By Andy Slawetsky – In the latest episode of The What’s Happenin’ Technology Podcast, I had the pleasure of catching up with Austin Vanchieri, Chairman and CEO of Visual Edge IT. With 2024 coming to a close, Austin shared the company’s achievements over the past year and their plans for continued growth in 2025. As one of the largest players in the office equipment reseller space, Visual Edge IT’s evolution from print-focused operations to a comprehensive technology service provider has been remarkable and managed services now account for a big portion of their annual revenue.
2024 Highlights: A Year of Growth and Transformation
Austin described 2024 as a pivotal year for Visual Edge IT. The company continued its strategic push into managed services, achieving 25% growth in that sector. All 300 sales professionals across the country are now fully engaged in selling managed services, positioning Visual Edge IT as a total technology service provider. Despite this expansion, the company remains committed to its roots in print, focusing on production print and large-scale deals.
“We’re not transitioning—we’re there,” Austin emphasized, pointing out that their print business continues to be a solid, profitable foundation that supports their diversification efforts.
The production print sector also saw significant developments, including Visual Edge IT’s presence at Printing United in Las Vegas. One of only two office equipment resellers in this space with a booth at the conference, the company used the event to educate customers about security and system reliability rather than showcasing equipment, reflecting their broader service-focused approach. The addition of specialized staff in production print further demonstrates their commitment to meeting the needs of this competitive market.
Hall of Fame Partnership: A Winning Strategy
One of the standout initiatives in 2024 was Visual Edge IT’s marketing partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The partnership has not only enhanced the company’s brand recognition but also created unique opportunities to connect with customers. From hosting events at the Hall of Fame to bringing in legendary athletes for meet-and-greet sessions, the initiative has been a hit with employees and clients alike.
“Our people love it,” Austin said, noting the excitement and engagement generated by these events. The partnership has been a strategic investment in branding and relationship-building, leveraging the Hall of Fame’s prestige to elevate Visual Edge IT’s profile.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the company gears up for 2025, Austin highlighted plans to further strengthen their managed services offerings. With a goal to serve larger SMBs and mid-sized enterprises, Visual Edge IT is assembling an enterprise sales force to target organizations with up to 2,000 employees. This move reflects their confidence in handling complex IT needs and their ambition to scale their business even further.
The upcoming sales kickoff in Canton, Ohio will set the tone for the year ahead. Austin expressed excitement about continuing their cooperative marketing efforts while maintaining a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive technology solutions to their customers.
SOURCE Industry Analysts Inc.
