Allen Business Machines (ABM)
Fort Wayne, IN
www.abmfw.com
Year Founded: 1953
President/Owner: Dan Maucher
Number of Employees: 29
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Kyocera, HP, Datto
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, Google, Lifesize, Intermedia, Datto, HP
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, in-house leasing
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5.4 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed service contracts (151%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: ABM extended its streak of Hyakuman Kai Awards from Sharp. This is a reflection of the dealer’s desire to place high-quality products for its clients.
Why We Consider Allen Business Machines (ABM) Elite:
- Cybersecurity protection. The dealer’s managed services portfolio has a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and reducing the threat for clients. ABM believes its strategies that limit threat infiltration while providing employee training provides a point of differentiation.
- Beyond price. ABM toppled a larger competitor in winning the business of a local private college. It was an agreement forged not on price, but on the strength of ABM’s commitment to service and solidified through the relationship built by the sales rep and the school’s IT staff.
- Valued employees. Throughout the pandemic, ABM took great strides to ensure keeping head count stable and did not reduce benefits. The company values the contributions its team members make in keeping its business humming.
- Community involvement. ABM supports many of its non-profit clients in their fundraising activities and provides discounted costs to them and charitable organizations wherever possible.
ACT Group
Cromwell, CT
www.goactgroup.com
Year Founded: 1974
President/Owner: Cindi Gondek (CEO), Greg Gondek (President)
Number of Employees: 29
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Kyocera, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Ricoh, Kyocera, HP, Rize, GeoMagic, Square 9, EcoprintQ, PaperCut, CIMA, DocuClass, Kofax, GoldFax, Panasonic
Primary Leasing Partners: CIT, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Software (110%), 3D materials (38%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: ACT Group continues to provide educational opportunities to ensure its employee base is fluent in all product and service offerings.
Why We Consider ACT Group Elite:
- Growth trajectory. Even in the face of the pandemic, ACT Group ended the past six-month period 10% ahead of the same time last year. The dealer also challenged its employees to enhance their industry knowledge, which resulted in 352 sales and service certifications earned during a 90-day period.
- Enhanced efficiency. The dealer reached an agreement with a school system that includes hardware and software while eliminating 95% of the client’s printer fleet to greatly reduce expenses.
- Sustained greatness. ACT Group continues its track record of performance, as evidenced by recent recognitions bestowed upon it. For the 38th consecutive year, the dealer received the Kyocera Service Excellence Award. In addition to winning the Ricoh Circle of Excellence and Elite Dealer designation by this publication 10 years running, ACT Group was cited as a United Way Gold Sponsor for 11 years in a row.
- Mask crusaders. The dealer’s 3D team has logged hundreds of hours working with several universities to develop and print personal protection devices during the past five months. One such initiative was the creation of 35,000 special face mask straps for area hospitals. The straps are durable enough to wear for extended periods of time, as demanded by hospital employees’ jobs. This helped mitigate severe irritation and skin issues around the ears that occur with extended use.
Advanced Business Equipment
Asheville, NC
www.abecarolina.com
Year Founded: 1981
President/Owner: Kevin Jackson
Number of Employees: 34
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Canon, KIP, Dell, HP, MBM Corp.
Primary Solutions Offerings: ConnectWise, Fortinet, Microsoft, UC-One, All Covered, PaperCut, Servosity, Prism, Ubiquity
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: IT services (35%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Advanced Business Equipment grew its IT division, Advanced Information Services, with the hiring of an IT director, sales manager and account executives.
Why We Consider Advanced Business Equipment Elite:
- Pandemic solutions. Advanced Business Equipment mobilized to help its customer base by offering contract-free rentals and leases with a 90-day deferral. It is also offering the GoSafe Thermal Scanner to customers on a national basis.
- Contractual success. While many clients have placed larger orders on the backburner during the pandemic, Advanced Business Equipment has thrived with securing medium-to-large deals, including one that featured 34 Konica Minolta iSeries MFPS, with PaperCut, across multiple locations.
- Post-sale prowess. The dealer has a staff of 13 service and support team members who deliver quality, sustained support after the sale. Its team of local engineers and technicians can provide prompt and efficient support for deliveries, installations and repairs.
- Corporate caring. Advanced Business Equipment participates in a number of fundraising campaigns held by its non-profit customers, supporting organizations including Polk County Schools, Eliada Homes, United Way, Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and Meals on Wheels.
