Allied Business Solutions
Boise, ID
allied.tech
Year Founded: 2003
President/Owner: Tom Beeles
Number of Employees: 55
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Xerox, Toshiba, Lexmark, Canon, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: M-Files, PSIGEN, EFI, Crexendo, Datto, PaperCut, Formax, Ancora
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Xerox Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10.8 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (40%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: On the strength of a 22% increase in revenues and gross margins that exceed the benchmark, Allied Business Solutions was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.
Why We Consider Allied Business Solutions Elite:
- Constant contact. Content is king for Allied Business Solutions. The dealer generates a monthly newsletter for customers, authors blogs, and has a cache of six e-books and a 13-point security risk checklist.
- Higher learning. Allied Business Solutions enjoyed a pair of significant wins in the educational space with two universities—one a $440,000 revenue pact with PaperCut solution, the other $390,000 in revenue, including four production units with EFI Fiery.
- Positive feedback. Customer testimonials are critical to the success of Allied Business Solutions, which it uses to gauge performance and identify areas of need. Multiple reviews spoke of patient and diligent technical service, and noted the company’s prompt, professional and courteous deportment.
- Giving spirit. Allied Business Solutions supports a number of local organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Ballet of Idaho, Boys and Girls Club of Nampa, Angel Tree and Nampa Babe Ruth baseball.
Automated Business Products (ABP)
Centennial, CO
abpcopy.com
Year Founded: 2005
President/Owner: Paul Archer (CEO and owner)
Number of Employees: 42
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Xerox, HP, Epson
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, PrinterLogic, Biscom, Square 9, DM Connect
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, Xerox Financial Services, U.S. Bank, Marlin
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10.9 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Printing and imaging (23%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Automated Business Products completed a significant acquisition that provided 23% year-over-year growth.
Why We Consider Automated Business Products (ABP) Elite:
- Targeting giants. During the last year, ABP developed a large account program around the slogan “What do you wish your vendor would do for you?” By demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness and by being more accommodating, the dealer has recorded some major wins.
- Top takedown. A cold call to a national company with headquarters in Colorado landed ABP on a prospective vendor list. The client had previously only chosen national providers, but ABP captured the deal to supply 400 locations with printers, MFPs, Fax Server and PaperCut.
- Smoking good. ABP likes to work hard and play hard. The company goes all out for its holiday and summer parties. For the latter, a Trager grill was obtained to provide a smoked meat lunch every Friday. The company also offers use of a Mastercraft ski, wake board and wake surf boat at a lake seven minutes from the office.
- Locally active. The dealer encourages employees to be involved in community organizations by providing PTO and financial contributions. ABP is active on the political front, providing MFPs, service and supplies to multiple campaigns. The dealer also supports team members in volunteering for political causes.
Automated Business Solutions
Warwick, RI
www.absne.com
Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Nicole Albergaria
Number of Employees: 75
Primary Vendors: Canon, HP, Kyocera, Sharp, Lexmark, Dell, Formax, Kip, FP Mailing
Primary Solutions Offerings: MAXXD, Formax, Laserfiche, Barracuda, Uniquiti
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Canon Financial Services, LEAF, TIAA Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$15-$20 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (25%), managed IT (30%), supplies (15%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Automated Business Solutions successfully integrated Expert Laser Solutions into its organization, increasing its customer base to more than 4,000 clients throughout New England and South Carolina.
Why We Consider Automated Business Solutions Elite:
- Strategic partnership. Automated Business Solutions partnered with Technology Assurance Group (TAG), a peer group organization of leading managed technology service providers in the U.S. and Canada. As a member, the dealer benefits from best business and management practices, advanced sales training programs, in-depth financial analysis and industry benchmarking.
- Significant win. One of the year’s top successes saw Automated Business Solutions forge a production print agreement with a firm that provides life cycle engineering and technical services for the department of defense.
