Access Systems
Waukee, IA
www.accesssystems.com
Year Founded: 1986
President/Owner: Shane Sloan (CEO), Jay Agard (president of operations), Jon Joynt (president of sales)
Number of Employees: 250
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Ricoh, Toshiba, HP, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Microsoft, VMware, Drivve, Square 9 Softworks, Fortinet, Kaseya
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, GreatAmerica, DLL, in-house
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $85–$90 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print and MPS
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: For the tenth straight year, at least 40% of Access Systems’ print hardware sales were to net-new clients.
Why We Consider Access Systems Elite:
- New digs. In the fall of 2023, Access Systems opened a new and expanded campus in central Iowa with two buildings covering more than 75,000 square feet across six acres. The expansion topic has been a key element of communication and branding.
- Number crunch. By leveraging data analytics, Access Systems has been able to generate highly targeted outbound marketing campaigns. Using customer insights and predictive modeling, the dealer can tailor its messaging to resonate with specific demographics and buying behaviors. The marketing efforts are aligned with sales goals, ensuring each campaign reaches the desired audience at the right time.
- Employee perks. During the last five years, Access Systems beefed up its employee benefits package with minimal increases in employee premiums. In an effort to make the workplace more comfortable, the dealer moved its admin and sales departments into a new headquarters with state-of-the-art amenities including a fitness center.
- Pitching in. In 2023, the dealer created the Access Cares Foundation with a mission of supporting the community through disaster relief, donations or volunteer activism. One example was coming to the aid of Greenfield, Iowa, citizens after a tornado devastated the town.
Braden Business Systems, Inc.
Fishers, IN
www.bradenonline.com
Year Founded: 1989
President/Owner: David Braden (president), Erik Braden (managing partner)
Number of Employees: 125
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Lexmark, Formax
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, FormedAI, Dell, Meraki
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $52 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (55%), MSP (52%), hardware (21%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Braden Business Systems forged agreements with several mid-size clients in the health care and education spaces, both of which have a high demand for secure, reliable print and document management systems.
Why We Consider Braden Business Systems Elite:
- Cost savings. Automated meter collection tools such as KPAX enable Braden Business Systems to reduce clients’ operational costs while bolstering its service efficiency.
- Business catalyst. Braden Business Systems improved its sales process by focusing on the integration of networked printers and multifunction devices, positioning the dealer as a strategic partner for long-term operational improvements.
- Trophy time. Per the MSP 501, Braden Business Systems was recognized as the 162nd MSP in the world and #1 in the state of Indiana. A Kyocera Platinum Partner, the dealer is Pro-Tech Certified by Konica Minolta and was recognized as a Top Revenue Dealer by the OEM.
- Local support. Braden Business Systems supports many organizations via annual financial donations and time commitments. The company also allows organizations to use its global headquarters for events.
Copiers Northwest, Inc.
Seattle, WA
www.copiersnw.com
Year Founded: 1986
President/Owner: Mark Petrie (CEO), Gregg Petrie (president)
Number of Employees: 200+
Primary Vendors: Canon, Sharp, HP, Lexmark, RISO, Colex, Roland, Verkada, Nextiva, FP Mailing
Primary Solutions Offerings: Tungsten Automation, PaperCut, Canon, PrinterLogic, Sepialine, Foxit Software, Upland, Laserfiche, Square 9 Softworks, OpenText, Rochester Software Associates
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, Canon Financial Services, DLL, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $50+ million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print (35%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Copiers Northwest’s south of downtown Seattle district facility, containing its sales, showroom and print center, became fully operational.
Why We Consider Copiers Northwest Elite:
- Fore warned. Given the success of Copiers Northwest’s “Think Outside the Box” campaign, in which sales reps hand deliver a box with custom coasters, coffee mugs and other specialty items, a golf-themed package was employed this year. The goodies are created in its print center using the Canon Colorado and Arizona units in addition to other equipment.
- Partner kudos. Among the recent honors captured by Copiers Northwest are Canon Advanced Partner Elite status, HP Amplify Power Partner, Sharp’s Hyakuman Kai, Verkada Gold Status and ACDI/PaperCut Premier Dealer.
