Elite Dealers 2017: Less Than $5 million

4 The Office
Pittston, PA
www.4theoffice.net

• Year Founded: 2006
• President/Owner: Carmen Pitarra
• Number of Employees: 6
• Primary Vendors: Xerox, HP, Sharp
• Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Axess (Print Fleet), MPS, online store (40,000-plus office supply items)
• Primary Leasing Partners: Xerox, Wells Fargo
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Copiers/MFPs (20%), service (55%), HP wide-format printers/service (30%), furniture (150%), janitorial supplies (20%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The dealer expanded its offering and service capabilities in house for the Xerox light production products. It has already helped 4 The Office to win accounts that require large-volume devices due to extremely high runs.

Why We Consider 4 The Office Elite:

• Tailored solutions. Avoiding a one-size-fits-all customer mentality, 4 The Office crafts customized solutions for hardware, software, office supplies and furniture. Backed by its Office Supplies Division, the dealer is capable of providing streamlined solutions for customers who are seeking to reduce costs, while eliminating the need for multiple vendors.
• Online marketing. 4 The Office continues to optimize its website to capture more business, and its site has produced double-digit growth in sales, including large customers seeking equipment and service opportunities.
• A home run in visibility. What better way to put your company’s name on the lips of many people than to sponsor a Little League baseball team? 4 The Office has sponsored a number of teams and placed multiple signs at their facility to enhance its exposure to the community.
• Ensuring growth. 4 The Office stole business from a big box supplier when it netted a deal with an insurance company for its office supply, copier and print management needs. The pact enabled the client to reduce costs and provided a more efficient copy and print strategy.
• Community caring. The dealer offers monetary, equipment and supplies donations for local nonprofit organizations, along with time and resources for community events. It backs local Little Leagues in multiple communities as well.

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Advanced Business Solutions
Jacksonville, FL
www.goabsinc.com

• Year Founded: 2004
• President/Owner: Adam Gregory
• Number of Employees: 5
• Primary Vendors: Xerox, Canon, OKI Data, Muratec, HP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: TSO, Intellinetics, NubePrint CPM Software
• Primary Leasing Partners: Leaf, Wells Fargo, CIT
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: A4 scanning solutions
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Advanced Business Solutions became a Xerox Partner in order to offer products as a tier one line.

Why We Consider Advanced Business Solutions Elite:

• Help from the top. Advanced Business Solutions chief executive Adam Gregory makes himself available to speak with customers on a range of issues, and clients like that they feel their challenges take top priority with the dealer.
• Marketing expansion. The dealer has witnessed an increase in website visits through blogging on topics of interest to customers. A radio campaign on a metro area sports radio station has increased website visits through promotional events, and Gregory has bolstered the company’s profile through small business group networking.
• Industry honors. In addition to being a three-time Elite Dealer, Advanced Business Solutions is an OKI Data Premier Elite Dealer.
• There’s no place like work. All of Advanced Business Solutions’ employees work from home 90 percent of the time; in-office time is primarily for meetings. This offers team members flexibility and improved home life.
• Giving back. Advanced Business Solutions supports its community through youth sports sponsorships, fundraising events for local schools and public functions in support of military veterans.

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ClearView Business Solutions, LLC
Tampa FL
www.cvbusinesssolutions.com

• Year Founded: 2014
• President/Owner: Matt Lane
• Number of Employees: 10
• Primary Vendors: Toshiba, KIP, HP, Lexmark
• Primary Solutions Offerings: M-Files, PaperCut, Drivve, FM Audit, Elevate
• Primary Leasing Partners: Toshiba Financial Services
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Hardware leasing and service (near 100% growth year over year for 3 years), managed print services
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: ClearView was able to double its hardware leasing and service revenue from the previous year.