- Industry accolades. The company was named a Rhode Island Best Places to Work award winner in 2020. President Alan Albergaria, who passed away last March, received a 2020 Tech10 Award, bestowed upon innovative individuals and companies who are making an impact on the Rhode Island technology community.
- Supporting causes. Automated Business Solutions has a partnership with Children’s Friend to provide for at-risk youth. The company also backs Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Multiple Sclerosis research and the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Rhode Island.
12/4/1965 – 3/27/2020
Alan was a friend, our mentor, and business leader. Whether it was a fellow colleague or business partner, he always treated people with respect, kindness and compassion. It has been Alan’s ongoing care for his people that has created a wonderful company culture. He considered all of his staff an extension of his family. The success of Automated Business Solutions was built on Alan’s integrity and leadership. He demanded that all employees treat people with respect. Since 1992, it has been that level of respect and commitment to customer care that has created the ABS of today. ABS will continue to preserve and enrich its partnerships with its clients in the same professional and personal manner with which Alan would expect.
BASE Technologies
Bethel, CT
baseinc.com
Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Mike Boyle
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, HP, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9, PaperCut, MyQ
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, Wells Fargo, CIT
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10-$15 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (16%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Even in the midst of the pandemic, BASE Technologies rode the power of its burgeoning MPS program (which notched 16% year-over-year growth) to another year of prosperity.
Why We Consider BASE Technologies Elite:
- Services expansion. The company embarked on a new managed IT services offering—which includes help desk support, remote monitoring, cybersecurity, backup and recovery, and IT project work—that will complement its business solutions.
- Educational excellence. Among BASE Technologies’ top takedowns was a college solution that consisted of A3 and A4 devices with multiple applications. The dealer strategically placed MFPs around the campus and removed more than 100 personal printers.
- Pandemic relief. In an effort to provide support for individuals and organizations greatly impacted by COVID-19, BASE Technologies provided $500 “pay it forward” gifts to all employees to bestow upon charities or causes of their choice. The gesture was commended in local news reports.
- Personalized experience. The dealer believes that by taking the time to carefully understand its clients’ businesses, it is better positioned to align its services to their goals. Using customer satisfaction surveys provides BASE Technologies with insight as to how it can improve that component of its offerings.
Centriworks
Knoxville, TN
www.centriworks.com
Year Founded: 1964
President/Owner: S.R. Sumner
Number of Employees: 65
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Kyocera, HP, Epson
Primary Solutions Offerings: Continuum, Collabrance, PaperCut, PrinterLogic, Microsoft, DocuWare, Digium, White Label, IRONSCALES
Primary Leasing Partners: Centriworks Financial, U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$15 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (537%), software/IT infrastructure (10%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Over a six-month period, Centriworks negotiated a new five-year managed services contract with a Department of Energy (DOE) lab, an extension of an agreement that spans nearly 20 years.
Why We Consider Centriworks Elite:
- Marketing refresh. Centriworks enlisted the assistance of Cumulus Media to develop, maintain and execute a digital marketing strategy to not only communicate its rebrand from Thermocopy, but also drive business. The initiative used a combination of elements, including digital display advertising and Google AdWords that, coupled with its website refresh and internal landing page capabilities, targeted customers and prospects in different stages of the buying cycle.
- Landmark deal. The aforementioned DOE lab pact includes the installation of more than 500 A3 and A4 devices and print management software.
- Manufacturer recognition. The dealer was again cited by Ricoh as an Elite Level Dealer in its 2019-2020 RFG Eco Excellence Program, and also was named by the OEM’s as a 2020 Circle of Excellence Certified Dealership for customer service and technical expertise. Also, Centriworks earned a World Class Service designation from CEO Juice for being in the top 10% for Net Promoter Score (97).
- Helping hands. Centriworks is the founder of GoGreenET.com, now owned by USA Today, which promotes sustainability efforts by east Tennessee businesses. In addition to supporting 40-plus nonprofits, the dealer is an active member of more than 20 chambers of commerce in Tennessee and Virginia.
