofit endeavors.

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Commonwealth Digital Office Solutions
Sterling, VA
www.commonwealthdigital.com

• Year Founded: 1977
• President/Owner: Michael Sarelson
• Number of Employees: 67
• Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta
• Primary Vendors: Square 9, PaperCut, Konica Minolta, All Covered
• Primary Leasing Partners: First Fidelity (company owned ), DLL, EverBank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20+ million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Production print (45%), document solutions (27%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Commonwealth reached the $1 million mark in cash donations to local organizations since 2001.

Why We Consider Commonwealth Digital Office Solutions Elite:

• Virtual success. Commonwealth Digital Office Solutions has an in-house lab that simulates the customer’s environment and the dealer uses it to perform a virtual installation prior to the actual job to help ensure every job is executed flawlessly. Customers can also call into the lab for direct support regarding any installation issues.
• Email marketing. The dealer takes a vertical approach to its marketing initiatives, creating email ads that are sent to a designated list of customers. When the ad is opened, Commonwealth receives a notice that includes the recipient’s name, email address and phone number. That information is funneled to the telemarketing department, which follows up by phone to set up appointments.
• Top honors. Commonwealth Digital Office Solutions has received the Washington Post’s Top Workplace designation for each of the last three years, and also garnered the Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Award during that same period. The dealer has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
• Employee incentives. The dealer’s bonus plan has doled out more than $2 million to employees (excluding sales and executive staffs) since 2007. Commonwealth Digital Office Solutions offers sick leave with full pay and benefits for up to 18 months. The sales, admin and service departments enjoy annual cruises to Europe.
• Community generosity. Commonwealth Digital Office Solutions makes cash donations averaging $60,000 per year to various charities and organizations. It created a backpack program for school children who do not have food for the weekend and clothing for needy families.

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Coordinated Business Systems
Burnsville, MN
www.coordinated.com

• Year Founded: 1983
• President/Owner: James Oricchio
• Number of Employees: 91
• Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Sharp, Lexmark, HP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, Collabrance, Microsoft
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, US Bank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Managed network services (500%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Coordinated Business Systems acquired the Imaging Division of Duluth Typewriter in January and Doman Networking Services in May.

Why We Consider Coordinated Business Systems Elite:

• Seamless sales. Coordinated Business Systems makes the process of acquiring products and services both collaborative and beneficial. This is important to the dealer, which has received feedback that the process can be painful and difficult when dealing with other companies.
• Inbound marketing. Sensing that its marketing efforts were starting to lose their effectiveness, Coordinated Business Systems decided to leverage HubSpot’s all-in-one marketing software to help bolster its efforts via inbound marketing. In order to properly execute its inbound strategy with HubSpot, the dealer partnered with Prospect Builder, a HubSpot Gold partner that is familiar with the industry.
• Industry recognition. Among its recent awards, Coordinated Business Systems was a 2016 finalist for the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics. It was also named a KYOCERA Premier Dealer and garnered the vendor’s Service Excellence Award.
• Giving back. Coordinated Business Systems employees are allotted 2.5 paid time off hours per month that can be donated in a volunteer capacity. In all, the dealer raises more than $10,000 a year participating in various fundraising events. It sponsors the LLS Light the Night Walk and provides free equipment to inter-city schools.
• Friendly work environment. The dealer has cultivated a family-like atmosphere and values the opinions of its employees. A number of changes to procedures have come as a result of feedback received from the employees.

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

• Year Founded: 1955
• President/Owner: Barry Simon
• Number of Employees: 200
• Primary Vendors: Canon, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, KYOCERA
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, KYOCERA
• Primary Leasing Partners: Datamax Leasing Division
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $40 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Software solutions, color output, production print, managed network services
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: For 2016, Datamax achieved a 92.1 Net Promoter Score reflecting customer willingness to recommend its capabilities. Datamax was recognized with Canon’s ATSP Award for the 10th consecutive year. Additionally, when asked, “How likely would they recommend Datamax to a friend or colleague,” Datamax’s customers gave it an average score of 9.7 out of 10 in 2016.

Why We Consider Datamax Elite:

• Environmental responsibility. Its DatamaxGreen Program speaks to a number of environmental-based initiatives, including a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees in damaged forests. To date, Datamax has helped to plant more than 3,000 trees in nationwide forests that demonstrate the greatest need in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation.
• Sales and marketing initiatives. Datamax offers MaxCare, a comprehensive portfolio of technology support services to help clients maximize their return on technology investments. Its goVertical tool represents an ongoing Datamax sales and marketing initiative designed to promote focus and specialization on targeted vertical industries in its marketplace.
• Vendor recognition. In addition to being a 10-time winner of the Canon ATSP award, it has captured the both the Canon Advanced Partner and Konica Minolta Pro-Tech honors four straight years. The dealer has also been recognized by Microsoft as a Gold Partner and Laserfiche.
• Promoting a positive working environment. Following its goal to create “raving fans” in everything it does, Datamax responds to its employee career needs and aspiration, and works with its employees to help identify the best opportunities most aligned with their goals and ambitions. Its employees thrive in a visionary environment that promotes collaboration and strategic thinking among individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences. The atmosphere cultivates satisfaction and tenure that can extend for years.
• Points of differentiation. Datamax boasts a leadership team that averages more than 22 years of experience with the company. Its in-house leasing capabilities, which Datamax has offered for more than 40 years, provides accountability that helps empower the business relationship. The Datamax Little Blue Book reflects the dealership’s culture and its unified mission to create “raving fans.”

