Advanced Business Equipment
Asheville, NC
www.abecarolina.com
Year Founded: 1981
President/Owner: Kevin Jackson
Number of Employees: 31
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Canon, KIP, Dell, HP, MBM
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, OneScreen, PaperCut, Prism, Ubiquiti, ConnectWise, Fortinet
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Large format (39%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Advanced Business Equipment invested in professional training for its account executives, including AI-generated sales insights on more effective ways to communicate with clients and prospects.
Why We Consider Advanced Business Equipment Elite:
- Hot spot. Providing mobile CRM systems allows account reps to pull up client data and update records while on the road. It’s helped improve responsiveness and provided a seamless customer experience, regardless of location.
- Spring cleaning. Advanced Business Equipment cleared out old inventory and ensured its warehouse was in top shape, which streamlined operations. The move shortens the time it takes to fulfill orders and furnish support.
- Client reboot. One of the year’s top takedowns saw Advanced Business Equipment refresh the entire equipment fleet of one of its largest clients. The solution, which included single-function printers, MFPs and large-format devices, addressed the needs of the organization.
- Helping others. When a devastating hurricane ravaged its hometown of Asheville in October, Advanced Business Equipment and its CEO, Kevin Jackson, used its facility as a distribution center for water, supplies and other necessities. Jackson not only helped his employees, he provided care packages (with the help of Konica Minolta and many industry friends) to those residents hardest hit.
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: 33
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Canon, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Ubiquiti, PaperCut, Canon, Ricoh, OpenText, Microsoft, VMware, Fortinet
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Canon Financial Services, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed solutions (30%), MPS (15%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Alpha Laser & Imaging was able to grow its bottom line by nearly 25%.
Why We Consider Alpha Laser & Imaging Elite:
- Quick feedback. Alpha Laser & Imaging brought on CEO Juice to help provide clients with the best experience. Customer surveys sent to clients following service calls and supply orders have provided insight into what the dealer does best and areas that may require attention.
- Big win. A manufacturer came to terms on a deal with Alpha Laser & Imaging for a $750,000 accord, including a print management solution.
- Career paths. The Althaus brothers take great interest in the careers of the company’s team members. They provide the opportunity for employees to step outside their traditional duties and try something new.
- Worthy causes. Alpha Laser & Imaging makes donations to a half-dozen large non-profit organizations within its back yard. Employees love participating in events that raise money for children’s causes (including Hanger’s).
Applied Business Concepts
Baton Rouge, LA
www.abcla.com
Year Founded: 1996
President/Owner: Jeff Ragusa
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Duplo, KIP, Kyocera, Epson
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, GoldFax
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (19%), education (15%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Applied Business Concepts saw its year-ending profit increase more than 10% with revenue climbing 11%.
Why We Consider Applied Business Concepts Elite:
- Business catalyst. Applied Business Concepts turned to Connect Outbound for its appointment-setting program. The engagement was expected to begin in late 2024.
- Focused campaigns. Rather than continuing past efforts in which the sales department addressed the company’s marketing endeavors, Applied Business Concepts developed an in-house marketing department led by Elizabeth Ragusa.
- Flying solo. After years of sharing a vendor role for a local school system, the dealer forged an exclusive deal to provide MFP products for the entire district. The deal called for more than 30 A3 devices.
- Corporate heart. Applied Business Concepts works alongside OEM partner Sharp in supporting the annual Cure SMA gala, which raises funds to aid in the research and cure of spinal muscular atrophy.
Associated Business Technologies
North Salt Lake, UT
www.abtyes.com
Year Founded: 2017
President/Owner: Richard Muller
Number of Employees: 22
Primary Vendors: Canon, HP, Xerox, Kyocera, Brother, Zebra, FP Mailing, Formax, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, MyQ, Canon, HP, Square 9 Softworks, RingCentral, Xerox, Kyocera
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica, Canon Financial Services, FITTLE (Xerox)
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5-$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Software (120%), MPS (22%), hardware (20%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Associated Business Technologies onboarded both new and tenured account reps.
Why We Consider Associated Business Technologies Elite:
- Training tactics. The dealer engaged Derek Shebby’s Modern Day Sales Training Boot Camp as a sales training module. The program has provided sales reps with tools and techniques to help secure more deals with higher profits.