CPI Technologies
Springfield, MO
www.copyproductsinc.com
Year Founded: 1963
President/Owner: Erik Crane (CEO/owner), Heidi Crane (CFO/COO)
Number of Employees: 52
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Xerox, HP, Epson, Brother, RISO, KIP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer
Primary Solutions Offerings: Crexendo, DocuWare, Continuum, Collabrance, Sentinel One, PaperCut, ECI Software, XMedius, AppRiver, OneScreen, Mobotix, ViewSonic
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (204%), MPS (85%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: CPI Technologies was able to keep all of its employees fully paid and employed during the height of the pandemic.
Why We Consider CPI Technologies Elite:
- Top of mind. A marketing plan that included social media advertising and the sponsorship of virtual events has enabled CPI Technologies to elevate its brand for both customers and prospects. Offering VoIP phone systems has yielded numerous net-new accounts and allowed the dealer to go wider with existing clients.
- Readily available. CPI Technologies believes a key to its value proposition is customer access to upper management for meeting needs and resolving issues. Its technology stack exceeds that of smaller dealers, while its customer service proficiency sets it apart from larger competitors.
- Top deals. The dealer netted a trio of contracts with school districts in rural territories, with more than 100 machine placements. Another agreement with a city government included MNS and phone systems.
- Giving spirit. CPI Technologies is a lead sponsor for the Price Cutter Charity Championship, which provides an average of $800,000 per year to area children’s charities. It sponsors local events that raise money for charities and nonprofits including Tri-Valley Co-op, BBFI and OFN.
Docutrend Imaging Solutions
Totowa, NJ
www.docutrend.com
Year Founded: 2002
President/Owner: Aaron Rubin (president, CEO and owner)
Number of Employees: 60
Primary Vendors: Xerox, Canon, Kyocera, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, Therefore, VisualVault, Kofax, PaperCut, SignNow, Intermedia, Promethean World
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, DLL, Wells Fargo, Canon Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$16 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (90%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Following a large acquisition, Docutrend Imaging Solutions completed an internal reorganization that streamlined every one of the company’s processes.
Why We Consider Docutrend Imaging Solutions Elite:
- Help desk. The efficiency of Docutrend’s call center is evidenced by its ability to resolve up to 40% of service requests without the need to dispatch a technician. That has provided a greater level of customer satisfaction.
- Contractual success. The dealer was awarded the document imaging contract for all of Cumberland County, New Jersey, an agreement that included refreshing a fleet of 75 Kyocera MFPs, a managed print agreement for 120-plus desktop printers and a tailored software solution to allow for centrally managed “secure-print” output.
- Top deals. The dealer netted a trio of school district contracts in rural territories, with more than 100 machine placements. Another agreement with a city government included MNS and phone systems.
- Charitable efforts. The dealer partnered with NJ Cares, which runs a community giveback program for the dealer in its local markets. In addition, Docutrend employees work in local soup kitchens and have helped to refurbish inner-city school playgrounds. The company works with Urban Farm to provide food for the needy, and supports Eva’s Village in assisting rehab patients to re-enter the workforce through mock interviews.
EDGE Business Systems
Roswell, GA
www.edgeatl.com
Year Founded: 2012
President/Owner: Rick Duerr, Rich Simons, Josh Salkin, Cha Holmes
Number of Employees: 50
Primary Vendors: Canon, Xerox, HP, Lexmark, Toshiba, KIP, FP Mailing
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, nQueue Zebraworks, Kofax, DocuWare, Drivve
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica, CIT, Canon Financial Services, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$15.5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production (40%), software (20%), net-new placements (30%), mailing (50%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: In addition to adding the Canon product line, EDGE Business Systems was named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for the fourth consecutive year.
Why We Consider EDGE Business Systems Elite:
- Expanded portfolio. EDGE Business Systems began offering Tempdefend temperature-scanning kiosks, along with digital signage. Canon- and Xerox-manufactured products have bolstered the company’s production offering, while a billboard campaign in Atlanta matches the theme of EDGE’s new website and truck wrap design.
