BlueStar Nation is the podcast that tackles the hot topics, trends, and emerging technologies impacting the specialty IT reseller channel, software companies, MSPs, and hardware manufacturers. Hosted by John Martin & Dean Reverman. Tell us what YOU want to hear about: nation@bluestarinc.com
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Putting the "value" in value-added reseller is about more than product mix, low prices, and taking customers out to dinner. To survive in a hyper-competitive market where every customer has just as much access to "speeds & feeds" spec sheets as you do, the difference is aligning your business with customers and defining what truly sets you apart. This week, Mountain Ties founder Stephen Bergeron…
Print is far from dead, and while we live in a very digital world, there is still a need for tangible, physical printing. Epson wants VARs to tap those opportunities by bringing its line of business inkjet printers into the channel. This week, Sandeep "Sam" Patel and Koji Nawata join the pod to pitch business printing for your portfolio. Why enterprise printers over consumer-grade? What verticals…
The modern reseller typically doesn't focus only on transactional sales. Solution selling has become the norm for any business that wants to grow and survive, but how should VARs structure their teams to be true consultants? This week, Honeywell's Theo Newman joins the podcast to explain the importance of building a team of "right people for the right role." How has the hardware sale changed from…
War, defense spending, tariffs, regulatory loosening, and the evolution of AI have changed the landscape of government contracting and public-sector technology needs. What does that mean for resellers hoping to win in 2026? Zebra's Senior Government Contracts Manager, Chris Phann, joins the show to share his insights and recommendations. How can VARs ensure they are FAR compliant? What helps them…
Digital signage keeps improving, and the opportunities keep growing! This week, LG's Mike Stachura is back with dvLED expert Frank Mantz to discuss the current market and what next-gen displays mean for VARs and their customers. What did they geek out about at InfoComm? Why is dvLED outpacing LCD growth? How can VARs ensure they choose the right displays for their customers? What tips do they have…
Last week, we learned why healthcare leaders are struggling to move tech adoption beyond the pilot stage. This week, we find out how they are tackling, like most industries, the "AI conversation." Ambient Clinical Analytics CEO Brian Tufts joins the pod to discuss how the demands of patient care and the need to do more with data analysis are creating opportunities not only for VARs but also for…
A recent survey of 100 hospital execs reveals that tech adoption often stalls after successful pilots and even when there is staff/IT buy-in. Why? Honeywell's Will Mobley joins to answer that question. How can VARs provide the right support to scale solutions? What are the top concerns healthcare leaders need solutions and partners to address? Where are workflow bottlenecks slowing down care or…
We're back with some interesting topics, surveys, data, lists, and discussions for your next watercooler chat, video call, or lunch meeting. This week's topics: NASA's lunar base plans The world's most visited websites The hardest-working US cities Highest-grossing films of all time Gen Z is going to the mall... ...and wants to live in the past How much does it cost to raise a kid? UK banning…
No VAR can do it all, but that's kind of the point of the reseller channel: connecting manufacturers, distributors, resellers, software companies, and service providers to one another to help everyone provide solutions that meet customer needs. This week, Esper Founder & COO Shiv Sundar joins to explain how he saw a need to help resellers not just sell hardware, but ensure it was actually used and…
Deploying RFID solutions is not as simple as slapping some tags on what you want to track and letting readers do their thing. While RFID is more popular than ever, it's critical to foster a strong, experienced partner network if you don't have that expertise in-house. This week, Atlas RFID 's Steven Wood & Tim Prybl join the pod to address issues and assumptions they've seen sink an opportunity.…
