Meet Mike Stramaglio - a leader in the imaging technology channel with 45 years of experience. A technology consultant and business leader, Mike talks to experts about the tech that keeps this fine old world spinnin’ around in The Stramaglio Show. Tune in for technology insights from an industry legend and fascinating conversations with the tech leaders shaping our digital landscape.
Relationship Is the Strategy: Konica Minolta on Dealers and Solving Problems Together | Episode 26
On this episode of The Stramaglio Show, Mike welcomes back Laura Blackmer, President of Dealer Sales at Konica Minolta. The conversation opens with one of the most talked-about topics in the dealer community right now: the Konica Minolta and Marco service arrangement and the noise it generated across the channel. Laura gives an honest account of what drove the decision, what she wishes had been handled differently, and why she believes the worst of it is behind them.
From there, they cover AI’s growing role in service delivery, the KM-Fuji procurement partnership and what it means for tariff navigation, and the state of the dealer community heading into the second half of the year. Laura also shares her genuine appreciation for single-line dealers like Blue Technologies, and what that level of commitment means to Konica Minolta on both sides of the relationship.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome Back Laura Blackmer05:46 Addressing the Marco Relationship13:21 Challenging Convention and Embracing Growth22:58 The Role of AI in Service33:04 Single-Line Partnerships and Closing Thoughts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Show LinksLearn more about Stramaglio Consulting: https://stramaglioconsulting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStramaglioShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestramaglioshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-stramaglio-show/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMWp0DB0L9yrKSQhhNniow
9 Oct 2026
Stay Close to Your Customer: An Executive on Finance, Robotics, and What Comes Next | Episode 25
On this episode of The Stramaglio Show, Mike welcomes Matthew Keown, Director of New Business Development, Americas at DLL, for a conversation about equipment finance, the evolving technology landscape, and what it means to build lasting partnerships in a market that keeps changing the rules.Matthew brings a rich background to the table: Navy veteran, Notre Dame MBA, 12 years at Ricoh Global Services, and now seven years at DLL, where he has repeatedly been called in to stabilize struggling teams, develop his own replacement, and move on to the next challenge.The conversation covers DLL's unique position as one of the few finance companies that can handle both enterprise-scale deals and small business flow business with equal strength, how quantum computing and PQC are moving faster than most people realize, and why robotics may be the next wave that reshapes expectations across every industry. Matthew also shares an honest read on 2026: a good year in a strange environment, with pent-up demand sitting just beneath the surface.His message to the industry is simple and worth repeating: stay close to your customer. They will tell you everything you need to know.
Timestamps00:00:00 Welcome Matthew Keown and Personal Background00:03:07 Joining DLL and Career Journey00:08:39 DLL’s Role and Technology Trends00:14:32 Market Conditions and Emerging Robotics00:21:26 DLL Culture and Professional Pride00:28:49 Industry Advice and Frank Sinatra
Guest Links:DLL: https://www.dllgroup.com/en
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Show LinksLearn more about Stramaglio Consulting: https://stramaglioconsulting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStramaglioShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestramaglioshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-stramaglio-show/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMWp0DB0L9yrKSQhhNniow
15 Sept 2026
24: The Who, Not the How: Finding the Right Partners in a Fast-Moving World
On this episode of The Stramaglio Show, Mike welcomes Gary Shergill, CEO of Avanue and founder of Avanico, for a conversation about ERP technology, AI, and what it means to build something from the ground up with no sales team and a whole lot of trust.
Gary traces his journey from a cubicle in Chicago checking other people's code to becoming one of only two remaining SAP Business One consultants who have been with the product since its US inception in 2004. From that foundation, the company grew organically to 150 consultants operating in 27 countries, entirely through word of mouth and a delivery-first culture.
The conversation covers Gary's acquisition of the Forza platform, which Mike founded through MWA Intelligence, and its rebirth as Avanue. Gary shares his take on ERP transition fears, why AI needs actual intelligence behind it and not just hype, and why the next generation of employees will simply not tolerate outdated technology.
His message to the industry is direct: stop complaining about your current platform and start asking who can take you forward.
Timestamps00:00 Introducing Gary Shergill and Forza04:12 The Evolution of Avanico and Avanue10:10 Navigating ERP Implementation Challenges14:13 Pride, Frustration, and Industry Noise20:55 Leveraging Technology and AI for Growth30:26 The Future of Dealer Networks37:21 Final Thoughts and Lasting Advice
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Show LinksLearn more about Stramaglio Consulting: https://stramaglioconsulting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStramaglioShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestramaglioshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-stramaglio-show/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMWp0DB0L9yrKSQhhNniow
Who has been a guest on Next Week’s Life
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Barry Simon
Brandon Jarrett
Ted Becker
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26,750
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
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Quality
32
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
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