- Winning verdict. One of the biggest wins for EDGE Business Systems was a local law firm, a deal that included 25 machines and software, totaling more than $500,000 in new-new business.
- Corporate caring. The dealer works in tandem with local nonprofits, contributing to food and clothing drives for a local homeless shelter as well as making an annual toy donation to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. EDGE employees are actively involved with Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.
- High marks. The company’s Net Promoter Score came in over 90% consistently during 2019, including two months at 100%.
Function4
Sugar Land, TX
www.function-4.com
Year Founded: 2014
President/Owner: Bill Patsouras, Paul Skinner, Bob Evans (partners)
Number of Employees: 72
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Sharp, HP, Kyocera
Primary Solutions Offerings: M-Files, PrinterLogic, PaperCut, Kofax, Esker
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$15-$20 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (27%), solutions (22%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Function4 implemented IT solutions that work in conjunction with its printers and copiers to streamline processes for clients, leading to continued growth.
Why We Consider Function4 Elite:
- Marketing strides. Function4 continues to bolster its marketing efforts. Part of this involves adding to its digital brand presence through the increased use of blogs and videos that provide critical information for customers and prospects during the buying process.
- Top takedowns. In addition to enjoying continued success with the K-12 education and health care verticals, Function4 secured a deal with a large manufacturing facility in Louisiana.
- Organizational kudos. Function4 captured Konica Minolta’s Pro-Tech Service award and the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau. Other honors include the chamber of commerce’s Friend of the Chamber, the DLL Elite award and a Hyakuman Kai Dealer award from Sharp.
- Corporate caring. The dealer provides charitable donations to a number of organizations, including Folds of Honor. Function4 also furnishes supplies for local schools.
Hendrix Business Systems
Matthews, NC
hendrixbusiness.com
Year Founded: 1976
President/Owner: Roger C. Hendrix (president and CEO)
Number of Employees: 55
Primary Vendors: Canon, HP, Xerox, MBM, Clear Touch
Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, Square 9, PaperCut, Therefore, PRISMA Solutions, EFI
Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Financial Services, DLL, LEAF, Wells Fargo, Xerox Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$15-$20 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Interactive displays
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: In the face of the pandemic, the team at Hendrix Business Systems responded to the evolved processes that were required to operate and keep the business moving forward.
Why We Consider Hendrix Business Systems Elite:
- Product expansion. Interactive panels from Clear Touch met the dealer’s standards for quality and customer service, and ever since their introduction to the Hendrix product catalog in late 2019, they’ve given the dealer much traction.
- Pandemic products. As with many dealers, COVID-19 forced Hendrix into unchartered waters from a communication platform standpoint. The dealer turned to Zoom for internal and external messaging, and partnered with manufacturers to host Zoom open houses, which have proven to be educational and fun experiences. Constant Contact provided another outlet for the dealer’s marketing, and the company has launched more than 30 customer communications through the platform.
- Top score. Hendrix netted an agreement with one of the nation’s leading private liberal arts colleges. The solution implemented included 80 assets, with a combination of A3 and A4 devices from two OEMS, along with a customized PaperCut document management software solution.
- Needed relief. Hendrix’s Greensboro office serves as a food drop-off location for Crisis Control Ministry, which provides short-term emergency services for residents of Forsyth County. The dealer was also a sponsor for the American Heart Association of Charlotte & Raleigh’s Heart Ball; employees participated in that as well as the organization’s Heart Walk and the Go Red for Women event.
imageOne
Oak Park, MI
www.imageoneway.com
Year Founded: 1991
President/Owner: Rob Dube (co-CEO), Joel Pearlman (co-CEO)
Number of Employees: 55
Primary Vendors: HP, Xerox, Konica Minolta, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Laserfiche
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, HP Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$15 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: CPP contract revenue, hardware (25%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: imageOne landed a spot on Inc.’s Best Workplaces of 2020, which is based on employee surveys.