Why We Consider ClearView Business Solutions Elite:

• A nose for detail. Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s ingratiates ClearView Business Solutions with its customers. Its sales team sets clear expectations and delivers on them, which has helped build the dealer’s reputation as a trusted provider. Its service and support teams have an average tenure of 20 years in the industry and provide the knowledge and support attributed to larger organizations, with the communication and personal touch that smaller companies provide. That has produced a customer retention rate of 90 percent.
• David versus Goliath. ClearView Business Solutions managed to pry away a large hospitality provider from a larger competitor that had held the contract for more than 10 years.
• Financing excellence. The dealer has received a number of awards from GreatAmerica, including Rising Star and Premier Dealer.
• No small accomplishments. While its employees number just 10, ClearView Business Solutions has worked hard to create a culture of growth and opportunity. Team members have the potential for growth and advancement within the organization.
• Community support. ClearView Business Solutions’ work with the Rotary Club helps support the local community, along with national and international projects. The dealer instituted a “Printing for Non Profits” program that furnishes copiers, toner, service and supplies to local organizations. When a disaster strikes, as was the case with Hurricane Irma this year, the dealer provided free loaner machines to impacted customers and waived additional network support fees for disconnected equipment.

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Consolidated Copier Services
McDonough, GA
www.consolidatedcopiers.com

• Year Founded: 1987
• President/Owner: Patrick Nunnally
• Number of Employees: 13
• Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Xerox, Muratec, KIP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Konica Minolta Dispatcher Phoenix, Nuance, Pharos, PaperCut, WorkPath, ScanPath, DocRecord, Everyone Prints
• Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, DLL, GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Workflow solutions (50%), print management sales (50%), plotters/wide-format (25%), state/municipality accounts (125%), website leads (200%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Consolidated Copier Services was awarded new manufacturer territories and now has a business consultant in two additional counties. The dealer also implemented a new incentive program that enables technicians to receive quarterly cash bonuses for meeting goals.

Why We Consider Consolidated Copier Services Elite:

• Culture of empowerment. Consolidated Copier Services’ management team empowers sales consultants and service technicians to make decisions when it comes to the benefit of the customer. This allows customers to receive quick results, which means their productivity is not slowed due to any red tape.
• Team approach. While technical service is a hallmark for the dealers, it is the product of a concerted effort by the administrative team, service dispatcher and service technicians who give personal assistance and trouble-shooting expertise over the phone. Customers often requested phone assists rather than in-person service calls, and Consolidated Copier Services heeded that request.
• Online marketing. When the dealer saw an increase in leads and ROI through Google AdWords, its marketing director became Google AdWords Certified. Google Pay-Per-Click (PPC) has been an effective tool for gaining leads, and the dealer researches and creates ads to serve new areas and customers. This includes updating its website’s SEO and uploading new content weekly.
• Informational videos. The marketing department is producing and posting how-to and informative videos through YouTube and then through all social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) as well as the dealer’s website blog.
• Community awareness. Consolidated Copier Services gives back to the community through monetary, service and equipment donations for nonprofits, missions, schools and other organizations. It sponsors golf tournaments with proceeds going toward community organizations, and many of the dealer’s business consultants contribute to Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce.

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Executive Technologies, Inc. (ETI)
Sioux City, IA
www.etibusiness.com

• Year Founded: 1969
• President/Owner: Dave Strohman
• Number of Employees: 30
• Primary Vendors: Copystar, Panasonic, Samsung, Dell
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, PaperVison, PaperFlow, ImageSilo, TeamViewer, KYOCERA HyPAS, Nuance
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Executive Technologies has grown in excess of 400 percent in the last six years, with tremendous growth in MPS.
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: During 2017, Executive Technologies opened a new location in central Iowa.

Why We Consider ETI Elite:

• Customer empathy. Executive Technologies has a vested interest in the clients’ operations and the day-to-day struggles they face. The customers appreciate the measures taken to ensure their issues are resolved in a prompt and effective manner. Making the customer’s life easier is the dealer’s top focus.
• Socially speaking. The dealer leverages social media channels including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to bolster its marketing endeavors, and also taps into local media to increase its visibility.
• Collaborative company culture. In 2016, ETI employees came together to craft a belief statement that emphasizes ethics, work ethic, accountability, customer focus and company culture.
• Partner recognitions. In addition to being a four-time Copystar Elite Dealer, ETI has been recognized by GreatAmerica as a Dealer of Distinction the past seven years and won the first WOW award in 2015. It was also awarded the CompTIA managed print services Trustmark in 2015 and 2016.
• Community support. ETI is an active member/supporter of many local Chambers of Commerce, local sports teams (Sioux City Explorers and the Sioux City Musketeers), and local Little League teams. The dealer participates in charitable outings through many of the nonprofits within Sioux City. Its annual Christmas party provides for local families that have fallen on hard times.