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Doing Better Business, Inc.
Altoona , PA
www.doingbetterbusiness.com

• Year Founded: 1973
• President/Owner: Debra Dellaposta
• Number of Employees: 101
• Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Sharp
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Ademero, PaperCut, InBay MNS
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $25 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS, MFPs, in-house leasing
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Doing Better Business had a busy campaign transactions-wise during the past 12 months. The dealer acquired Total Service Inc. of Latrobe, PA, and also annexed Word Processing Services of Hagerstown, MD, which was owned by the parents of the second generation Dellaposta leadership.

Why We Consider Doing Better Business Elite:

• It’s in the name. Working with Doing Better Business translates into that very result for customers. The dealer helps businesses and organizations move from cumbersome paper-based document workflows to digital information management and workflow solutions. In addition Doing Better Business is a certified Woman-Owned business which helps some of its customers meet their diversity goals.
• Buy here, pay here. Doing Better Business offers an aggressive in-house leasing program that provides customers with increased flexibility, including equipment changes, additions and removals. The company also recently launched a new program focusing on getting new customers. The result was an increase in net-new business revenue by more than 40 percent. Doing Better Business also partnered with Pros Elite 100 and has begun implementing subtle changes that have shown significant improvement in both its performance and financial results.
• Business honors. Doing Better Business has captured a number of honors during the past few years, including Best Places to Work by the Central PA Business Journal; Best Places to Work in Pittsburgh from the Pittsburgh Business Times; Ricoh’s RFG Circle of Excellence; the Top 100 Organizations honor from Pennsylvania Business Central; a World Leader in Managed Print Services from the Photizo Group; the Brice and Shirley Phillips Best Practices Award for implementing Managed Print Services, from the Association of School Business Officials; and the Managed Print TRUSTMARK from CompTIA.
• Business transparency. Operating under an open book management system, each department at Doing Better Business holds weekly and monthly huddles where department managers share what was reported by the various department heads. Managers address three aspects: good news, critical numbers and final thoughts.
• Helping hands. All three owners and many of Doing Better Business’ employees sit on the boards of local organizations. The dealer provides complimentary hardware to nonprofit organizations, including schools and soup kitchens. Employees spend time assembling backpacks for Blessings in a Backpack, as well as putting together care packages that are distributed as part of Operation Support Our Soldiers.

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Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises
Cincinnati, OH
www.donnellonmccarthy.com

• Year Founded: 1957
• CEO/Owner: Jim Donnellon
• Number of Employees: 140
• Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Sharp, Savin, FP Mailing, HP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Square 9, Intellinetics, Nuance, Intact, Ricoh Solutions, Toshiba, Drivve, MPS, MNS, Mailing Solutions
• Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, DLL, GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $25+ million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Mailing solutions (67%), MPS (144%), MNS (114%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: DME was named the Toshiba Dealer of the Year for its exceptional nationwide revenue, percentage of sales quota met, year-over-year revenue growth and community service.

Why We Consider Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises Elite:

• Digital solutions. DME has launched the new Digital Solutions Center to customers. The Center brings together software, hardware and network troubleshooting resources with one single point of contact and can be accessed by any DME customer who has questions about their company’s equipment.
• Website refresh. DME partnered with Clover Imaging Group to build a new website, which features a video on DME, blog posts, a news room, information on vertical markets and more. The reboot makes it easier for customers to find the information they need and learn more about the capabilities of DME.
• Training. The DME University training course is a program that all new account managers and existing account managers attend. This training class is held once a month and ensures that all DME practices are carried out consistently across all of its branches. During this two-week training class, team members learn about DME as a company, its vendors, and the industry in general.
• Awards and honors. In 2017, DME has been named a Cincinnati Top Workplace, a finalist for the Cincinnati Best Places to Work, a BBB Torch Award for Ethics finalist, a Goering Center Award for Family Business semifinalist and received the Sharp Hyakuman Kai Award.
• Fun place to work. The dealer prides itself on the fact that it likes to work hard and play hard. From its annual Halloween and Christmas parties to the family barbecue and chili cook-off, DME’s culture is centered on strengthening, building and rewarding its team. The goal is to see all teammates grow professionally and enjoy coming into the office every day.

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Eakes Office Solutions
Grand Island, NE
www.eakes.com

• Year Founded: 1945
• President/Owner: Mark Miller
• Number of Employees: 261
• Primary Vendors: Sharp, Ricoh, HP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, GoldFax, Prism Software
• Primary Leasing Partners: Local leasing company
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $15 to $25 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Eakes acquired a janitorial dealer in a new market in April of 2017, giving it a more complete reach into the janitorial industry as it added a purchasing and sales position to augment growth.

Why We Consider Eakes Office Solutions Elite:

• Quality personnel. Based upon customer feedback surveys, Eakes Office Solutions scores high in customer satisfaction, driven by the performance of its employees. Many of the notes indicate that Eakes went “above and beyond” to deliver on expectations. Much of that success can be attributed to the dealer’s high level of tenure, which has enabled it to secure many longstanding relationships within its client base.
• Expanded product line. A portfolio bump was provided with the addition of Ricoh to its manufacturer roster, and Eakes Office Solutions rolled out the red carpet with an extensive marketing campaign that included business cards, customer fliers, car magnets, showroom posters, product brochures, web banners, email blasts and digital billboards.
• Schooling the competition. Eakes Office Solutions recaptured a key educational account with a total managed print solution that included PaperCut and GoldFax. The dealer was able to right size the client’s print fleet with equipment appropriate to the user’s volume level and provide training backed by quality service to maintain the gear’s performance.
• Model of consistency. For the 11th year in a row, Eakes Office Solutions captured Sharp’s Hyakuman Kai Elite Award. It was also recognized with the BTA Award for its longstanding membership.
• Civic caring. One of Eakes Office Solutions’ creative fundraising ventures is Jeans for Charity. Employees can make a donation that allows them to wear jeans for a given day, and each quarter, a charitable organization is selected by the employees to receive a donation. The company is also a drop-off point for the Toys for Tots program and assists in transporting and setting them up for parents to make selections. The dealer also provides meals at several homeless shelters.

