BlueStar Nation - Podcast Details

Shows

BlueStar Nation Star Wars Nerdfest – Episode VIWe're wrapping up our sixth season with the annual discussion of all things Star Wars with special guest Sam Hughes! What's the latest news on new movies, series, and scrapped projects? We're actually getting a new film next year (The Mandalorian & Grogu), but will it be good? After brief discussions on "Skeleton Crew," "Tales of the Underworld," and "Visions 3," we dig deep into season 2 of "Andor," one of our favorite Star Wars projects. Around the Nation: Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you in BlueStar Nation! Keep in To...

2025-12-181h 22

BlueStar Nation Get Ready for NRF w/Intel’s Mariya ZorotovichThe NRF "Big Show" is a huge event that kicks off a new year for retailers, suppliers, consumer brands, technology providers, and more. For new and veteran attendees alike, it can be overwhelming and exhausting. This week, Intel's Mariya Zorotovich is bringing her experience from across the retail world to share tips for making the most of the show (and any industry event!). What does this year's theme, "The Next Now," mean? What should first-timers expect, and how do veterans prepare? How do we differentiate between cool ideas and real potential solutions that could represent growth for the channel...

2025-12-111h 00

BlueStar Nation The Tech We’re Thankful For w/Sarah SchlueterIt's the 250th episode!!! We like to celebrate milestones with fun topics, and having this one fall on Thanksgiving presented the perfect opportunity to discuss the tech we are thankful for with Sarah Schlueter. First, we share our takes (some quite controversial?) on the Thanksgiving holiday, the food, and leftovers. Then, what tech makes our personal and professional lives better, and we wouldn't want to live without? You'll also hear from colleagues and friends around the channel. Thanks to all our listeners who keep us going...on to the next 250! Around the Nation: Bl...

2025-11-271h 19

BlueStar Nation Turn Rookies to Revenue Faster w/Mike MonocelloBlueStar Academy is our new training program designed to help VARs, ISVs, and vendors give their new (or veteran) sales reps access to education on core technologies, industries, and skills to grow as a solution seller. This week, Mike Monocello, BlueStar Academy program leader and training specialist, explains what executives and managers want from these trainings, how he's building courses, and what attendees can expect. Pay attention...there may be a quiz later! Learn more about BlueStar Academy and provide your feedback to guide our schedule for 2026 Around the Nation: Find so...

2025-11-1355 min

BlueStar Nation The Case for Linerless Labels w/Epson’s Ian LivesayLabeling in fast-paced QSRs is a critical, time-sensitive task that ensures orders for in-store patrons, delivery drivers, and pickups are properly sorted and accurate. That's where linerless printing can make operations more efficient. This week, Epson's Thermal Label Product Manager, Ian Livesay, joins the podcast to make the case for linerless over die-cut labels. What problems does it solve? Are there other industries that could use them? It's an aggressively sticky episode! Around the Nation: Watch the BlueStar/Intel Solutions Summit #VARValue - How does Epson approach linerless label printing? What are some k...

2025-11-0635 min

BlueStar Nation Are Supply Chain Execs Overconfident About Their Operations? w/Honeywell’s Matt SternerManufacturers, distributors, T&L, and warehousing are always looking to become more efficient and productive, but are they embracing automation in the same areas we think they should? That was the subject of the latest BlueStar Nation end-user survey, sponsored by our friends at Honeywell. We asked their industry expert, Matt Sterner, to join the show to dissect the data. Why were business leaders so confident about their inventory and shipping practices? What did the data reveal about ongoing manual practices? How often are equipment downtimes and safety issues impacting productivity? It's an episode packed with insight and just...

2025-10-3049 min

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 22 – The Final TECkoning?It's time to dig into more fascinating topics, surveys, thought pieces, and lists to get you through your next awkward chat around the coffee maker, waiting for a virtual meeting to start, or to impress your friends and family. Have an idea for renaming the TEC Bytes episodes? Send your suggestion to nation@bluestarinc.com, and you could win $100! Topics: Helicopter parents No meeting weeks Most common jobs - 90s vs. now Ranking James Bond movies Concert ticketflation The best countries in the world Uber's lost and found Top-selling beer ...

2025-10-091h 06

BlueStar Nation Accelerating RFID Sales w/RedBeam’s Kevin Keith & Kyle Stanford"I think customers have gone from RFID-curious to RFID-serious," says RedBeam VP of Sales Kevin Keith, reinforcing an ongoing trend of RFID growth and investment. He's joined this week by Solutions Architect Kyle Stanford to explain why the need is at an all-time high for resellers and integrators to build out their RFID business. What tips do they have for qualifying an RFID opportunity over traditional barcoding? How do we prove ROI? What industries and use cases are prime for adoption? What should you expect out of partners like RedBeam? Check out RedBeam's RFID YouTube se...

2025-09-251h 10

BlueStar Nation From the Archives: What Does Your Digital Presence Say About You? (Live at VARTECH 2024)We're busy planning and executing VARTECH 2025 this week, so enjoy a couple of classics from the archives, starting with this one, recorded at last year's show. No live episode this year, but follow BlueStar on LinkedIn to keep up with all of the fun, cool tech, and new ideas we're sharing there. * * * Originally released Sep 26, 2024 Once again, we took our show on the road to VARTECH in Orlando, Florida, to discuss websites, social media, and how they can impact your business. James Korte gives us a breakdown of what "good" websites should contain an...

