RSPA Trusted Advisor Ep. 149: Epson’s Brett Van Riper on the Channel’s History – and Future

In Episode 149 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks about the history and future of the retail IT channel with Brett Van Riper, Channel Account Manager for Epson. Among the topics discussed are how trends from the 1990s and 2000s are parallel to today’s channel, the importance of VARs remaining independent, how distributors drive success for channel partners, and why innovation in the POS industry is driven by Main Street, not Park Avenue. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, and grocery verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.