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PODCAST

BlueStar Nation

BlueStar Nation

BlueStar Nation is the podcast that tackles the hot topics, trends, and emerging technologies impacting the specialty IT reseller channel, software companies, MSPs, and hardware manufacturers. Hosted by John Martin & Dean Reverman. Tell us what YOU want to hear about: nation@bluestarinc.com

technology marketing

All Episodes

51:38

Restaurant Automation & AI w/Truffle Systems’ Sean...

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/03/20

Like 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

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01:03:55

How to Sell Network & Connectivity Solutions...

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/03/13

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 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

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01:00:11

Can Retailers Overcome the Consumer Power Shift?...

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/03/06

Not 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

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45:14

Same Great Taste, New Packaging

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/02/27

The 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 mental

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02:01

BlueStar Nation Podcast Trailer

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/02/20

The 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

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01:26:28

Star Wars Nerdfest – Episode V

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/12/19

We’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

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55:25

RFID in Retail & Checkout w/Zebra’s Eric Malmed &...

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/12/12

"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)

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01:17:34

A Guide to Video Production with Max Faust

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/12/05

Video 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

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01:12:16

TEConnect Replay: Generational Tech Trivia

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/11/28

*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

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01:03:36

TEConnect Replay: Food Safety & the Supply Chain...

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/11/21

*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

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01:04:17

TEC Bytes 19 - Look Upon Our Podcast, and Despair!

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/11/14

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 Submit your topic ideas -

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49:23

What Do 125 Retail Leaders Want Out of POS? [End User...

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/11/07

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

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01:19:44

Do You Like Scary Podcasts? w/Ghostface & Sam Hughes

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/10/31

In 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

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56:43

The Robot Market and Potential w/Bear Robotics’ Juan...

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/10/24

"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

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49:59

Building a Better Shipping Label w/Epson’s Tessa Kohl

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/10/17

Shipping 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

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01:05:28

Generative AI’s Past, Present, and Future...

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/10/10

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 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

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01:06:01

VARTECH 2024 Recap

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/10/03

We'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

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01:05:04

What Does Your Digital Presence Say About Your...

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/09/26

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

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01:08:15

TEConnect Replay: Design Resources w/Krystal Cotriss

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/09/19

**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

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57:52

Overcoming Receipt Printer Challenges w/Star...

BlueStar Nation ·

2024/09/12

As 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

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