2025-09-111h 05

BlueStar Nation From the Archives: How to Sell Connectivity Solutions w/iONLINE's Dave Farquharson & BlueStar's Jim HiltonIn two weeks, we'll be focusing on fleet & deliver driver safety and technology to minimize distractions. In preparation, we thought it would be helpful to revisit the importance of reliable, enterprise-ready connectivity to enable such solutions. Enjoy! * * * Originally published March 13, 2025 Mobile computing, IoT, AI, RFID, robotics, mPOS…the future of enterprise technology is exciting, to be sure. Still, it’s only as good as the networks connecting these devices and transmitting all that data for analysis and action. Networking and connectivity solutions may not currently be part of your portfolio, but if you desi...

2025-08-211h 03

BlueStar Nation Retail Modernization 2.0 w/Intel's Rob Risany & Elo's Luke WilwerdingA couple of years ago, Intel's Kristen Call joined the pod to discuss what retail modernization meant and how VARs should align their solutions for the future. Now, as the AI conversation grows louder, what has changed, and what did we get right back then? Returning guests Rob Risany & Luke Wilwerding talk expectations, skepticism, selling value, and the importance of channel partnerships to help you sell the next generation of retail tech. Around the Nation: Win business and earn more with BlueStar Promotions! #VARValue - What’s the modernization pitch to SMB retail? Are...

2025-08-141h 07

BlueStar Nation Scrappy Marketing w/OrderCounter's Crystal Barrineau and BlueStar's James KorteWe're getting scrappy this week to nerd out over marketing practices that don't require big budgets or large staffs. OrderCounter's Crystal Barrineau suggested this topic and volunteered her expertise as a scrappy marketer! Our own James Korte joins her for a valuable conversation about why marketing matters, real examples of simple-but-effective campaigns, and how to turn who you already are into a brand. It's the episode that's collecting Monopolists' Tears. Around the Nation: Check out the BlueStar Webinar series! #VARValue - How do OrderCounter's scrappy marketing strategies help them connect with channel partners and e...

2025-08-071h 28

BlueStar Nation Meet the BlueStar Network & Connectivity ExpertsYou probably sell a lot of cool tech…mobile computers, POS systems, digital signage, printers, RFID, etc, and most of that stuff is designed to send and receive data and communicate with other systems, so it’s only as good as the networks it’s connected to. Is that connectivity something you are selling? Are you leaving it to specialized providers, mobile carriers, or your competitors? If you are selling connectivity solutions yourself, do you have the support you need to deliver reliable hardware and services? We answered those questions in a webinar last week with our team of BlueSt...

2025-07-311h 11

BlueStar Nation From the Archives: Generative AI, Employee Experience, Cybersecurity & More w/LG’s Mike Stachura & Aaron AddisonLG's Mike Stachura brings his incredible energy back to the pod next week, so we thought we'd revisit his last appearance, which covered a wide range of topics and was a lot of fun. Originally released Aug 24th, 2023 * * * An epic AI trilogy deserves an epic conclusion, so this week, we welcomed LG’s Mike Stachura & Aaron Addison into the studio for various topics and a lot of laughter. First, we discuss some predictions for generative AI’s impact on business. Next, we dig into the importance of addressing employee experience by featu...

2025-07-171h 22

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 21 - We're Gonna Need a Bigger PodcastWe're sharing another batch of interesting reads, trends, lists, and studies to give you something to discuss while waiting for your next meeting to start, over lunch with a client, or with friends and family. Topics: An all-AI agent company? 2024 restaurant trends The world's wealthiest and happiest cities Why Americans are working less What happens to your digital life when you die? Around the Nation: Networking Experts Webinar - Register Now! On Our Radar Dean - World Humanoid Robot Sports Games John - Rank...

2025-07-101h 00

BlueStar Nation Advice from a POS Reseller w/NRS’ Elie KatzThis week, we're seeking insights, advice, and experiences from one of our customers in the channel. Elie Katz, Founder & CEO of National Retail Solutions, tells us about building a POS business aimed at helping independent merchants compete against large chains and still have access to the latest and greatest technology. How can SMB VARs & ISVs stand out in a crowd? What does the channel bring to VARs? Are there recurring revenue "hacks"? And what does public service have to do with being a good salesperson? Check out NRS' offerings: https://nrsplus.com/ Around t...

2025-07-0352 min

BlueStar Nation Building Your AI Solutions Foundation w/Elo’s Luke Wilwerding"It's put up or shut up time for AI!" proclaims John on this week's episode. He and Dean are ready to see real, tangible applications with AI. Thankfully, Elo's Luke Wilwerding brings the goods by helping us explore AI's actual potential and the tools and infrastructure VARs need to bring those solutions to their customers. How is AI already impacting your device sales? What are end-users saying they want? Will AI eliminate the touchscreen? What should VARs be doing in their business to prepare for future AI opportunities? Around the Nation: Find BlueStar at RetailNow 2025!...

2025-06-2657 min

BlueStar Nation Clinical Mobility Survey w/Zebra’s Kassaundra McKnight-YoungOur latest BlueStar Nation survey tackles mobile device usage, challenges, and expectations for clinical healthcare workers. To help us break down the data, we turned to an expert, Zebra's Healthcare CNIO Industry Principal Kassaundra McKnight-Young, to not only explain the benefits of enterprise mobility in the industry but also share her perspective as an active clinician. Is there still an opportunity to move healthcare away from consumer devices? How can communication between care teams be improved? Who are the key decision-makers for healthcare tech? Why are so many clinicians leaving the industry entirely? Around the N...