Alpha Laser & Imaging, LLC
Evansville, IN
alphalaserimaging.com
Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Aaron Althaus (executive partner, COO), Jason Althaus (executive partner, vice president of sales)
Number of Employees: 34
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Canon, HP, Lexmark, OKI Data, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Canon, ICE, XMedius, DocuStore, Microsoft, VMware, Kofax, Fortinet
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Canon Financial Services, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed solutions (20%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Construction is currently underway that will more than double the size of Alpha Laser & Imaging‘s building.
Why We Consider Alpha Laser & Imaging Elite:
- Raising the bar. In an effort to ensure it is providing the best customer experience, Alpha Laser & Imaging turned to CEO Juice and enhanced GPS tracking. Sending out customer surveys following every service call and supply order provides the dealer with a snapshot perspective of how clients are viewing their performance.
- Healthy business. Alpha Laser & Imaging put the finishing touches on a lucrative hospital deal that included 400 MFP and printer placements along with Canon uniFLOW management software.
- Hassle-free experience. By offering custom-tailored programs such as inventory management, Alpha Laser & Imaging handles supplies and reordering, making it easier for customers to focus on their core responsibilities. The dealer also remotely logs into client networks to assess issues, fix problems and make adjustments to hardware.
- Par excellence. Alpha Laser & Imaging has a soft spot for non-profit organizations that address the needs of children and supports roughly a half-dozen such causes. Golf scrambles are a favorite activity for the dealer’s team members, and they participate with foundation events that back hospitals, children’s charities and clothing resources.
Altek Business Systems, Inc.
Telford, PA
www.altekimaging.com
Year Founded: 1991
President/Owner: Ray Derstine (president)
Number of Employees: 22
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Xerox, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, DocuWare, Kyocera, Xerox
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production (67%), MNS (36%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Altek Business Systems developed a company culture that led to six new employees coming aboard as referrals from other employees.
Why We Consider Altek Business Systems Elite:
- Blog success. Posts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook have positioned Altek Business System as a thought leader and strengthened its brand. The creating and sharing of the blogs has increased its organic search engine position, organic website traffic and leads.
- Top takedown. Altek Business Systems inked an all-inclusive managed services agreement to provide the IT needs for a 45-seat school district insurance consortium. As an addendum, the dealer has replaced the client’s MFPs and printers as they reach end of term.
- Lease on business. For the past six years, Altek Business Systems has been honored by GreatAmerica Financial Services with its Premier Dealer award. It is a reflection of the values shared by both organizations, including honesty, integrity, fairness and earning the right to keep customers for life.
- Charitable endeavors. Altek Business Systems provides free full-color program booklets for six non-profit organizations’ annual fundraising events. The company also sponsors the Lenape Valley Foundation and Penn Foundation, two local nonprofits providing substance abuse and mental health services to the community, along with organizations including Keystone Opportunity Center, Bridge of Hope Ministries and The Well.
Bay Copy
Rockland, MA
baycopy.com
Year Founded: 1972
President/Owner: Ray Belanger (president and CEO)
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Muratec, Toshiba, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: MPS
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (18%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Bay Copy secured a five-year contract with Signature Healthcare to provide a major upgrade to its document generation system.
Why We Consider Bay Copy Elite:
- Spreading the word. Bay Copy works with a local PR firm to share its story through the media, an initiative that includes thought-leadership articles on MPS, radio interviews and other communications to keep the dealer front of mind with newspapers, magazines and other publications.
- Big score. The aforementioned contract with Signature Healthcare encompasses the placement of 500 new units in the client’s hospital and ambulatory sites, and will reduce the health care system’s ongoing costs by 21% annually.
- Employee enticements. Competitive compensation, incentives and ongoing training only scratch the surface of Bay Copy’s value proposition as an employer. The family atmosphere it promotes resonates with employees, many of whom have been with the company 20- and 30-plus years.
- Corporate caring. As a member of the Presidents’ Circle of the South Shore Hospital, Bay Copy provides monetary and community support of the hospital. Presidents’ Circle membership denotes a minimum $25,000 pledge to the hospital. The dealer also supports Signature Healthcare with a number of community-based events, including a charity golf classic, weight-loss programs, walks to fight cancer and an annual Ring of Champions Dinner.
Copier Fax Business Technologies, Inc. (Copier Fax BT)
Buffalo, NY
www.copierfaxbt.com
Year Founded: 1990
President/Owner: Al Scibetta, Andrea Scibetta, David Scibetta (owners)
Number of Employees: 36
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$8 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Thermal cameras
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Copier Fax BT adapted its product and service portfolio to best serve clients during the pandemic.