- Marketing strategies. Associated Business Technologies rolled out an ecommerce site to drive online sales and create customer purchasing portals. The company also introduced seven-day service support to target prospects that do high volumes of business on weekends.
- Click bait. The year’s biggest deal saw Associated Business Technologies sign a multi-year agreement with a net-new commercial account. Its fleet has more than 600 MFPs and print devices, including plenty of 70–90 ppm units. The account generates millions of prints per month.
- Community generosity. Associated Business Technologies supports specific organizations in their fundraising initiatives, including MS, food banks and mental health support. The dealer’s entire team is donating its time to make lunch and care bags for homeless people in its community.
BASE Technologies
Bethel, CT
baseinc.com
Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Michael Boyle
Number of Employees: 22
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, HP, Toshiba
Primary Solutions Offerings: Intermedia, Square 9 Softworks, Scan-Optics
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, Wells Fargo, First Citizens Bank, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: UCaaS (100%), A4 (24%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: BASE Technologies added Toshiba and Intermedia to its stable of vendors at the start of the year and expects to see a bottom-line increase of up to 25%.
Why We Consider BASE Technologies Elite:
- Vertical ventures. As part of its new relationship with Toshiba, BASE Technologies collaborated with the OEM’s marketing team on an initiative that underscores how its offerings address state and local government clients.
- Marketing redux. To support its new focus on social media and community outreach, BASE Technologies did a refresh of its marketing materials in addition to hosting events and webinars.
- Big business. One of the largest non-profit health care organizations in Connecticut tapped BASE Technologies on a deal that featured a mix of A3 and A4 devices, integrated print management software and solutions for security, cost reporting and document management.
- Dealer fun. BASE Technologies fosters camaraderie among team members through a calendar loaded with employee events, including yearly ferry cruises, barbecues, backyard game days and ice-cream sundae making.
CFBT
Tonawanda, NY
cfbtsolutions.com
Year Founded: 1990
President/Owner: David Scibetta
Number of Employees: 37
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Lexmark, HP, Sharp
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (50%), hardware (40%), MPS (30%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: CFBT relocated its office and warehouse from downtown Buffalo to its new offices in Tonawanda, New York.
Why We Consider CFBT Elite:
- Sporting chance. It appears CFBT has cornered the Western New York market when it comes to sports sponsorships. The company is now the official office technology company of the Buffalo Bills, adding to a stable that includes the NHL’s Sabres and the University at Buffalo Bulls.
- High honors. CFBT has captured the Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Service Award for 17 consecutive years. The firm was also recognized by Buffalo Business First with a spot on the Fast Track List.
- Employee friendly. The new corporate headquarters has a number of features that team members enjoy, including an exclusive employee lounge, bigger work spaces, free parking and the ability to host more gatherings.
- Helping hands. CFBT supports Summit, a non-profit organization that raises autism awareness, as well as Buffalo Hospice. Its employees sit on the boards of local entities such as Rotary International, Summit Education and Cardinal O’Hara.
Copiers Plus
Fayetteville, NC
www.copiers-plus.com
Year Founded: 1985
President/Owner: Bob Smith
Number of Employees: 50
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Epson, Canon
Primary Solutions Offerings: Kyocera, Ademero, Biscom, PaperCut, MyQ
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue:
$5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Supplies/parts (28%), printers (27%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Copiers Plus integrated its CRM with ERP software, creating a fully automated sales process.
Why We Consider Copiers Plus Elite:
- Play ball. Copiers Plus increased its sponsorship of a local minor league baseball team by branding the stadium’s field boxes with the dealer’s name. The walls of the boxes are at eye level with the fans and utilize a tempered glass look that allows visibility to the field. Copiers Plus’ logo is etched within the glass for maximum exposure.
- 70 ppm dash. In a nod to the Olympics, Copiers Plus fashioned its own event in a social media campaign. The “Clash of the Copiers” pitted the company’s lineup of copiers and printers against one another in several categories with event winners receiving gold, silver and bronze medals.
- Inbound magic. A website visitor representing an international firm, with headquarters in North Carolina, engaged the dealer on a multi-machine MPS deal. The installation was a success despite the fact that the client’s IT department resides in another country.