2025-06-191h 02

BlueStar Nation The New Era of Edge w/Scale Computing’s Jeff ReadyAs more devices, solutions, and emerging tech like AI & machine vision demand rapid, near-instantaneous processing and response, relying solely on the cloud and centralized servers may not be enough. Scale Computing is helping VARs address the need for decentralization, and their CEO, Jeff Ready, joins the pod this week to provide context and a path forward. How does a Robert Frost poem explain contemporary attitudes toward edge computing? What's happening with VMWare? What misconceptions persist about edge vs. cloud? It's the episode that really encourages you to attend our poetry slam. Around the Nation: The 2U...

2025-06-1252 min

BlueStar Nation How are Kitchens Evolving to Meet New Demands? w/Star Micronics’ Christophe NaaszThe modern kitchen serves many masters: food safety standards, "I want it now and I want it here" consumers, and delivery companies enabling those consumers. How are those demands influencing restaurant technology in the kitchen and front-of-the-house? Star Micronics' Christophe Naasz joins to explain. How do label printers and modern scanning solutions drive efficiency? What are the advantages of cloud POS vs. on-prem? What did Christophe see at NRA that excited or interested him? Around the Nation: Watch Star's QSR Labeling Webinar! #VARValue - How is Star helping restaurants keep up with kitchen de...

2025-06-0558 min

BlueStar Nation How Should Government VARs Navigate Trump 2.0? with Jeff SmithThe new Trump administration has been busy rolling back initiatives from previous administrations and rapidly overhauling government agencies. If you sell into the public sector, what do these rapid changes mean? We turn, as always, to our government guru, EVerged's Jeff Smith, to provide guidance. What is happening with EV charging rollouts and opportunities? How is the DOGE dismantling of agencies affecting tech investments? What does it mean for state and local businesses? What's Jeff's advice for handling uncertain times? Around the Nation: Vote for the RSPA Vendor Awards of Excellence! #VARValue - Wh...

2025-05-2949 min

BlueStar Nation From the Archives - EV Charging & Sustainable Energy w/EVerged's Jeff SmithA run of new episodes starts next week with Jeff Smith returning to discuss government tech sales under the new Trump administration and the state of EV charging opportunities. To prepare, let's revisit Jeff's last appearance! * * * *Originally released May 9, 2024* 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 E...

2025-05-221h 01

BlueStar Nation Are Digital Displays Frustrating Educators & Their IT?"This is your roadmap," says Dean about our latest BlueStar Nation end-user survey results. We surveyed 125 education teachers, administrators, and IT leaders about their experiences using and deploying digital displays in the classroom. What frustrates them? Why aren't they using more interactive displays? Who is responsible for maintenance and support? What do they want out of their next upgrade? Your final grade depends on this episode! Thanks to Samsung for sponsoring the survey! Around the Nation: See BlueStar at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando! #VARValue - What would you do with th...

2025-05-1550 min

BlueStar Nation From the Archives - The Intersection of AI & Digital Signage w/Elo's Kristin RoubieWe'll be back next week, breaking down a survey from Educators, but until then, let's revisit this conversation exploring how touchscreen displays complement AI solutions. *Originally released August 8th, 2024* ----------------------------------- 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 and their c...

2025-05-081h 00

BlueStar Nation Tech Nostalgia w/Sarah SchlueterTechnology is rapidly advancing, and new inventions and innovations make our lives easier, but do you ever miss something simpler? That's the subject of this week's episode. Is it nostalgia, or do we get stubborn as we age? Sarah Schlueter, an old soul herself, joins us (with props!). When did we feel like we were on the cutting edge of tech adoption? What tech are we nostalgic for, and what do we wish we could go back to? Around the Nation: Watch Unboxed on YouTube On Our Radar Sarah - T...

2025-05-011h 06

BlueStar Nation From the Archives - Generative AI's Past, Present, & Future with Honeywell's Michael GroskopfAs AI continues to be a hot topic, we're looking to spotlight practical, tangible use cases on the pod this year, both within your business and solutions for your customers. Look for new episodes soon that address this topic, but in the meantime, if you missed it, check out this conversation we had with Honeywell's Michael Groskopf. *Originally released Oct. 10, 2024* 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 so...

2025-04-241h 05

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 20 – Take Us Out to the BallgameSure, we're no longer the TEConnect Podcast, but TEC Bytes--our occasional round-up of interesting articles, lists, rankings, research, tech topics, and more--lives on! Here's what we're discussing: The Most Innovative Countries in 2024 Best inventions of 2024 Top low-stress/high-paying jobs COVID pandemic 5 years later Most technologically advanced stadiums Best sports moments On Our Radar Dean - Workdays are ending earlier John - Music makes us move, even when we don't like it Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com...

2025-04-171h 07

BlueStar Nation Retailers Speak! -- Support, mPOS, Payments & MoreFinding new opportunities in retail isn't easy. There is a lot of market saturation, a lot of competition, and a lot of technology options. But, it’s also a lucrative industry when you win business, so we want to give you an edge by equipping you with end-user data—actual insights from retailers about their tech in use, wishlist items, and support preferences. Then, we analyze those insights, compile the most relevant data, and give you some suggestions for interpreting it. Thanks to our friends at Elo for sponsoring this survey! Read the full article at Bl...

2025-04-1050 min

BlueStar Nation Has Pop Culture Ruined the Facial Recognition Market? w/CyberLink’s Terry SchulenburgFacial recognition has become common for personal mobile devices, relying on our unique biological features for security and access control. However, the technology is still somewhat controversial in the broader business world. Terry Schulenburg with CyberLink, makers of FaceMe, will help us understand the technology, how the controversy is mainly manufactured by film/TV, and the opportunity for solution providers. What industries are embracing it? What is the liability for those who sell it? Learn More about FaceMe during Terry's appearance on ISVs on Tap! Around the Nation: Watch the TSC RFI...