Why We Copier Fax Business Technologies, Inc. (Copier Fax BT) Elite:
- Evolved website. On the heels of a website refresh, Copier Fax BT launched its StayWell and StayConnected programs through its site. StayConnected uses hardware and software solutions to allow clients to safely and efficiently work from home. StayWell provided a blueprint for customers to reopen on-site safely, backed by a new product offering—the Documentelligence Facial Thermal Camera System.
- Target audience. With its thermal camera system in tow, Copier Fax BT reached out to school districts to provide a tool that would assist in their reopening plans. A number of school districts bought into the cameras, as did nursing homes.
- Marketing mavens. In an effort to spread the word regarding its pandemic-driven product additions, Copier Fax BT created demo videos that were proliferated through its website and social media. This helped immensely in driving remote sales.
- Industry honors. Copier Fax BT scored its 13th consecutive Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Service award. Named a Top Private Company in Western New York, the dealer was also cited by Buffalo Business First with the Fast Track award and Best Places to Work in Western New York.
Copiers Plus
Fayetteville, NC
www.copiers-plus.com
Year Founded: 1985
President/Owner: Bob Smith
Number of Employees: 48
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Muratec, Epson, Canon
Primary Solutions Offerings: Kyocera Document Solutions, Ademero, DataBank, Biscom, PaperCut, MyQ
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo, Marlin, CIT
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Solutions (20%), color devices (20%), A4 placements (15%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Copiers Plus achieved a record sales month in August, and had only one month (April) of below-average sales revenue during the pandemic.
Why We Consider Copiers Plus Elite:
- Thought leaders. Demonstrating its expertise in office technology, Copiers Plus contributes two articles per month to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal on topics relevant to the business community. The articles touch on trends and frequently asked questions.
- Corporate identity. Copiers Plus collaborated with its marketing agency to produce a culture video detailing what the business stands for and where it started. The video, available on Copiers Plus’ website and used on its social media platforms, has been effective in humanizing its brand while providing insight into the people behind the organization.
- Pivotal takedown. The dealer secured an agreement with a large-scale health care organization that has offices in central and western North Carolina. The deal included a variety of A3 and A4 devices, enterprise security and document management solutions.
- Community philanthropy. During the past 14 years, Copiers Plus has partnered with Operation INASMUCH, providing equipment and service to an organization dedicated to serving the homeless and underprivileged in Fayetteville. The dealer also raised money for a startup pregnancy nonprofit, Alpha Life Pregnancy Center. Employees filled baby bottles with cash and change, with the dealer providing equipment and service to the office.
Corporate Business Systems
Madison, WI
www.corpbussystems.com
Year Founded: 1998
President/Owner: Mike Blake
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Xerox, Ricoh/Savin, HP, Lexmark, Canon
Primary Solutions Offerings: Xerox, PaperCut, Microsoft , CapturePoint
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Xerox Financial Services, HP Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print, net-new business
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Corporate Business Systems achieved its highest Net Promoter Score of 97.67.
Why We Consider Corporate Business Systems Elite:
- Client outreach. Corporate Business Systems revamped its website and instituted new prospecting campaigns to effectively bolster how it communicates with current and prospective clients.
- Record year. The dealer attained record-breaking sales during 2019, an increase of 12.5% over the previous year’s organizational best. Net-new business represented 32% of the company’s total revenue.
- Best of best. Both Xerox and GreatAmerica Financial Services recognized Corporate Business Systems as an Elite Dealership.
- Community caring. The dealer provides donations of money and office equipment to non-profit organizations and also supports a local women’s organization.
Definitive Technology Solutions (DTS)
Bloomington, MN
go-dts.com
Year Founded: 2004
President/Owner: Mark Stokes (CEO), Gordon Running (president and COO)
Number of Employees: 35
Primary Vendors: Sharp, HP, Dell, Lenovo
Primary Solutions Offerings: SonicWall, Yealink, OneSource, Ubiquiti, PaperCut, DocuKit, DocuWare, ECI Software, Microsoft, Veeam, VMware, 3CX, StorageCraft, Trend Micro
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed services (31%), net-new business (47%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: DTS readdressed its recruiting, selection, onboarding and management processes for hiring new account managers in its imaging and IT division, which led to an increase in activity and more net-new sales.