- Investing client. The top deal of the year for Copiers Northwest was a Pacific Northwest bank that took delivery of more than 1,800 devices.
- Helping hands. The dealer is a CLINK sponsor for the Fred Hutch Obliteride event, which raises money for cancer research. It also backs the Northwest Kidney Centers as a corporate sponsor.
Datamax, Inc.
Little Rock, AR
www.datamaxarkansas.com
www.datamaxtexas.com
Year Founded: 1955
President/Owner: Barry Simon
Number of Employees: 231
Primary Vendors: Canon, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, Kyocera, Dell
Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, Kyocera, Microsoft, Laserfiche, Intermedia, PaperCut, EFI, Kaseya, eGoldFax, Tungsten Automation
Primary Leasing Partners: Datamax Leasing Division
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $54 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Professional services (17%), hardware (12%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Datamax positioned its Arkansas division for next-generation leadership, promoting team members to division president, vice president of sales and area sales manager.
Why We Consider Datamax Elite:
- Welcome aboard. The company’s marketing efforts have focused on internal initiatives, one of which is a welcome kit for new employees. The kit includes a selection of swag items and a letter that underscores the company’s cultural philosophies and principles.
- Feeling valued. Earlier this year, Datamax launched “Our True Blue Loyalty Awards Program,” which provides cash awards for employees leading up to their 25th anniversary with the company. The 25-year qualifiers can select a vacation of their choice, ranging from tropical destinations to mountain adventures.
- Renewing relationships. Last spring, Datamax hosted its FANFEST appreciation open house event in Dallas/Ft. Worth. It had been a while since the dealer was able to welcome its valued client partners, and the celebration was one of food and fellowship, a barbecue where team members could catch up with the company’s Raving Fans.
- Healthy business. The Arkansas office secured a health care client in an agreement that called for 40 new print devices, the management of 200-plus units and PaperCut print management. In Texas, Datamax inked a deal with an industrial equipment distributor, with nearly 50 new devices and management of almost 100 existing units.
Digital Print Solutions
Richfield, OH
dpsamerica.com
Year Founded: 2009
President/Owner: Adam Silk
Number of Employees: 108
Primary Vendors: Canon, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, Xante, Graphic Whizard, Standard Horizon, Duplo, Graphic Imaging Systems, CET
Primary Solutions Offerings: Skandacor, Martin Yale
Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Financial Services, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, DLL, PEAC Solutions
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $51.2 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Flatbed wide-format (56%), envelope printing (42%), direct-to-garment printing
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Digital Print Solutions attained its goal of $500,000 in revenue per team member.
Why We Consider Digital Print Solutions Elite:
- Lion tamers. The majority of Digital Print Solutions’ client base is commercial printers, and the company has developed a staunch reputation for being a top provider in a demanding environment. The dealer furnishes exclusive financial and tax options that benefit the customer base.
- Real-time. Digital Print Solutions has a dedicated server for monitoring toner coverage and automatically adjusts service rates downward for low-toner-usage customers on a month-to-month basis.
- Vendor distinction. For 10 consecutive years, Digital Print Solutions has gained the distinction of being Canon’s largest production print dealership. It’s also Ricoh’s third-largest production dealer.
- Community support. In addition to equipment and service donations to churches and non-profits, Digital Print Solutions furnishes time and finances to schools and other organizations through coaching, auction support and construction work.
Fraser Advanced Information Systems
West Reading, PA
www.fraser-ais.com
Year Founded: 1971
President/Owner: William A. Fraser (CEO), Melissa Confalone (president)
Number of Employees: 175
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Canon, Lexmark, KIP, HP, Muratec
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, EFI, Cisco, ConnectWise, Intermedia, Bitdefender, DUO, PaperCut
Primary Leasing Partners: Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, DLL, internal
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $52 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (71%), hardware
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Fraser Advanced Information Systems saw 71% growth in MPS, a testament to the company’s solutions strategy.
