Your Vote Counts. Nominated for Office in the New MPSA

Well, I’m out shaking babies and kissing hands… Wait – did I get that backwards?

I was recently nominated for several positions on the new Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) council. I have graciously agreed to run for one of two available seats for board member (manufacturer). For those of you interested and engaged in the MPS space, the MPSA represents an earnest effort by our community to seek the best in our industry for the betterment of all.

If you are so inclined, I humbly ask for your vote. To voice your opinion in the formation of what could become a very meaningful group, please take a few moments complete the ballot.

Thank you to those kind enough to nominate me. Your gesture is greatly appreciated, and proof that my efforts to extend the conversation in search of truth is in fact succeeding.

You may find more information on the MPSA here.

For more on who is running for the various offices, visit the LinkedIn thread.

Below is the official biography submitted as a requirement to run for the office.

This is an exciting time for office technology providers of ALL disciplines and competencies as the Managed Print Service Association (MPSA) is created. The vision statement of MPSA calls for “a worldwide independent and non-profit organization that embraces all industry participants in a collaborative and noncompetitive environment, as we strive together to provide the necessary industry standardization…” The strong emphasis on diversity is the exact reason I have the ability to provide the required responsibilities as a Board Member.

My multifaceted background, highlighted below, has provided me an excellent opportunity to learn and understand the role of technology and its function in not only the business world but in everyday life.

• United States Marine Corp
• Strategic Partner Development
• Project Management
• Network & Systems Administrator
• Business Analyst
• Solution Sales Engineer
• Creator, Author, and Editor at ChangeForge.com

My initial introduction into the office technology industry was accepting the position of Director of Technology with the independent dealer Kearns Business Solutions. One of the many responsibilities as Director of Technology was to assist our clients in launching their managed print strategies, and began my career at Kearns by leading project deployments ranging up to 6000 devices and 10 million monthly impressions. I learned very quickly how to execute on business, client, and leadership strategies required to become successful in the independent dealer channel.

Proof that I was mentored by the best at Kearns is exemplified when we accepted the invitation to be acquired by Sharp Business Systems. This exciting opportunity has provided me the ability to push my personal comfort zone and once again absorb another perspective in the office technology industry. As the Director of Technology Solutions for Sharp Business Systems – South Carolina, I focus on and manage areas of helpdesk, information assurance, customer and team training, project management, solutions sales, and managed print program strategy.

The focus of my career has been centered around innovation – bridging business objectives and achieving customer satisfaction by applying technology smartly. I also interact with our industry community on my personal blog, ChangeForge.com offering a platform to share ideas and start conversations; this site focuses upon change and shifting paradigms, offering perceptions of how technology can be applied to business problems while maintaining a people-friendly perspective. You will find that I believe in asking “Why?” often, and blaze trails to achieve the best solution considering all the dynamics of culture, available technology, and business need.

Given these characteristics, I can provide MPSA both innovative ideas as well as industry specific experience from several perspectives of the:

• Customer
• Independent Dealer
• Manufacturer

Lastly, I offer my time and energy to the service of MPSA and am looking forward to fulfilling its Mission Statement “to address and optimize businesses and end-user office document management needs and issues while enhancing the growth and efficiency….of MPS…”

Ken Stewart’s website, ChangeForge, focuses on the collision between the constantly changing worlds of business and technology in an information-centric world. Ken is also the founder of Seeking the Son. He is always interested in connecting; To discover the many ways you may connect with him, visit him at DandyID.