2025-04-0354 min

BlueStar Nation The Human Element of Automation w/Newcastle's Kevin Ledversis & Honeywell's Kelley WoodSupply chain jobs in warehouses, manufacturing, and delivery are still facing a challenging labor market. At the same time, costs remain high, and consumer demands create more pressure to make, distribute, and deliver products quickly. That’s where automation technology has come in to help, but it’s not a total replacement for people, which makes it essential to understand the human element as well. Today, Newcastle’s Kevin Ledversis & Honeywell’s Kelley Wood are sharing their thoughts on the topic. What’s changed about labor post-pandemic? What are supply chain businesses saying about automating their workforce? Is AI a game-cha...

2025-03-2758 min

BlueStar Nation Restaurant Automation & AI w/Truffle Systems’ Sean McCaughanLike many industries, automation & AI are finding a place in restaurants, adding to accelerated trends during the pandemic. This week's guest, Sean McCaughan of Truffle Systems, finds it easier than ever to make the case for innovation, but what solutions actually make a difference? How does "reading bus pans" make the case for AI and analytics to reduce costs and minimize food waste? How is Truffle solving the "last three feet problem" in places like hospital cafeterias? It's the episode with 25% less mashed potatoes! #VARValue - Learn about Truffle's GoBox solution and how it can h...

2025-03-2051 min

BlueStar Nation How to Sell Network & Connectivity Solutions w/iONLINE’s Dave Farquharson & Jim HiltonMobile computing, IoT, AI, RFID, robotics, mPOS…the future of enterprise technology is exciting, to be sure. Still, it’s only as good as the networks connecting these devices and transmitting all that data for analysis and action. Networking and connectivity solutions may not currently be part of your portfolio, but if you desire to be THE trusted provider for your customers, they should be. Today, we’re talking to iONLINE’s Dave Farquharson & industry vet (now a BlueStar colleague) Jim Hilton to help you understand the connectivity landscape, the importance of multi-carrier interoperability, how to approach selling network solution...

2025-03-131h 03

BlueStar Nation Can Retailers Overcome the Consumer Power Shift? w/Honeywell’s Tony BoncoreNot long ago, retailers held most of the power in how consumers found, purchased, and knew about products and services. The internet age, social media, and always-on-hand mobile devices shifted that dynamic in favor of the consumer. Will technology restore the balance of power or allow SMB retailers to compete against the big box & e-commerce giants? Honeywell's Tony Boncore returns to the show to explain. What did he see at NRF? How do AI and mobility tools empower associates to create better customer experiences? Around the Nation: Check out the latest RSPA Retail IT Channel Stu...

2025-03-061h 00

BlueStar Nation Same Great Taste, New PackagingThe podcast returns with a new name but is committed to the same great topics, guests, and education! This week, we begin with a brief explainer for the name change before reviewing the content topics that had the most attention in 2024. Dean gives us his thoughts on #NRF2025, and we discuss what's been "On Our Radar" since our last recording. Check out ISVs on Tap! On Our Radar Dean - How often should you wash your towels John - Apple settles Siri lawsuit and video games for me...

2025-02-2745 min

BlueStar Nation BlueStar Nation Podcast TrailerThe TEConnect Podcast is now BlueStar Nation! It has the same great content, the same hosts, and new packaging! Each week, John Martin & Dean Reverman explore the hottest trends, emerging technologies, new opportunities, and sales & marketing tips for the specialty IT reseller channel. Hear from experts in AI, RFID, robotics, barcoding, point-of-sale, AIDC, edge computing, automation, digital signage, and so much more. You can watch on YouTube (@BlueStarInc), subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and tell us what you want to hear about on the show! Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn...

2025-02-2002 min

BlueStar Nation Star Wars Nerdfest – Episode VWe’re wrapping up the year (and this podcast iteration?) with another deep dive into Star Wars news, recent projects, and our thoughts on the franchise. We’re talking “Bad Batch” season 3, “Tales of the Empire,” and the now-canceled “The Acolyte.” What’s next for Star Wars? Will we get a new movie in 2026? What do hardcore fans really want? Is Star Wars still fun? We're rebranding as the BlueStar Nation Podcast in 2025!! Let us know what you want to see and hear on the show. Keep in Touch! Email - TEConnect@bl...

2024-12-191h 26

BlueStar Nation RFID in Retail & Checkout w/Zebra’s Eric Malmed & EXO’s Rey Essex"This is the year of arrival." That's how EXO co-founder Rey Essex responds to the question, "Was this the year of RFID?" Rey joins Zebra's Eric Malmed to help us find new retail RFID opportunities. What industries is item-level RFID applicable for? How does EXO's RFID checkout solution work, and why has it taken off in sports stadiums and large events? #VARValue - Learn about the Zebra/EXO partnership and the joint kiosk solution on display at NRF ’25 in January. Check out (pun intended) EXO's solutions TEConnecting with...

2024-12-1255 min

BlueStar Nation A Guide to Video Production with Max FaustVideo produces 1200% more engagement than text/images only. That makes the medium a valuable tool to extend the reach and interest in your business. This week, videographer and owner of Faust Film, Max Faust, joined us in advocating for video as a "24/7 sales rep." How does video supplement other content strategies? What does a typical video shoot look like, and what misconceptions do businesses have when creating or engaging video services? How can you still utilize video on a budget or novice skills? It's the episode that's got a perfect face for radio. Watch "When Ch...