Why We Consider Fraser Advanced Information Systems (Fraser AIS) Elite:
- Tech thrust. Last year, Fraser AIS launched its AI Lab for the study and inclusion of artificial intelligence in its operations. The lab consists of engineers, developers, sales and service staff, and marketing. Not only has Fraser AIS helped clients improve their business operations, the dealer itself has saved nearly $500,000 by automating processes.
- Safe deposits. Fraser AIS reached a deal with one of the country’s top 100 banks, an agreement that included servicing the existing fleet and replacing half of the client’s 400 devices. Managed print helped round out solutions for the entire print environment.
- Vendor kudos. The dealer has been recognized by Sharp with Hyakuman Kai Elite Dealer status and the Triple A Platinum Service award. A repeat Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania honoree, Fraser AIS has been cited for its business growth by the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Lehigh Valley Business. It’s designation as a top veteran-owned business was presented by the Philadelphia Business Journal and Central Pennsylvania Business Journal.
- Giving back. Each year, Fraser AIS earmarks revenue for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. Through these significant donations, Fraser selects educational institutions to support the community. In the past year, the dealer awarded approximately $50,000 to deserving local institutions.
LDI Connect
Jericho, NY
www.myLDI.com
Year Founded: 1999
President/Owner: Jerry Blaine
Number of Employees: 250
Primary Vendors: Canon, Sharp/NEC, HP, Xerox, Toshiba, Brother, Samsung, Epson
Primary Solutions Offerings: Fiery, Vasion, Tungsten Automation, PaperCut, Cisco, Meraki, Ubiquiti, Microsoft, Intermedia, HYAS, Martello, Verkada
Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Financial Services, DLL, First Citizens Bank, LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $70 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production print, pro A/V, MNS, cloud
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: As the company enters its 25th year in business, LDI Connect leadership has been lauded for its contributions to assisting the underserved, underprivileged, disabled and disenfranchised.
Why We Consider LDI Connect Elite:
- Social skills. LDI Connect has enjoyed notoriety for its business networking chops, which has proven to be the best vehicle for securing net-new business. The dealer also excels with repeat and referral business.
- Community connections. Another example of LDI Connect leveraging its corporate personalities is through social outreach and local involvement, which enables its management team and representatives to forge deep bonds within the community.
- Target markets. LDI Connect maintains a strong presence among the health care, legal, education and not-for-profit sectors. The dealer also thrives with luxury brands, the municipal sector and creative agencies.
- Family legacy. The dealer counts many children of longtime employees among the ranks of its expanding operations.
Les Olson IT
Salt Lake City, UT
www.lesolson.com
Year Founded: 1956
President/Owner: James Olson (CEO), Lisa Thaller (CBO), Troy Olson (CBDO)
Number of Employees: 334
Primary Vendors: Sharp, Ricoh, HP, HPE, Fujitsu, Formax, Dell, Mint Mailing, Intermedia, Verkada, Fujitsu
Primary Solutions Offerings: Kaseya, DocuWare, PaperCut, EKM, Vasion, Microsoft, Google, Upland Software, Goldfax, Drivve, Kaseya
Primary Leasing Partners: REVCO (internal leasing), U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $70+ million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Security camera (958%), telecom (384%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Despite a difficult hiring environment, Les Olson IT has expanded its employee base with qualified, helpful people. In turn, the company enjoyed its highest revenue in company history.
Why We Consider Les Olson IT Elite:
- Story tellers. In an effort to boost its name recognition and brand itself as a full technology partner, Les Olson IT enlisted the help of local radio personalities to share the dealer’s story. This genuine, informative approach has been vital to communicating the company’s value as not just a copier seller, but also a leading managed IT provider.
- Instant leads. The dealer created the role of sales development, which is responsible for qualifying marketing-generated leads within moments of the prospect calling or filling out an online form. This has bolstered the value of leads generated through Google ads and other digital platforms while increasing potential customer satisfaction—a boon for closing rates.
- Complete solution. One of the biggest deals for Les Olson IT—and arguably one of the most satisfying for the company—was an education client that required security cameras but also utilized virtually all the dealer’s technology offerings.