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Kingsport Imaging Systems, Inc.
Kingsport, TN
www.isionline.net

• Year Founded: 1917
• President/Owner: John Demuth
• Number of Employees: 17
• Primary Vendors: Canon
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, NT-ware
• Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Finance, GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $3 to $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Service optimization
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Using BEI, Kingsport Imaging Systems significantly improved the efficiency of its service department.

Why We Consider Kingsport Imaging Systems Elite:

• Friendly and quick response. The dealer uses CEO Juice alerts to keep customers abreast of service calls and supply deliveries. Customers value the skill and disposition of Kingsport Imaging
• Systems’ technicians, as evidenced by online surveys. The average tenure of a service technician is 20 years, which provides assurance of quality and competent service and repairs.
• Keeping in touch. Kingsport Imaging Systems maintains an open channel of communications with its clients through visits, its online portal and social media engagement. Billboards and various advertisements maintain the dealer’s high profile, as does its networking presence in Chamber of Commerce events.
• Highly decorated. Among the honors it has accrued, the dealer is a 13-time winner of the Canon ATSP Award and is a multiple-year winner of the BEI Services Service Excellence Award, achieving Gold, Platinum and Diamond status for its technical service proficiency.
• Caring for others. The dealer sponsors numerous events for local schools as well as various military-support programs. In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, Kingsport Imaging Systems is a backer of local theater and symphony.

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Mid Ohio Strategic Technologies
Columbus, OH
www.bizmachines.com

• Year Founded: 1979
• President/Owner: Karen Hoskinson/John D. Hoskinson II
• Number of Employees: 18
• Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Lexmark, KYOCERA, Fujitsu
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Intellinetics, Document Management, Advanced Front End Capture, Forms Mobility
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, US Bank
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: 65% net new business in hardware per month and solutions sales
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Implementing and integrating a solutions approach, beyond just selling hardware, which has provided net-new business.

Why We Consider Mid Ohio Strategic Technologies Elite:

• Word on the street. Mid Ohio Strategic Technologies generates much of its new business through positive referrals from clients. When the dealer delivers on promises to a customer, more often than not it leads to a referral.
• Informational resource. The dealer holds educational seminars that demonstrate the life cycle of a document. This includes enabling the mobile employee with different forms of technology and streamlining the front and back office documents to increase efficiencies and securities.
• Healthy business. One of the biggest scores in 2017 for Mid Ohio Strategic Technologies was securing a deal with a large health care provider with facilities across the state of Ohio. The dealer was able to replace the client’s entire hardware fleet and set the stage for a solutions-based sale in the future.
• Notable honors. Mid Ohio Strategic Technologies has garnered GreatAmerica’s Dealer of Distinction Award four years in a row. In 2015 it captured the Milestone Award for 35 years in business by The Conway Center for Family Business. Columbus CEO magazine named it to the 2015 Largest Woman Owned Businesses List while Columbus Business First cited the company as a 2015 Top Woman Owned Business.
• Caring culture. Mid Ohio Strategic Technologies provides printing at no charge to a number of nonprofits within the community, as well as sponsorship money for fundraising events these organization hold during the year. The dealer works to support other local charities, churches and schools.

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Northwest Imaging Analysts
Lake Oswego, OR
www.nwimaginganalysts.com

• Year Founded: 2010
• President/Owner: Dan Tracy
• Number of Employees: 4
• Primary Vendors: Solutions YES, CTX Xerox, CSA, Fortinet, Dell
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Everyone Print, PaperCut, PrintFleet
• Primary Leasing Partners: EverBank, GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $2 to $3 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: VOIP Phone Systems, software solution sales, IT services
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The dealership was named by the Portland Business Journal as the 12th Fastest Growing Company in Oregon and Southwest Washington for fiscal year 2016.

