Elite Dealers $50 million-$100 million
Blue Technologies
Cleveland, OH
www.btohio.com
Year Founded: 1995
Principal/President/CEO: Paul Hanna
Number of Employees: 200
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Lexmark, KIP, HP
Primary Solutions Offerings: Hyland OnBase, Autonomy, FileBound, eCopy, PrintShop Mail, PageScope Unity, Prism, Equitrac, PrintAudit, Print Manager Plus, Digital StoreFront, Planetpress
Primary Supplies Vendors: Konica Minolta, Lexmark, HP
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, Element Financial Corp., US Bank, GE Capital, CIT Financial
Approximate Yearly Revenues: $50 million
Fastest Growing Segments of Blue Technologies’ Business: Over the past three years Blue’s professional services has continued to grow, including MPS, IT solutions, and productivity solutions. The latter two – which include managed services, comprehensive IT infrastructure consulting, document management solutions and optimization – have been enhanced by the successful integration of acquired division Blue Technologies Smart Solutions (BTSS), which joined as a fully-owned subsidiary in September 2013. BTSS is a premier IT and productivity solutions provider to clients with experts in the education, legal, professional services, government and corporate sectors.
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Fully integrating Smart Solutions Inc., which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Technologies effective September 1, 2013 – renamed Blue Technologies Smart Solutions (BTSS).
5 Reasons We Consider Blue Technologies Elite:
1.Its Commitment to Excellence – Every Day. Blue Technologies implements a 5-point pledge that protects each customer after an acquisition is complete, guaranteeing quality product performance, product service, supplies, easy acquisition, and complete customer satisfaction.
2.Last year Blue Technologies Smart Solutions (BTSS), which joined as a fully-owned subsidiary in September 2013, was named the 2013 “North American Partner of the Year” by HP Autonomy.
3.As part of its Customer Care Program, Blue creates a monthly company e-newsletter; weekly, industry-specific e-mail campaigns; and allows customers to self-serve through a secure online customer portal, BlueNET. The e-newsletter, BT Connect, is an email that goes out to current customers that Blue regularly communicates with so they are able to stay up-to-date with all of the newest information at Blue Technologies. The newsletter features “What’s New at Blue?”, a section dedicated to sharing news such as innovative products, events or a featured employee, so customers can get to personally know the Blue brand. The most important portion of BT Connect is the section where any customer can provide positive or negative feedback via a dedicated e-mail address.
4.Blue Technologies annually recognizes employees that have gone above and beyond Blue’s Commitment to Excellence with awards and prizes at its annual Commitment to Excellence event. The dealership also provides options for continuing education, including financial assistance to any full-time employee interested in continuing education at the collegiate level provided there is a solid business case where the company can benefit. Blue also provides education opportunities for its administration, service representatives, and sales representatives on product services, as well as internal training sessions on their job requirements, such as using CRM.
5.It gives more than $100,000 annually in donations to various organizations, including Cavs Youth Fund, BelleFlower, Lake Health Foundation, Gathering Place, Sisters of Charity, BellefaireCB, Diversity Center, Southwest General Tiara, Hawkins School, Providence House, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Applewood, WSL Foundation, Alzheimer Foundation, and the Children’s Development Center.
Jerry Blaine, President & CEO
LDI Color Toolbox
Jericho, NY
www.myLDI.com
Year Founded: 1999
Principal/President/CEO: Jerry Blaine
Number of Employees: 240
Primary Vendors: Canon, Sharp, Toshiba, Samsung, HP, Océ, EFI, Epson, 3D Systems, KIP, Xerox, Riso
Primary Solutions Offerings: Print Workflow Solutions; Document Distribution and Document Management; MPS; Production Print; Color Graphic Solutions; Visual Communications (Interactive Whiteboards, Digital Signage, Content Management); Vertical Solutions for Education, Legal, Healthcare; Design Graphics
Primary Supplies Vendors: Canon, Sharp, HP, Toshiba, Synnex, Tech Data, Supplies Network, LMI, Azerty
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, US Bank
Approximate Yearly Revenues: $70 million
Fastest Growing Segments of LDI Color Toolbox Business: MFPs, MPS, Visual Communications,
Document Management
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Incorporating more visual communications and 3D printing into its product portfolio and expanding its business model with a Certified MBE joint venture.
5 Reasons We Consider LDI Color Toolbox Elite:
1.It takes the time to bring its end users together with its manufacturer/application developers to create strategic development for new innovation.
2.It has remained at the forefront of emerging technologies and is not shy about integrating workflow solutions across manufacturer lines. LDI understands how digital print, imaging, and visual communications technology can transform the way a company or organization is doing business, and takes a unique approach to every client engagement.
