
Rising Stars Podcast
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of point-of-sale (POS) with the Rising Stars Podcast by Star Micronics, hosted by industry pro, Kate Orara. Twice a month, we explore the fascinating journeys of innovators and businesses navigating the challenges of technology's rapid pace.
In every episode, Kate Orara, Partner Development Manager at Star, takes listeners on an exploration of emerging retail technology trends and strategies with global industry giants. She's spent her entire career meeting all the right people, and now listeners everywhere can benefit from this vast network of channel gurus.
Always leading and always innovating, Star Micronics, a pioneer in POS and customer experience technology for over 60 years, welcomes you to join in helping shape a brighter future in the retail, hospitality, and cannabis industries.
Together, we rise!
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Visit https://podcast.starmicronics.com for more information.
Explore our website: https://starmicronics.com
Latest episodes

Nov 15, 2023 • 48min
Biztracker's Edge: Innovating the POS Landscape
Craig Kaliebe, Director at Biztracker, discusses POS innovation, 'Fulfillment as a Service' model impact, hardware and software synergy, VARs and ISVs roles, data security, AI, cloud computing, and social media branding in the POS industry.

Oct 25, 2023 • 37min
Behind the Tech Curtain: Star's Integration Success
Join host Kate Orara as she chats with Mark Rasho, the brains behind Star Micronics' Integration Team. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of POS integration, cutting-edge technologies like TetherLAN and Android Open Accessory, and the future of software vendors in the evolving POS landscape. Discover how Star Micronics is revolutionizing the point-of-sale industry and empowering software developers to thrive.

Oct 11, 2023 • 44min
Bridging POS Software Innovation with VAR Expertise
In this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara joins Colton Kaltenfeldt, Director of Marketing for POSGuys.com, for an enlightening discussion on the changing POS landscape. Drawing from his rich experience, Colton underscores the strategic advantage of software developers partnering with value-added resellers (VARs) rather than navigating the market solo. He elaborates on how VARs, like POSGuys.com, ensure end-users receive the best support and hardware, alleviating some of the developers' pain points. Additionally, VARs help foster crucial industry connections for software companies and provide them with invaluable feedback and advice.Listen in to understand the pivotal role of VARs in amplifying success for both developers and end customers in the rapidly shifting POS domain!Click here to connect with Colton Kaltenfeldt on LinkedIn, and stay up-to-date on all things Star by following us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Loving the podcast? Subscribe now, and let us know what you think by leaving a review!

Sep 27, 2023 • 30min
Harnessing Tech Evolution in Hospitality
Allie Haskell from CBS talks about tech solutions in retail and restaurant industries, focusing on cloud POS systems and labor shortage strategies. They discuss CBS's unique 'Secure and Manage' feature, 24/7 service, and innovative tablet systems. The episode also touches on the evolution of payment options in the hospitality industry and ends with a fun discussion on hat style and expression.

Aug 9, 2023 • 35min
The New Wave in Retail IT: ISVs, MSPs, and the Future of VARs
Michel Sirois, President of BlueStar Canada and Chairman of the RSPA Board of Directors, discusses the evolving retail IT landscape, focusing on the rise of ISVs and MSPs. He explores strategies for traditional VARs to stay competitive and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among all players in the industry. The episode provides valuable insights into the future of retail IT.

Jul 26, 2023 • 36min
Industry Evolution and RSPA Goals: A Chat with Kate Orara
In this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, we turn the spotlight on our very own Kate Orara, Partner Development Manager at Star Micronics. With nearly 18 years of channel experience, Kate brings a unique perspective to the table as she shares her insights about the critical role of partnerships in a retail point-of-sale (POS) industry undergoing momentous change. Kate is running for a position on the Retail Solutions Providers Association's (RSPA) Board of Directors. She shares her vision of an innovative, collaborative future in which the RSPA serves as a resource hub for all things POS technology. In this revealing interview, you'll learn more about Kate's impactful work at Star Micronics, her approach to adaptability, and her unwavering belief in the power of mentorship. You'll also get a taste of Kate's leadership style and what she hopes to bring to the RSPA Board. Tune in to hear her thoughts on the industry and why she believes her nomination could help nurture the next generation of retail technology professionals!Click here to connect with Kate on LinkedIn, and stay up-to-date on all things Star by following us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Loving the podcast? Subscribe now, and let us know what you think by leaving a review!

Jul 12, 2023 • 34min
Navigating the Modern Retail Landscape
Join Kate Orara as she chats with retail industry influencer Jim Roddy about strategies for resellers in the modern retail landscape. They discuss proactive approaches, successful partnerships, and adapting to economic changes. Roddy's insights from his RSPA experience provide valuable tips for navigating the retail scene and hints at what's to come at RetailNOW 2023.

Jun 28, 2023 • 32min
Retail Reimagined: How Tech is Transforming In-Store Customer Experiences
Andy Szanger, Director at CDW, discusses AI in retail, self-service technologies, enhancing in-store customer experiences, technology-driven innovation, and CDW's value in the retail industry. Topics include addressing labor shortages, mobile technologies, interactive experiences, and the role of technology in customer assistance.

Jun 22, 2023 • 2min
The New Rising Stars Podcast with Host Kate Orara
The Rising Stars Podcast is all about uncovering the latest insights, trends, and strategies in the POS industry. With in-depth conversations with thought leaders in the field, this exciting show promises to deliver vital information to help value-added resellers (VARs) and independent software vendors (ISVs) stay ahead of the curve in this fast-evolving industry.At the helm of this new podcast is our incredibly knowledgeable host Kate Orara. With a wealth of experience in the POS industry and an exceptional knack for delving into thought-provoking discussions, Kate embodies the spirit of innovation and progress that the Rising Stars Podcast aims to promote. Her passion and keen insights will undoubtedly make each episode a worthwhile listen.Star Micronics invites you to join us on this exciting journey! Tune in, get inspired, and let's rise together with the Rising Stars Podcast. Watch the trailer now and stay tuned for the release of our first episode!Click here to connect with Kate Orara on LinkedIn, and stay up-to-date on all things Star by following us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Loving the podcast? Subscribe now, and let us know what you think by leaving a review!

May 25, 2022 • 19min
The Kitchen of the Future
In this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, join host Brianna Moriarty and John Maieli, Channel Partner Executive at Star Micronics and former Chef, as they explore the kitchen of the future and the technologies helping the restaurant and hospitality industries compete in the current climate. Brianna and John discuss how professional kitchens have had to adapt as the pandemic moves from one stage to the next and how the changes continue. They also talk about trends and issues the industry faces and how integrated point-of-sale technologies are critical. Enjoy the show!Click here to connect with John Maieli on LinkedIn. And as always, to stay up-to-date on all things Star, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Loving the podcast? Subscribe now, and let us know what you think by leaving a review!
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