Why We Consider Northwest Imaging Analysts Elite:

• Consultative approach. Northwest Imaging Analysts’ customers provide tremendous feedback on its consultative assessment process. Its business agents boast an average of nearly 15 years of experience, providing a high degree of expertise when consulting on a client’s technology needs.
• Website reboot. The company launched its redesigned, mobile-friendly website earlier this year, which features news, company blogs and improved connectivity with its LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook accounts.
• Net-new business. Northwest Imaging Analysts reeled in a new, large private school client in a deal that included a software solution for streamlined printing across multifunction copiers and network print devices. The deal also included an interactive display solution.
• Publication kudos. The dealer ranked 12th on the Fastest Growing Company in Oregon and Southwest Washington by the Portland Business Journal. The same publication ranked Northwest Imaging Analysts 11th for Corporate Philanthropy.
• Giving spirit. Northwest provides $45,000 annually to local nonprofit groups that support its community. The dealer has memberships with several Chambers of Commerce and other organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. In-kind donations of equipment and services are provided to area nonprofits free of charge.

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Premiere Business Innovations Inc.
Pleasantville, NY
www.pbi-usa.com

• Year Founded: 1990
• President/Owner: Mark Habeeb
• Number of Employees: 15
• Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Copystar
• Primary Solutions Offerings: All KYOCERA HyPAS applications, DM Connect, DMS Link, Pinpoint Scan, Teachers Assistant, PaperCut, KM netviewer
• Primary Leasing Partners: EverBank, Wells Fargo, Leaf
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: MFP (35%), service/supply revenue (40%)
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Backed by business longevity, excellence in service and recent growth, Premiere Business Innovations has been able to penetrate larger accounts.

Why We Consider Premiere Business Innovations Elite:

• What you see is what you get. Premiere Business Innovations has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Clients enjoy easy-to-read contracts without hidden terms and no unpredictable, additional expenses.
• Old-fashioned business. Premiere Business Innovations doesn’t rely on promotions to bring customers through the door. Rather, a majority of its new business growth comes via referrals from its existing client base.
• Big fish. The dealer secured business with a large manufacturing company, using its service, ease of billing, and friendly terms and conditions to unseat the incumbent vendor. As a result, Premiere Business Innovations picked up several large account referrals.
• Fun place to work. Premiere Business Innovations promotes a positive and fun work environment, and keeping employees happy results in wins over the competition. The company also employs a stringent and extensive interview process to produce teammates who will be an ideal fit.

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Premium Digital Office Solutions
Pine Brook, NJ
www.premium-digital.com

• Year Founded: 2010
• President/Owner: Alan Schwartz/Van Seretis
• Number of Employees: 14
• Primary Vendors: Muratec, Konica Minolta, Panasonic, Neopost
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Ademero, CapturePoint, Scan Optics
• Primary Leasing Partners: EverBank, Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica, US Bank, DLL
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Document management solutions, direct mail marketing/solutions, color MFPs, high-speed multi-function products, signage, banners, promotional products
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: With a partnership and acquisition of a marketing and communications company, Premium Digital Office Solutions now has an array of products and services that represent four distinct divisions: Office Solutions, Marketing Solutions, Branded Promotional Products, and Interior and Exterior Signage/Trade Show Products.

Why We Consider Premium Digital Office Solutions Elite:

• The right vendor for the job. Premium Digital Office Solutions treats its customers like business partners, which makes for a mutually rewarding relationship. In expanding its product offerings due to customer requests for solutions, the dealer becomes more of a single-source solution.
• Marketing tactics. The company has rebranded its website to cross market its expanded product and service offerings, and also offers a referral program that credits back clients for leads that result in equipment sales. Internally, Premium Digital Office Solutions has a lead generation program that rewards technicians and administrative staff for providing business leads.
• New business. Premium Digital Office Solutions nailed down a major utility company that it provides with training manuals, marketing materials and trade show items.
  Industry honors. Among its awards, Premium Digital Office Solutions has garnered the Muratec Image Makers Award, EverBank’s Platinum Dealer Award and a 20-year award from a nonprofit client for dedicated service. The firm is also a three-time Elite Dealer.
• Community caring. The dealer supports a number of organizations including Red Nose, which feeds hungry children. It also donated a copier to a local camp for at-risk children.

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The MPS Group/Printer Solutions
San Antonio, TX
www.thempsgroup-sa.com

• Year Founded: 1999
• President/Owner: James Thomas
• Number of Employees: 14
• Primary Vendors: Xerox
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Xerox, Filehold
• Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: Less than $5 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Managed print, cost per copy, leasing
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The MPS Group/Printer Solutions was recognized by both Xerox and GreatAmerica as a growing and innovative small business in San Antonio.

