Rising Stars Podcast

Join Kate Orara as she chats with James Korte, Director of Marketing at BlueStar, about the latest channel marketing strategies and digital marketing trends. James shares his insights on what the channel hasn’t fully embraced yet and discusses his favorite digital marketing campaigns that set the standard for creativity and effectiveness.Listeners will learn about the biggest mistakes businesses are making in their digital marketing efforts and discover creative ways for smaller resellers to compete with larger brands. James also offers advice on the essential digital marketing tools and channels that can drive success and shares his bold predictions for the future of digital marketing in the channel.Tune in for expert tips on enhancing your digital presence and keeping your business at the forefront of channel marketing!Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

On this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara discusses "Top 10 Retail Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Clients," providing valuable insights for VARs and ISVs working with retail clients. Focusing on enhancing cybersecurity measures, Kate breaks down key strategies that resellers can recommend to protect retail businesses from evolving cyber threats.From endpoint protection and multi-factor authentication to data encryption and secure payment solutions, this episode offers practical advice to safeguard your clients’ sensitive information. Tune in to discover how investing in cybersecurity tools and training can help mitigate risks, enhance compliance, and protect business continuity in today's digital landscape.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

Join Kate Orara as she talks with Tyler Wells, ISV & Strategic Partner Manager at MicroTouch, about the challenges and opportunities of generational selling within retail technology. Tyler offers his expertise on how retailers can effectively engage Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z by tailoring their tech solutions and communication strategies to each group’s preferences.Listeners will gain insights into how to adapt their sales techniques, emphasize the right value propositions, and avoid generational stereotypes. Tyler also explores the latest retail technology solutions that are bridging the generational gap and driving innovation in the industry.Tune in to learn how generational selling in retail technology can connect with every age group and keep your retail business ahead of the curve!Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

Join host Kate Orara as she chats with Frank Olea, CEO of Olea Kiosks, about the future of self-service kiosk technology. Frank shares insights into implementing kiosk solutions that enhance customer engagement across industries like healthcare, hospitality, and entertainment, while offering strategies to future-proof systems against inevitable hardware and software changes.Listeners will learn how to balance advanced kiosk features with user-friendly design, promote self-service technology, and stay ahead of industry trends. Frank also provides advice for resellers on demonstrating the ROI of kiosk solutions to clients.Tune in for expert insights on driving innovation and preparing your kiosks for the future!Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

On this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara explores the differences between SteadyLAN and TetherLAN technology for POS printers, helping you make an informed decision for your business. Drawing from a detailed Star Micronics blog post, Kate explains how these technologies foster seamless connections and optimize workflow in various retail and hospitality environments.Tune in to learn how SteadyLAN provides reliable connections for stable environments, while TetherLAN offers flexibility for mobile and outdoor operations. Whether your business is anchored in a fixed location or moves with the crowd, this episode offers crucial insights to help you choose the best POS printer technology.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

On this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara explores the game-changing benefits of linerless sticky label printers for cafes and coffee shops. Drawing insights from a recent Star Micronics blog post, Kate highlights how this innovative technology can revolutionize daily operations, enhance customer service, and reduce waste.Tune in to learn how linerless sticky label printers speed up the labeling process, offer versatile label sizing for different products, and contribute to eco-friendly practices. Whether you’re managing front-of-house orders or streamlining back-of-house operations, this episode provides valuable insights on how linerless printing can drive efficiency in your cafe.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

On this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara explores the benefits of driver's license barcode parsing for value-added resellers (VARs). Learn how this technology helps clients streamline operations, enhance customer service, and ensure regulatory compliance across various industries.Discover practical ways to incorporate barcode parsing into your offerings to elevate your services. Whether your clients are in retail, hospitality, healthcare, or financial services, this episode provides valuable insights for leveraging this technology.Don't miss Kate's expert discussion on building business success with driver's license barcode parsing.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

Join host Kate Orara on the Rising Stars Podcast as she explores the challenges of navigating change in the retail technology industry. In this episode, Blake Gillum, President of Data Enterprises, Inc. and on the RSPA Board, offers his insights on staying relevant in a highly dynamic landscape. With nearly 15 years of experience, Blake discusses how his company has adapted to industry shifts, embraced new technologies, and upheld a strong customer service ethos.Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on managing generational challenges, the impact of remote work, and the importance of staying ahead of consumer demands. Blake also offers a glimpse into the future of retail technology and shares strategies for business leaders to thrive in times of change.Tune in to learn from Blake’s expertise and discover how to successfully navigate the complexities of the retail technology industry.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

Join host Kate Orara on the Rising Stars Podcast as she explores the latest in retail technology solutions. This episode features Brett Bennett, co-founder and President of POSitive Technology. Brett shares how OpSuite and OpSuitePOS are setting new standards in retail management and POS systems.Listeners will also learn about Brett's role as Board Chair of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), the benefits of RSPA membership, and his vision for the future. They will discover how these advancements are transforming the retail IT channel and uncover key tools and strategies for rising professionals in this industry.Tune in to hear Brett’s insider insights on demonstrating value to end-users and navigating the evolving retail landscape.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.

On this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara reveals the essentials of crafting a powerful personal professional brand on LinkedIn. She shares her top three tips for leveraging LinkedIn effectively to enhance your professional presence, whether you're a novice or an experienced LinkedIn user.Tune in to learn how to make a solid first impression with your LinkedIn profile, share valuable industry content, and connect with key professionals in your field. Whether you're looking to attract potential employers, clients, or collaborators, this episode provides the tools you need to stand out on LinkedIn. Don't miss Kate's expert advice on building and maintaining a robust professional brand in the retail technology channel industry.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Star.Loving the podcast? Subscribe now, and let us know what you think by leaving a review!