In honor of a Halloween release, we're talking about the spooky season with special guests Sam Hughes and...the Ghostface killer from Scream? (It's Sarah Schlueter!) What are some movies/TV shows that have scared us? Favorite Halloween costumes? What technology scares us? Best candy? It's the episode so packed that Dean could only say, "Oh." TEConn…

"The robots are here," says Juan Higueros, Co-Founder & COO of Bear Robotics. He joins us this week to discuss the robot market, where opportunities are taking off, and how VARs can play a huge role. What are service robots doing in the hospitality industry? What use case surprised Juan? What does a typical deployment look like? How does Juan addre…

Shipping labels aren't going anywhere, but why are they so dull? Epson's Tessa Kohl returns to emphasize the opportunity to do more with a process all shippers utilize. How can labels level up with color, additional images and messages, and personalized content? How does such labeling benefit the shipper, and how is Epson helping your customers mak…

It's been nearly two years since LLMs like ChatGPT exploded into the public consciousness, but how are businesses leveraging the technology to improve and grow? Honeywell PSS CIO Michael Groskopf shares some powerful but practical examples with us. What are two things he thinks all VARs could use gen AI for? How does it improve data analysis? What …

We're reflecting on #VARTECH2024 one last time! Was it our biggest show ever? What was the theme, and how did William Shatner, Florida Man memes, and TED Conversations fit in? What were the hot technologies on the exhibit floor, in education sessions, and during the ISV and Solution presentations? Did BlueStar engineer a rocket launch just for thei…

Once again, we took our show on the road to VARTECH in Orlando, Florida, to discuss websites and social media and how they can impact your business. James Korte gives us a breakdown of what "good" websites should contain and what they should do. What are some common pitfalls and mistakes? Is there a right way to do social media? Finally, we wrap up…

**We're off this week, recovering from #VARTECH2024, but as a prelude to the episode we recorded there on website design and social media, here's a flashback to one of our most popular episodes with Barcoding's Krystal Cotriss! See you next week with a new ep!** Originally released July 21, 2022 -------------------------------------------- Having s…

As POS evolves, so does the need for receipt printers to keep up with modern hardware, software, unique use cases, new types of commerce, and myriad connectivity options. That presents many potential problems, which Star Micronics' Kate Orara & Bill Shuff are here to tackle! What's happening with interfaces? How do tablets change printing needs? Wh…

Mobile devices are as standard in the workplace as in our personal lives, so we turned to an expert—Zebra's Eric Hilton—to investigate the market, potential opportunities, and the results of a recent BlueStar Nation survey of Field Service Companies. How have consumer devices affected the enterprise market? What challenges and problems do field tec…

John & Dean have more hot topics and deep dives to get you through the holiday weekend and break the ice at your next team meeting. What’s going on with Amazon drones? What US cities have the highest rent? What cities are most polluted? Who are the world’s most sustainable companies? What bands put together the best single-show setlist? What are th…

Intel has been increasingly investing in our channel, but what does their interest in VARs and solution integrators mean? This week, Intel’s VP of Global Distribution & Partner Sales, David Guzzi, shares his insights as someone with experience in the channel. What’s changed, and how is it impacting Intel’s market strategy? What has surprised him ab…

The robots are here and moving into the reseller channel, but what does that mean for you? Intel’s Robotics Specialist, Milt Walker, joins the show to share his insights into the market and where there may already be opportunities for VARs willing to add robots to your offerings. What industries and use cases are easy fits for robots? What are some…

We’re talking more about AI with Elo’s Kristin Roubie, this time regarding digital displays and industries deploying the technologies together. How are Kristin & Elo approaching AI at the moment? What are some practical applications she’s seen or expects to grow? How does touch, in particular, amplify the power of AI? #VARValue - What should VARs a…

Restaurant and hospitality kitchens are more chaotic than ever, pulled in multiple directions between in-house customers, take-out, delivery apps, and sometimes ghost kitchen responsibilities. This week, Epson’s Tessa Kohl explains their challenges with labor, tackling waste, inefficiencies, and narrow margins, and the role of KDS in a full kitchen…

No one thinks about batteries until they run out and need replacement or a charge. Any downtime wastes time and productivity for enterprise operations using handheld computers, scanners, printers, and other mobility devices. This week, GTS’ Rob Cass and Danny Rockett join the pod to explain why battery health is so important, how to stay ahead of p…

Wow! 200 episodes! We’ve been doing this for a while, and to mark this milestone, we're taking a break from our usual educational discussions to have some fun with another installment of Tech Trivia. It's Dean versus the younger generations, Sarah Schlueter and Sarah Stenger, in a battle of tech knowledge. Plus, as a special bonus, John & Dean fina…

It’s no secret on this podcast that we believe in full solution-selling as the path forward for VARs, but resellers and integrators have probably been burned a few times by software providers and shifting customer expectations, especially in highly competitive industries like restaurants/hospitality. Is leading with software still worth it? This we…

