Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of office equipment sales, the Flex Technology Group (FTG) stands out as a beacon of success and growth. The company recently celebrated its achievements at its annual sales kickoff event, held at Arizona State University. This gathering not only served as a platform to highlight FTG’s impressive performance in 2023 but also underscored its status as a leading Mega dealer in the office equipment reseller sector. With a comprehensive service reach across the United States, FTG’s accomplishments and strategic direction were the focal points of this event.
FTG’s Remarkable Performance and Strategic Direction
Financial Triumphs and Market Position
At the forefront of the event, FTG’s CEO, Frank Gaspari, took the stage to share the company’s financial milestones. With a reported revenue of $434 million and a 9% organic growth rate, FTG has demonstrated exceptional performance, particularly in the traditional print management sector. The company’s two-year combined organic growth of $75 million further cements its position as an elite player in the industry. These figures, which are not commonly seen in the market, were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Customer Retention and Service Excellence
Another highlight of FTG’s success is its remarkable customer retention rate of 97%, which represents a client base exceeding 29,000. This achievement is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. A key factor in FTG’s operational success is its strategic decision to rely on in-house W2 technicians for 93% of service calls. This approach distinguishes FTG from competitors who often resort to outsourcing to third-party providers, particularly for services outside their primary territories.
Celebration and Strategic Acquisitions
Event Festivities and Industry Partnerships
The sales kickoff event, hosted at the Omni Tempe Hotel, was a festive occasion that celebrated the company’s record-breaking year. The event commenced with an Executive Leadership Meeting, which set a positive tone for the conference. A dinner sponsored by Canon at a local brewery provided a relaxed environment for employees from various branches to unite and commemorate their achievements. The following day, the ‘Kickoff 2024’ event, also known as ‘the big show,’ featured a breakfast and a happy hour sponsored by Sharp Electronics. The day concluded with a rooftop dinner sponsored by HP, where partners such as Canon, Lexmark, Clover, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, and GreatAmerica joined in the festivities, enjoying the panoramic views and celebrating FTG’s success.
Growth Through Strategic Acquisitions
FTG’s history is marked by strategic acquisitions that have been instrumental in its expansion. The office equipment reseller industry has undergone significant consolidation, shrinking from over 7,000 resellers to fewer than a thousand. FTG’s recent acquisitions of Advanced Business Systems and Copy Link are indicative of its growth strategy. The retention of key personnel, such as Kevin Marshall of Copy Link and Jeff Elkin with his award-winning team, highlights FTG’s ability to not only attract but also maintain top talent post-acquisition. This is particularly noteworthy in an industry where sales teams often depart following such transitions.
For office equipment resellers considering their future in a consolidating market, FTG represents a model of sustainability. The story of Advanced Business Systems, whose team not only remained with the company post-acquisition but also reportedly experienced increased earnings, serves as an inspiring narrative for those contemplating a partnership with FTG.
The event was a comprehensive day filled with awards, employee recognition, a review of the company’s financials, and team-building activities. The FTG group present at the conference had earned their places, and their dedication and success were evident, particularly when reflected in a video montage that was part of the event’s proceedings.
FTG’s ability to host a kickoff event of such magnitude is something many competitors can only aspire to. Their transparency in sharing financial data and providing access to their executive team sets them apart. Despite a shrinking print market, FTG continues to expand its print operations year after year, showcasing an impressive trajectory of consistent growth.