3.It has recently expanded its business by coordinating efforts with a substantial minority partner, The Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut. This new business venture has enabled LDI to expand its business model into a new geography (Southern New England), gave it an opportunity to harness some of the most talented sales representatives in the region, and enabled it to develop conversations with government and large corporate clients that have a mandate to procure from certified minority business enterprises.
4.Despite its growing numbers, LDI has maintained a family-style ownership, mentoring and caring for every employee.
5.Besides making significant dollar contributions to charities and non-profits, the dealership offers pro-bono printing, saving organizations and non-profits significant dollars. It also employs the disadvantaged, challenged, and people with disabilities.
Jim Loffler, President & CEO
Loffler Companies
Bloomington, MN
www.loffler.com
Year Founded: 1986
Principal/President/CEO: Jim Loffler
Number of Employees: 405
Primary Vendors: Canon, Konica Minolta, Toshiba, Océ, HP, Lexmark, NEC, ShoreTel
Primary Solutions/Services Offerings: MPS, IT Managed Services, Software & Workflow Technologies, VoIP Phones, On-Site People-Based Facilities Management
Primary Supplies Vendors: Canon, Konica Minolta, West Point Products
Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenues: $67 million
Fastest Growing Segments of Loffler’s Business: MPS (32%), Loffler Management Solutions (12%), Software & Workflow Technologies (30%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Completed three strategic acquisitions in the last half of 2013. One acquisition allowed Loffler to become one of the largest and most technically advanced MPS organizations in the country. An acquisition in central Minnesota expanded its product and services reach to almost the entire state, and a third included a new showroom and service center serving Western Wisconsin.
5 Reasons We Consider Loffler Elite:
1.It has strategically created a one-stop shopping experience for customers who are looking for integrated solutions. From printers and copiers, to MPS, to IT and On-Site Managed Services, to Telephones and Workflow Technologies, Loffler’s clients’ technology and services needs are met by one company, on one invoice.
2.Its focus on customization, attention to detail, and an “all hands on deck” approach to ensure the client receives the best solution for whatever their organization’s needs may be.
3.It maintains a small business, family feel, yet is large, financially sound and growing, so that job security is not a concern for its employees. Through employee surveys, Loffler has been named a StarTribune Top Workplace for four years in a row, and one of the “100 Best Places to Work in Minnesota” by Minnesota Business magazine for three consecutive years.
4.Over the years the dealership has done a terrific job of branding and making itself as one of the most visible office technology providers in the markets they serve. The Loffler name is always at the forefront of everything it does, from its website, to collaterals, to radio ads, to signage on its building and fleet of service vehicles, to the strong recognition it receives for its contribution to the community. The Loffler brand is also visible on the scoreboards at multiple Twin Cities area sporting events.
5.Its focus on strategic acquisitions and growth.
PERRY proTECH
Lima, OH
www.perryprotech.com
Year Founded: 1965
Principal/President/CEO: Barry Clark
Number of Employees: 225
Primary Vendors: Konica Minolta, Muratec, Riso, KIP, Lexmark, Samsung, Sharp, Cisco, HP, VMware, EMC, Citrix, Microsoft, Emerson, Time Warner, Lifesize, Fortinet, Aerohive, ShoreTel (IT)
Primary Solutions Offerings: Contentverse, OpenText, Alchemy, NSI AutoStore, Mi-Co, Artsyl, DocAlpha, VirtualWorks
Primary Supplies Vendors: Konica Minolta, Azerty, Ingram Micro, Tech Data
Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, GreatAmerica
Approximate Yearly Revenues: $55-$60 million
Fastest Growing Segments of PERRY’s Business: MPS and Managed IT (30%), Solutions (25%), Physical Security (55%)
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: Receiving multiple national awards, including Perfect Image Award Dealer of the Year, CRN Managed Service Provider Elite 150 and OH/KY Chapter ESOP Company of the Year. Additionally, PERRY was presented with the proMedica Aligned Strategic Supplier award.
5 Reasons We Consider PERRY proTECH Elite:
1.Its Innovate, Integrate and Educate teams, established in 2013, comprised of multiple levels of employees, continue to provide the dealership with forward thinking and creative ideas that keep PERRY ahead of its competition.
2.The release of its own application, PERRY proCARE, which allows customers to manage their imaging account from a mobile device. From this app they can scan PERRY’s ID tag and machine information, which automatically populates, and can then do simple functions such as submit meter reads, order supplies, or request a service call.
3.The creation of a Social Media Team to keep PERRY’s social footprint active and interesting to readers while aligned with the company’s corporate messaging.
4.The rapid growth of its security solutions offering as well as its new managed services model that provides one all-inclusive packaged solution for small business (Synergy). A separate managed services offering, PERRY proMANAGE, provides a la carte programs to mid-to-enterprise businesses and smaller businesses with existing IT staff in place.