Why We Consider The MPS Group/Printer Solutions Elite:

• The personal touch. Callers won’t find themselves trapped in an automated phone system when they reach out to The MPS Group/Printer Solutions. Company policy dictates that clients are not left on hold for more than 30 seconds, and that calls are answered within two rings.
• Key takedown. The MPS Group/Printer Solutions established a relationship with one of the largest manufacturing firms in San Antonio, providing the client with a complete solution as opposed to a quick fix.
• Family-first mentality. The dealer has truly crafted a teamwork-based and caring environment that emphasizes the importance of family. It abides by a “If it’s your problem, it’s our problem” philosophy that underscores how much The MPS Group/Printer Solutions values its team members.
• Partner recognition. The dealer is a three-time Xerox Platinum Sales Partner.
• Community consciousness. The MPS Group/Printer Solutions supports a number of charitable organizations including Childsafe, which counsels sexually abused children. The dealer is also involved with Goodwill’s Back to Work jobs program and has “adopted” a special education teacher and her classroom, providing financial assistance for supplies.

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U.S. Business Systems, Inc.
Elkhart, IN
www.usbus.com

• Year Founded: 1992
• President/CEO: Michael Kidd
• Number of Employees: 30
• Primary Vendors: KYOCERA, Sharp, Lenovo, HP
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, Square 9, PaperCut, MNS, MPS
• Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, GreatAmerica
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $4.5+ million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: Equipment sales, aftermarket supply sales, MPS, MNS (all double-digit percentages).
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: U.S. Business Systems captured a pair of awards during 2017: the Best Place to Purchase Office Equipment and the Best IT Consulting company, as voted on by the greater South Bend business readers of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly.

Why We Consider U.S. Business Systems Elite:

• Client-centric approach. When issues arise, customers are confident and appreciative of U.S. Business Systems’ ability to provide the quickest and most effective service possible. The dealer relies on feedback through mailed surveys and phone calls to ensure it is performing at an optimal level.
• Raising marketing awareness. Old-school marketing tactics such as billboards, radio and direct mail, along with the modern tools of social media, particularly LinkedIn and Facebook, are helping to raise awareness of U.S. Business Systems’ products and capabilities. The dealer is also driving clients and prospects to its newly revamped website.
• Historic win. U.S. Business Systems procured the largest contract in its 25-year history in being awarded the technology business for a financial institution with offices throughout Indiana and Southern Michigan.
• Family-friendly work environment. The dealer sends out a monthly employee newsletter that includes profiles on its team members. Employees are treated to an annual company picnic held at a South Bend Cubs baseball game, and departmental cookouts are held during the summer. They receive birthday and work anniversary gifts, company-issued clothing and Casual Friday dress.
• Community caring. The dealer contributes a percentage of sales to causes including Habitat for Humanity, Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Benton Harbor and the Elkhart Council on Aging. The company and its employees support personal causes including Pet Refuge, CASA and Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness. All school and church clients also receive donations.

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Upstream Office Solutions
Tampa, FL
www.upstreamofficesolutions.com

• Year Founded: 2012
• President/Owner: Mark Wild
• Number of Employees: 10
• Primary Vendors: Toshiba, KYOCERA, Samsung, Epson
• Primary Solutions Offerings: Toshiba, KYOCERA, Samsung
• Primary Leasing Partners: EverBank, Wells Fargo
• Approximate Yearly Revenue: $2 to $3 million
• Fastest Growing Business Segments: All areas have seen increases, not one area more than last year
• Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Increasing revenue and, more importantly, margin.

Why We Consider Upstream Office Solutions Elite:

• Customer approach. Upstream has developed a reputation for smooth customer relations, backed by an honest, straightforward approach and quick response times.
• Innovative selling methods. The dealership partnered with several IT companies to cross-sell into one another’s customer bases. This has produced stellar results, with more than 300 new machine placements in the past 12 months resulting from these relationships.
• Ideal working environment. Office politics do not fly at Upstream, which has a zero tolerance approach toward such negativity. The executive level doesn’t sequester itself in business matters, providing its staff with transparency in regards to monthly targets and other goals.
• Giving back to the community. Upstream enjoys sponsoring customer organizations, local churches and other civic groups. It is also a sponsor of its local Chamber of Commerce, and provides free equipment to a number of area charities.