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Edwards Business Systems, Inc. and Virginia Business Systems, Inc.
Bethlehem, PA
www.edwardsbusiness.com

• Year Founded: 1954
• President/Owner: James B. Edwards, chairman of Edwards Business Systems, Inc. and Virginia Business Systems, Inc.; Raymond Fuentes, president of Edwards Business Systems, Inc. (EBS);
• James Dotter, president of Virginia Business Systems, Inc. (VBS)
• Number of Employees: 180
• Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Xerox, HP, Muratec, Lexmark, MBM, Sharp, Fujitsu
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9 and Global Forms, Objectif Lune PlanetPress, Adobe Systems, Nuance, Notable Solutions, EFI
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, US Bank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $41 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS, software solutions, production print
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Edwards and Virginia Business Systems were named Konica Minolta’s “Solution Provider of the Year.”

Why We Consider EBS and VBS Elite:

• Overall value. EBS/VBS offers a combination of responsive, dedicated service, committed solutions, quality hardware and the coordinated teams to deliver it. Its staff is divided into three core groups: service/implementation, administration and sales/marketing. Collectively, they work together as a team to move the business of its clients forward by selling process improvement, security and compliance, cost of ownership and sustainability.
• Managed print services. Print+ is EBS/VBS’ private-labeled brand of MPS and offers services that include print and output devices as well as management plans for collection, accounting, security and sustainability. These solutions allow its clients to achieve cost effectiveness, green environmental goals and network integration.
• Solution software. EBS/VBS have dedicated solutions teams that develop and offer application software for document management and other solutions. Plus, it offers specialized teams of professional service and support necessary to evaluate, implement and manage successful software solutions for clients.
• Account success. VBS won a contract for a large regional school district in Virginia, a deal valued in excess of $2 million. Despite not being the lowest cost provider, the dealer’s exceptional service history and client-centric approach to print management helped secure the business. Delivery and installation of copiers, printers and software for the client was accomplished in an accelerated time frame.
• Community generosity. EBS has been a primary sponsor of Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA, for the past 30 years. Musikfest concerts attract more than 1 million visitors every year, bringing economic development, cultural awareness and entertainment to Bethlehem. Other organizations sponsored by EBS/VBS include the VCU Massey Cancer Center Concert, the Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley, Historic Bethlehem, PBS Ch. 39, James Madison University athletics, Relay for Life and Ducks Unlimited. EBS/VBS was also a featured sponsor of the 2017 Dominion Energy Charity Classic on the PGA Tour.

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

• Year Founded: 1971
• President/Owner: William A. Fraser
• Number of Employees: 175
• Primary Vendors: Sharp, Canon, Lexmark, Toshiba, HP, Muratec
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Axcient, Datto, LabTech, Sophos, KnowBe4, RapidFire Tools, SharpDesk Mobile, Sharp OSA, Sharp AIP Applications, Intact, YSoft, Nuance, PaperCut, Océ, N-Able, Canon Print & Scan, ConnectWise, VMware, MaaS360, Kodak Capture Pro, ScanShare, PrintFleet, PDF Pro, SharePlus
• Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, US Bank, DLL
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $40 to $45 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Managed network services
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The integration of Advanced Business Equipment into Fraser AIS, which added a news sales team to its organization. The acquisition also gave Fraser AIS the ability to offer Advanced’s customer base an entire portfolio of new products, including managed IT services.

Why We Consider Fraser AIS Elite:

• Quality customer support. Fraser’s Global Support Center provides the latest technologies available in the MFP marketplace, offering remote cloud installations for many customers’ MFPs. Its Global Support Specialists can remotely set up features such as address books, scan settings, network settings, account codes and fax address books. While a normal in-person installation with an on-site technician may take up to two hours or more, with Fraser’s remote cloud installations, a new device is ready for use within minutes of being delivered.
• Fraser’s Net Promoter Score on its remote cloud installations has been above 90 for the entire 2017 fiscal year, with more than 90 percent of customers saying they’d recommend Fraser’s remote cloud installations to colleagues.
• With the implementation of its strategic email campaigns, Fraser now has the ability to target specific vertical markets for specific services it offers. Email campaigns are tailored directly to the vertical and customers Fraser seeks to reach and can specifically pinpoint areas of service that clients want.
• Customer appreciation events. Throughout the year, Fraser holds several customer appreciation or networking events as a token of appreciation for their business. These events are often co-sponsored by Fraser’s vendors and provide an avenue for its staff to socialize and get to know the customers they interact with on a daily basis. The events allow Fraser to build personal and professional relationships for its sales force and staff.
• Employee rewards. Fraser’s Sacks of Cash program rewards employees who go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Each month, Fraser sends more than 1,200 surveys out to customers to provide feedback on Fraser’s performance with service calls, supply orders and remote cloud installations. Based on the customer feedback, employees are awarded a “sack of cash” for each positive interaction with customers. Employees are also rewarded for going the “extra mile” internally by providing assistance to other employees or staying after hours to ensure important projects are completed on time.