5.The Employee Owners Communication Committee instituted a CEO program (Certified Employee Owners) that contains four separate courses focused on what it means to be an owner, each with video training, and testing requirements that include written essays. All employees completing the program receive a CEO medallion for their proELITE Status plaque.
Keith Allison, President & CEO
Systel Business Equipment
Fayetteville, NC
www.systeloa.com
Year Founded: 1981
Principal/President/CEO: Keith Allison
Number of Employees: 240
Primary Vendors: Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, Lexmark
Primary Solutions Offerings: Document Management Software, MPS, Commercial Imaging,
Commercial Printing
Primary Supplies Vendors: Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, Lexmark
Primary Leasing Partners: US Bank, DLL
Approximate Yearly Revenues: $53 million
Fastest Growing Segments of Systel’s Business: MPS, Production Print Sales, State Contract Multifunction, Printers, MPS
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: The completion of its 125,000-square foot distribution center in Fayetteville, NC. This new warehouse facility is the central location for all equipment and supply shipments to all of Systel’s 10 regional offices. This initially consolidates three warehouse locations in Fayetteville, NC and will eventually consolidate warehouse space at each regional office throughout NC and GA. The new facility will also serve as a new State of the Art Service training facility as well as provide a refurbished department for used equipment.
5 Reasons We Consider Systel Elite:
1.Its new 125,000-square foot distribution center in Fayetteville, NC.
2.It developed its own toner recycling program, which includes customized Systel boxes for all of its manufacturer partner’s toner and supplies.
3.It offers customers flexible billing, which is considered a major plus by its customers.
4.It has physical service locations throughout its service area, making Systel the only independent dealer that is authorized to provide onsite service to all North Carolina counties for Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, and Lexmark products.
5.Its charitable initiatives. Systel’s Copies for Community program allows a percentage of each transaction in a designated month to go to one of three partner charities of the customer’s choice. A large check is delivered to each charity at the end of each calendar year. The dealership also provides scholarship and endowments to numerous colleges and universities in the area that promote athletic and academic opportunities to numerous students throughout the State.
Frank Grasso, CEO
TGI Office Automation
Brooklyn, NY
www.tgioa.com
Year Founded: 1964
Principal/President/CEO: Frank Grasso
Number of Employees: 350
Primary Vendors: Toshiba, Lanier/Ricoh, Lexmark, KIP, Kyocera, Riso, HP, Franco Postalia
Primary Solutions Offerings: DocuWare (TGI Docs Pro), Drivve Print (TGI Mobile Print), Drivve/eCopy ShareScan Elements (TGI Scan), PPDM/ReRite (TGI Convert), PaperCut MF (TGI Control), PaperCut NG ( TGI Track), Security Solutions, Green Solutions, Managed IT Services, Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery
Primary Supplies Vendors: Supplies Network, LMI, Arlington, Image Star, Diversified Computer Supplies
Primary Leasing Partners: DLL, CIT, GE Capital, EverBank, Wells Fargo
Approximate Yearly Revenues: $75 million
Fastest Growing Segments of TGI’s Business: Software solutions
Biggest Accomplishment of the Past Year: TGI’s 50th anniversary. In 1964, one year prior to the invention of the compact disk, TGI Office Automation (then T&G Industries) was born in a humble brownstone in Brooklyn, NY with a $500 loan from their grandmother to sell copy paper and office supplies. From those humble beginnings TGI has grown into one of the most successful business technology providers in the U.S.
5 Reasons We Consider TGI Elite:
1.Despite its growth, TGI has never lost touch with the old neighborhood. Its state-of-the-art headquarters and cutting edge technology portal is located less than a mile away from the brownstone where the company first started, constantly reminding staff of the business’s origins.
2.Its approach to selling software solutions from an array of vendors by branding those as “TGI” solutions.
3.The TGI Press, News and Events Blog. Since October of last year, TGI’s website has featured everything from the latest business technology advancements to its community involvement. The goal is to provide a knowledge base for business technology consumers and for visitors to check back regularly to learn more about how to improve efficiency and to make TGI their first stop when researching new business technology trends. Ultimately, the dealership would like its blog to be the vehicle through which it positions itself as its customer’s trusted business partner. (http://w3.tgioa.com/about-tgi/blog/)
4.Its Technology Expos that it hosts throughout the year at its Brooklyn headquarters. Following the Expo, guests are invited to the TGI Suite at the Barclays Center for a Brooklyn Nets game.
5.Vendor acknowledgement of TGI’s excellence. The dealership has been honored as Toshiba’s Top Dealer Nationwide, Lanier’s Top Dealer in the Nation, a Toshiba’s Pro Masters Service Award, a Lanier National Service Excellence Award, a Lexmark’s Top Performer Award, and a DocuWare’s Diamond Club Partner Award.