Why We Consider Definitive Technology Solutions (DTS) Elite:
- Site optimization. DTS partnered with Evolved Office to create a new website, improve local search engine optimization and manage its Google ads. Evolved Office’s team of experts helped the dealer strategize its digital marketing plan, drive brand awareness and generate more leads.
- Key upgrade. A significant technology enhancement for a local nonprofit included desktop and laptop devices, servers, a backup solution, network hardware, display boards, copiers and printers.
- One-stop shop. In offering copiers, printers, managed services, workflow solutions and telephony, the dealer has become a single point of influence for efficiencies in client work processes.
- Community caring. With the heightened need during COVID-19, DTS continues to support local food pantries. Its employees volunteer their time with non-profit groups, and the company sponsors various fundraising events as well.
Docugraphics
Charleston, SC
www.docu-graphics.com
Year Founded: 2002
President/Owner: Thomas Fimian (CEO)
Number of Employees: 40
Primary Vendors: Xerox, Xante, Graphic Whizard, MBM Corp., Newline
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare, Kofax, Optimidoc, GoldFax, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: Xerox Financial Services, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$8.8 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Services (40%), software (20%), production print (25%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Docugraphics made the decision to maintain head count, payroll and benefit levels, which created an “all-in” attitude and sparked continued investments in its product and service portfolio.
Why We Consider Docugraphics Elite:
- Master status. The company became one of only five dealers out of 180 channel partners to achieve the coveted Xerox Master Elite Managed Print Services accreditation. It’s the highest designation of a three-tiered program.
- Top takedown. Docugraphics secured a services contract with a health care provider, a deal that included a combination of 600-plus A3 and A4 devices.
- Client care. The dealer offers a local help desk to address all questions and support. Its technicians and IT support personnel boast a one-hour max response time, and four hours to arrive on-site.
- Local giving. Docugraphics focuses on supporting local charities and their events to maximize the benefit to its community. With five of its seven markets situated in the hurricane-prone Atlantic coast, the company provides free loaner machines following natural disasters.
Eagle Business Machines, Inc.
Elmsford, NY
www.eaglebm.com
www.eaglebss.com
Year Founded: 1970
President/Owner: Joseph Magardino (president)
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Xerox, NEC
Primary Solutions Offerings: MPS, MNS, telephony
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, Marlin
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (40%), MPS (25%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Eagle Business Machines celebrated its 50th year in business during 2020.
Why We Consider Eagle Business Machines Elite:
- Customer relief. In light of the pandemic, Eagle Business Machines coordinated with its leasing companies to offer client incentives, such as three-month deferred programs. The dealer also bundles lease and purchase deals to provide significant cost savings.
- Big deal. Eagle Business Machines secured a long-term sales and service agreement with the largest health care group in its area. The contract includes servicing several hundred MFPs and MPS for the client’s base of printer-only systems.
- Educational opportunities. The dealer’s family-based ownership works closely with all employees and furnishes manufacturer training from Ricoh and Xerox to bolster industry knowledge and provide the best solutions for clients. The impact can be seen in employee tenure, with a number of team members boasting 25-plus years on the job.
- Charitable endeavors. Eagle Business Machines donates refurbished machines to organizations in need, and offers product and service discounts to all nonprofits. The organization also provides donations to local law enforcement.
Electronic Office Systems
Fairfield, NJ
eosnj.com
Year Founded: 1983
President/Owner: Andrew Ritschel (president and founder)
Number of Employees: 37
Primary Vendors: Ricoh/Savin, Kyocera, KIP, Canon, HP, ShredPro
Primary Solutions Offerings: Polycom, PaperCut, Hyland, Square 9
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, DLL, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, CIT
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: A4 hardware (15%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Electronic Office Systems refined the integration of e-automate with its highly-customized version of Salesforce and was able to generate better customized reports.
Why We Consider Electronic Office Systems Elite:
- Personal connection. Given the pandemic, Electronic Office Systems stresses the importance of building relationships with clients, touching base with them on a monthly basis, building referral relationships and doing volunteer work.
- Contractual success. Electronic Office Systems’ biggest takedown in the last year was a chain of senior care facilities throughout the state of New Jersey.
- Accessible staff. Everyone in the dealership, from the president down, can be reached to answer questions and provide input. That courtesy is extended internally, with President Andrew Ritschel promoting an open-door policy.
- Community impact. Electronic Office Systems donates time and money to more than a dozen non-profit organizations that serve its marketplace. It counsels high school and college students in career planning, and the dealer belongs to several chambers of commerce and commercial networking groups, coaching individuals on growing their own businesses.
