While he’s never served as a pitchman for Dos Equis, Brian Gertler certainly merits consideration for the next iteration of “The Most Interesting Man in the World,” given his colorful background. Gertler has experienced multiple lifetimes wrapped into one and the industry veteran shows no signs of shifting into cruise control.
For the past 21 years, he’s been a senior vice president and partner with Long Island dealer LDI Connect (nee LDI Color ToolBox) and has played a considerable role in the company’s ascension to $55 million in annual revenues. He’s taken a lead position in the dealership’s technology juicing that has provided considerable options for the dealership to thrive well beyond the base MFP. Before we delve into the particulars of his office tech career, however, it’s important to provide a snapshot of his journey. Suffice to say, Gertler has been on both sides of the camera:
- The New York University grad became licensed for ophthalmic dispensing and owned two optical retail practices on Third Avenue in Manhattan. His client list boasted numerous celebrities in the film, fashion and entertainment industries, He provided eyewear for the likes of Trey Anastasia (Phish), Rip Taylor, Clive Davis, Andie MacDowell and the Cadbury Goose(!), among others.
- Gertler fashioned a professional music career in the process, playing keyboards and singing for a band that booked nearly 100 events per year for several years. “Imagine the ‘Wedding Singer’ and ‘Wedding Crashers’ combined,” he observed.
- A photographer extraordinaire, he’s taken more than 70,000 event photos during his 21-year career at LDI, but his other event credits include the St. John’s Runway Models. His work has appeared in Avenue Magazine and other publications.
- Along the way, he’s owned a microfilming company, which provided digital images of original National Football League player contracts. Gertler owned a computer company, developed a high school technology curriculum and taught for two semesters, was the CEO of a litigation support company, partnered in a cookie bouquet business, and worked his freelance magic in areas including graphic design, marketing and business development.
He may no longer be in the ophthalmic world, but Gertler has been helping clients see clearly since day one. And that involves senses beyond sight.
“I always tell people that my clients are my best teachers because if you take the time to listen, they will tell you things about how to implement technology that makes for the most impactful applications,” said Gertler, a 2022 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “I am always trying to improve what I do as an individual and what we do as a company. Though the relationships and strategic partnerships that we have been able to cultivate over the years, it’s provided us with unparalleled access. We never forget that it is the people that need to drive, access and ultimately use the solutions we provide.”
Brand Clarity
Earlier this year, Gertler helped quarterback the LDI’s rebranding initiative, which paints a more broader picture of the dealership’s value proposition for products and services ranging from managed IT to professional audio/visual, document workflow, cloud communications and security. But it is solutions-a-service that he believes to be the most powerful/impactful offering.
“The guidance and technology we offer, when used effectively, impact the way our prospects and clients do business and provide a true competitive advantage in their everyday lives,” he added.
While his résumé is certainly loaded with accomplishments, Gertler is loath to take credit for LDI’s success. Collaboration is at the heart of many projects, and the company’s greatest triumphs reflect team member contributions, showcasing the brilliance of numerous talented individuals.
Gertler is unceasing in his quest to push beyond his limitations and uncover that next big thing. Imaginations are aplenty, and the clock is his only foe.
“Everything I do takes a great deal of care and precision,” he noted. “Time management is a mastery that might enable me to do more, and proceed more effectively.”
Gertler has been blessed with the love and support of his wife of 42 years, Jane. They have three children (Tracy, Sherie and Glenn) plus five grandchildren. Gertler honored them by naming his first technology company, TSG (Technology Support Group), using their initials.
Gertler shoehorns as many athletic and intellectual pursuits into his day as time permits and still fuels his love for music and photography. Providing support to communities and organizations that serve the less fortunate is a passion that ranks high on his list.
“My mantra has always been a pay-it-forward philosophy and to make places and situations better for the fact that I’ve been there,” he added. “I always seek to put in more than I take out.”
