Episodes

Thursday Jan 21, 2021
RSPA Trusted Advisor Ep. 38: What Can VARs & ISVs Learn from Well-Run Sports Teams?
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Episode 38 of “The Trusted Advisor” features the first-ever “Battle of the Channel Stars,” an industry-focused conversation in a fun and competitive framework. The RSPA’s Jim Roddy talks with Rick Feuling of VAR/ISV hybrid RITE Enterprises/Cloud Retailer and veteran channel consultant Bruce Mann, best known for his years supporting CRS resellers, about what SMBs can learn from well-run sports teams.
Among the topics discussed are employee recruiting, the importance of systems, accountability through public transparency, and why you should establish a culture of resilience. This episode is based on the video 10 Reasons Sports Teams Are Better Run Than Most Businesses by Rick Crossland. Crossland’s reasons are:
- Talent Development
- Coaching
- Recruiting
- Playbook
- Practice
- Execution
- Accountability
- Toughness & Resilience
- Discipline
- Scorekeeping
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.

Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
In Episode 37 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy takes a deep dive into “The Ultimate Guide to QBRs for VARs” with Jeremy Julian of VAR/ISV hybrid CBS NorthStar. Jim and Jeremy walk through each slide of the new guide, discuss details behind the best practices, and answer QBR-related questions from RSPA reseller members.
The Ultimate Guide to QBRs for VARs is available exclusively to RSPA members and can be accessed through the RSPA website following the link below. For member log-in details or for information on RSPA membership, email Membership@GoRSPA.org.
The Ultimate Guide to QBRs for VARs
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. Our goal is to accelerate the success of today’s and tomorrow’s leaders in the retail IT industry. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at GoRSPA.org.

Wednesday Dec 16, 2020
RSPA Trusted Advisor Ep. 36: How Channel Champions Sell Today
Wednesday Dec 16, 2020
Wednesday Dec 16, 2020
In Episode 36 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy sits down with George Muchae, Principal and Vice President of Business Development for VAR/ISV New West Technologies, and Chris Duffy, the Director of Distribution Sales for Star Micronics. Among the topics discussed are using social media to advance sales, how to consistently generate leads and referrals, and sales/marketing changes to expect in 2021 and beyond.
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.

Friday Dec 11, 2020
Friday Dec 11, 2020
In Episode 35 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy goes in-depth with Brady Nash, the owner and CEO of BNG Team, a technology solution provider headquartered in Fargo, ND, and the creator of The Accidental Entrepreneur video series. Jim and Brady discuss shaping your organization to take advantage of emerging trends, scaling your business while staying true to why you started your company, and key questions business leaders need to ask themselves frequently.
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.
This special episode is sponsored by Shift4. For more information, visit www.shift4resellers.com.

Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
In Episode 34 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Brianna Moriarty of Star Micronics guest hosts a special RSPA NextGEN Community edition of the pod. Discussing “What Technologies and Solutions Will Outlast the Pandemic?” are Matthew Shaw, Product Solutions Specialist at VAR Postec; Linda Ebrahimian, Marketing Manager at ISV Cyberlink; Justin Zeigler, Director of Product Strategy & Marketing at Datacap; and Andrew Faulkner, owner & CEO of VAR Staley Technologies.
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.
This special episode is sponsored by BlueStar. For more information, visit www.bluestarinc.com.

Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
In Episode 33 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy interviews Epson Product Manager Aileen Maldonado and Datacap Business Development Manager George Hudock about the ISV of the future. Among the topics discussed are effective ISV go-to-market strategies, which channel partnerships ISVs should focus on, steps to build and maintain a profitable reseller program, and the impact of next-generation executives on the retail IT channel.
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.

Thursday Nov 12, 2020
Thursday Nov 12, 2020
In Episode 32 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy sits down with Michelle MacKeith, Vice President of VAR Pinnacle Hospitality, and Suzanne Davis, the Senior Vice President of Business Development for Shift4, to discuss the path to reseller success in 2021 and beyond. Among the topics explored are effective go-to-market strategies, new customer service approaches, and the importance of remaining agile as merchants and market forces rapidly change.
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.

Wednesday Nov 04, 2020
RSPA Trusted Advisor Ep. 31: General Counsel Jill Miller Talks VAR/ISV Legal Challenges
Wednesday Nov 04, 2020
Wednesday Nov 04, 2020
In Episode 31 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA Legal Counsel Jill Miller returns to the pod to talk with host Jim Roddy. Miller shares today’s biggest legal challenges facing VARs and ISVs, insights into new data privacy regulations, and which payment-related legal issues should be top-of-mind for solution providers in 2021.
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.
This special episode is sponsored by ScanSource. For more information, visit www.ScanSource.com.

Thursday Oct 29, 2020
Thursday Oct 29, 2020
In Episode 30 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy interviews Kevin Spencer, the President at VAR Rod Plus Solutions, about growing his company despite incredible adversity in 2020. Spencer shares how he’s managed his team during his seven months out of the country, best practices for entering a new geography, and how to balance growth while caring for your current customers.
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.
This special episode is sponsored by Heartland. To become a Heartland dealer, go to www.heartland.us/become-a-dealer/rspa.

Thursday Oct 15, 2020
RSPA Trusted Advisor Ep. 29: ISV Keys to Success with BlueStar’s Mark Fraker
Thursday Oct 15, 2020
Thursday Oct 15, 2020
In Episode 29 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy interviews Mark Fraker, the Vice President of Marketing for RSPA distributor member BlueStar, about software developer keys to success in the retail IT channel. Fraker discusses where direct ISVs fit in our channel, steps they can take to build partnerships with resellers, and how internal systems are necessary for ISVs to sustain success long-term.
“The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is a content series designed specifically for point of sale resellers and software developers. 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.