- Corporate caring. Copiers Plus furnishes a local theater company with complimentary equipment, supplies and service—a major plus to an arts organization that traditionally operates on a shoestring budget. The dealer also provided a 4-H club sponsorship that enabled a local member to enter a competition.
Corporate Business Systems
Madison, WI
www.corpbussystems.com
Year Founded: 1998
President/Owner: Mike Blake
Number of Employees: 16
Primary Vendors: Xerox, Ricoh, HP, Lexmark, Canon
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, eGoldFax
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, PEAC Solutions
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (12%), hardware (9%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: In the process of growing its bottom-line revenue 9%, Corporate Business Systems achieved an operating income of 17.2% (industry benchmark is 14.5%).
Why We Consider Corporate Business Systems Elite:
- Marketing endeavors. After leveraging several outbound telemarketing firms with mixed results, Corporate Business Systems partnered with Tag, which has provided positive results.
- Account success. Corporate Business Systems signed a deal with a large manufacturing firm with multiple locations to provide managed print services and hardware replacements.
- Buy local. As a locally owned business, Corporate Business Systems has forged solid ties to the community. The local connection enables personalized interactions and a sense of trust among team members.
- Underserved champions. Corporate Business Systems provides hardware and monetary donations to organizations that bring relief to the homeless and less fortunate.
Electronic Office Systems
Fairfield, NJ
eosnj.com
Year Founded: 1983
President/Owner: Andrew Ritschel
Number of Employees: 34
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Kyocera, Canon, KIP, Formax
Primary Solutions Offerings: Yealink, Autel, PaperCut, Tungsten Automation, DocuWare, Hyland, Square 9 Softworks, OpenText, GoldFax
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, Wells Fargo, DLL, U.S. Bank, First Citizens Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: EV charging stations (30%), MFPs (24%), MPS (4%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Electronic Office Systems has widened the value proposition of electric vehicle charging stations, assisting customers in state grants, incentives and credits offered by utility companies.
Why We Consider Electronic Office Systems Elite:
- Web 2.0. The dealer launched an improved website that’s helping generate leads from web traffic through search engine optimization. It’s also a handy tool for account representatives as a font of information.
- Geographic gains. Electronic Office Systems was able to bring more value to an existing, local client by serving all its branch locations along the east coast. The deal consisted of 140 machines and services.
- Craft kings. Six of the dealer’s service technicians were honored with the Kyocera Master Technician Award. The company itself garnered Platinum Dealer status with LEAF and M&T Bank.
- Laying foundations. One way in which Electronic Office Systems gives back to the community is helping the next-generation workforce become more marketable through resume building, job matching and interviewing skills.
Image Matters
Knoxville, TN
www.imagemattersinc.com
Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: JD Sullivan (president), Bob Lovelace (CEO)
Number of Employees: 26
Primary Vendors: Xerox, Lexmark, HP, Epson, Brother, KIP, Formax, Mint Mailing
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Tungsten Automation, Xerox, HP
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo, First Citizens Bank, in-house
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS contract revenue (23%), new-business revenue (21%), average equipment revenue per device (27%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: For the fifth consecutive year, Image Matters posted double-digit new-business growth.
Why We Consider Image Matters Elite:
- Growth blueprint. The company has leveraged a telesales strategy to drive increased consideration, sales efficiency and aggressive new-business growth in its markets.
- Faithful Volunteer. An expansion of its partnership with the University of Tennessee sees Image Matters sponsoring its athletic programming. It’s provided a subsequent boost to the dealer’s brand recognition and added to its new-business funnel throughout the state.
- Sparkling business. A managed print services-driven pact with the global leader in gemstone and online jewelry sales was a major win. The deal included device management software, 50 new A3 machines and MPS support for 300-plus network printers.
- Dealer philanthropy. Image Matters has forged a partnership to support East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Monetary and time/effort donations aid more than 20 local charity and non-profit entities.
Martin Group
Lake Geneva, WI
www.martingroup.com
Year Founded: 1980
President/Owner: John Stensland
Number of Employees: 14
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta
Primary Solutions Offerings: OneSource, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Desktops/personal MFPs (36%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Martin Group revisited its new hire training program to ensure consistency across the entire team.