- Special relationship. Les Olson IT has fostered strong connections with Primary Children’s Hospital, one of the nation’s leaders for pediatric care. In the last decade, the dealer has donated more than $500,000 to support the hospital’s mission. Les Olson IT’s Las Vegas branch teamed with a local Fox affiliate and other businesses in Clark County to sponsor Super Build, which remodeled two community parks and also built and paid for two homes that were given to families with a member who served in the armed forces.
Modern Office Methods (MOM)
Cincinnati, OH
www.momnet.com
www.optimizedIT.net
Year Founded: 1957
President/Owner: Kevin McCarthy
Number of Employees: 238
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Canon, HP, Zebra
Primary Solutions Offerings: Microsoft, SonicWall, VMware, KnowBe4, OpenText, DocuWare, PaperCut, NTWare, Tungsten Automation, Ademero, Upland Software, EFI, Square 9 Softworks
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $65–$70 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Production (32%), managed IT (24%), MPS (10%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Modern Office Methods expanded into the Pittsburgh market and launched Obviam, a cybersecurity subsidiary.
Why We Consider Modern Office Methods (MOM) Elite:
- Bold strokes. The launch of Obviam represented a huge step into the world of cybersecurity services for MOM and expanded the dealer’s service offering beyond traditional office solutions. Obviam quickly secured several high-profile clients.
- Service savior. One of the year’s most notable takedowns was a large regional health care provider that was dissatisfied with the prior vendor’s poor service, slow response time and lagging supplies. MOM crafted a deal including more than 300 MFDs, 150 printers, production units and managed print with an MSRP of $1.2 million. A customized SLA helped address all service and supply issues, and MOM also resolved security vulnerabilities.
- Quality content. MOM positioned itself as a thought leader for office tech, cybersecurity and managed IT through educational insights via blog posts, whitepapers, webinars and videos. The content touches on common office challenges and provides actionable insights and solutions.
- Helping hands. The dealer provides financial contributions to non-profit organizations including the Mercy Health Foundation, Cincinnati ToolBank, and the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation. MOM also participates in programs such as Toys for Tots and sends care packages to troops overseas.
Prosource
Cincinnati, OH
www.totalprosource.com
Year Founded: 1985
President/Owner: Ben Russert
Number of Employees: 250
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Lexmark, Xerox, Toshiba, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Tungsten Automation, Blackpoint Cyber, Scale Computing, Sophos, Barracuda, Hyland, Intermedia, Dell, Egnyte
Primary Leasing Partners: U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, DLL, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $65–$70 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Office equipment (19%), ECM (19%), managed IT (11%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Prosource took steps to improve processes, organizational structure and employee productivity.
Why We Consider Prosource Elite:
- Home improvements. The aforementioned improvements saw Prosource conduct internal process and organizational structure reviews to understand its current state and determine where opportunities existed. The dealer then devised and implemented enhanced processes and revised its organizational structure while implementing employee development strategies to help improve productivity and provide a better overall user experience for both internal and external customers.
- Sewn up. Prosource brought order to a Kentucky material handling company that was tangled in numerous leases with several competitors. The contracts were consolidated into one fleet management agreement spanning 40 MFDs, PaperCut, thermal printers, desktop scanners and envelope inserters. Prosource also furnished a software solution that streamlined the client’s AR/AP workflows, enabling it to take advantage of discounts on payment terms.
- Brand new. The dealer rolled out a new brand, Vitis Technologies, which encapsulates Prosource’s managed IT and cybersecurity business. In late 2023, Prosource built the brand via a visual identity, key messaging strategy and marketing rollout plan. The intent was to provide the technologies sector of Prosource’s business with its own brand identity.
- Difference maker. Prosource held its second annual Impact Day, with more than 100 team members dedicating 300-plus hours of volunteer service in one day to benefit Crayons to Computers, Matthew 25 Ministries, Tender Mercies, the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Gorman Heritage Farm and the SPCA. More than 50 employees also took part in the CancerFree KIDS 100 Mile Challenge, a month-long fitness competition that raised more than $6,000.