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Genesis Technologies Inc.
Northbrook, IL
www.genesistechnologies.com

• Year Founded: 1991
• President/Owner: Michael Kahn
• Number of Employees: 55
• Primary Vendors: HP, Canon, Xerox, KYOCERA, Zebra, Filebound, iManage
• Primary Solutions Offerings: uniFLOW, PaperCut, HP, iManage worksite, Filebound, FM Audit
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS, copier sales
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The dealership closed $3 million in total MPS contract revenue, leading with OEM toner.

Why We Consider Genesis Technologies Elite:

• Competitive pricing. Through the years, Genesis Technologies has cultivated deep relationships with its clients and is entrusted to make decisions that are in their best interest. For example, Its pricing on MPS using HP OEM genuine toner is comparable to remanufactured toner rates.
• Fully optimized. Genesis Technologies’ website is fully SEO to help clients learn more about products and services, or to purchase MPS solutions, copiers and document management tools. This entails a meticulous, ongoing review of search words, blogs and email campaigns.
• Major scores. During 2017, Genesis Technologies netted its first $1 million Canon copier deal, excluding prints, for an educational institution.
• Values-based culture. Genesis Technologies seeks out only honest and hard-working individuals to join its team. The dealer offers a career advancement path for those seeking to build upon their skill sets. Employees are highly valued, as evidenced by the CEO’s participation in the interviewing process.
• Community involvement. Genesis Technologies sponsors a number of local organizations, including Lutheran Life Services, which serves the needs of senior citizens; Dominican University, which provides scholarships and opportunities for students; and United Hospital, which offers services to cancer patients.

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Image 2000
Valencia, CA
www.image-2000.com

• Year Founded: 1992
• President/Owner: Joe Blatchford and Richard Campbell
• Number of Employees: 140
• Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Sharp, Toshiba, Lexmark, Riso
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, M-Files
• Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Wells Fargo, GE, US Bank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $30 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Equipment placements (5%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Image 2000 secured one of the largest health care entities in the state of California.

Why We Consider Image 2000 Elite:

• Old-school marketing. Image 2000 prefers to use tried-and-true marketing methods, including leave-behinds such as coffee cups, pens and other products. The dealer prefers business-to-business cold calling. Image 2000 does use telemarketers and various lunch-and-learn programs, but utilizes cold calling as its primary marketing practice.
• Healthy business. During 2017, Image 2000 secured a national contract with Adventist Health Systems that is comprised of 21 hospitals located in states including California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. The Adventist deal also includes 80-plus affiliate locations.
• Improved environment. Image 2000 recently purchased and renovated a building, investing nearly $900,000 while adding quality amenities for its employees. During the conceptual process, the dealer solicited input from employees via a suggestion box to learn what they would like the new building to feature.
• Image 2000 contributes to all of the foundations represented by its health care clients. The dealer also supports the Sebastian Velona Foundation by donating $15,000 reaped from the rental of a house in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
• Dealer distinction. Image 2000 was the third-largest dealer for all of KYOCERA in the United States. It has been an Elite Dealer for KYOCERA Copystar 13 consecutive years. In addition, Image 2000 is a premier dealer with regards to solutions.

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KDI Office Technology
Aston, PA
www.kdi-inc.com

• Year Founded: 1988
• President/Owner: Ricardo Salcedo
• Number of Employees: 150
• Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Canon, Lexmark
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Fortis, Square 9, Westbrook Technologies, Nuance, M-Files
• Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, EverBank, Canon Finance
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $38 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Managed IT, MPS
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Enhancements to its Network Operations Center enable KDI to perform remote access installations of newly delivered gear.

Why We Consider KDI Office Technology Elite:

• The survey says… KDI implemented its first customer service survey to find out where it is excelling as well as which areas need improvement. Great service and great people were a common thread in the responses, and customers indicated they appreciate KDI’s quick response and friendly, helpful demeanor. The survey also illustrated that customers feel KDI’s service technicians are accommodating and know how to take care of issues that arise. Problems are resolved either the same day or within 24 hours. Respondents also indicated they value KDI’s offer to train their staff on how to properly use the machines.
• Fast marketing. In April, KDI and Dover International Speedway (DIS) reached a multi-year agreement on naming and advertising rights for the Monster Mile’s restart area, with KDI becoming the “Official and Exclusive Office Technology Provider” of DIS. The KDI Restart Zone adds significant brand visibility for KDI. The new branding can be seen by millions of TV viewers just after turn four and before the start/finish line.
• Earlier this year, KDI became the Official and Exclusive Office Technology Provider for 97.5 The Fanatic, a Philadelphia-based sports talk radio station. Through this relationship, KDI has had multiple opportunities to utilize radio spots as a means of enhancing company name recognition. Recently, KDI enlisted the services of former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski for a radio spot. In the commercial, Jaworski touted his business relationship with KDI and gave reasons for businesses to utilize the dealer’s products and services. Complementary digital billboards, web enhancements and social media campaigns drove prospects to a KDI landing page for a free technology assessment.
• Increased marketing channels. KDI employed targeted social media and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, ad boosts, employment posts and Google AdWords to reach customers, prospects and prospective employees. Through various customer sponsorships, KDI’s business partners also shared its social media posts, employment ads and community service initiatives—which was reciprocated—providing a greater reach for KDI and its partners.
• Supporting the community. Team KDI regularly raises funds and donates needed items for charitable organizations such as Making Strides, Philabundance and Toys for Tots. KDI and its employees raise money and donate a substantial amount of food for the needy, new unwrapped toys to children in the area and plan/participate in various events to help support and raise funds to fight cancer. Each year KDI sets higher donation goals and exceeds them.

