Eight members of Flex Technology Group were honored on the 2020 ENX Difference Maker list, an accolade that highlights those making document technology one of the leading industries in the nation.
PHOENIX, AZ (June 15, 2020) – Flex Technology Group (FTG) is proud to announce that ENX Magazine has named eight FTG executives on its list of 2020 Difference Makers.
Each year, ENX Magazine calls for Difference Maker nominations and the magazine’s staff sifts through upwards of 100 candidates to identify those who exhibit the qualities and intangibles that truly define the spirit of a Difference Maker. This year, ENX Magazine honored 55 individuals from throughout the imaging technology universe who have left an indelible impression by serving their clients, companies, and business partners while bringing calm to calamity and resolution to disarray.
While the honorees were announced earlier in May, ENX has recently released their full profiles in their most recent print issue. Congratulations to the following honorees:
Frank Gaspari
CEO | Flex Technology Group
Every business industry boasts its share of mavericks, and in the office technology dealership universe, Gaspari embodies that designation. A 30-year veteran of the industry, he founded FlexPrint in 2005 in the hopes of crafting an unparalleled, national service-oriented managed print services business model. But the birth of Flex Technology Group has exceeded all expectations and cast the organization as arguably the leading M&A model in the country. In the process, Gaspari has been able to build a national group of high-performing dealers that can service major accounts throughout the United States, backed by more than 1,000 employees. His leadership has yielded 10 consecutive Inc. 500/5000 designations and nine “Best Places to Work” awards. Earlier in his career, Gaspari was the CEO of Column Office Technology in the Chicagoland area and a division president for then-Global Imaging Solutions in the Xerox direct operations.
“Frank is unrivaled in his ability to turn bold ideas into effective and profitable initiatives. The amount of energy he brings to this organization on a daily basis is incredible. His serial entrepreneurship may fuel the company’s growth, but it’s his passion for people that makes this organization a true success.”
—Dan Reilly, President, Caltronics Business Systems
Tarek Hafiz
President | CBE, A Flex Technology Group Company
Selling copiers runs in the family for Hafiz; his father sold them in Kuwait. It’s safe to say the younger Hafiz has taken the practice to another level. He is president of a dealership in CBE Office Solutions that has more than held its own in a competitive Los Angeles market and stretched its influence well beyond the copier to include managed services, document management, phone systems, security cameras and mailing equipment. Prior to CBE joining the Flex Technology Group family of companies in 2019, Hafiz worked some M&A magic of his own, expanding to five locations. His organization flourished to employ 200, with more than $23 million in annual sales fueled by both acquisition-based and organic growth. Behind Hafiz’s leadership, CBE has been recognized with numerous appearances on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies and numerous Best Places to Work designations by the Orange County Register.
“Tarek and CBE recently joined Flex Technology Group and it’s easy to see that he runs a successful business. CBE’s success is driven by Tarek’s leadership, ambition and industry expertise. What you might not see at first glance is his compassion and ability to build relationships. CBE is a family and Tarek has never lost sight of that. He always puts his people first, which speaks measures about what they’ll do for their customers.”
—Mike McGuirk, President, ProCopy
Ron Nielson
President | Marimon, A Flex Technology Group Company
A graduate of Harvard Business School who studied executive education, Nielson boasts three decades of executive sales leadership for major industry players including IKON Office Solutions and Ricoh. An accomplished senior leader with Fortune 500, private equity and Global 1000 experience, he has had responsibility for a $1.1 billion dollar division with multiple business units. He joined Flex Technology Group in 2018 as vice president of sales—adding marketing to his oversight less than a year later—prior to becoming president of Marimon Business Systems (a Flex Technology Group Company) this past February. Nielson was onboarded to enhance the company’s customer-centric approach to creating innovative, value-based solutions. The embodiment of transformative sales leadership, his outcome-driven mentality and focus on employee development have supported the company’s success during its period of exponential growth.
“I’ve worked with Ron at two different companies over more than a decade, and no matter what the assignment, Ron has excelled. He has a strong focus on developing his employees and achieving business goals. At FTG, Ron has developed strong programs with our vendor partners and has implemented strong sales and marketing programs across our group of companies. With a long track record of leading companies to success, we are excited to now have Ron leading our Texas operations.”
—Tom Callinan, President, Flex Technology Group
Mike Martos
VP of Service | Flex Technology Group
Martos certainly qualifies as an industry veteran. He’s spent nearly 40 years leveraging his technical service expertise for organizations including Chicago Office Technology Group (COTG) and AOE/Danka in roles ranging from service manager to divisional vice president and vice president of service. During that period, he provided service leadership and direction for implementations, installations and service support while driving high levels of customer service. During his time at COTG, he held a secondary role with parent company Global Imaging Systems (Xerox) as vice president of service employee development. He then joined Flex Technology Group in 2016 as vice president of technical services. He has executive ownership of a geographically dispersed technical team that is passionate about offering outstanding service. Martos’ expertise enables Flex Technology Group to continuously innovate and improve its service offerings, internal processes, and workflow to enhance end-user experiences and drive improved results.
“Mike is a rare combination of the experience of an industry veteran with the creativity and ambition of someone who has no concern for `how it has always been done.’ That makes him a great partner for someone in my role and an invaluable asset to our family of companies.”