Why We Consider Martin Group Elite:
- Customer experience. Providing tailored interactions that speak to the needs of clients creates a bond in which they feel valued and understood. Knowing customer preferences helps to anticipate their needs, which solidifies the partnerships.
- Renewing relationships. When the main decision-maker for a longtime client moves on to another company, it can jeopardize the status of the working relationship. That was the case for a Martin client whose new point person had a prior relationship with one of the dealer’s competitors. In its pitch, Martin reps asked the new decision-maker to survey his team members as to the dealer’s value proposition. It turned out to be vital in keeping the relationship intact, as the client’s employees had nothing but glowing things to say about Martin.
- Enhanced value. The aforementioned retention that led to an agreement renewal with the longtime client was expanded to include new devices and contracts, plus replacing previously unmanaged devices.
- Tech prowess. Martin Group has captured the Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Service Award an impressive 18 times. The award is bestowed upon less than 15% of the OEM’s dealer and direct operations.
Millennium Business Systems
Livonia,MI
www.2millennium.com
Year Founded: 1997
President/Owner: Angela Neu Wichmann (president)
Number of Employees: 35
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Xerox, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Microsoft, NetDocuments
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Managed IT (47%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Millennium Business Systems enjoyed a stellar year for managed IT, with monthly recurring revenue increasing 47%.
Why We Consider Millennium Business Systems Elite:
- Package deal. Customers value Millennium Business Systems as a total solutions provider and appreciate that they can bundle imaging, physical security, VoIP, MITS and ISP in one contract.
- Legal briefs. Speaking of which, the year’s top deal saw Millennium Business Systems ink an agreement with a large law firm that bundled all the dealer’s offerings.
- Bucking trend. The dealer’s operations are 100% in office, an arrangement the company believes is conducive to collaboration, employee professional development and improved teamwork.
- Giving back. Millennium Business Systems provides sponsorship of client golf outings as well as charity dinners and galas.
Miller Company, Inc.
Louisville, KY
millermakesitwork.com
Year Founded: 1978
President/Owner: Scott O. Miller
Number of Employees: 48
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Canon, Kyocera, Lexmark, MBM
Primary Solutions Offerings: Zultys, Dell, Microsoft
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica, DLL, LEAF, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (35%), wide format (15%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Miller Company enjoyed an upwards of 40% boost in IT service billables.
Why We Consider Miller Company Elite:
- Social calls. With an eye toward bolstering its online presence, Miller Company has expanded its social media platform with Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. The result has been increased engagements with business prospects and potential employees.
- Driving profits. Miller Company hammered out an accord with Dan Cummins Auto Group, providing 70 MFPs and Canon uniFLOW software across six locations in central Kentucky.
- Analytics vetted. The dealer’s SLA performance is closely tracked through the Pros Elite Group’s PIVOT platform.
- Giving back. Miller Company furnishes donations of service and equipment to local non-profit organizations. Sponsoring entities that support families dealing with child illness is another target cause.
MTS Office Systems
Greenville, SC
www.mtsoffice.com
Year Founded: 1982
President/Owner: Mason Smith
Number of Employees: 17
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Lexmark, Brother, MBM
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, ECI Software
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5.5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Hardware (41%), maintenance contracts (33%), MPS (28%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: MTS Office Systems cut the ribbon on a new corporate headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina, earlier this year, enabling the company to better serve its clients.
Why We Consider MTS Office Systems Elite:
- Number crunch. The dealer reaped an impressive 35% year-over-year growth from 2022 to 2023, as well as a 33% uptick in monthly service revenue, which paved the way for investing in additional space and staff. More than 50% of sales is represented by net-new business.
- Lasting impression. MTS Office Systems focuses on ensuring its name is on the mind of clients, which is accomplished via customized calendars, in-person events/technology shows and logoed company swag (pens, Post-It notepads, drinkware and chip clips, among others).
- Contract excellence. A significant takedown saw MTS Office Systems come to terms on a five-year deal with its largest client, a regional health care organization.