Why We Consider imageOne Elite:
- Lighten loads. The dealer created a Connections Program in conjunction with affiliate partners to provide services to organizations that have taxed IT teams, enabling them to concentrate on more core functions.
- Satisfied customers. As a testament to its ability to maintain longstanding clients, imageOne scored a pair of renewals on major contracts in the past year.
- Publication recognition. In addition to the Inc. honor, the dealer was named to the Top 100 Workplaces list and cited as a No. 1 Workplace in Michigan, per the Detroit Free Press. Forbes also recognized imageOne among its Small Giants list of top small companies, while Crain’s named the dealer to its Cool Places to Work in Michigan list.
- Lending hands. imageOne provides PTO to its employees so they may contribute to a community organization of their choice. The dealer enlists a Community Champion to research volunteer opportunities throughout the country and helps match employees with causes of interest.
Integrated Office Technology (IOTEC)
Santa Fe Springs, CA
www.iotecdigital.com
Year Founded: 2001
President/Owner: Bob Zieman (president), Doug Lu (principal), Dana Ruf (principal)
Number of Employees: 55
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Konica Minolta, Brother, HP, Lexmark, Panasonic, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, All Covered, Microsoft, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10-$20 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (10%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: With California having strict stay-at-home orders, IOTEC needed to adapt its sales process and find creative ways to sell its solutions.
Why We Consider Integrated Office Technology (IOTEC) Elite:
- Augmenting sales. Given the greater degree of difficulty for sales during the pandemic, IOTEC hired a sales trainer to assist reps in making more qualified net-new meetings with C-level executives. In support of marketing, the dealer hired a digital marketing company to optimize its website and garner increased market visibility.
- Top deal. IOTEC was able to secure a deal with a logistics company, a contract that included hardware, MPS and software.
- Industry kudos. In each of the past two years, IOTEC garnered the ProMasters Service Award from Toshiba and the Pro-Tech Service award from Konica Minolta.
- Corporate caring. IOTEC has been the main sponsor of “Hook the Cure” for the past 11 years, benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The event has raised more than $10 million dollars for the Foundation. The dealer also provides annual funding for multiple inner-city schools in Los Angeles County.
KOMAX Business Systems
South Charleston, WV
www.komaxwv.com
Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Bob Maxwell (owner)
Number of Employees: 46
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, KIP, Canon, Panasonic, FP Mailing, Promethean World
Primary Solutions Offerings: Konica Minolta, PaperCut, Microsoft, Kofax, Ademero, All Covered
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$13.5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Displays (250%), managed IT (40%), production print (20%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: In addition to capturing the Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Service Award for the fifth year in a row, KOMAX enjoyed significant growth with displays solutions from Promethean World.
Why We Consider KOMAX Business Systems Elite:
- Pandemic workaround. With in-person meetings stifled by the pandemic, KOMAX decided to produce several short, product-specific videos. In the past, the dealer has hosted legal and educational seminars focused on products and services relevant to those verticals.
- Class leader. A county school system turned to KOMAX for an order of 250 Promethean display panels in a deal that included 50 MFPs packaged with software.
- Employee enticements. KOMAX grants autonomy to its workforce in making decisions that focus on providing optimal customer care. The dealer recognizes its employees’ outstanding customer achievements with special awards. Team members are also awarded for perfect attendance, with prizes including gift cards, televisions, weekend getaways and cash.
- Fulfilling dreams. During the past 16 years, the company’s annual Make-A-Wish charity golf tournament has realized nearly $200,000 to fund the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. KOMAX has also donated more than 100 copiers to schools, churches and non-profit groups in need of equipment, and is a supporter of the local YWCA and its initiatives.
