BlueStar Nation

We're back with more hot topics, surveys, and ideas to spark conversation.

Topics:

Around the Nation: 2U Tour - NYC

On Our Radar

Dean - Tesla Cybercab

John - Columbia House shuts down

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo Pay M100

The trucking & logistics industry is vital to many other industries and the global economy. So why are so many fleets, BCOs, and shippers still using outdated, fragmented, and inefficient technology and processes? To answer that question and explore opportunities for resellers to address these issues with hardware & software solutions, we're joined this week by Baysys Founder & CEO Tom Hurwitch and Strategic Business Advisor Gerry Corriveau. What is waste costing fleet owners and cargo movers every day? How does automating & digitizing now prepare them for the next iteration of T&L? What is Baysys offering now and in the future, and how will they help VARs grow their business? It's the episode that's just idling here, wasting fuel until you listen!

Visit baysys.io to learn more and contact them directly at:

Tom Hurwitch: [email protected]

Gerry Corriveau: [email protected] | 774.847.4957

Around the Nation: Attending VARTECH 2026? Download the BlueStar Events App. Not attending? Follow us on LinkedIn & YouTube for updates from the show!

#VARValue - Why should VARs work with Baysys? What are they looking for in partners, and how can they help solution providers sell more and grow their T&L business?

On Our Radar

Gerry - Having fun with AI

Tom - AI for data analytics

Dean - Why you should sit on the floor

John - The Tokyo business shorts scandal

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo I-Series 5

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 brings 30+ years of channel sales experience to the show. What's changed in that time, for the better or worse? How does Mind Mapping & Story Selling help you win more deals? How should you change your approach to quotes and business reviews to wow your customers? It's the episode that's here for you womb to tomb!

Around the Nation: Join one (or both) of the final 2U Tour stops!

#VARValue - What are one or two simple things a VAR or ISV could do immediately to add value to their business?

On Our Radar

Stephen - Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

Dean - Extending EV battery life with physical pressure

John - T rex fossil auction

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo v. Legacy

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 need these solutions? How should you approach existing and new customers? It's the episode that's ready to battle Mewtwo!

Around the Nation: Check out the BlueStar Nation Blog!

#VARValue - How is Epson supporting resellers and ISVs who want to sell these printers?

On Our Radar

Koji - Finding your ikigai

Sam - World Cup technology

Dean - China's reusable rocket catch

John - Pokemon Go Times Square event

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Epson Business Solutions

Elo Non-Touch Displays

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 the customer perspective? How does AI impact the conversation? Why is barcode scanning the perfect example of how selling has changed? It's the episode that's willing to pay more to stay comfortable.

Around the Nation: Meet BlueStar at RetailNow 2026 in Las Vegas!

#VARValue - Where do resellers have the opportunity to grow and change their approach to be truly consultative? How does Honeywell enable them?

On Our Radar

Theo - JDM Hot Hatches

Dean - Do you really have to wait to swim after eating?

John - Summer cooling costs

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo Self-Service Array

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 look good when responding to RFPs? How is Zebra helping resellers navigate this landscape?

Around the Nation: Join us on our final US 2U Tour stops!

#VARValue - Where are there short-term and long-term opportunities in the public sector? Are there any easy-button revenue generators to explore NOW, rather than future needs we should be planning for? 

On Our Radar

Chris - World Cup technology

Dean - World Cup tourism

John - Gen Z is getting into film photography

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Zebra TC701 Mobile Computer

Unitech Rugged Mobility Solutions

Elo I-Series 5

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 for combatting consumer displays? What are drop-servicing and resi-mercial?

Around the Nation: Improve your Solutions Selling mentality at BlueStar Academy!

#VARValue - What’s next for LG and the DS market? Any final pro tips for VARs trying to grow their business?

On Our Radar

Mike - Air fryers and the World Cup technologies

Frank - Augmented reality

Dean - Is all water pee?

John - Playing the original Final Fantasy

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

LG Direct View LED Signage

Elo Backpack with Intel

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 reshaping the industry landscape. Where do advanced tools fit into workflows? How do we demonstrate ROI? What questions and conversations open the door to strong partnerships?

Learn about Ambient's sepsis prevention tools and the crisis facing clinicians: https://info.appwaresolutions.com/exec_gd_sepsis_compliance_beyond_detection

Around the Nation: Meet BlueStar at InfoComm 2026! Booth C5019 - use code BLU336 for a free exhibit hall pass!

#VARValue - How is Ambient helping VARs find new business opportunities in healthcare? How does the healthcare technology conversation differ from other industries?

On Our Radar

Brian - Oura ring, WHOOP, and other wearables

Dean - Harvard is making A's harder to achieve

John - Hidden moons around Uranus

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo Pay M100

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 forcing clinicians to revert to manual practices? It's the episode that's watched too many Noah Wyle medical dramas.

Thanks to Honeywell for sponsoring this important Healthcare Survey!

Around the Nation: Vote for the RSPA Vendor Awards of Excellence by June 5th!

#VARValue - How is Honeywell tackling some of the findings, challenges, and opportunities we’ve discussed? How can VARs use this data to grow their healthcare business?

On Our Radar

Will - College football playoffs and conference realignments

Dean - Ranking the NFL logos

John - Your name in Landsat

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Honeywell Xenon Ultra 1962h Cordless Handheld Scanner

Elo Non-Touch Monitors

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:

Around the Nation: Check out Dean on the RSPA Trusted Advisor Podcast, discussing the latest KPI Study

On Our Radar

Dean - Pirates sign 19-year-old Konnor Griffin

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

Sponsored by:

Elo vs. Legacy Hardware