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Kelley Imaging Systems
Kent, WA
www.kelleyimaging.com

• Year Founded: 1974
• President/Owner: Aric Manion
• Number of Employees: 189
• Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Pitney Bowes, KYOCERA, Sharp, Lexmark, Muratec, Formax, Oki, Samsung, HP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, Abby Flex Capture, PaperCut, Adobe Lean Print, Treeno, Satori, Flex Systems
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, US Bank, Wells Fargo, EverBank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $40 to $45 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS, managed IT, document management and capture, wide-format, reprographics
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Kelley acquired three new companies, which added offices in Great Falls, MT; Salem, OR and Bellingham, WA. The dealer also added a new office in Bend, OR.

Why We Consider Kelley Imaging Systems Elite:

• Single-source excellence. Kelley’s scope of technology solutions makes it easier for a client to deal with one provider who understands print, mail, distribution and wide format as opposed to multiple providers. With the addition of its reprographics service at multiple locations, Kelley can also work with clients on one-off needs.
• Cost-consciousness. Kelley’s main focus is to help lower overall costs and improve the effectiveness of what its customers are printing. When done correctly, it results in lowered costs, and Kelley can help clients increase their revenues by maximizing the effectiveness of each interaction they have with their customers.
• Significant wins in 2017. Kelley was able to secure a number of high-impact agreements during the year, including a $300,000 deal for a Montana school district, a Seattle retailer who invested over $1 million in Kelley solutions at the Seattle office, a $400,000 competitive replacement out of the Portland office and many other six-figure deals.
• Industry recognition. Over the last four years, Kelley has been named one of Washington’s Top Corporate Philanthropists. The program honors 75 companies that make the expanded Corporate Philanthropist lists based on cash giving to charities. Other honors include the 2017 ITEX Perfect Image Award, the Puget Sound Business Journal Fastest Growing Private Company, the Top West Coast Dealer for Pitney Bowes, Formax Solutions Elite Dealer, CompTIA Trustmark Certification for MPS Solutions and GreatAmerica’s Dealer Distinction Award.
• Giving back. President Aric Manion serves on the board for the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County, which promotes recruiting and sustaining business. He also serves on the Team Seattle Guild, which supports the Seattle Children’s Hospital. The dealer sponsors and contributes to charitable causes such as the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, Multi Service Centers, Compass Health, Kitsap Humane Society, Port Orchard Chamber and United Way.

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Lake Business Products
Eastlake, OH
www.lakebusiness.com

• Year Founded: 1960
• President/Owner: Theresa Cain
• Number of Employees: 130
• Primary Vendors: Canon, Samsung
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, PaperCut, Uniflow
• Primary Leasing Partners: LBP Leasing, US Bank, DLL
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $25 to $30 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS, MNS, production print
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The expansion of Lake Business Products’ production print, document management solutions and managed services.

Why We Consider Lake Business Products Elite:

• Experience and consistency. Lake Business Products has carved out a reputation for superior customer service during its 57-year history, which translates into longevity and stability in the eyes of its clients. The dealer believes in a personalized approach that speaks to its customers’ individuality.
• Flexibility. Following the same philosophy of addressing the individual needs of a client, Lake Business Products sees to maintain flexibility in its hardware and finance offerings to meet those specific needs. In addition, the dealer has offered in-house financing for the past 25 years.
• Lines of communication. Despite its considerable growth, Lake Business Products endeavors to maintain that family-type closeness throughout the organization. The dealer fosters an open-door policy for its employees, and sponsors a number of activities to let them know they are valued.
• Charitable contributions. Among the organizations Lake Business Products supports are Rainbow Babies and the Children’s Hospital of Cleveland. The dealer also features a Giving Tree, in which a local organization is selected for contributions by the employees.
• Lake Business Products has been named a Canon App Dealer in each of the last four years and a Certified ATP Dealership for more than 25 years. It also received the Smart Business Family Business Achievement Award for Northeast Ohio in 2017. The dealer also serves as a certified training facility for Samsung.

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Meritech, Inc.
Cleveland, OH
www.meritechinc.com

• Year Founded: 1978
• President/Owner: Dennis Bednar
• Number of Employees: 88
• Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Konica Minolta, Muratec, KIP, Fujitsu, HP, Dell
• Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Planetpress, Barracuda Networks, All Covered, Intellinetics, Rapid Fire, HyPAS, Objectif Lune, Idatix, Sagemcom, Microsoft Gold Certified, Spectrum, AT&T, Everstream, Intellisys, Easton, PSIGEN, Cloud Route
• Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, DLL, CIT
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Managed services (50%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Meritech was able to land its biggest school system with 300 MFPs, doing more than 60 million impressions annually.

Why We Consider Meritech Elite:

• Holistic approach. Meritech optimizes processes from end-to-end to promote and improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. The dealer provides a complimentary, in-depth risk assessment, which outlines its customer’s current network health and identifies potential network vulnerabilities, opportunities to improve network performance and security, as well as improve cost savings and streamline workflows.
• Quality assurance. With an average tenure of 15 years, Meritech’s service team creates true partnerships with each client, underscored by transparency, urgency, shared values and goals. Customers benefit from live customer service options whenever they call in for assistance. Additionally, quarterly account reviews ensure that each customer is educated on the performance of Meritech and any new technologies available to them.
• Risk and reward. Meritech provided complimentary risk assessment (a $1,000 value) during the months of September and October. The dealer donated $50 to the Red Cross for every network assessment completed. Additionally, Meritech donated a percentage of each sale for those months to the American Red Cross for the various Hurricane recovery efforts.
• Useful information. Meritech offers tips, advice and information to help companies and families protect themselves and their businesses. Each day the dealer shares information for preparedness on its LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Valued employees. Meritech has an MVP (Meritech Valuable Player) program where employees are recognized by their peers for going the extra mile. Employee engagement within the workplace is very important, creating cohesiveness among coworkers and the overall organization. This enables the team to be more enthusiastic and motivated, creating a high-energy work environment. Winners receive $200, an MVP-designated parking spot for the month, posts featuring their accomplishment on Meritech’s social media sites and an entry into a drawing for Employee of the Year.