Kraft Business Systems
Grand Rapids, MI
www.kraftbusiness.com
Year Founded: 1995
President/Owner: Jeffrey Cousins
Number of Employees: 45
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Lexmark, Xerox, Konica Minolta
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, FileBound, DMS, PSIGEN
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Team Financial
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Content managed services (30%), managed IT (25%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: When the pandemic shut down much business, Kraft Business Systems mobilized to add personal protective equipment to its product portfolio within 30 days.
Why We Consider Kraft Business Systems Elite:
- Smart marketing. In an effort to bolster lead conversion rates, Kraft Business Systems turned to SharpSpring, a behavioral-based email marketing automation platform that tracks incoming sales and prospects. The solution accelerates workflows by storing all key sales and marketing materials in a single location.
- Top docs. Document management solutions have become a major calling card for the dealer, and in order to proliferate the offering among clients and prospects, Kraft Business Systems took steps to ensure it is affordable and scalable for all customers.
- Healthy exchange. Kraft Business Systems was able to convert one of Michigan’s largest health care facilities from a print program to a document management strategy with its software systems. The dealer has transitioned 15 hospitals and 300 individual clinics.
- Top honors. A Lexmark Dealer of the Year, Kraft Business Systems has also been named a Prestige Partner by GreatAmerica Financial Services for 10 consecutive years.
NATIONAL Business Technologies
Albany, NY
www.national1927.com
Year Founded: 1927
President/Owner: Scott W. Mueller
Number of Employees: 54
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Konica Minolta, Sharp, Xerox, Avaya, FP Mailing, Datto, RingCentral
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, DocuWare, PaperCut,
Continuum
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$12-$15 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: IT services (204%), telecom (95%), MPS contracts (25%), Kyocera apps (73%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: NATIONAL Business Technologies moved into its new corporate headquarters in Albany, New York, and opened a new office in New Windsor, New York.
Why We Consider NATIONAL Business Technologies Elite:
- High scores. The dealer stakes claim to a higher Net Promoter Score than both Apple and Amazon. Its Kyocera Service Solution Provider Profile Score, a measure of service proficiency, is an industry-best 99.4 in the U.S.
- Top takedowns. NATIONAL garnered three net-new large school districts based in northern Vermont. Each deal consisted of new hardware and MSP contracts.
- Industry honors. Among the recognitions bestowed on NATIONAL were the Gold, Platinum and Diamond Service Awards from BEI Services (NEXERA). Kyocera cited the company as a Premier Dealer and a Service Solutions Partner.
- In writing. NATIONAL’s GoldAlliance Guarantee means the dealer will refund one month’s service payment if it is unable to deliver on its stated response time.
Offix LC
Gainesville, VA
www.offix.com
Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Stephen Valenta
Number of Employees: 55
Primary Vendors: Canon, HP, FP Mailing, Samsung, Toshiba, KIP, Formax, Sharp, Duplo
Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, RingByName, Therefore, PaperCut, Kofax
Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Financial Services, Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10-$15 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MFPs, mailing products
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Even in the face of the pandemic, Offix saw continued growth in its sales staff and territory penetration while not laying off any employees.
Why We Consider Offix Elite:
- Marketing programs. Offix embarked on a series of integrated marketing initiatives that entailed stop-by visits within specific regions or verticals. The dealer also used themed gifts—for example, logoed sunglasses in a package with the message “The Future is Bright with Offix,” along with a dedicated URL. The campaign included an email component with a tracked URL; client visits would trigger a message to the sales rep to set up a pitch.
- Educated excellence. The dealer forged a contract with one of the nation’s largest K-12 education and daycare providers in the country, an agreement that included nearly 80 devices and a comprehensive MPS project for its entire equipment stable.
- Employee engagement. The dealer encourages employees to participate in strategic decision-making processes and provide ideas. Offix fosters a culture of support and accountability, and encourages team members to grow within their position.
- Corporate caring. In addition to sponsoring disadvantaged families during the holiday season, Offix provides donations to the Fauquier County, Virginia, women’s shelter.
