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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

62:10

How to Expand Your RFID Partnerships w/Atlas RFID’s...

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/04/09

Deploying RFID solutions is not as simple as slapping some tags on what you want to track and letting readers do their thing. While RFID is more popular than ever, it's critical to foster a strong, experienced partner network if you don't have that expertise in-house. This week, Atlas RFID's Steven Wood & Tim Prybl join the pod to address issues and assumptions they've seen sink an opportunity. What critical questions should you be asking? How can you set expectations for an RFID solution? When

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40:09

Special Edition: What New Vendors Should Know About...

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/04/02

While our show is typically aimed at resellers, MSPs, integrators, and software providers already working in the channel, this one is for the vendors just getting started or looking to develop a channel strategy!You're a hardware manufacturer, software vendor, or services provider, and you've just signed up with the reseller channel. Your work is done, and skyrocketing profits will roll in any day now, right? Not exactly... Intel's Rob Risany explains the misconceptions vendors often have about

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69:05

Point-of-Purchase Advertising with PamiTV’s Kevin Brown

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/03/26

Brick-and-mortar consumers eventually find their way to a point of purchase, but are retailers utilizing that captive audience for more than just transactions and awkward upsell attempts? This week, PamiTV's Kevin Brown joins to explain the psychology behind installing dynamic displays at the POS. How does it help stores and the brands they sell? Why does it enable retail to incorporate e-commerce in-store? What hardware/software enables this solution? After listening to this episode, you're only

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47:50

What Retailers Are (and Aren’t) Saying About Shrink -...

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/03/19

It's more end-user, data-driven goodness...this time exploring a problem that retail execs are clearly passionate about — shrink & loss prevention! The latest BlueStar Nation survey (sponsored by Datalogic!) finds that retail execs are blaming self-checkout and internal issues for shrink and they're taking an active role in finding solutions. Listen to find out what they perceive is happening, and some suggestions for solutions you can add to your portfolio to win!Around the Nation: BlueStar

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67:14

The Retail Returns Crisis with IHL Group’s Greg Buzek

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/03/12

Retail returns are a $1.9 TRILLION "business," and growing faster than sales for most retailers. As more brands offer fast, free returns, we've trained a generation of consumers to overbuy and expect a frictionless return experience. What does that do to the retail supply chain and inventory? To answer that question, we turn to IHL Group's Greg Buzek, who comes loaded with data, insights, and suggestions for approaching retailers with solutions that could turn a crisis into an opportunity.Around

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55:14

Converting Consumer to Commercial Displays in...

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/03/05

We're breaking down the data from a new BlueStar Nation Survey of 100 restaurant owners and operators. Shockingly, we found that most of them are using consumer-grade displays for entertainment, menus, advertising, and more. Dean has a lot of thoughts about what's changed (and what still hasn't) since he sold digital signage. What are the top challenges and needs we can address? Who is making the decisions? Are giant corporate chains off limits? What does it take to get someone to say "yes" to demo

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46:28

Retail POS – Do What the Big Guys Can’t w/NRS’ Elie Katz

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/02/26

Taking on the big, corporate-backed POS providers can feel daunting, but SMB retail and restaurants prefer personalized solutions customized to their unique needs. National Retail Solutions' Founder/President/CEO, Elie Katz, returns to the pod to share more tips for winning with your local grocers, bodegas, gas stations, liquor stores, tobacco shops, and more. How is AI impacting smaller businesses? What do the "big guys" forget or ignore when working with SMB? Where is the low-hanging solution

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62:12

Winning in SMB Supply Chain w/Zebra's Wes Coleman &...

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/02/19

The supply chain has undergone significant change this decade, and the advent of AI and a strong push for data-driven automation and efficiency suggest further change. As the giants of retail, commerce, and logistics innovate, what does it mean for SMB? This week, we have two of Zebra's Industry Principals, Wes Coleman (Warehouse) and Jim Musco (Retail), to share their thoughts and provide tips to help the "little guys" stay competitive and take advantage of new technologies. What separates laggards

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59:24

BlueStar Nation Presents: The Pulse

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/02/12

TEC Bytes is dead...long live The Pulse! Same idea, snazzy new name. Here are the topics John & Dean are discussing this week.Pew Poll - American perceptions of AI Ranking airports by delays Things Americans CANNOT do Netflix embraces vertical video America's safest suburbs ...and the safest states Around the Nation: Check out BlueStar Webinars On Our Radar Dean - Harvesting water from air John - The health benefits of singing Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn -

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51:30

KPI-First Solutions w/Sonaria’s John Wirthlin

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/02/05

Most businesses have key performance indicators, metrics, or other measurable outcomes they want to accomplish. In the supply chain, that could range from same-day shipping to upper-90% inventory accuracy and improved data. This week, Sonaria's John Wirthlin joins the pod to explain why addressing those KPIs should be a cornerstone of your sales strategy. How does a KPI-first philosophy help sell more solutions like RFID and inventory management hardware? How do metrics differ across industries

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54:05

Addressing Outcomes with Device Management w/Esper’s...

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/01/29

Most organizations deploy a variety of devices for employee and customer use across a range of operating systems, including fixed and mobile devices. In a world increasingly reliant on data to power AI and automation and to create a competitive edge, those devices must communicate, integrate, and be seamlessly manageable. Device management is Esper's specialty, and today we're joined by Keith Svot, Senior VP & Chief Evangelist, to explain why it's critical for the modern SaaS model to focus on

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61:12

NRF Recap, Reflections & Predictions

BlueStar Nation ·

2026/01/22

We're back! To launch us into a new year, Dean shares his experiences and insights from NRF 2026. We follow that with a look at our most popular podcasts and content from 2025, audit our predictions at the start of last year, and make new ones for 2026.NRF 2026 - What's In, What's Out - Read the Article! Top 2025 Content: The RFID Revolution How to Sell Networking & Connectivity RFID for Checkout 3 Things Retailers Want in POS Healthcare Mobility Survey VARTECH 2025 Recap Around the

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82:31

Star Wars Nerdfest – Episode VI

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/12/18

We'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

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60:12

Get Ready for NRF w/Intel’s Mariya Zorotovich

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/12/11

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

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51:35

The RFID Revolution w/Patti Blessing, Mary Lou Bosco,...

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/12/04

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

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79:17

The Tech We’re Thankful For w/Sarah Schlueter

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/11/27

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

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63:05

Next Level Visitor Management w/Epson’s Michael Weitz

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/11/20

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

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55:11

Turn Rookies to Revenue Faster w/Mike Monocello

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/11/13

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

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35:56

The Case for Linerless Labels w/Epson’s Ian Livesay

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/11/06

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:

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49:52

Are Supply Chain Execs Overconfident About Their...

BlueStar Nation ·

2025/10/30

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

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199 results

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