Join Kate Orara in this solo episode of the Rising Stars Podcast as she explores the transformative power of strategic labeling in the hospitality industry. Discover how innovations like linerless labels are reshaping restaurant and online order management, enhancing brand visibility, and driving sustainable practices. Tune in to uncover how labeling can elevate your business in a competitive market! Stay up-to-date on all things Star by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Loving the podcast? Subscribe now, and let us know what you think by leaving a review ..read more

Join host Kate Orara as she opens the book on the world of AI in retail with Michele Salerno and Zeke Hamdani from Celerant Technology. Explore how Celerant stays ahead of the curve, offering innovative AI solutions that redefine the retail experience across various verticals. Celerant's AI software not only streamlines content creation and SEO for retailers who may not know all the tricks, but it incorporates machine learning into the back end as well for an overall smarter POS system. It can even be tailored to speak in the unique voices of their clients—just one example of how the retail te ..read more

In this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, Kate Orara hosts guest Kevin Spencer, President and CEO of Rod Plus Technology Solutions. They discuss how Rod Plus Technology is innovating in the grocery sector while helping its clients adapt to the new digital retail landscape and changing consumer behaviors. Kevin discusses how Rod Plus's solutions, from inventory management to e-commerce, streamline grocery operations and improve customer experiences. He highlights the role of AI and IoT in advancing grocery services and stresses the value of human connection in technology-driven environments ..read more

In this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, Kate Orara hosts a discussion with industry experts Jon Levin and Christophe Naasz from Star Micronics, unpacking key takeaways from NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show. They explore the delicate balance between embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI and addressing genuine market needs in one of the industry's most significant turning points. With an in-depth look at the ascension of labeling in e-commerce and omnichannel retail, this episode is packed with valuable insights on leveraging the right technology with the right strategy to truly enhance ef ..read more

In Episode 38 of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara from Star Micronics and guest Israel Morrison of Retail Management Hero (RMH) explore the cutting-edge RMH POS solutions revolutionizing retail. They discuss key industry innovations, strategies for conquering tablet-based POS systems, and RMH's approach to rapidly evolving technologies like the cloud, e-commerce, AI, and online ordering. This impactful episode is essential for understanding future retail trends and the role of RMH in driving industry disruption. Don't miss these valuable insights – perfect for Value-Added Resellers (V ..read more

Join us in the latest episode of the Rising Stars Podcast as host Kate Orara explores the exciting and dynamic world of payment technology with Heather Philpott, Director of Supplier Services at ScanSource. This insightful discussion covers crucial topics like remote key injection, the future of traditional payment devices, and the distinctions between multifunction and integrated payment systems. Heather sheds light on how virtual payments are transforming the industry, the impact of app-based payments like Venmo and Zelle, and the role of installment payment services like Afterpay, Affirm, a ..read more

In this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara invites us into the fascinating world of POS integration and technology with Mark Rasho, the mastermind behind Star Micronics' Integration Team. Join them as they delve into Star's industry-leading technologies, including TetherLAN and Android Open Accessory, and gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of integrating hardware with software in the fast-paced POS industry. From exploring the importance of seamless communication between SDKs and APIs to unveiling the future of software vendors in the face of evolving customer nee ..read more

In the latest episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara joins Colton Kaltenfeldt, Director of Marketing for POSGuys.com, for an enlightening discussion on the evolving POS landscape. Drawing from his rich experience, Colton underscores the strategic advantage of software developers partnering with value-added resellers (VARs) rather than navigating the market solo. He elaborates on how VARs, like POSGuys, ensure end-users receive unparalleled support and the proper hardware, alleviating some of the developers' pain points. Additionally, VARs help foster crucial industry connections ..read more

In episode 33 of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara sits down with Allie Haskell, Vice President of Client Success and Engagement at Custom Business Solutions (CBS). Together, they delve into the transformative power of customer-centric tech solutions in the retail and restaurant industries. Discover why CBS stands out as an innovative leader, smoothly navigating shifts toward cloud point-of-sale (POS) systems, projected to reach a staggering $26B by 2030. Explore the revolutionary "Secure and Manage" recipe feature, CBS's steadfast 24/7 service, and insightful strategies for tackling l ..read more

In episode 32 of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara sits down with the esteemed Michel Sirois, President of BlueStar Canada and Chairman of the RSPA Board of Directors. As a pillar in shaping the future of retail IT, Michel offers invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics of the industry. The duo explores the shifts observed in the retail IT channel, examining the emerging prominence of ISVs and MSPs and what it signifies for established value-added resellers (VARs). They discuss the reasons behind the gradual move from a VAR-centric model and examine strategies VARs can employ to ..read more