Ohio Business Machines, LLC (OBM)
Cleveland, OH
www.ohiobusinessmachines.com
Year Founded: 2002
President/Owner: Salvatore J. Spagnola
Number of Employees: 105
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Canon, FP Mailing, Formax, Star2Star
Primary Solutions Offerings: Drivve, PrioAnalytics, GoldFax, Microsoft, Sophos, Synology, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, LEAF, Wells Fargo, PNC Equipment Finance, Marlin
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10-$20 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (14%), copier services (6%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: OBM enjoyed its highest year in revenue since 2012.
Why We Consider Ohio Business Machines (OBM) Elite:
- Creative outlets. The dealer leveraged its office technologies to provide clients with virtual demonstrations and creative meeting opportunities. OBM turned to its leasing partners to forge unique financing options that served the challenged needs of customers during the pandemic.
- Commerce engine. OBM hammered out a deal with one of the largest parts suppliers to General Motors in the Toledo market, an agreement that featured multiple placements and services.
- Food for thought. By partnering with a cybersecurity solution provider, OBM developed lunch-and-learn sessions with clients. In addition, the dealer has been employing weekly email campaigns that are tracked to measure their success.
- Community support. OBM donates suite tickets to Cleveland Browns games that are included in raffles and silent auctions to benefit its non-profit clients. The company also sponsors local nonprofits and their events, and partners with organizations to sponsor holes in local golf outings.
Repeat Business Systems, Inc.
Albany, NY
rbs-usa.com
Year Founded: 1987
President/Owner: Dawn Abbuhl (president)
Number of Employees: 89
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Kyocera
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, Microsoft, Continuum
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, DLL, LEAF, U.S. Bank, Marlin
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10-$15 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Hardware (20%), software (20%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Repeat Business Systems used time during the pandemic to enhance its policies and procedures, including its marketing efforts and internal forms.
Why We Consider Repeat Business Systems Elite:
- Pandemic playbook. In an effort to get ahead of the challenges posed by COVID-19, Repeat Business Systems reached out to all of its customers to see how it could be of assistance. Then it composed a menu of products and services that would suit clients’ evolved needs, offerings that included thermal temperature scanners, home printer bundles and work-from-home solutions.
- Volume deal. The dealer was able to capture an MPS account that included 400 printers.
- Measurable excellence. Repeat Business Systems takes a data-driven approach to excellence and relies on its Net Promoter Score to ensure it is delivering on customer satisfaction. The company has never scored less than 90 percent.
- Morale boosters. With its employees working remotely, Repeat Business Systems held weekly virtual team-building events. One such meeting featured a famous chef providing summer grilling tips. A best joke contest, best child/pet costume events and photo sharing sessions helped employees bond and reduced stress.
Sims Business Systems, Inc.
Tempe, AZ
www.getsims.com
Year Founded: 1978
President/Owner: Connie Sims (owner), Mark Sims (CEO), Justin Sims (vice president)
Number of Employees: 38
Primary Vendors: Ricoh/Lanier, HP, Lexmark, Brother, Dell
Primary Solutions Offerings: Ricoh, ViewSonic
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, TIAA Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$11 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed IT (37%), MPS (29%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Sims Business Systems marketed smaller-sized, decentralized A4 devices to support the remote workforces of clients.
Why We Consider Sims Business Systems Elite:
- Managed IT. The dealer has consistently grown its managed IT component year after year, maximizing support while minimizing costs for clients. That support is delivered on a 24/7 basis.
- Auto policy. Sims Business Systems continues to thrive with net-new accounts in the automotive industry, led by one takedown that resulted in the placement of 150 devices.
- Employee education. Fostering a positive work atmosphere is a priority for Sims Business Systems, which provides outlets for employees to be productive outside of the office. The dealer offers ample training and improvement opportunities for team members, and rewards those who bring creative ideas to the table.
- Best solutions. As an independent dealer, Sims Business Systems is not beholden to any specific products. Thus, it carefully researches the best brands, models and solutions that will yield maximum performance and results for its customers.