Most VARs and solution integrators, especially those with smaller businesses, are not legal experts and probably don’t have experts on staff. That can make navigating contracts, new partner agreements, and legal disputes difficult to navigate. This week, RSPA Legal Counsel Jill Miller joins the pod to explain some common errors she sees, the bare m…

We're getting in the summer spirit by discussing baseball stadiums, blockbuster movies, and, of course, the zombie internet! Topics: First AI-generated music video Gen Z opting for trade school Ranking the most beautiful ballparks in Major League Baseball Apple Music 100 Best Albums How AI is zombifying the internet Ranking summer blockbusters AI c…

We recorded another live episode with a panel of RFID experts (Zebra’s Eric Malmed, DecisionPoint’s Steve Weiss, & RFID4U’s Archit Dua) and an eager audience. What trends and technology innovations are moving the RFID market? What recommendations or best practices can help VARs sell RFID to SMB customers? What are some specific use cases for RFID i…

Is AI fatigue setting in? Maybe, but that doesn't mean there isn't a real opportunity for VARs to be found. MicroTouch's John Dittig joins the show this week to help us separate the hype from the reality of AI solutions. What industries and end-users are most interested in AI? What needs do they want to be addressed? Is SMB better suited for innova…

We are again investigating the results of an excellent BlueStar Nation end-user survey (shout out to HP and Intel for sponsoring this one!), this time from SMB grocery leaders. The survey focused on the tech they currently use and want to deploy and where they see industry challenges that tech could solve. How are grocers addressing customer experi…

Next week, we'll discuss the results of a grocery executive survey, exploring what technologies they are using and considering and how they envision tech impacting the industry. In preparation, we thought we'd revisit this conversation with Epson's David Vander Dussen. * * * Grocery stores are an essential service, but they’re not immune to the cha…

Retail has “grown up” a lot in the last few years, as competition and shifting customer expectations drive innovation and open the door to new technologies. But that modernization can come with some tradeoffs as retailers determine what is must-have vs. nice-to-have. Intel’s Global Retail Director, David Dobson, joins the pod to explain the outcome…

Guy-Marie Joseph is not just another AI enthusiast. He has been deeply involved in AI, studying its foundations since college. This extensive experience makes him the perfect person to help us delve into the LLM hype, explore practical use cases, and share insights on the road ahead. What does the “intelligence” part of AI really mean? What’s the n…

The electric & hybrid vehicle market continues to grow, spurred by government investment and consumer interest. This week, Jeff Smith, CEO of EVerged, explains why he is all-in on the market and its potential. What trends and opportunities is he seeing? How does EVerged address sustainability questions? What makes this a perfect time to explore EV …

Here's some new news, lists, and interesting studies to share around watercoolers both real and virtual! The effects of the "she"-conomy The coolest streets in the world Americans sleep less and stress more New airline cancellation/fee rules How much soda is too much? The end of noncompetes TEConnecting with us: Dean - How easy is it to brute force…

We’re normally tech-positive on the show, but this week, Dean & John are sharing some of their “beefs” with technology, the things that frustrate or confuse them, including: Dynamic fast-food pricing The death of social media Pennies Paywalled news America's most popular beers Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” stores Healthcare information connectivity It’s…

Technological progress often comes in waves that are met with intense discussion, scrutiny, skepticism, and acceptance. Artificial intelligence is the latest wave disrupting the reseller channel, but one that demands a response sooner rather than later. This week, Intel’s Director of US Distribution, David Allen, is not only explaining the history …

The modern customer is continually evolving, which demands that sales tactics also change, especially in our complex channel model. This week, BlueStar Canada’s President, Michel Sirois, shares his experience and insights on a highly relevant topic to our work. Is the new “generation” of buyers actually an age thing? How do we approach buyers with …

It’s been three years since StayLinked CTO Justin Griffith last appeared on the pod. He discussed the struggle to get warehouses to adopt new technology, even during the pandemic. Has anything changed since then? How is AI impacting the conversation? What other emerging supply chain technologies is he watching? Most importantly, what does Justin th…

Traceability is more important than ever in the food supply chain, as it allows quick and efficient tracking and halting of potential contaminants and foodborne illnesses. This week, food supply chain expert Jim Hilton joins us (in the studio!) to explain the opportunities for VARs. Why are we seeing more recalls? How does the direct-to-consumer ma…

A printer is only as good as its ability to print. That makes the supplies and consumables, like labels, paper, printheads, and more, critical components for a total printer solution and an opportunity for resellers to make steady recurring revenue! BlueStar’s Jessica Kroth, who has over 15 years of experience and a passion for the topic, shares he…

In our industry, looking back can be as important as looking forward, so this week, we’re tapping into a channel veteran for insights and lessons. Code Corporation’s Dave Judy has nearly 50 years of experience in retail, sales, and barcode technology. What’s his background, and how has Code grown & changed? What is his selling philosophy, and why d…