Proven IT
Tinley Park, IL
www.provenIT.com
Year Founded: 2003
President/Owner: John Cosich (CEO), Brett Cosich (COO)
Number of Employees: 325
Primary Vendors: Canon, Toshiba, Xerox
Primary Solutions Offerings: PaperCut, Canon, Microsoft, CrowdStrike, Mimecast
Primary Leasing Partners: LEAF
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $85 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: MPS (30%), MNS (25%), BPA (20%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Proven IT grew its sales team by 30%, a group that includes seasoned pros as well as rookie business development reps.
Why We Consider Proven IT Elite:
- Known qualities. One of the keys to Proven IT’s high customer retention rate is its tenured employees who provide consistency and familiarity within key accounts.
- Many seats. Proven IT’s top deal this past year was a managed network services client with more than 750 users.
- Industry recognitions. CRN magazine named Proven IT to its Solution Provider 500 list, and the dealer was honored among the Top 100 Best Places to Work in the technology industry.
- Helping hands. Proven IT supports the community and its client base via event sponsorships, technology donations and employee volunteering.
Systel Business Equipment
Fayetteville, NC
www.systeloa.com
www.systelprinting.com
Year Founded: 1981
President/Owner: Keith Allison
Number of Employees: 250
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, Lexmark, Mimaki
Primary Solutions Offerings: Square 9 Softworks, PaperCut, DocuWare, Tungsten Automation, Ricoh, EveryonePrint, OpenText, Upland Software, DocuWare, All Covered
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, U.S. Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $57 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Faxing solutions (2,000+%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: By streamlining its portfolio and refining processes, Systel Business Equipment’s solutions department was able to reap a 28% increase in placements.
Why We Consider Systel Business Equipment Elite:
- Welcome aboard. Systel is developing an online training platform to help streamline its employee onboarding process. The move is tailored toward providing newcomers with the basics about the company and the way it does business along with the tools needed to thrive. It will include written and recorded scripts housed within a series of modules. Upon watching each module, employees will be evaluated on their understanding of the material by completing brief assessments on which they will be graded.
- Being seen. In an effort to bolster visibility and brand recognition, Systel did a redesign of its service vehicle wraps. The messaging better reflects and aligns with the dealer’s current marketing material and branding style. The wraps also feature a map highlighting Systel’s service territories.
- Print monitoring. A $1.4 million deal with a local school district featured 300 right-sized devices. Systel also implemented PaperCut to streamline the school system’s operations. The software will help identify the heaviest print users by department and enable print release at the closest available device.
- Impactful support. Each year, Systel hosts several charity initiatives that resonate most with employees. Last October, in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, employees at all the dealer’s facilities donated items for gift bags that were distributed at a local cancer center. They were given to patients to help them feel more comfortable during treatments.
United Business Technologies
Gaithersburg, MD
www.ubti.com
Year Founded: 1978
President/Owner: Armen Manoogian (CEO), Stu Wise (president/COO)
Number of Employees: 92
Primary Vendors: Canon, HP, Toshiba, Brother
Primary Solutions Offerings: Canon, PaperCut, Vasion Print, EFI, Tungsten Automation, ECI Software
Primary Leasing Partners: Canon Financial Services, First Citizens Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenue: $72 million
Fastest-Growing Business Segments: Software (22%), MPS (20%), production (18%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: By focusing on production and net-new MPS clients, United Business Technologies increased revenues 10%.
Why We Consider United Business Technologies (UBT) Elite:
- Host toast. The dealer hosts open-house technology events in conjunction with Atlantic Graphic Systems. This enables UBT to give clients an up-close look at the latest in production equipment technology.
- Top deal. UBT picked up Catholic University as a client in a comprehensive agreement that entails 115 devices bundled with MPS and Canon uniFLOW software. The pact included robust security hardening protocols, a customized service-level agreement and comprehensive training materials including videos and digital collateral for each device feature.
- Top performer. Account representative Steve Moss finished in the top five of Canon’s Soar contest for selling imagePRESS equipment, and the dealer itself achieved Canon Advanced Partner Elite Member status. UBT also boasts a Net Promoter Score of 96%.
- Proficiency enhancements. Four UBT employees completed training to become 2024 Fiery Certified cutsheet experts. The dealer also invests in training, leadership programs and project management certifications for its team members.