—Chase Cabanillas, Chief Information Officer, Flex Technology Group
Jeff Wilson
VP of Business Development | Flex Technology Group
So much of Flex Technology Group’s success can be traced back to the thought leadership and business acumen of the firm’s executive stars, and Wilson has risen to the occasion in both regards. He focuses on the company’s enterprise business development and national accounts and develops long-term customer relationships by differentiating the company’s collective business units from industry competitors. His understanding of the market and ability to motivate the company’s national sales teams is fueled by his 20 years of experience. Previously, Wilson served 10-plus years as vice president of business development for FlexPrint National Managed Print Solutions. Before landing at FlexPrint, he was a regional sales manager for Print Inc. of San Diego, covering the Phoenix and California markets.
“Jeff is a true difference maker at Flex Technology Group. A visible leader in the organization, his motivational techniques and relationship-building initiatives encourage consistent results from his sales teams. He absolutely plays a major role in the transformation and growth taking place at FTG.”
—Mike Phipps, Vice President, Caltronics
Venetta Diesel-Varney
VP of Sales and Marketing | Millennium, A Flex Technology Group Company
The sales game is not for everyone, as it requires high levels of energy, enthusiasm and charm at all times. Diesel-Varney has an endless supply of all qualities at her disposal, deftly developed during her 25-plus year professional career. As vice president of sales and marketing for Millennium Business Systems, she guides her team to help clients reduce their printing and copying expenses while providing solutions that improve and simplify their document output. Diesel-Varney’s overarching goal is to provide clients with optimal customer service while acting as a trusted partner and resource. The holder of a BA in communications from the University of Cincinnati, she previously served roles with the Cincinnati Park Board and ITT Industries. Just prior to joining Millennium, Diesel-Varney spent nearly 11 years with Palmer Promotions as a sales and marketing manager.
“Venetta’s abilities and dedication work overtime in creating success for Millennium. She is extremely task-oriented and her customer service skills and attention to detail are second to none. Quite simply, she thinks like an owner and does whatever it takes to ensure the success of her customers. We are thrilled to have her as a resource at FTG.”
—Steve Behm, Vice President of Professional Services, Flex Technology Group
Kevin Leary
VP of Sales, East | Flex Technology Group
Upon graduating from Bridgewater State University, Leary’s early career saw him embark on a tour of duty with three industry manufacturers—Canon, Xerox and Konica Minolta. During an eight-year stint at Canon in several executive roles, he led a turnaround of the lowest-performing region, catapulting it to the top spot in 2006. Leary then brought his turnaround prowess to Xerox, where he was tasked with revitalizing a struggling business unit. That unit was able to grow revenues from $17.8 million to $23.9 million, and nearly tripled managed services revenue in the process. With Konica Minolta, Leary guided the OEM’s New England operations with a turnaround strategy that enabled it to finish third out of 41 markets. In his current role with Flex Technology Group, he is tasked with developing an enterprise team for the firm’s eastern operations. An outstanding leader who inspires his team through example, Leary fosters positive energy, creativity and productivity.
“Kevin’s knowledge in the industry is more than complemented by his leadership skills. He leads with inspiration and knows how to get the most from his people. We can attribute much of our success to him and his team.”
—Bill Glos, Vice President of Leasing, Flex Technology Group
Charles Bethel
Regional Vice President | Cannon IV and FTG-GO, Flex Technology Group Companies
The mark of a true business leader is ensuring that team members reach their full potential, and Bethel certainly fits that description. Backed by more than 20 years of leadership experience, Bethel has amassed an extensive skillset in building high-powered sales teams, improving operations and delivering state-of-the-art solutions to customers. In his current role as regional vice president, his focus centers on Cannon IV and FTG of Greater Ohio. Bethel continues to demonstrate an unparalleled ability to assemble and foster high-performing teams geared toward achieving exceptional business outcomes. The Wake Forest University product also spent 11 years with IKON Office Solutions as a marketplace business unit leader, where he was responsible for a $130 million state-based operation. Prior to becoming a vice president at Cannon IV, Bethel spent 10 years at Ricoh USA. He was initially vice president of strategic sales for the southeast region, then became vice president/managing director, with full responsibility for Florida operations.
“He is genuinely passionate and cares deeply for the company he works for and the employees under his direction. Charles gets involved in the process and focuses on helping every person succeed. Not only does he epitomize the definition of a leader, he has a clear vision on how to get the job done and energizes those around him. He knows how to develop strong teams and deliver business results. Charles’ ability to look at a situation and come up with fresh and innovative ways to solve a client’s business challenges from an executive point of view make him a valuable asset for any organization.”
—John Byxbee, President, Flo-Tech
View the entire list here: The Art of Success: Saluting the 2020 Difference Makers of the Imaging Technology World
About Flex Technology Group
Flex Technology Group provides customized office technology solutions for national and leading-edge regional companies. The company focuses on print, document management, document production and managed IT solutions, representing industry-leading suppliers such as Canon, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, Lexmark and various software solutions. FTG services almost 35,000 customers nationally.
Flex Technology Group now consists of several companies, including FlexPrint, Laser Options, ProCopy, Cannon IV, Action Imaging Group, Caltronics, Infincom, Flo-Tech, Marimon, FTG-GO, Century, Shamrock, OET, OESA, CBE, Millennium, Laser Technologies Service, and Ultrex.
About ENX Magazine
ENX Magazine is a monthly publication dedicated to the document imaging industry since 1994. Now in its 27th year, ENX Magazine continues to deliver exclusive editorial coverage on market opportunities and issues, news and trends, company profiles, new products, and industry insights through interviews with key players in all segments of the document imaging industry. With a circulation of more than 27,000 hard copies, ENX Magazine serves as a leading integrated resource that brings together industry people, products, and business concepts and strategies for document imaging industry professionals.
The magazine also publishes The Week In Imaging, a weekly e-newsletter that provides news, profiles, technology and business updates, along with blogs from some of the industry’s most prominent players.