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Modern Office Methods (MOM)
Cincinnati, OH
www.momnet.com

• Year Founded: 1957
• President/Owner: Kevin McCarthy
• Number of Employees: 195
• Primary Vendors: Ricoh/Lanier, Canon, HP, Samsung
• Primary Solutions Offerings: MPS, document management, managed IT services, mobile workforce and cloud printing, environmental, document capture, cost recovery and security software, electronic forms
• Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, Wells Fargo, DLL
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $45+ million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS, production business, MNS
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Modern Office Methods was named a Ricoh RFG 2017 Circle of Excellence Dealership. The dealer enjoys an exceptional service team, led by Ken Staubitz, vice president of service.

Why We Consider Modern Office Methods Elite:

• Customer strategy. MOM boasts the ability to manage accounts and provide its clients with a document strategy. Its reps follow a four-step process when they engage with a new prospect: clarify, simplify, implement and review. The consultative approach results in a solution that adds value through greater efficiency. This is attained by streamlining their processes through its many solutions or by standardizing the client’s current fleet of equipment.
• Raising brand awareness. MOM sponsors a contest for the nonprofit community, Jump START Your Nonprofit, which represents its largest marketing campaign and largest community involvement program. Local nonprofits apply for a chance to win one of three $10,000 office technology makeovers. MOM partners with seven radio stations that help promote the contest through advertising and social media.
• Client events. MOM entertains clients at sporting events, providing suites for Xavier University basketball games, Cincinnati Reds baseball games and Dayton Dragons contests. MOM hosted a production event in May at the new TOPGOLF in West Chester, OH, that was a huge success, and the dealer planned a joint event with its Managed Networking company, FSN, there in November.
• Social media. Backed by the involvement of its sales teams, organic impressions on LinkedIn topped 25,000 per month. The company also posted Throwback Thursday pictures leading up to its 60th anniversary in December. MOM’s executives provided many images from its archive to add levity, humor and personalization to the anniversary lead-up, with the photos posted along with the hashtag #MOMturns60.
• In addition to Jump START, which has provided more than $200,000 worth of equipment to 18 local nonprofits, MOM organized a disaster relief effort to benefit those in southern Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey. MOM donated 1 percent of its hardware and solutions revenues sold between Aug. 28 and Sept. 30 to support the American Red Cross relief efforts. Other charitable events the dealer has supported include the Race to Anyplace, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Spike Out Sepsis, which benefits the Sepsis Alliance.

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Nauticon Office Solutions
Gaithersburg, MD
www.nauticon.com

• Year Founded: 1997
• President/Owner: Tom Cunningham (Owner), Gary Sockel (President), Carter Hertzberg (COO)
• Number of Employees: 95
• Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Xerox, Lexmark
• Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Drivve, Square 9
• Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Xerox Financial Services, GreatAmerica, EverBank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20 to $25 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MFP/hardware (20%), net new business YTD (38%), managed services (35-40%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: One of Nauticon Office Solutions’ proudest accomplishments has nothing to do with the business itself. The dealership provides daily lunches to aid underprivileged youth.

Why We Consider Nauticon Office Solutions Elite:

• Customer treats. Nauticon entices its clients and prospects in a number of ways, from a catered, referral customer lunch program to client-focused in-house events. The dealer constructs custom scratch-off tickets and creatively packages small gifts in Chinese food carryout boxes to curry favor.
• Mark of excellence. Nauticon has achieved a 93 percent Net Promoter Score year-to-date in the BEI program. Its managed services have grown, on average, 35 to 40 percent per year.
• Great place to work. Employees have access to a full gym and are treated to monthly catered lunches. Nauticon workers also enjoy wide-ranging autonomy and the company promotes a positive environment that inspires them to be proactive with the customer base.
• Industry praise. In addition to being a past Elite Dealer, Nauticon has garnered the BEI Service Excellence Award, the Toshiba Eastern Region Market Leadership Award and the Toshiba ProMasters Service Award.
• Charitable support. Nauticon’s employees donate paid time off to nonprofit organizations and sponsor events including the YMCA ThingAMaJig invention convention. The dealer also sends underprivileged children to the Girl Scouts of America summer camp.

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NBM
Burlington, MA
www.nbminc.com

• Year Founded: 1985
• President/Owner: William Tracia
• Number of Employees: 80
• Primary Vendors: Sharp, Konica Minolta, KIP, Oki, HP, FP Mailing
• Primary Solutions Offerings: InfoDynamics, Digitech, Webroot, Atera, Intronis
• Primary Leasing Partners: CIT, Leaf, DLL, GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $23 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: IT, mailing solutions
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The dealer embarked on a rebranding initiative that includes the tagline “Your Trusted Technology Company.” The move was geared toward removing “business machines” from the name and incorporating a more modern approach. The refresh included a new logo, color scheme and a rebooted website.