Solutions YES
Tigard, OR
www.solutionsyes.com
Year Founded: 2011
President/Owner: Sean Bell (president)
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Xerox
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, Kofax, Hyland, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, CIT, Xerox Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10-$15 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Net-new imaging placements, document management
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Solutions YES enjoyed another solid year of revenue growth, which approached 115%.
Why We Consider Solutions YES Elite:
- Satisfied customers. Backed by excellent communication and the ability to resolve nearly every service call on the first visit, Solutions YES enjoys a 98% customer retention rate. Since the dealer makes its own toner deliveries, it provides extra opportunities to resolve issues before they escalate.
- Paper-free solution. One of the top takedowns in the past year was a document management solution that enabled the customer to virtually eliminate its dependence on paper.
- Empowered workforce. Solutions YES prides itself on cultivating personal relationships with its team members. Providing consistent, transparent communication is a hallmark of the dealer, as is providing employees with the autonomy and resources to deliver an exceptional customer service experience.
- Performance recognitions. The company has been selected as a Kyocera Premier Dealer and was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, per Oregon Business Magazine.
UTEC
Ann Arbor, MI
www.utecit.com
Year Founded: 2008
President/Owner: Kevin Van Kannel
Number of Employees: 40
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Dell, HP, Epson, Kyocera, Lenovo
Primary Solutions Offerings: WatchGuard, SonicWALL, Ruckus, Ubiquiti, Microsoft, Google, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: With the full integration of industry colleague Digital Office Systems, UTEC has expanded its client base and exposed Digital Office’s customer roster to new product offerings.
Why We Consider UTEC Elite:
- Safe reopening. Addressing the needs of SMBs and school districts, UTEC supplied thermal imaging cameras and scanners to ensure safe operations while enabling employees and students to return to their on-site environments.
- Key takeaway. UTEC was able to reel in one of the largest electrical contractors in Michigan, a net-new account that unseated a larger competitor. The deal called for 22 MFPs totaling $150,000. A trio of school districts were also added to UTEC’s book of business, with each district getting more than 60 units for a total score of $1.2 million in revenue.
- Empowering women. UTEC launched a dynamic networking event, Winning Women—Southeast Michigan Empowerment Series, aimed at empowering, elevating and educating women in pursuit of their professional careers. Three separate events were held last year, with the most recent attracting nearly 200 women from Metro Detroit. Net proceeds from the events were given to UTEC non-profit partners.
- Giving back. UTEC provides a student internship program in conjunction with a local school district partner. The internship offers the opportunity for youngsters interested in pursuing IT, computers and office equipment to gain real-life experience managing a student-led help desk.
WiZiX Technology Group
Roseville, CA
www.wizixtech.com
Year Founded: 2017
President/Owner: Gary Johnson (president)
Number of Employees: 60
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Ricoh, Savin, Lanier, Kyocera Copystar, Brother, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, PSIGEN, PaperCut, Drivve, MyQ, ValidateID, XMedius
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, DLL, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$10-$15 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (45%), solutions (48%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: WiZiX Technology Group is proud of its employee retention level during the pandemic, as well as the completion of two more acquisitions.
Why We Consider WiZiX Technology Group Elite:
- Ideal employer. WiZiX makes a concerted effort to promote from within and empowers employees with opportunities to grow their contribution to the organization. The dealer makes significant investments in customer service, management and sales training.
- Building blocks. During the midst of the pandemic, WiZiX came to the rescue of a construction business that was bundled into an ineffective agreement with its previous vendor. WiZiX provided an equipment set (representing a six-figure deal) that was better tailored to the client’s needs, decreasing the monthly payment in the process.
- Repeat success. WiZiX has garnered Toshiba ProMasters certification for technical service, training and customer service excellence in each of the last three years.
- Community activism. The company is actively involved in numerous chamber of commerce events, boards and committees. It provided support to a local company that produced face shields and other forms of PPE at the onset of the pandemic.
