BlueStar Nation

Tony Boncore has worked in retail, for an OEM, and now as a solutions provider, but he's always understood that technology is only as good as what it provides to the people who use it each day. This week, he uses that experience from all sides of the channel to explain why retail tech sales demand a different approach. How can tech become a problem and not a solution? What does it mean for technology to "give back" to the user? How do we put humans first as tech continues to evolve?   Read Tony's article: https://heartland-usa.com/blog/the-human-side-of-retail-tech   Around the Nation: Register for the final BlueStar Academy courses of 2026 #VARValue - How do Tony and Heartland center people and their needs when working with retail?    On Our Radar Tony - Biohybrid machines Dean - Short layovers and the most popular Halloween costume of your birth year John - New Jersey meteorite with "alien world chemistry"   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 Backpack SATO Industrial Printers

VARTECH 2026 brought channel partners to the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, September 21-22. This week, we recap the experience, the venue, the guest speakers, and how the theme, "Where Builders Gather," was reflected throughout the show.   Around the Nation: Send your rookie reps to BlueStar Academy for Intro to POS & Payments and/or Hospitality Solutions courses in November! #VARValue - Final thoughts and additional spotlights from VARTECH 2026   On Our Radar Dean - Prediction market websites John - Obsession & modern indie horror films   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: SATO Industrial Printers Elo Self-Service Array

We're back with more hot topics, surveys, and ideas to spark conversation.   Topics: The Future of Work & AI The Rise of Drunk Shopping What Jobs Have the Highest & Lowest Divorce Rates? The “Illiterate Boyfriend” Test Highest-Paying US Jobs Cost of Living by US State The Cosmic Odometer 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