BlueStar Nation

The 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? Put on your comfy shoes and enjoy! Around the Nation: Watch the IHL 2026 Retail Trends Webinar #VARValue - For VARs, ISVs, and vendor partners attending NRF, what is Intel’s approach to the show, and how will they be interacting with existing and potential partners? What does BlueStar do at the show? On Our Radar Mariya - Agentic AI for checkout & change leadership Dean - Toy Story 5 John - Is grey hair a good thing? Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: EloPOS Instant Rebate Promo

The interest in RFID has never been higher, but what's driving it, and how can the channel capitalize on this momentum? This week, we have an all-star panel: Zebra's Patti Blessing, AIM Global's Mary Lou Bosco, and GS1 US's Teresa Williams. What does the RFID market look like from a broad perspective and within the channel? How are standards and mandates helping guide RFID adoption in industries like retail and healthcare? Is RFID the solution for fighting organized retail crime? Listen to find out why RFID is like a vegetable. Around the Nation: Check out next week's NRF Prep episode with Intel's Mariya Zorotovich #VARValue - Final thoughts on the future of RFID and how Zebra, AIM, and GS1 are helping the channel grow and prepare. On Our Radar Teresa - NFC tags around the home Mary Lou - Ja'Marr Chase suspension Patti - Shopping with RFID Dean - AI country artist John - Gabb smart watch for kids Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Zebra TC22R Handheld RFID Reader Elo Legacy

It'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: BlueStar's Webinar Series On Our Radar Sarah - Bye bye to the penny Dean - Russia's AIdol robot flops John - Parasocial - Cambridge Dictionary word of the year Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo's Self-Service Array

Visitor management is an oft-overlooked opportunity for resellers in industries they already serve, especially education, healthcare, government, and any enterprise where security, protecting sensitive information, or employee and guest safety are prioritized. This week, Epson's Michael Weitz joins to explain the challenges of outdated or traditional visitor management, where you should be looking for business, and why color-printing badges and passes elevate the process. It's the episode that's looking a little shady... Around the Nation: Need help with your next project? Ask about our Custom Configuration capabilities! #VARValue - How does the Colorworks printer line enhance the visitor management process, and how should VARs approach their customers about changing existing technology? On Our Radar Michael - RAMaggeddon Dean - Workslop John - iPhone Pocket Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Epson C4000 Color Inkjet Label Printer Elo Non-Touch Displays

BlueStar 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 software partners on TEConnect Live On Our Radar Mike - Network-attached storage James - Mirage AI Video John - MLB The Show 2025 Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo's I-Series 5 rf IDEAS WAVE ID Minis

Labeling 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 key products VARs should know about, and how do they help you win business? On Our Radar Ian - AI-enabled recycling John - IKEA smartphone bed Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Epson TM-L100 Liner-free Label Printer EloPOS Instant Rebate Promo

Manufacturers, 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 a little hot air. Read about the survey results here! Around the Nation: Tell us what technology you're thankful for and tune in to our Thanksgiving episode (#250!!) #VARValue - Did any other findings in the survey stand out to Matt? How is Honeywell helping the reseller community tackle productivity with their customers? On Our Radar Matt - Freight theft Dean - Pivotal BlackFly "flying car" John - Why do onions make us cry so easily? Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo I-Series Steel

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 parentsNo meeting weeksMost common jobs - 90s vs. nowRanking James Bond moviesConcert ticketflationThe best countries in the worldUber's lost and foundTop-selling beer Around the Nation: BlueStar Academy - Launching Q1 2026 On Our Radar Dean - The most beautiful English words John - Is your phone listening to you? (No, but it's even worse) Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo + Epson KDS

VARTECH 2025 made the most of its location at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, offering two packed days of networking, new technologies to explore, insightful education, and fun-filled evenings. Our theme, "Join the Quest," encouraged attendees to come together in partnership and accept the challenge of finding bold new solutions to their customers' problems. From a memorable opening featuring keynote Zack Kass to bold discussions about why now is the time to make AI part of your business, VARTECH had something for everyone. This week, we're reflecting on the show, what we saw and heard, and what you can learn even if you didn't attend. Follow us on YouTube and bookmark our VARTECH page to see videos and recaps from the show! Around the Nation: Register for next week's 2026 Retail Intelligence Briefing with IHL On Our Radar Dean - Outdoor exercise is superior to the gym John - Is Popular Mechanics okay? Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo Pay M100

"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 series! Around the Nation: BlueStar Connectivity #VARValue - Learn about the importance of middleware and Redbeam RFID. How are they helping VARs accelerate their existing RFID business or get started? On Our Radar Kyle - Hitachi's "smart dust" Kevin - AI search Dean - Non-invasive brain-computer interface John - Competitive spreadsheeting Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo Legacy