- Community support. The dealer donated a new color MFP to a local charity. Other charitable endeavors include sponsoring non-profit events such as golf tournaments, charity auctions and dinners.
Network Digital Office Systems, Inc.
Fairfield, NJ
www.networkdig.com
Year Founded: 1997
President/Owner: Peter Salzano (president), Matthew Salzano (vice president)
Number of Employees: 12
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, HP, Lexmark, Kyocera, Xerox, FP Mailing, Formax, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Jamex Vending
Primary Leasing Partners: PNC Equipment Finance, Navitas Credit, Summit Funding Group, NewLane Finance, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Mailing equipment (40%), MPS (16%), software (10%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Sustained revenue and profit growth continues to drive Network Digital Office Systems, which paved the path to success with cost-effective client solutions.
Why We Consider Network Digital Office Systems Elite:
- Stamp dealer. The newly required IMI meter technology enabled Network Digital Office Systems to flip all its mailing clients from IBI postage machines to qualified FP Mailing gear. It was also a customer gateway to copier and MPS deals.
- Class leader. Network Digital Office Systems and a non-profit educational organization hammered out an agreement that yielded more than 65 units.
- Office residency. Even though the dealership is less than 30 years old, its average tenure is nearly 15 years, fueled by competitive pay, flexibility and a close-knit working environment.
- Community friend. Each year, Network Digital Office Systems donates upward of 30 machines to businesses in need. Churches, synagogues and various non-profits also receive dealer support via event participation and sponsorships.
On Demand, Inc.
Houston, TX
www.ondemandhouston.com
Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Mike Gray
Number of Employees: 20
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Xerox, Epson, FP Mailing
Primary Solutions Offerings: Xerox, EcoprintQ, Kyocera
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, First Citizens Bank, EverBank, DLL, Wells Fargo, PEAC Solutions
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Remote service
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: A reorganization at On Demand enabled the dealer to reap improved structure and operational productivity.
Why We Consider On Demand Elite:
- Tailor made. Customers of On Demand can attain cost-effective, efficient solutions through the dealer’s options, upgrades and alternatives to a multitude of business structures.
- Marketing touchpoints. From a marketing standpoint, On Demand relies on online, in-person, mobile and media outlets to reach beyond its local community.
- Internal enhancements. On Demand introduced new procedures that provide for a proactive communication process. Process improvements also enhanced internal processes and time frames.
- Difference maker. The dealer provides donations to a number of non-profit organizations and can furnish low-cost options for new businesses.
Pearson-Kelly Technology
Springfield, MO
www.pearsonkelly.com
Year Founded: 2002
President/Owner: Chelsey Bode
Number of Employees: 44
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Toshiba, KIP, Epson, Formax, Duplo, Plockmatic
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, Elevate, Verkada, ConnectWise, Pax8, HP, Biscom, OpenText, Fortinet, Kaseya, KnowBe4
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Office equipment (40%), copier contract MRR (25%), IT MRR (8.5%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Pearson-Kelly Technology rededicated its focus to production print equipment and captured its largest deal in company history.
Why We Consider Pearson-Kelly Technology Elite:
- Better equipped. In an effort to provide clients with the tools, technology and resources they require to be successful, Pearson-Kelly Technology has more than doubled its service and product offerings over the last five years.
- Expanded relationship. A satisfied print customer turned to Pearson-Kelly Technology to devise a production print solution. Beyond production hardware, the dealer was able to furnish offline finishing, mailing, envelope printing and other components in a well-rounded package. As a result, the customer was able to bring work back in-house that was previously outsourced.
- Medal count. Four years in a row, Pearson-Kelly Technology was recognized by Biz 417 as being among the Best Places to Work. An Economic Impact finalist, per the Springfield Business Journal, company account manager Kaylin Handley was feted as a Rising Star by the Springfield Tech Council.
- Double dipping. Scheduling flexibility enables Pearson-Kelly Technology team members to attend board and non-profit meetings for organizations including nonprofits, churches and city groups.
Plus Inc.
Greenville, SC
www.plusinc.net
Year Founded: 1958
President/Owner: David Carson
Number of Employees: 34
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Ricoh, Canon, Microsoft, Dell, HP, Xante
Primary Solutions Offerings: Ingram Micro, Microsoft, PaperCut, DocuWare, SonicWall, Trend Micro, Konica Minolta
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, in-house
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print/copier sales (25%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Plus Inc. grew its overall revenue by 14% while net-new copier sales rose 25%.