Why We Consider NBM Elite:

• Outside the MFP. Small- and medium-sized business value working with NBM for needs beyond the multifunction printers. NBM offers IT support, mailing solutions, folding/inserting equipment, wide-format technology, smart boards, LCD displays and more. Its competitors are primarily branches of the manufacturers, with limited product and service offerings.
• Winning share. One of NBM’s biggest wins in 2017 was an agreement with a small, private college where it placed a new fleet of Sharp MFPs. The school had been doing business with another manufacturer for the past 20 years.
• Sharp performance. NBM has picked up the Hyakuman Kai Elite Award from Sharp for ordering more than $5 million in wholesale business annually. That places NBM among the 10 largest Sharp dealers in the United States. But NBM doesn’t have all of its eggs in one basket; it is also a Silver Elite partner with HP and a Platinum service provider for Konica Minolta.
• Empowered employees. NBM put the task of organizing company events in the hands of an employee, and the company enjoyed a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a summer kickoff event and an Octoberfest bash. Its annual President’s Club dinner is one of the year’s most anticipated celebrations for employees with 10 years or more service. A total of 39 of the 80 total employees have logged at least 10 years with the firm.
• Giving back. NBM supports several local charities and non-profit organizations, including the United Way, the YWCA, the Jimmy Fund and the National MS Society, among many others. The dealer also entered a team in the “Dodging for Dollars” event to benefit the local Boys and Girls Club and raised more than $1,500.

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OneDOC Managed Print Services LLC
Oklahoma City, OK
www.mpsok.com

• Year Founded: 2009
• President/Owner: Kevin Morris
• Number of Employees: 23
• Primary Vendors: Brother, Epson, HP, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, Muratec, Xerox
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Intellinetics, YSoft
• Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, EverBank, GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $23 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS (70%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: As many industry experts point to the need to diversify in order to grow revenue, OneDOC is proud of the growth it has experienced, which it has achieved by dominating in the markets in which it serves.

Why We Consider OneDOC Managed Print Services Elite:

• Celebrity endorsements. OneDOC Managed Print Services stakes the claim of being the only dealership in the industry that is endorsed by Dave Ramsey, one of the nation’s most trusted voices on money matters and a national best-selling author and radio host.
• Big fish. Among its biggest wins during 2017, OneDOC Managed Print Services secured an account with a major national communications firm that has offices across the United States. The dealer also provided MPS in an environment that was previously under the management of a large manufacturer.
• With honors. OneDOC Managed Print Services has been recognized by the Photizo Group/Virtulytix in the Leaders Index every year since 2013. A three-time Elite Dealer, the company also achieved Trustmark status by CompTIA and the ImageMaker award from Muratec.
• Treating employees right. OneDOC Managed Print Services encourages its employees to take ownership of its work in dealings with the customer. The dealer believes the strategy empowers employees to make the right decisions on a daily basis. OneDOC also claims the distinction of being one of the highest-paying companies in the industry, with perks including unlimited vacation time for employees.
• Philanthropy. Among the organizations supported by OneDOC Managed Print Services are the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association and the United Way.

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Proven IT
Tinley Park, IL
www.provenIT.com

• Year Founded: 2003
• President/Owner: John Cosich
• Number of Employees: 195
• Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Canon, HP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Laserfiche, PaperCut, Uniflow
• Primary Leasing Partners: Leaf, US Bank, GE, EverBank, Canon Finance
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $40 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Network technicians, solutions engineers, hardware technicians
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Proven IT was named a Crain’s Chicago Business Fast 50 dealership for the fourth year in a row.

Why We Consider Proven IT Elite:

• Service excellence. Quality service is a hallmark for Proven IT. The company is a PROs Elite 100 Dealership committed to surpassing elite industry benchmarks in customer satisfaction and service performance. Proven IT closely monitors problems and strives to deliver elite service, and guarantees its performance to be satisfactory.
• Sports marketing. Proven IT entered into major sports marketing campaigns with the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears, and Northwestern Athletics. Part of its marketing approach was highlighting the process by which Proven IT was chosen as the service provider: by demonstrating its ability to handle major service fleets, its philanthropy and corporate culture. Another dimension of each partnership is offering high-end entertainment with the ability to host its business meetings in VIP Suites at each stadium, where Proven IT’s brand’s presence is very strongly enforced with signage and sponsorships.
• Technology show. In September, Proven IT hosted the Proven IT Casino Night Technology Show. In the past, the dealer has hosted more than 200 guests with live entertainment in an exciting and fun venue where guests can relax, have a great meal and a cocktail, and learn from industry experts through seminars or casual one-on-one conversations with its partners and in-house solutions specialists.
• Awards and accolades. Proven IT has been named to the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces for each of the last three years. The Daily Herald chose the dealer as one of the Best Places to Work in Illinois for 2016 and 2017, and NT Ware cited Proven IT for Fastest Growing Managed Print Software Revenue.
• Rewarding work atmosphere. Proven IT promotes a philanthropic environment, with several employees participating on boards for local nonprofit institutions. Proven IT also hosts entertaining employee outings that include all departments in a variety of activities, such as paintball, golf, sports events, wine tastings, painting, game night and go-karting.

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Stargel Office Solutions
Houston, TX
www.stargel.com

• Year Founded: 1987
• President/Owner: Jack Stargel
• Number of Employees: 101
• Primary Vendors: Toshiba, HP, Lexmark, Océ, KIP, MBM
• Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, PaperCut, Drivve, Nuance, FlashGrade, Printerlogic, Datto
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20 to $25 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MNS (35%), MPS (14%), software (38%), hardware (4%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Stargel Office Solutions continues to expand its Star Managed Services group (MNS, Software, MPS), which now bills more than $4 million dollars a year in recurring revenue. The dealer recently hired a full-time project manager and Six Sigma Green Belt to coordinate and implement all client engagements for the group.

