I typically fill our blog with advice on tech trends and business topics. Today’s post is of a more personal nature. After more than 17 years with Jameson Publishing (formerly Corry Publishing), Jim Roddy, president of Business Solutions, speaker, and author of Hire Like You Just Beat Cancer, has left the magazine to pursue a new business venture.  Continue Reading..

The “Mobility Metamorphosis” breakout session May 18 at the Retail IT VAR Of The Future Conference in Chicago featured insights from two veteranl channel executives: Luis Artiz, Group Product Manager, Epson America Inc. and Jason R. Firment, Director of POS and VARCOM,  BlueStar.  Continue Reading..

Three successful managed services providers (MSPs) detailed how The ASCII Group has benefitted their businesses during a lively panel discussion at Business Solutions’ Channel Transitions Conference June 2 in Philadelphia.  Continue Reading..

In addition to being recognized worldwide as a small business guru, Michael Gerber is known for his straight talk. And he’s eager for solution provider owners to be candid with themselves and embrace their reality as well. In a recent interview with Business Solutions President Jim Roddy, Gerber said, “Until the straight talk happens, until somebody pulls the chain, until somebody says something that strikes (VARs and MSPs) so deeply...  Continue Reading..

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter wasn’t involved with any bombs during his days as a founding member of Steely Dan or his five-year run with the Doobie Brothers, however — at least since the mid-1980s — his life has been filled with them. Wait, let me explain. Baxter, 67, closed the ASCII Success Summit held in Milwaukee, WI by discussing his transition from Doobie Brother to national security expert. That’s...  Continue Reading..

I can’t keep up with Karl Palachuk. Recognized in our channel as a managed services pioneer and the owner of solution provider advisor Small Biz Thoughts, Palachuk dispensed an avalanche of wisdom today at the ASCII Success Summit in Milwaukee, so much that I couldn’t capture it all.  Continue Reading..

Datto Vice President of Business Development Rob Rae said to forget about acts of God and focus on continuity if you want channel success during his presentation at the ASCII Success Summit in Milwaukee, WI. “Backup means fires, floods, tornados, and hurricanes,” Rae said. “Most people think acts of God won’t happen to them, so stop selling backup and start selling continuity.”  Continue Reading..