Distracted driving has been exacerbated with the widespread use of mobile devices, which constantly beckon to be looked at, touched, and interacted with. For enterprises that deploy drivers to deliver products or services, or operate internal vehicles such as forklifts, these distractions can lead to costly lawsuits, liabilities, and an inability to obtain insurance. This week, we're joined by Ted Chen, CEO of LifeSaver Mobile, a company that helps enterprises customize employee access to their devices while driving and on the job. What does "locking down" a mobile device actually mean? How can this benefit resellers with customers using devices they didn't sell? How does connectivity fit into this conversation (Jim Hilton is here with that answer!)? Don't skip this episode...doing so could cause an accident! Around the Nation: Follow us on LinkedIn & YouTube #VARValue - How is LifeSaver Mobile working with VARs to give them a recurring revenue source, even if their customers are still committed to consumer devices? On Our Radar Ted - AI search & virtual first downs for football Jim - Satellite connectivity Dean - Quantum communications John - The world's deepest hotel Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo Pay POS Systems

Planned obsolescence and routine replacement cycles are common in the consumer electronics industry. Those concepts also infiltrate enterprise hardware, undermining the notion that business equipment should be rugged, durable, and suitable for years of day-to-day use. If you're eager to swap out mobile computers, POS devices, printers, and other hardware when a new version is released, are you doing your customers (and your business) a disservice? That's the premise of this week's episode featuring Logic Controls' Engineering Director, Paul Peralta & CEO Brian Wheeler. What are end-users saying about buying enterprise vs. consumer? How does longevity factor into designing & selling solutions? How does Logic Controls factor software and evolving OS platforms into its products? Around the Nation: ISVs on Tap #VARValue - What is Logic Controls' approach to longevity and performance? What do you do differently to ensure that VARs feel secure selling your products? On Our Radar Paul - Photonic processing Brian - College football Dean - The end of AOL dialup John - Nostalgia for the music of our teen years Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Logic Controls Durable Solutions

A 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 there any “start small” opportunities that VARs should be pursuing now that could lead to bigger innovation in the future? On Our Radar Luke - Brain-computer interfaces Rob - Home-brewed beer app Dean - Electronic skin John - Goodbye BSOD Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo M51 Rugged Mobile Computer

We'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 end users? On Our Radar Crystal - The Astronomer CEO Coldplay scandal James - ChatGPT agent & ElevenLabs Dean - Sweaty corn John - Artificial blood Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo I-Series Steel

You 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 BlueStar networking & connectivity experts for the US & Canada. We didn’t want you to miss out if you weren’t able to attend, so we’re presenting that discussion on this special episode. Featuring: Jim HIlton -- Chris Dollinger -- John Haberer -- Kenton Janzen Why work with BlueStar for this technology? What’s our approach and the experience of our team? Who are we partnering with, and how do we vet them? And finally, how can we make it easy to deliver tailored, ready-to-deploy solutions? Bonus...Dean & John have very little to say in this one, so you can focus on the experts! Learn more about BlueStar Networking & Connectivity: https://www.bluestarinc.com/en-us/industries-and-technologies/networking-and-connectivity After you listen, take the survey! https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8398518/Networking-Experts-Webinar-Survey #VARValue - Final takeaways from the discussion and why VARs should lean on BlueStar for these solutions. On Our Radar Dean - Amazon Prime Day GenAI traffic & Starbucks RTO John - Chuck-E-Cheese for adults? Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo Legacy POS Upgrades

LG's Mike Stachura is bringing his incredible energy and enthusiasm for digital signage back to the pod (and in-studio!) with Disty Sales Director Matt Waidley. They are discussing current trends in signage, their favorite use cases, how AI is changing deployments and potential applications, and what's new with LG. Slip into some comfy shoes and enjoy! Around the Nation: 2U Tour NYC...on a boat! #VARValue - Explain the difference between ROI & ROO? How can VARs sell the “intangible” benefits of digital displays? On Our Radar Matt - self-driving cars Mike - Crocs Dean - Sweaty paint John - LegoGPT Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: LG CreateBoard Elo Pay M100

We'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 trendswealthiesthappiestWhy Americans are working lessWhat 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 - Ranking Spielberg's Movies Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo + Epson TrueOrder KDS

This 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 the Nation: Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn #VARValue - What advice do you have for resellers to stay relevant in the years to come? Are there industries/technologies/trends you’re watching closely? On Our Radar Elie - Expanding into restaurants Dean - AI-generated ad John - Indications of extraterrestrial life? Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by Elo M51 Mobile Computer

"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! #VARValue - Elo recently announced new I-Series 5 and Backpack 5 products built for an Elo.AI initiative. Tells us a bit about that initiative, what it means for your hardware, and how VARs can take advantage to develop their own AI solutions. On Our Radar Luke - How AI accelerates science Dean - Walmart delivery drones John - Cluely Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe Sponsored by: Elo Pay M100

Our 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 Nation: Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe #VARValue - Did any other findings in this survey stand out to you? How is Zebra helping the reseller community tackle clinical mobility needs? On Our Radar Kassaundra - Clinical staff duress Dean - The evolutionary benefits of itching John - Is our galaxy going to collide with another? Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Sponsored by: Zebra's HC25 & HC55 Rugged Healthcare Mobile Computers Elo's Quick Ship Program