Why We Consider Stargel Office Solutions Elite:

• Customer-first mentality. With a combination of outstanding employees and a willingness to put the customer first, Stargel feels it has become a preferred provider. It boasts more than 100 employees who have an average tenure of 10 years, which paves the way for trained technicians, knowledgeable sales reps and a management team that is accountable to clients.
• Customer guarantees. The lease of a color MFP from Stargel includes black-and-white overages over the contract minimum for free. The dealer also guarantees to be on-site and repairing a client’s MFP within three hours, or the service bill for the month is free. Stargel also offers a billing accuracy guarantee: if the contract billing is incorrect, that month’s bill for the device is free.
• Schooling the competition. The 2017 campaign was a successful one for Stargel, which netted a pair of large school district contracts. One included the sales and service for more than 150 MFPs and 2,000 printers. The second deal was a $200,000-plus document management software package.
• Partner recognition. In 2017, Stargel was granted the Better Business Bureau’s Company Excellence Award, the GreatAmerica Prestige Dealer Award and the Star Award from the Houston West Chamber of Commerce.
• Employee distinction. This year, Stargel created a “Wall of Fame” to recognize employees who have been with the firm in milestone increments of five years. Along with the recognition, each employee receives a monetary gift on their anniversary date based on years of service. Every employee gets a paid day off on their birthday. Team activities have included a food truck, ice cream social, casino night and a bingo night.

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Topp Business Solutions
Scranton, PA
toppcopy.com

• Year Founded: 1957
• President/Owner: Paul Falzett
• Number of Employees: 100
• Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Canon, Konica Minolta, HP, Microsoft, 3D Systems, Dolbey, FTR
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Laserfiche, PaperCut, uniFLOW, EFI, Microsoft, Dolbey, FTR
• Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Wells Fargo, US Bank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $20+ million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MPS (25%), IT services
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Topp Business Solutions continue to grow in MPS, IT services and document management. The dealer made one acquisition in 2017 and plans to seek further opportunities that will enable future growth.

Why We Consider Topp Business Solutions Elite:

• Experienced sales team. Topp Business Solutions boasts a low turnover rate among its sales department and has exacting standards for all of its new hires. This has created perhaps the strongest sales unit in the company’s 60-year history. The customer-centric approach they all take is the key to forming long-term partnerships with it clients.
• Quality service and support. In 2014, the dealer conducted a review of its processes and took measured steps to bolster the customer experience. The investment in this initiative has paid dividends in the form of customer satisfaction and increased revenues.
• Industry honors. Among the recognitions Topp Business Solutions has received in the last three years are the Ricoh Circle of Excellence and National Dealer Service Council, along with the Canon Golden Eagle Award.
• Team concept. Backed by a staff that brings many different skill sets to the table, the Topp team leverages its complementary abilities in uniting to serve the needs of customers. Management fosters an open door policy to further those initiatives, and employees are encouraged to speak freely during meetings, take ownership of projects and contribute to the direction of the company.
• Community caring. Topp Business Solutions supports its customers with their many endeavors, including fundraisers, golf tournaments and banquets. The dealer makes substantial donations to organizations, including Thanksgiving holiday meals for the less fortunate, and has created an educational foundation.

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Usherwood Office Technology
Syracuse, NY
www.usherwood.com

• Year Founded: 1976
• President/Owner: Lou Usherwood
• Number of Employees: 130
• Primary Vendors: Canon, Xerox, Microsoft, HP, Cisco Meraki, Polycom, Milestone, Axis, Samsung, Hypersign
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Managed IT solutions, MPS, managed communications and telephony, managed security and surveillance, managed digital signage, managed video conference
• Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $28 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Managed IT, MPS, production print, video conferencing
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Usherwood has opened new offices in West Lebanon, NH; Watertown, NY; Utica, NY; and Boston. In this time, Usherwood has increased revenues in both hardware sales and IT sales by double digits. Usherwood also opened its first Odyssey Global IT Experience Center in Rochester, NY, that encompasses all lines of business integrated together.

Why We Consider Usherwood Office Technology Elite:

• Boutique-style service. Usherwood’s Odyssey Global IT features a seven-step methodology that allows it to deploy and service several lines of business that integrate and converge into a single core office technology platform. Usherwood is one of the few dealers that can integrate many lines of business into the traditional copier and printer business. It has made the necessary investments during its history to leverage emerging markets.
• IT proficiency. Its capabilities and experience in core IT has allowed Usherwood to evolve into a provider of IT solutions and services. Its Technical Assistance Center has grown to 12 network engineers and technicians. Usherwood has a company-wide initiative that aligns everyone around the development and knowledge of IT principles and service delivery. Each employee in the technical side of the business is required to have certifications in IT foundations and fundamentals.
• Contracts. Usherwood’s biggest win in 2017 was garnering a contract with a health care facility, where it deployed print management across 170 output devices, installed Canon uniFLOW for print redirection and management, and Square 9 document management solution.
• Distinguished honors. Usherwood has been named One of the Best Places to Work in Central New York for the last four years. The award is based on employee submissions and reflects the dealer’s positive work environment. The company has also received the Top Dealer, Advanced Partner Dealer Award and Lasting Impressions Award from Canon, as well as Xerox’s Newcomer of the Year and the US Bank Platinum Award.
• Community involvement. Usherwood sponsors and supports a number of events that support charitable organizations, including CNY AutoExpo, Crouse Hospital, Berkshire Farms, St. Luke’s Nursing Home, Loretto and Buffalo 100. The dealer also supports the education market by donating to the School of Business at the College of Saint Rose.