RSPA Trusted Advisor

In Episode 127 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks leadership with channel expert Janet Schijns, the CEO and co-founder of JSG and an RSPA Board Advisor. Among the topics discussed are leading through change, key differences between risk taking at a large company vs. a small company, the state of women in the IT channel, and why VAR and ISV leaders need to avoid “echo chambers.” “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org. The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 126 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks leadership with COCARD’s Dan Brattland. Among the topics discussed are the importance of being true to your distinct leadership style, the Three C’s of Leadership (staying cool, calm, and collected), how to delegate effectively, and what to do when delegation to an employee doesn’t work out. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 125 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks ethical capitalism and leadership with Bob Chapman, the Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, a $3.6-billion global capital equipment and engineering solutions company. Among Chapman’s accolades are being named the CEO of the Year by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the #3 CEO in the world in by Inc. Magazine, and a Top 10 Social Capital CEO by International Business Times. Chapman is author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling book Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 124 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks leadership with two Heartland executives: Andre Nataf, Sr. Vice President of POS Distribution, and Maddie Stockwell, Sr. Director of the Heartland POS Dealer Channel. Among the topics discussed are how to navigate shared leadership responsibilities, tactics to bridge generational divides, and the importance of building a team that aligns with company values. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 123 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy sits down with John Giles, the President of ISV Round 2 POS, to talk strategy and leadership. Among the topics discussed are choosing a strategy designed to be radically different from your competition, how to implement your strategy, and the importance of frequently running tests to ensure you are the disruptor and not the disrupted. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 122 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy sits down with Mike DeGuibert, North America Sales Manager for Epson, about his leadership journey and lessons learned. Among the topics discussed are filling the shoes of industry legend Linda Sudderth, best practices for leading a remote team, how taking notes makes you a more effective leader, and how veteran leaders can improve their skills. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

Episode 121 of “The Trusted Advisor” features a conversation between two high-energy RSPA members: Tyler Young, the CEO/Founder of Tonic POS, and Jeremy Julian, the CRO at Custom Business Solutions. Originally aired on The Restaurant Technology Guys podcast (www.restauranttechnologyguys.com), Young and Julian reveal what drives them to lead others. Among the topics discussed are impact over income, humility, gratitude, overcoming personal and professional challenges, and embracing uncomfortable situations to help spark your growth as a leader.   “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   The “Restaurant Technology Guys” podcast, produced by Custom Business Solutions, is a premier resource for restaurateurs seeking to leverage technology to enhance their operations. Each episode delves into the latest trends, tools, and innovations, providing practical insights into how technology can solve real-world problems. Topics range from AI in supply chain management to sustainable practices and cutting-edge digital solutions, all aimed at improving efficiency, reducing waste, and boosting customer satisfaction.  The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 120 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy sits down with Brett Bennett, Co-Founder and President of retail VAR POSitive Technology and ISV OpSuite, and Jeff Riley, CEO of ISV Retail Management Hero, about best practices for handing off leadership responsibilities. The conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at how they transitioned positions on the RSPA Board, Bennett serving as Board Chair for 2023-24 before handing the reins to Riley for 2024-25. Bennett and Riley discuss collaborative leadership, how to delegate without dictating leadership style, and how mentors impacted their careers.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 119 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy catches up with Blake Gillum, President of VAR/MSP/ISV Data Cash Register (DCR), and Thomas Greenman, President and Co-Owner of VAR Skurla’s POS Solutions. Gillum and Greeman were Trusted Advisor guests back in 2020 (Episode 12: VAR Leadership Transitions) to discuss their transition into company leadership roles. In this episode they talk about overcoming their #1 leadership challenge, what experience shaped them most as leaders, and the importance of focusing on both relationships and results. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 118 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks with RSPA General Counsel Atty. Jill Miller about the latest on cash discounting and surcharging sparked by her RetailNOW 2024 presentation “Legally Speaking: Cash Discounting and Surcharging.” RetailNOW, the retail IT channel’s #1 trade show, education conference, and networking event, attracted over 1,500 attendees July 28-30 in Las Vegas. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.