2024-12-051h 17

BlueStar Nation TEConnect Replay: Generational Tech Trivia*We're back with a new episode next week, but if you're looking for something fun to do with family/friends over the Thanksgiving holiday, here's a replay of our 200th episode and some Gen X vs. Millennial/Gen Z trivia!* 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 bon...

2024-11-281h 12

BlueStar Nation TEConnect Replay: Food Safety & the Supply Chain w/Jim Hilton*We're off until December, so enjoy a replay of our episode on traceability in the food supply chain* *Originally released March 28, 2024* 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 market affect the supply chain? What is the FSMA 204 Final Rule, and how will technology help suppliers...

2024-11-211h 03

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 19 - Look Upon Our Podcast, and Despair!What topics are John & Dean riffing on this week? Why some people don't have children A hybrid work A/B test FAA approves air taxis Younger generations are not answering the phone US state name meanings Worst workplace jargon The best TV episodes of all time TEConnecting with us: Dean - Why do plants wiggle John - Watch "Homicide: Life on the Street" on Peacock Keep in Touch! Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Su...

2024-11-141h 04

BlueStar Nation What Do 125 Retail Leaders Want Out of POS? [End User Survey]We're breaking down the data from another one of our #BlueStarNation end-user surveys, this time speaking to 125 retail leaders about point-of-sale. What are the top considerations when buying? What is the preferred OS? What are the biggest challenges? What is on their wishlist for their next solution? Read the full article Register for Elo's Payments & POS Panel Discussion #VARValue - What should a retail VAR do with this info? TEConnecting with us: Dean - Meta AI data center "scuppered" by bees

2024-11-0749 min

BlueStar Nation Do You Like Scary Podcasts? w/Ghostface & Sam HughesIn 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." TEConnecting with us: Sarah - The story behind Spirit Halloween Sam - Digital literacy in an age of misinformation Dean - Stem-cell therapy for diabetes John - Evil on Paramount Plus

2024-10-311h 19

BlueStar Nation The Robot Market and Potential w/Bear Robotics’ Juan Higueros"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 address skepticism? Check out Bear Robotics! #VARValue - How is Bear partnering with VARs to find opportunities and bring robots to market? TEConnecting with us: Juan - T...

2024-10-2456 min

BlueStar Nation Building a Better Shipping Label w/Epson’s Tessa KohlShipping 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 make the most of wasted box space? It's the episode that references far too many old cartoons. #VARValue - Tell us about Label Boost, Epson’s software for creating these dynamic, versatile labels. TEConnecting with us:

2024-10-1749 min

BlueStar Nation Generative AI’s Past, Present, and Future w/Honeywell’s Michael GroskopfIt'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 are his predictions for the future? It's a multi-modal episode that helps you focus on the fun part of your job description! #VARValue - How is Honeywell tackling the AI explosion? TEConnecting with us...

2024-10-101h 05

BlueStar Nation VARTECH 2024 RecapWe'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 their attendees? It's the episode that wonders why we do this to ourselves every year! #VARValue - For VARs that didn’t attend, what did you learn that anyone can use? Follow BlueStar on YouTu...

2024-10-031h 06

BlueStar Nation What Does Your Digital Presence Say About Your Business? w/James Korte (Live at VARTECH 2024)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 by gently critiquing some sites submitted by our audience. #VARValue - Check out the sites we reviewed! https://www.digi-trax.com/ https://www.posperpanama.com/ (Now updated and excellent!) ...

2024-09-261h 05

BlueStar Nation TEConnect Replay: Design Resources w/Krystal Cotriss**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 smart content, a strong message, and an understanding of your audience is a great place to start marketing, but without great design, it’s just so many words. We turned to an expert, Krystal Cotriss, Lead Designer & Content Strategist with Barcoding, Inc., who str...

2024-09-191h 08

BlueStar Nation Overcoming Receipt Printer Challenges w/Star Micronics’ Kate Orara & Bill ShuffAs 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? What happens to device management across multiple locations? What about peripherals? It's the episode that's getting hangry. #VARValue - How does Star's mC-Print3 series solve these problems? TEConnecting with us: Bill - Sustainability, bioplastics & seaweed...

2024-09-1257 min

BlueStar Nation Mobility Trends & Opportunities w/Zebra's Eric HiltonMobile 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 technicians say they encounter more from rugged devices? When and how should VARs position CBRS-enabled devices? #VARValue - How does Zebra's Mobility DNA platform help VARs win business and keep it? TEConnecting with us: Eric...

2024-09-051h 09

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 18 – Homes to DronesJohn & 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 the best US states to retire to? Starter homes that cost how much? It’s the episode that’s perfectly happy right where it is. TEConnecting with us: Dean - Reasons...

2024-08-291h 03

BlueStar Nation The Big Picture – Intel & the Reseller Channel with David GuzziIntel 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 about working with VARs? Why partner with Intel, and what do they bring to VARs to help them find and win business? #VARValue - How is Intel helping drive solutions & outcome-based selling to VARs and integrators with their educati...

2024-08-2253 min

BlueStar Nation A VAR’s Guide to Robotics w/Intel’s Milt WalkerThe 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 common objections to buying/selling robots? How can VARs turn robotics into recurring revenue and demonstrate ROI for their customers? #VARValue—Entering the robotics market might not be right for every VAR. What recom...

2024-08-1554 min

BlueStar Nation The Intersection of AI & Digital Signage w/Elo’s Kristin RoubieWe’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 and their customers look for in an AI solution to ensure it takes advantage of displays like Elo’s? TEConnecting with us: Kristin - Modern building materials Dean - Dark oxygen...