Elite Imaging Systems
Troy, MI
www.eliteimagingsystems.com
Year Founded: 1994
President/Owner: David Snyder (president and CEO)
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Canon, Lexmark, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Kyocera apps, PaperCut, GoldFax, MyQ, DataBank, Hyland, Square 9
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, DLL, CIT, U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5 million to $10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Software and solutions (62%), MPS (49%), service and supplies (18%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Elite Imaging Systems enjoyed a year in which the entire sales team met or exceeded its sales quota.
Why We Consider Elite Imaging Systems Elite:
- Value proposition. Elite Imaging Systems seeks to add as much value to its accounts as possible. Its remote monitoring capabilities enable the dealer to ferret out issues before the client becomes aware of them. As a result, its first-call effectiveness rate exceeds industry standards.
- Marketing prowess. The dealer focuses on digital efforts, leveraging Google Analytics to drive traffic to its website. Monthly email campaigns help generate more leads and business, and the dealer benefits from an ongoing consultative sales training program.
- Employee input. Fostering an open-minded team approach enables Elite Imaging Systems to maximize its intellectual resources while improving processes and customer service.
- Helping hands. Elite Imaging Systems supports customer-sponsored events with donations, and provides its time to a number of various charities. Each year, the company also adopts a family during the holidays.
GoodSuite
Woodland Hills, CA
www.goodsuite.com
Year Founded: 1998
President/Owner: Dan Strull
Number of Employees: 33
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Konica Minolta, Canon, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Datto, Monster, Square 9, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$6 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MFPs (15%), MNS (135%), MPS (125%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The company secured an IT services contract with one of the largest accounts in its market.
Why We Consider GoodSuite Elite:
- Client satisfaction. GoodSuite aims to provide a customer experience that is second to none, and two variables that help drive it are a boutique level of service and speed of business. The combination has yielded a 96% customer retention rate.
- Vertical excellence. During the course of the year, GoodSuite secured a pair of large contracts with companies in the hospitality industry and is fast establishing itself as a trusted advisor in that space.
- Sharp shooters. For the fourth year in a row, GoodSuite captured the Hyakuman Kai Award for sales and qualified for the dealer trip to New Zealand.
- Veteran salutes. The dealer has a special place in its heart for military veterans among its employee and customer ranks. GoodSuite offers current military and veteran employees a free day off on July 3, and customers receive a care package from the dealer. Employees also build Battalion Buddy bears that are presented to children of recently deployed military personnel, and assembled a record 1,000 bears in a 24-hour period.
Image Matters
Knoxville, TN
www.imagemattersinc.com
Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: JD Sullivan (president), Bob Lovelace (CEO)
Number of Employees: 28
Primary Vendors: Xerox, HP, Lexmark, KIP, Brother, Epson
Primary Solutions Offerings: Kofax, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo, in-house
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (216%), new business (32%), MPS contract MIF (28%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Image Matters experienced its third straight year of double-digit, new business growth.
Why We Consider Image Matters Elite:
- Customer service. Regardless of their position within the dealership, all Image Matters team members are considered customer service representatives. By putting its clients first, Image Matters is able to grow exponentially. Developing tailored solutions that drive incremental value by solving real-world business challenges stands as a point of differentiation as well.
- Production values. Image Matters continues to make big strides with production gear, and the last year was no exception. The company placed 12 segment-six production print systems with new clients that will generate millions of color pages in post-sale revenue.
- Employee autonomy. Backed by a family atmosphere, team members are empowered to make critical decisions that speak to the needs of clients. The dealer makes great efforts to show its gratitude to employees by means of appreciation days, holiday dinners, and birthday and anniversary recognitions.
- Community caring. Company President J.D. Sullivan is an active board member of Volunteer Ministry Center, which focuses on eliminating homelessness in the Knoxville area. The dealer partners with Children’s Hospital of East Tennessee and supports more than 20 local charities and non-profit organizations.
Martin Group
Lake Geneva, WI
www.martingroup.com
Year Founded: 1980
President/Owner: John Stensland
Number of Employees: 22
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta
Primary Solutions Offerings: OneSource, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Copiers (112%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Martin Group was able to retain its staff during the pandemic and hired two new staff members.
Why We Consider Martin Group Elite:
- Video touches. With the pandemic creating a need for social distancing, Martin Group is offering fully digital sales meetings for clients. Face-to-face meetings are held at a safe distance, and all materials are presented to the client in a shareable, digital fashion.