Why We Consider Plus Inc. Elite:
- Product debut. Plus Inc. added a new product line, the Xante flatbed printer, and inserted one on its showroom floor, which had recently been increased by 3,000 square feet.
- Significant changes. The dealer is in the midst of upgrading its CRM to Agent Dealer and signed with an outside firm to augment its marketing efforts.
- Impressive deals. A net-new university account marked the third upstate school fleet the dealer is managing. Plus Inc. also sold one of the first Ricoh C9500 digital production machines in the country and placed other Ricoh and Konica Minolta production gear with other clients.
- Charitable investments. Plus Inc. sponsors many non-profit organizations’ activities and has forged partnerships with two professional sports franchises.
Quality Business Solutions
Baltimore, MD
copyquality.com
www.QBSITServices.com
Year Founded: 2001
President/Owner: Jerry DiMartino
Number of Employees: 50
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Kyocera, FP Mailing, MBM, HP, Dell, Formax, Fujitsu
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, SonicWall, Storage Guardian, Ring Central, N-able, Macrium, IT Glue, Kaseya, Flowroute, ConnectWise, Auvik, ECI Software Solutions
Primary Leasing Partners: In-house leasing, DLL, Wells Fargo, LEAF, GreatAmerica, First Citizens Bank, U.S. Bank, PEAC Solutions
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: IT services (75%), website development (50%), copiers (25%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Quality Business Solutions increased its IT department staff by 40%.
Why We Consider Quality Business Solutions Elite:
- Building blocks. Quality Business Solutions offers flexible service and leasing options, making it easier to do business with them. The dealer has been successful with various email marketing campaigns.
- Good publicity. The company’s reputation for high-end service resulted in a referral that helped land a health care company as a client. Quality Business Solutions furnished 120-plus copiers and printers in addition to PaperCut software to track employee usage. The deal provided a $500,000 increase in sales revenue.
- Mid-Atlantic marvels. The dealer prides itself on being the best locally owned dealer option in the Maryland marketplace. That pride extends into the company workforce, which relishes the family-like atmosphere and performance recognition programs.
- Giving back. Quality Business Solutions supports a number of local and national charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations of equipment and IT services are provided for underprivileged schools in Maryland.
Sharp Business Innovations
Longmont, CO
www.sharpbusinessinnovations.com
Year Founded: 2020
President/Owner: Joshua Wickstrom, Rich Lampshire (owners)
Number of Employees: 20
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Sharp, Lanier, Samsung, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, MyQ, Microsoft, Kyocera, Vasion Print, Tungsten Automation
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, GreatAmerica, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Verdant, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $7 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: VoIP/MNS (132%), Paper (100%), furniture (37%), technology rentals (30%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Sharp Business Innovations furthered its growth and acquisition strategy by obtaining Journal Office Supply, one of the country’s oldest-tenured Sharp dealers.
Why We Consider Sharp Business Innovations Elite:
- Customer enticements. The dealer bills itself as the home of the unlimited print and copy program. It boasts an on-site service response time of 90 minutes, and its all-inclusive rental programs include paper.
- Health screen. Many of the dealer’s top takedowns revolved around the health care vertical. A nationwide eye care facility took delivery of 100-plus A3 devices, while a local hospital signed on for more than 30 A3 units. A third deal, with a local mental health facility, entailed retrofitting all 11 of its locations with new technology, including 40-plus units.
- Partner honors. Kyocera named Sharp Business Innovations a Gold Partner for 2024, while LEAF Commercial Capital recognized the dealer as a Platinum Award performer.
- Worthy causes. Each month, the dealer donated equipment technology to at least three organizations. In addition to participating in Secret Santa and Toys for Tots, Sharp Business Innovations supports Habitat for Humanity.
Shore Business Solutions
Wall, NJ
shore-biz.com
Year Founded: 1980
President/Owner: Chris Wolowitz
Number of Employees: 31
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Kyocera, Konica Minolta
Primary Solutions Offerings: Intermedia, Collabrance, ACDI, Vasion Print
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5.2 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (300%), unified communications (60%), A/V (60%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: With the help of Konica Minolta, Shore Business Solutions was able to bolster its production print business in headcount, expertise and clients.