2024-08-081h 00

BlueStar Nation KDS & Supporting the Modern Kitchen w/Epson’s Tessa KohlRestaurant 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 technology solution. It’s the episode that’s looking to reduce your cognitive load! #VARValue - Tell us about TrueOrder, Epson’s new KDS software. How will this help VARs win some business? TEConnecting with us: Tessa - The evolution...

2024-08-0151 min

BlueStar Nation The Importance of Battery Health w/GTS’ Rob Cass & Danny RockettNo 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 problems, and how VARs can generate new revenue with customers still using legacy devices. What are the benefits of custom batteries? What’s rapid disassembly? It’s the episode that needs to find a charger! #VARValue - For anyone...

2024-07-2556 min

BlueStar Nation Generational Tech Trivia and Minority ReportWow! 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 finally do more than make a passing reference to the unofficial TEConnect Podcast film, “Minority Report.” Thank you to our viewers/listeners and sponsors! Elo, Zebra, Intel, Epson, Star, Honeywell, Datalogic, Wasp, MicroTouch, Code by Brady, Toshiba, & LG ...

2024-07-181h 12

BlueStar Nation Leading with Software w/Tonic’s Tyler YoungIt’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 week, Tonic POS CEO Tyler Young joins us, not just to affirm his belief that it is but to explain why VARs should be more selective than ever about choosing ISV partners…and vice versa. What challenges does “software-first” create? What does an ISV look for in a qua...

2024-07-1155 min

BlueStar Nation VARs & the Law w/RSPA's Jill MillerMost 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 minimums all business owners should put in place, and how retail payments, in particular, create unique challenges. #VARValue - Explain your role with the RSPA and how members can utilize your expertise. https://www.gorspa.org/legal-documents/

2024-07-031h 04

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 17 - AI, Lists and BaseballWe'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 controlled jets TEConnecting with us: Dean - US banning Kaspersky anti-virus software John - X-ray vision coming? Keep...

2024-06-2755 min

BlueStar Nation RFID Experts Panel w/Eric Malmed, Steve Weiss, & Archit DuaWe 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 in warehousing and retail? It’s the episode that forces everyone to answer, “Is this the Year of RFID?” Get your Zebra Refresh Report! https://reach.bluestarinc.com/refreshthebase #VARValue - Questions from the audien...

2024-06-2059 min

BlueStar Nation Finding Tangible Opportunities in AI w/MicroTouch's John DittigIs 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 innovation at this point? How will AI help sell more hardware? It's an "incrinculent" episode! #VARValue - How is MicroTouch approaching AI solutions, and how are you helping VARs find the right partners t...

2024-06-1357 min

BlueStar Nation 120 Grocery Execs Share Their Tech Challenges & OpportunitiesWe 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 experience and collecting data? What are they most interested in improving? What opportunities for VARs does the data show? Read the Article and More at BlueStar Nation TEConnecting with us: Dean - Wh...

2024-06-061h 02

BlueStar Nation TEConnect Replay: Grocery Opportunities & Challenges w/Epson’s David Vander DussenNext 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 changing whims of consumers and the desire for convenient options and dynamic shopping experiences. The razor-thin margins they operate under can cause challenges to VARs hoping to pitch new technology, but Epson’s David Vander Dussen is back on the pod to emphasize...

2024-05-301h 07

BlueStar Nation The Tradeoffs of Retail Modernization w/Intel’s David DobsonRetail 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 outcomes that retailers are pursuing and how we can help. How is AI affecting retail? How do retail leaders determine what innovations to pursue? What’s causing hesitation, and how can VARs & ISVs become go-to solution architects for the industry? #VARValue...

2024-05-231h 02

BlueStar Nation AI Beyond the LLMs w/ConnecTalk's Guy-Marie JosephGuy-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 next step to make AI more practical? How does ConnecTalk approach AI in their day-to-day business? #VARValue - As a reseller yourself, what are some examples of how ConnecTalk has used AI to improve your internal operati...

2024-05-1659 min

BlueStar Nation EV Charging & Sustainable Energy w/EVerged’s Jeff SmithThe 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 charging partnerships? #VARValue—Beyond EV solutions, what else is happening in the public sector that VARs should focus on to find new opportunities? TEConnecting with us: Jeff - X's AI & robotics initiatives, Horizon Aircraft's hybrid...

2024-05-091h 01

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 16 - A TEC a Day Keeps Boredom AwayHere'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 your password? John - Google Maps photobomb dog Keep in Touch! Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

2024-05-0256 min

BlueStar Nation TEC Beefs 2We’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 the episode that has a few things to get off its chest. TEConnecting with us: Dean - Designing the next moon buggy John - Lyft Keep in Touch! Email - TEConnect@blue...

2024-04-2553 min

BlueStar Nation AI Hype, Hesitance, and Meaningful Solutions with Intel’s David AllenTechnological 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 of such inflection points and why AI is perhaps the most important ever but also shedding light on Intel's strategic approach to partnerships and vetted solutions. This approach is crucial in helping solution providers deliver on the hype of AI. What is the “siliconomy”? How will a "wait a...

2024-04-1848 min

BlueStar Nation Next-Gen Channel Sales w/BlueStar Canada’s Michel SiroisThe 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 more information at their fingertips, time spent doing self-research, and unwilling to pick up the phone for a “cold call”? How can VARs/integrators/MSPs adapt? And because we have to talk about it…can AI enable salespeople? #VARValue - How do you...