- Head of class. Martin Group came to the rescue of a school district office that was using two production machines to serve all its needs, but struggled from an ease-of-use standpoint, resulting in user error issues. The dealer provided several high-speed office MFPs around the building, providing more convenience and user simplicity.
- Excellence record. The dealer is proud of its track record with Konica Minolta, having captured the manufacturer’s Pro-Tech Service Award for 14 consecutive years. Fewer than 15% of all Konica Minolta dealers and direct operations achieve this honor.
- Corporate giving. Martin Group is a member in good standing with more than 20 chambers of commerce throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The firm routinely donates prizes for raffles, silent auctions and various fundraisers, and contributes money toward a number of chamber projects.
Millennium Business Systems
Livonia, MI
www.2millennium.com
Year Founded: 1997
President/Owner: Michael Neu
Number of Employees: 35
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Xerox, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Toshiba, Xerox
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank, Xerox Financial Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (36%), hardware (19%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Despite the pandemic drag on business, Millennium is 11% ahead of the same period in 2019.
Why We Consider Millennium Business Systems Elite:
- Extended reach. A new email marketing campaign, powered by customized templates and its partnership with Evolved Office, enabled the dealer to touch base with decision makers who weren’t in the office.
- Back to school. The dealer won three large net-new school district accounts, all of which came in the aftermath of COVID-19.
- Burgeoning activity. In addition to pacing ahead of the previous year’s sales by 11%, an astonishing 61% of the deals inked by Millennium represent net-new business.
- Technical prowess. Millennium service technicians boast an average of 19 years experience, and its customer service and rapid service response performance enable the dealer to enjoy a high level of client retention.
On Demand, Inc.
Houston, TX
www.ondemandhouston.com
Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Michael A. Gray (president)
Number of Employees: 20
Primary Vendors: Xerox, Epson, Kyocera, FP Mailing, MBM Corp., Martin Yale
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Umango, Xerox
Primary Leasing Partners: Xerox Financial Services, GreatAmerica, DLL, Wells Fargo, Marlin, CIT
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MFPs (35%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: On Demand became an authorized dealer for Xerox and FP Mailing solutions.
Why We Consider On Demand, Inc. Elite:
- OEM signage. In conjunction with becoming an authorized Xerox dealer, On Demand placed signage at the top of its building that can be seen from one of Houston’s busiest highways.
- Business booking. On Demand forged an agreement with a large hotel chain in a deal that included more than 40 MFP and A3 copiers while customizing an SLA package that incorporated the client’s HP printers.
- Charting success. The dealer came in at No. 68 on the Houston Business Journal’s Fast 100 list of fastest-growing private companies.
- Giving back. On Demand provides donations and support to the University of Houston Bauer College of Business. It also provides monetary support to local churches and participates in golf tournaments for charities.
Pearson-Kelly Technology
Springfield, MO
www.pearsonkelly.com
Year Founded: 2004
President/Owner: Mike Kelly (CEO), Chelsey Bode (president)
Number of Employees: 40
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Kyocera Copystar, Epson, KIP, Dell, Cisco, Datto, Verkada
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, Square 9, PaperCut, Kyocera, Sentinel One, Konica Minolta, Kofax, Biscom, Intermedia, Webroot, Ironscales, KnowBe4
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$6.4 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS, MPS, service, hardware, VoIP
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Pearson-Kelly Technology launched the Entrepreneurial Operating System and Traction Tools throughout its business, requiring extensive changes to its organizational chart.
Why We Consider Pearson-Kelly Technology Elite:
- Marketing growth. The dealer hired for its first in-house marketing position, ushering in a focus on creating video content that educates prospective clients. The content is promoted via LinkedIn. Since its launch, Pearson-Kelly has seen a consistent 5%-plus engagement rate on that platform, which continues to grow month over month.
- Health expansion. Pearson-Kelly hauled in one of its largest contracts to date with a major health care facility. The deal includes managed print and IT as well as contracted project hours, with the possibility of fleshing out the arrangement to include other business.
- Industry accolades. The Springfield, Missouri, Chamber of Commerce recognized Pearson-Kelly with a 2020 Small Business Award. Company President Chelsey Bode also received the 2020 Trusted Advisor’s Award from the Springfield Business Journal.
- Corporate caring. Pearson-Kelly’s staff volunteers en masse with local non-profit organizations. The company sponsors events and does in-kind sponsorships for non-profit clients, and encourages its staff to be involved with organizations of their choice.