Why We Consider Shore Business Solutions Elite:
- Increased visibility. Attendance at events, ranging from chamber of commerce meetings to conferences/conventions for a given vertical market, enable Shore to boost its presence and remain front of mind with clients. These events have provided a gateway to selling A/V and unified communications in particular.
- Tailor made. Increased business in local municipalities and school districts has opened the door to solutions selling beyond print. During the past year, Shore also picked up several major accounts in the health care sector.
- Destination employer. The dealer is proud of its culture, one that landed it on the Top 20 list of Best Places to Work (per NJBIZ) four consecutive years. The company does everything as a team, from Ice Cream Tuesdays to Summer Fridays, barbecues and charity events.
- Clutch support. When Hurricane Helene beleaguered Asheville, North Carolina and fellow dealer Advanced Business Equipment (ABE), Shore owners Chris and Danielle Wolowitz loaded a large truck packed with supplies and drove 10-plus hours to help Kevin Jackson and his ABE team.
Southwest Copy Systems Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
southwestcopy.com
Year Founded: 1991
President/Owner: Kevin Simpson (president, owner), Allison Simpson (VP, CFO, owner)
Number of Employees: 30
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, HP, Sharp, Brother, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: Intermedia, Collabrance, ACDI, Microsoft, Fortinet, Kaseya
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: VoIP/MNS (204%), wide-format (138%), MPS (17%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: During the pandemic, Southwest Copy Systems used its time to explore new offerings, including managed network services and VoIP. Both areas have taken off during the past two years, eclipsing 200% growth.
Why We Consider Southwest Copy Systems Elite:
- Suite deal. What better way to woo clients and prospects than a suite experience at a minor league baseball game? A night at the ballpark translates into an engaging and enjoyable experience that resonates with the dealer’s clients long after the final out.
- Talk tracks. Targeted email campaigns and social media posts have been key to customer engagements. These channels showcase the latest security feature updates and the technology tools offered by Southwest Copy Systems while underscoring its commitment to innovation and exceptional service.
- Transparent business. Southwest Copy Systems believes one of its differentiating points is its insistence on being ethical in all its practices, which begins with being open and honest with customers.
- Community caring. The dealer supports charities and organizations including the Wounded Warrior Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Catholic Charities.
Southwest Office Systems, Inc.
Euless, TX
sostexas.com
Year Founded: 1964
President/Owner: Vince E. Puente Sr. (president, sales and marketing), Victor “Buddy” Puente (president, operations and finance)
Number of Employees: 37
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Kyocera, Epson, Formax
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Epson wide-format devices
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Southwest Office Systems now sends out surveys to each customer following every delivery, installation and service call.
Why We Consider Southwest Office Systems Elite:
- Filling needs. The certified preowned program continues to serve the niche within Southwest Office Systems’ client base that doesn’t want to lease new equipment. The dealer seeks to place units it’s previously serviced, enabling it to guarantee performance.
- Prime targets. Southwest Office Systems has witnessed an uptick in public sector accounts, deals calling for A3 and A4 units, wide-format and individualized solutions.
- Sales consistency. Year in and year out, Southwest Office Systems is able to capture Sharp’s Hyakuman Kai Elite Dealer award, having won it 24 consecutive times. The company is also a Sharp AAA Platinum Level Service Provider.
- Community pillars. Owners Buddy and Vince Puente are involved in multiple chambers of commerce and various community boards. Team members are also active in their hometowns, from providing assistance to veterans to line dancing for retirement communities.
Stone’s Office Equipment
Richmond, VA
www.stonesoffice.com
Year Founded: 1970
President/Owner: Sam Stone
Number of Employees: 22
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Lexmark, Epson, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, etherFAX
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$7 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Solutions (70%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Driven by an aggressive cold-calling strategy and network groups, Stone’s Office Equipment—with the help of fresh hires—grew its net-new business by 87% during a seven-month span in 2024.