2024-04-111h 04

BlueStar Nation The Continuing Evolution of Warehousing w/StayLinked’s Justin GriffithIt’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 think of the Apple Vision Pro? #VARValue - How is StayLinked helping VARs strengthen their supply chain solution offerings? StayLinked's VDC Research Report: https://info.staylinked.com/vdc-warehouse-report-2024 TEConnecting with us: Just...

2024-04-041h 10

BlueStar Nation Food Safety & the Supply Chain w/Jim HiltonTraceability 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 market affect the supply chain? What is the FSMA 204 Final Rule, and how will technology help suppliers comply quickly? It’s the episode that wants to know exactly where this salad came from. #VARValue—What conversations should VARs who work with...

2024-03-281h 03

BlueStar Nation Don’t Forget the Printer Supplies! w/Jessica KrothA 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 her tips with us this week. How much profit can be gained from supplies vs. hardware alone? What risks do VARs and their customers take when buying supplies from third parties or online retailers? How does selling supplies give you a competitive ad...

2024-03-2156 min

BlueStar Nation Advice from a Reseller Channel Veteran w/Code’s Dave JudyIn 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 does the channel make it even easier? What professional and personal lessons has Dave learned? Finally, how is Dave helping make driver’s licensing easier in the age of digital wallets? #VARValue - What advice do you have...

2024-03-1456 min

BlueStar Nation pDOOH: Revenue Streams for You and End Users w/Smartify’s Joe Kunigonis & BlueStar’s Ben SimonStorefronts 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 areas. Ben Simon, BlueStar’s Emerging Technologies BDM, and Joe Kunigonis, CEO of Smartify Media, our partner in the pDOOH initiative, explain the landscape, the solution, and how VARs benefit from selling it. #VARValue - What should VARs interested in these solutions do next? How should they...

2024-03-0755 min

BlueStar Nation Is RFID Right for Your Business? w/TSC Printronix’s Chris BrownRFID 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 barcoding VARs to take on (or not) RFID, followed by a look at mandates pushing the technology down the supply chain. What's the "Walmart blast off?" What other industries are primed for RFID? How does the "tush push" fit into this conversation?

2024-02-291h 02

BlueStar Nation Winning in Search for SMB Solution Providers w/James KorteWhen 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 working? Finally, we give you some concrete examples. It's the episode that's constantly Googling itself. #VARValue - What can anyone listening (regardless of their position or marketing prowess) do to help their company’s S...

2024-02-221h 05

BlueStar Nation Retail Digital Signage Survey - Opportunities AboundWe'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 purchasing, maintaining, and managing content? It's an episode filled with data to help YOU find and win business. #VARValue - Dean's takeaways as a former digital signage reseller. TEConnecting with us: Dean - Boston Dynamics = Cyberdyne Systems? Jo...

2024-02-1559 min

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 15 - Trying to Make TEC HappenWe’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 Force Five podcast Keep in Touch! Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Submit your topic ideas - https://www.blu...

2024-02-0858 min

BlueStar Nation MSPs & VARs – Bridging the Gap w/SD Tech’s Shane MishlerVARs 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 Shane equate tech consulting to a construction project? How do MSPs handle requests that are outside of their scope? What emerging tech are his clients asking about? #VARValue - How can VARs develop better mu...

2024-02-0149 min

BlueStar Nation Parking Management Technology w/OmniQ's John WhitemanFinding 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 drivers, garage/lot owners, and operators. How has AI changed parking technology? What hardware opportunities can VARs find with parking solutions? What are the benefits and recurring revenue? It’s the episode that just wants to get to the big game on time...

2024-01-2554 min

BlueStar Nation Smart Fit Technology w/Fit:match’s Haniff BrownWe’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 uses “3D shape mapping” to match shoppers to a similar digital twin and allow retailers to recommend the best fit and styles for that body type. How does it work? Where did he see a need? How does this tech...

2024-01-1153 min

BlueStar Nation Star Wars Nerdfest – Episode IVAnother 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 pitch why fans should check out the Rebels animated series. Finally, we share our favorite Star Wars weapons and spicy takes on the franchise that could bring down certain members of the fandom on us.

2023-12-281h 30

BlueStar Nation Tech Trivia – Pop Culture EditionWe 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 tie for the lead? What does Sarah think is a Pixar film? Is John the real winner? It’s the episode that required more editing than usual…mostly because of Sam. Talk to us! X/Twitter - @TECo...

2023-12-2149 min

BlueStar Nation TEC Bytes 14 – TEC the HallsWe’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” American views on marriage & family The world’s population as 1000 people American sleep habits Word of the year Best inventions of ‘23 Our Favorite Tech Christmas Gifts: Dean - Boss Drum Pad Joh...

2023-12-141h 09

BlueStar Nation Smart Stadium Technology w/Elo’s Raimon ChikhaniLive 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 Raimon Chikhani has the insights to help! Why is attendance near or above pre-COVID levels at stadiums? How are younger generations approaching sporting events? How does legalized sports betting change the live experience? Where does digital signag...

2023-12-0751 min

BlueStar Nation Chronic Care, RPM, In-Home Tech & More w/JoAnna WittingAs 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-home and visiting nurse services more manageable, accessible, and safer? Where can VARs find new opportunities with healthcare providers? #VARValue - How does BlueStar help VARs find and win new opportunities in healthcare? VeeOne Virtual Care eBook TECo...

2023-11-301h 03

BlueStar Nation Warehouse Automation w/Zebra’s Andre Luecht & Hy-Tek’s John KlareLabor 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 warehouse leaders and affirm the study’s findings. How are decision-makers implementing sensor-based technology? What’s frustrating (and helping) them with order accuracy and SLA demands? How is automation helping attract and retain warehouse labor? Don’t hit snooze on this episode! #VARValue...