Quality Business Solutions
Baltimore, MD
copyquality.com
baltimorecopiers.com
Year Founded: 2001
President/Owner: Jerry DiMartino (CEO)
Number of Employees: 55
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Kyocera, FP Mailing, MBM Corp., HP, Dell, Sangoma, Formax, Fujitsu
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Kofax, Prism, Square 9, Autotask, Storage Guardian, ECI Solutions, Soaring CRM
Primary Leasing Partners: In-house leasing, DLL, Wells Fargo, LEAF, GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Konica Minolta production press equipment (65%), IT services (75%), website development (50%), FP Postage mailing solutions (40%), document management software (35%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Quality Business Solutions kept its staff fully intact during the pandemic and continued to service all of its clients.
Why We Consider Quality Business Solutions (QBS) Elite:
- Remote monitoring. The dealer ensures accuracy by leveraging software to automatically route copier meter readings directly to its accounting system. Its ability to service equipment remotely helps significantly reduce downtime.
- Cost savings. QBS forged a deal with a local church, including several 80 ppm machines, IT solutions and software to monitor and manage usage. The client is saving thousands of dollars over the life of its customized lease program.
- Manufacturer accolades. QBS has garnered service and equipment sales awards from Konica Minolta, Kyocera and FP Mailing.
- Charity endeavors. QBS provides donations of equipment and IT services to underprivileged schools throughout Maryland. The company makes donations to local non-profit organizations and supports St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Southwest Copy Systems Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
southwestcopy.com
Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Michael Contois (president), Dorothy Contois (vice president)
Number of Employees: 32
Primary Vendors: HP, Toshiba, Sharp, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: Datto, Microsoft, Square 9, Fortinet, PaperCut, HP, Intermedia
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (21%), large-format (53%), VoIP (115%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Southwest Copy Systems’ IT department has successfully implemented its new VoIP, unified communications and managed network services and solutions offerings.
Why We Consider Southwest Copy Systems Elite:
- Client satisfaction. The dealer focuses its energies on the customer experience and providing a no-hassle approach to sales and service. This has resulted in a customer retention rate of more than 95%.
- The voice. With its expansion into various new products within the IT realm, Southwest Copy Systems evaluated the environment of an existing client. During a 30-day period, the dealer was able to sell the client a VoIP/MNS solution that solved the challenges of multiple locations, paging systems and remote video sharing in order to facilitate contactless sales.
- Service masters. Southwest Copy Systems has captured the Toshiba ProMasters Award for service for 17 consecutive years.
- Community caring. Among the organizations supported by Southwest Copy Systems are the Wounded Warrior Project, Children’s Cancer Center of New Mexico and Catholic Charities of New Mexico.
Stone’s Office Equipment
Richmond, VA
www.stonesoffice.com
Year Founded: 1970
President/Owner: Sam Stone (president)
Number of Employees: 25
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Lexmark, Panasonic, Epson, FP Mailing
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Lexmark, Microsoft, BrightSign
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (25%), digital signage/display (300%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Stone’s Office Equipment remained committed to keeping all of its employees during the pandemic.
Why We Consider Stone’s Office Equipment Elite:
- Digital movement. With digital communications solutions becoming more prevalent in the office environment, Stone’s Office Equipment trained its sales team to identify customer areas of need, including conference room boards and waiting room greeting displays. Reps were also encouraged to help clients create content for their offices.
- Top deals. Stone’s Office Equipment worked out a contract with a local school district to install PaperCut print management software on all the district’s MFPs. The dealer also notched key wins in the legal and medical markets.
- Highly experienced. The dealer boasts an average employee tenure of 15 years, with 30% of team members registering more than 22 years on the job.
- Giving back. Among the charitable organizations supported by Stone’s Office Equipment is the CKG Foundation, which helps identify and address depression and mental illness in teenagers. A staunch supporter of The Jillian Fund, the dealer also backs first-responder foundations for the Henrico Fire and Police, the City of Richmond Police and the Virginia State Police Association.
The Swenson Group (TSG)
Livermore, CA
theswensongroup.com
Year Founded: 1993
President/Owner: Dean Swenson (president and CEO)
Number of Employees: 22
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta
Primary Solutions Offerings: Prism, Square 9, Microsoft, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed network services (27%), equipment (15%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The Swenson Group enjoyed its best year ever in 2019, which was accomplished without adding head count.