Why We Consider Stone’s Office Equipment Elite:
- No sweat. Ensuring that the company is easy to do business with has been critical in Stone’s Office Equipment bringing on new logos.
- Print management. One of the year’s top takedowns saw Stone’s Office Equipment ink a PaperCut deal for 600 copiers in a school system. The move has saved the client thousands of dollars in printing.
- Partner acknowledgements. The dealer was named a 2023 Prestige Partner by GreatAmerica Financial Services. Stone’s Office Equipment was also named an ACDI Premier Partner and Pipeline Powerhouse for 2023. Sharp’s Hyakuman Kai Elite and Platinum Service awards were also attained, and the company is Managed Print Certified by MPSA.
- Recognizing courage. Support for local first responders has long been a staple in the dealer’s philanthropic endeavors through contributions to fire and police foundations. Technology, including computers, are provided for military veterans.
The Swenson Group (TSG)
Livermore, CA
theswensongroup.com
Year Founded: 1993
President/Owner: Dean Swenson
Number of Employees: 24
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Epson
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9 Softworks, PaperCut, Microsoft, Tungsten Automation
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MNS (27%), IT
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The Swenson Group marked its 30th anniversary, having built the company from the ground up.
Why We Consider The Swenson Group (TSG) Elite:
- Success stories. TSG produced case studies for the legal and health care spaces, which it provides to prospects, positioning the company as a thought leader.
- Team selling. Leveraging its revenue generation partnership with Quantum Business Solutions, TSG secured an IT appointment for a large non-profit organization. With an assist from All Covered, the dealer inked its largest recurring revenue contract for MNS—$40,000 per month—and financed in excess of $100,000 in projects.
- Culture club. Citing corporate culture as its greatest asset, TSG turns to its team members and provides them the opportunity to have input in decisions and the direction of the company.
- Valued partner. Through its partnership with All Covered, the dealer has the ability to solve more IT-related challenges than many of its competitors.
U.S. Business Systems, Inc.
Elkhart, IN
www.usbus.com
Year Founded: 1992
President/Owner: Ron Hulett
Number of Employees: 29
Primary Vendors: Kyocera, Sharp, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, Ubiquiti, SonicWall, Kaseya, Dropsuite, KnowBe4, Keeper, Square 9 Softworks, Galactic Advisors
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5–$10 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Label printing (22%), MNS (18%), MPS (12%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Amid a complete office remodel, U.S. Business Systems embarked on an organizational restructuring to carry the company into the future.
Why We Consider U.S. Business Systems Elite:
- Clockwork business. A concerted push for increased recurring revenue is paying dividends. More than 60% of the dealer’s business was contracted last year, and the goal for this year is to approach the 70% mark.
- Contract success. U.S. Business Systems ironed out a five-year pact with a midsized municipality, a deal that included 32 device upgrades throughout the city, print management and authentication solutions.
- New blood. As part of the organizational changes, new team members were brought aboard to drive fresh and innovative ideas.
- Community caring. U.S. Business Systems is a lead sponsor for Faith Mission of Michigan’s 3K run fundraiser event, and it also supports the sports and arts programs at local schools. The dealer participates in its local 4-H County Fair, purchasing small animals.
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, Lexmark, Brother, KIP
Primary Solutions Offerings: OneScreen, Canon, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: GreatAmerica, Key Leasing, Canon Financial Services, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $5 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Interactive panels (300%), VoIP (150%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Vision Office Systems made significant gains in interactive displays, registering 300% growth.
Why We Consider Vision Office Systems Elite:
- Locally owned. Vision Office Systems is the only locally owned provider based in Charlotte; all of its competitors are owned by private equity or are manufacturer direct operations.
- Rx success. The dealer nailed down a repeat order with a medical provider and flipped a large fleet of machines a manufacturer previously held. More than 100 machines are managed for the client, in addition to ancillary products and services.
- Master chef. Monthly lunches are now provided for employees as a thank you for their efforts. VP Jason Habbal mans the grill, churning out hamburgers and smoked meats.
- Worthy causes. Vision Office Systems is a staunch backer of the Lake Wylie Children’s Charity, which supports children, some of which are terminally ill, with financial assistance. The dealer participates in Shriners Children’s hospitals events during the course of the year.