2023-11-221h 09

BlueStar Nation Retail Innovation & Customer Experience w/Toshiba’s Fredrik CarlegrenAs 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 implementation? How do brick-and-mortar stores bring digital experiences in-house and turn a profit? What should VARs & ISVs do to help their retail customers keep up? It’s the episode that’s determined to get the hottest toy of the season before anyone else! ...

2023-11-1653 min

HappyAngel∞BlueStar＝無限の世界＝6月11日から冥王星が山羊座へ⭐️星と女神からのメッセージ💕みなさまこんにちは🧚 いつもご視聴いただき感謝しまーす♪♪ これから約7ヶ月間、冥王星が山羊座に滞在します☆ その間の過ごし方についてのメッセージです✨ インスタ📷 https://instagram.com/happyangel_bluestar?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== YouTube🎥『ずっとやりたかったことを、やりなさい』 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFW7Blef4RSfXX5oiLbB4VucdFJN_e-yR #星読み #メッセージ #スピリチュアル #2023年 --- stand.fmでは、この放送にいいね・コメント・レター送信ができます。 https://stand.fm/channels/5f7d6b76f04555115dcd839f

2023-06-0910 min

HappyAngel∞BlueStar＝無限の世界＝2023.2.15☆『今、苦しんでいるあなたへ』おはようございます🧚 詩が降りてきました♪♪ 朗読していただけたら嬉しいです✨ 今　苦しんでいるあなたへ死なないでください死なないでくたさい私が悲しみます天使が悲しみます神が悲しみますわたしも死にたいと思ったことがありますあなたは難病です、一生治りませんと言われて生きてる意味がないと思っていました両親を悲しませ夫を悲しませ周りに迷惑をかけているだけと思っていましたでも　それは　違いましたそれは　悪魔の声で大丈夫っていっているのが天使の声今ならわかります今　わたしは　生きています生きて　あの時死んでいたら出会わなかった人たちと出愛っています今　苦しんでいる　あなたへ死なないでください死なないでください私が悲しみます天使が悲しみます神が悲しみます BlueStar∞藍 #詩 #詩の朗読 #拡散希望 #自殺 #うつと自殺をなくしたい #死にたい #希望 #未来 #スピリチュアル #スピリチュアルメッセージ --- stand.fmでは、この放送にいいね・コメント・レター送信ができます。 https://stand.fm/channels/5f7d6b76f04555115dcd839f

2023-02-1505 min

HappyAngel∞BlueStar＝無限の世界＝2023.1.10☆今年はどんな年になる！？宇宙（そら）メッセージ🌏✨おはようございます✨ 今年も元気にやっていきましよう✊ 2023年を読む、宇宙（そら）メッセージ、とうぞ😊 #宇宙 #宇宙メッセージ #BlueStar #今日のメッセージ #新年の抱負 --- stand.fmでは、この放送にいいね・コメント・レター送信ができます。 https://stand.fm/channels/5f7d6b76f04555115dcd839f

2023-01-1010 min

Ask Blue GOING GREEN in the POS industry with Dayle Guy & Richard AustinFrancisco Antona (EMEA Marketing Manager) is joined by Dayle Guy (Product Management and Enviormental Sustainability) from @EpsonEurope and Richard Austin (Business Development Manager) from BlueStar to talk about improving sustainability in hospitality and retail with mPOS.

2022-12-2044 min

Ask Blue Innovating in Food Ordering with Mitchell Chamberlain from StarMicronicsBack at it again!After the COVID crisis, many retail & hospitality business have switched to a more digital system, as the one they used was getting outdated...And today we have Mitchell Chamberlain from StarMicronics to help us see how this change is going. All of this with the help from our POS specialists at BlueStar; Jord Malcorps and Richard Austin.

2022-11-2344 min

Ask Blue Automotive industry, the most innovative? with Dana Haulica & Michele Cucinotta from HoneywellWe welcome back Francisco Antona (EMEA Marketing Manager) this time joined by Cloud Printing specialists Michele Cucinotta (Vertical Account Manager) and Dana Haulica (Product Manager Europe). We are talking about the innovations in the automotive industry, the challenges they face each year and how BlueStar and Honeywell can provide the solutions needed to exceed expectations on the market.

2022-11-2335 min

Ask Blue Now... BlueStar! with Maurice Van Rijn & Francisco AntonaThe new BlueStar Europe podcast has arrived!This time Francisco Antona (EMEA Marketing Manager) is joined by VP of Bussines Development Maurice Van Rijn. We talk about BlueStar's Value Adds and what the future holds.

2022-11-2337 min

Ask Blue Retail & Hospitality with Francisco Antona, Richard Austin & Gordon AtkinsThe new BlueStar Europe podcast has arrived! This time Francisco Antona (EMEA Marketing Manager) is joined by POS specialists Richard Austin (Bussines Development Manager) and Gordon Atkins (POS Specialist). We talk about the needs of the POS market and the generational differences between consumers and how the market has evolved in recent years.

2022-11-2350 min

HappyAngel∞BlueStar＝無限の世界＝2022.10.4★今日は龍神さまに出会いました🐉貴方は信じますか？？みなさまこんばんは🧚 今日はどんな1日でしたか？？ BlueStarは龍神さまに出会いました🐉 貴方は龍神さまを信じますか？？ #龍神 --- stand.fmでは、この放送にいいね・コメント・レター送信ができます。 https://stand.fm/channels/5f7d6b76f04555115dcd839f

2022-10-0404 min