Why We Consider The Swenson Group (TSG) Elite:
- Profit center. The dealer altered its attitude toward marketing and is leveraging it to drive inbound leads and support sales efforts/messaging. TSG doubled its marketing budget, concentrated on social media and adopted 1:1 rep video prospecting. Extending touches creatively beyond phone and email prospecting has led to an uptick in appointments and finished deals.
- IT acumen. Buoyed by its partnership with Konica Minolta’s All Covered, TSG solves numerous client IT challenges through All Covered’s comprehensive service offerings, experience and expertise.
- Growing share. TSG notched a $20,000-per-month contract with a parks and recreation client, a deal which has grown to nearly $100,000 per month with additional IT projects. The client’s MFP business is now in play as well.
- Corporate culture. In an effort to bolster TSG’s culture, the company implemented the Traction Entrepreneurial Operation System to create a vision, core values and focus shared by all team members. This keeps employees “rowing in the same direction” while creating a fun and results-based environment.
U.S. Business Systems, Inc.
Elkhart, IN
www.usbus.com
Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Michael Kidd (president and CEO)
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Sharp, Lenovo, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, Datto, Malwarebytes, Kyocera Fleet Services
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (12%), MNS (26%), IT division (28%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Even with the challenges of the pandemic, U.S. Business Systems enjoyed a surge in IT-related products and services.
Why We Consider U.S. Business Systems Elite:
- CaaS creation. The dealer has coined content-as-a-service in providing a flat rate for managed IT services with all printing needs included. U.S. Business Systems offers a free technology assessment to help gauge a client’s specific needs. And to gain more exposure, the company runs television ads on ABC during “World News Tonight.”
- IT spike. U.S. Business Systems went deeper with an existing office equipment client in terms of IT products and services, growing the existing $500,000 business by 42%.
- Performance recognition. Kyocera has bestowed U.S. Business Systems with its Service Excellence Dealership award for the past five years. For the last four years, the dealer has been cited as a “Best Place to Purchase Office Equipment and Supplies” and “Best IT Consulting Firm” in North Central Indiana by Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
- Corporate caring. A major sponsor for the Boys and Girls Club, U.S. Business Systems provides financial support to many non-profit organizations. All employees a provided PTO to volunteer with a charitable organization of their choosing.
United Office Systems, Inc.
Marietta, GA
unitedos.com
Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Michael Walsh (president)
Number of Employees: 23
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Konica Minolta, Prism Software
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, LEAF, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed print (50%), phone systems (35%), A4 equipment (25%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: In addition to winning the Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Service Excellence Award for the 13th consecutive time, United Office Systems was certified World Class Service by Net Promoter Score.
Why We Consider United Office Systems Elite:
- Lead generation. In order to bolster its outbound lead generation efforts, United Office Systems hired a third-party marketing company to implement and manage the program.
- Legal ease. The dealer picked up the business of a regional law firm with 25 offices in the southeast, a deal which included new MFPs, laser printers, and search and retrieval software.
- Constant contact. Maintaining periodic touch points enables United Office Systems to remain top of mind with its office technology clients, helping maintain an edge over larger direct branch offices. This is accomplished by courtesy calls from the service team and in-person visits every six months by the sales team.
- Helping hands. Everyone within the organization supports the Marine Corps. Toys for Tots holiday gift collection program. United Office Systems also aids in the fundraising efforts of a local elementary school and sponsors a youth soccer league.
Vision Office Systems, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
www.visionofficesystems.com
www.vosupstate.com
Year Founded: 1997
President/Owner: Fred R. Habbal
Number of Employees: 40
Primary Vendors: Canon, Sharp, Muratec, Brother, Cleartouch, OneScreen
Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, PaperCut, Square 9
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, LEAF, Key Leasing Services
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Desktop printers (30%), temperature scanners (100%), digital signage/displays (80%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Vision Office Systems went live with its in-house leasing company, Key Leasing, to provide flexible solutions to customers.
Why We Consider Vision Office Systems Elite:
- Home grown. Vision Office Systems brought all of its web design, social media and video efforts in-house. It has a full-time person dedicated to ensuring the dealer ranks high on search results while continuously updating its platforms with new information.
- Supporting business. In an effort to support the local restaurant economy during the pandemic, Vision Office Systems provides a gift card to an eatery of the client’s choice for every machine purchased.
- Educated excellence. Vision Office Systems hammered out a deal with a health care provider, resulting in 50 various device placements through the first six months of the accord.
- Maintaining flexibility. While many larger competitors find it difficult to pivot to client needs without requiring multiple approvals, Vision Office Systems offers a highly responsive level of flexibility that makes it the vendor of choice among customers.