Storefronts and public venues offer plenty of opportunities for national and local brands to market & advertise. It’s also a potential source of recurring revenue for retailers, venue owners, and VARs. That’s the idea behind pDOOH (Programmatic Digital Out-of-Home) advertising, which uses “monetized & managed digital signage” in highly trafficked a…

RFID adoption is rapidly increasing, but traditional AIDC barcode VARs may still be uncertain if they want to add the technology to their portfolio. This week, TSC Printronix's RFID expert, Chris Brown, acknowledges the complexity of RFID solutions alongside the potential for your business. He presents what he sees as four clear options for barcodi…

When the guys need a last-minute guest, bringing in James Korte and telling him to talk marketing is never a bad idea! James predictably nails it with a dive into SEO strategy and how SMB solution providers can position themselves high in organic searches. How long does it take? Where do you start? What should you create? How do you know it's worki…

We're sifting through the data from another BlueStar Nation end-user survey (sponsored by Samsung): 125 retailer leaders shared their concerns, expectations, and perceptions about deploying digital displays. Why aren't they utilizing it? How would they if they did? Are their cost expectations accurate? Who do they think would be responsible for pur…

We’re covering six more topics in technology, business, entertainment, and more! Topics Discussed: MIT’s 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2024 US companies that failed in China 50 years of video game revenues Most popular apps by downloads LinkedIn for dating? CES 2024 (and this article) TEConnecting with us: Dean - "Shotski" record John - Strike F…

VARs and MSPs can sometimes be represented as operating in two different, siloed segments of the B2B technology market, but in a world where “one source” partners and consultants are more valuable than ever, collaboration is the future. This week, we’re joined by Shane Mishler, VP & COO of SD Tech, an MSP that’s already doing just that. How does Sh…

Finding a parking place has been a struggle as long as there have been motor vehicles. That’s especially true in big cities, at sporting events, entertainment venues, airports, and anywhere else that must accommodate large numbers of drivers. This week on the pod, OmniQ’s John Whiteman walks us through the technology that’s simplifying parking for …

We’re kicking off a new year of the podcast by exploring a topic that most of us have struggled with at some point--finding the right “fit” for our clothes--and some cool new tech that’s tackling the problem and improving apparel retailers’ bottom line in the process. We’re joined by Intel partner Fit:match’s Founder & CEO Haniff Brown. Fit:match u…

Another year of the podcast is closing out, so it must be time for the annual Star Wars episode! Sam & Marko join us to talk about the latest news for the franchise, including new movies, Dave Filoni’s promotion, and the end of Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser. We recap season 3 of The Mandalorian and the first (only?) of Ahsoka before John & Sam pitc…

We have an all-star lineup for the latest round of Tech Trivia. Dean defends his recent crown (from episode 150) against two-time champion Whitney Gerrety, Sarah Schlueter, and Sam Hughes. They’ll tackle three rounds of increasingly difficult questions and have a few laughs on the way. Who stayed up late making costumes? Who comes from behind to ti…

We’re kicking off three weeks of fun eps to conclude our year. First up, more TEC Bytes…random stories, lists, and observations to discuss and debate around the watercooler, at a holiday party, or with that family member who still gives fruitcakes as presents. Topics: Top Hotel Bars Better thinking skills for kids The average “global human day” Ame…

Live sporting events are still very popular, but the expectations of an attendee have grown a bit beyond “I want to see my team win.” Fans want an experience, and venues want them to stay (and pay) for as long as possible. Technology is becoming a big part of those experiences, so we wanted to explore the potential opportunities for VARs. Elo’s Rai…

As we wrap up National Diabetes Month, we talk to BlueStar's Healthcare BDM, JoAnna Witting, to discuss how technology can assist healthcare providers with managing chronic conditions, impact public health, and improve patient outcomes. How do virtual care and remote patient monitoring help rural and underserved communities? What solutions make in-…

Labor and economic issues have recently led to some contraction in the warehouse market. Still, Zebra’s 2023 Warehousing Vision Study indicates optimism and growth for the future, led by the growing adoption of automation technology. This week, Zebra’s Andre Luecht and Hy-Tek Intralogistics John Klare, Jr. explain what they see and hear from wareho…

As holiday shopping ramps up, we spoke with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions’ Fredrik Carlegren, who helped us break down an excellent white paper that lays out three obstacles facing retailers to improve the customer experience through technology. What does Fredrik think got us where we are today? How do we close the gap between intention and imp…

Operating systems are necessarily more complex than ever. Still, they must also be simple to use, reliable, and secure, especially the OS that runs digital signage and kiosks for retail or hospitality businesses. This week, Google’s Brandy Au and HP’s David Gosman join the show to explain the OS progression, trends, and current needs. How are marke…