On this episode of The Stramaglio Show, Mike welcomes Barry Simon, President of Datamax Inc., for a conversation that blends strategic growth with heartfelt leadership. Barry traces his path from IBM to building Datamax into a thriving business deeply rooted in community, culture, and customer loyalty.

With over four decades of experience, Barry shares the philosophies that shaped Datamax’s evolution, from goal setting and mentorship to embracing technological change and nurturing internal culture. He talks candidly about the power of partnerships, the difference between vendors and partners, and how Datamax turned charitable outreach into a strategic advantage. Datamax's approach proves that business success and doing good can go hand in hand.

For anyone building a business—or a legacy—this episode offers a masterclass in leading with intention, adaptability, and heart.

00:18 Introduction to Barry Simon

00:44 Barry’s Career Beginnings

02:30 The Birth of Datamax

04:06 Setting Goals and Achieving Success

06:43 Community Engagement and Personal Growth

09:13 Mentorship and Inspiration

11:31 Looking Ahead: The Future of Datamax

14:19 Commitment to Education and Community Support

17:36 Advice for the Next Generation

21:10 Learning from Younger Employees

24:45 The Importance of Passion and Engagement

25:03 The Patriot Pack Experience

27:22 Evolving Company Culture

30:06 Building Strong Partnerships

32:07 Advice for Dealers in the Industry

Guest Links:

Website: https://www.datamaxarkansas.com/

Barry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-simon-5782034

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