BlueStar Nation

The supply chain has undergone significant change this decade, and the advent of AI and a strong push for data-driven automation and efficiency suggest further change. As the giants of retail, commerce, and logistics innovate, what does it mean for SMB? This week, we have two of Zebra's Industry Principals, Wes Coleman (Warehouse) and Jim Musco (Retail), to share their thoughts and provide tips to help the "little guys" stay competitive and take advantage of new technologies. What separates laggards from leaders, and is "laggard" really a negative term? How are supply chain trends affecting retail inventory? Where are next-gen solutions actually winning and delivering ROI?

 

Around the Nation: Find a 2U Tour stop near you!

#VARValue - How does Zebra approach partnerships and integrations to help enterprises avoid the “Frankenstack” approach of tech adoption?

 

On Our Radar

Wes - Meta glasses

Jim - The fusion of AI, RFID, & machine vision

Dean - Drones at the Olympics

John - A drone umbrella

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

 

Sponsored by:

Zebra's 18th Annual Shopper Survey

Elo I-Series 5

TEC Bytes is dead...long live The Pulse! Same idea, snazzy new name. Here are the topics John & Dean are discussing this week.

• Pew Poll - American perceptions of AI
• Ranking airports by delays
• Things Americans CANNOT do
• Netflix embraces vertical video
• America's safest suburbs
• ...and the safest states

Around the Nation: Check out BlueStar Webinars

 

On Our Radar

Dean - Harvesting water from air

John - The health benefits of singing

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

 

Sponsored by:

Elo Backpack with Intel

Most businesses have key performance indicators, metrics, or other measurable outcomes they want to accomplish. In the supply chain, that could range from same-day shipping to upper-90% inventory accuracy and improved data. This week, Sonaria's John Wirthlin joins the pod to explain why addressing those KPIs should be a cornerstone of your sales strategy. How does a KPI-first philosophy help sell more solutions like RFID and inventory management hardware? How do metrics differ across industries? What are business leaders asking for now, and what will they need tomorrow? 

 

Learn more about Sonaria's RFID Software!

 

Around the Nation: Enroll your new reps in BlueStar Academy!

#VARValue - Why should VARs partner with Sonaria as an ISV—and where are the biggest opportunities?

 

On Our Radar

John W - Making data easy and Sonaria's comic books

Dean - Protein "evolution engine"

John M - Is Earth going to lose gravity for 7 seconds? (Weird conspiracy theory alert!)

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

 

Sponsored by:

Elo Non-Touch Displays

Most organizations deploy a variety of devices for employee and customer use across a range of operating systems, including fixed and mobile devices. In a world increasingly reliant on data to power AI and automation and to create a competitive edge, those devices must communicate, integrate, and be seamlessly manageable. Device management is Esper's specialty, and today we're joined by Keith Szot, Senior VP & Chief Evangelist, to explain why it's critical for the modern SaaS model to focus on outcomes. Why are VARs reluctant to sell device management services? What is "seamless provisioning"? How can you address multi-OS deployments? It's the episode that is anything but boring and predictable.

 

Around the Nation: Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter

#VARValue - What is Esper’s value proposition for VARs? How do they help generate some sticky, recurring revenue to address outcomes?

 

On Our Radar

Keith - RFID embedded in smartphones

Dean - Exploring axolotl limb regeneration capabilities

John - Weird tech of CES

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

 

Sponsored by:

Esper MDM

Elo Pay M100

We're back! To launch us into a new year, Dean shares his experiences and insights from NRF 2026. We follow that with a look at our most popular podcasts and content from 2025, audit our predictions at the start of last year, and make new ones for 2026.

 

NRF 2026 - What's In, What's Out - Read the Article!

 

Top 2025 Content:

• The RFID Revolution
• How to Sell Networking & Connectivity
• RFID for Checkout
• 3 Things Retailers Want in POS
• Healthcare Mobility Survey
• VARTECH 2025 Recap

 

Around the Nation: The 2U Tour kicks off in Tampa on Feb. 24th

#VARValue - What can VARs expect from BlueStar this year?

 

On Our Radar (Christmas Gift Edition)

Dean - Electric pump, therapeutic massage gun, & candle warmer

John - The Bartesian cocktail maker and Spider-Man 2 for the PS5

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe

 

Sponsored by:

Elo Backpack, powered by Intel

We're wrapping up our sixth season with the annual discussion of all things Star Wars with special guest Sam Hughes! What's the latest news on new movies, series, and scrapped projects? We're actually getting a new film next year (The Mandalorian & Grogu), but will it be good? After brief discussions on "Skeleton Crew," "Tales of the Underworld," and "Visions 3," we dig deep into season 2 of "Andor," one of our favorite Star Wars projects.

 

Around the Nation: Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you in BlueStar Nation!

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

 

Sponsored by:

Elo I-Series Steel

The NRF "Big Show" is a huge event that kicks off a new year for retailers, suppliers, consumer brands, technology providers, and more. For new and veteran attendees alike, it can be overwhelming and exhausting. This week, Intel's Mariya Zorotovich is bringing her experience from across the retail world to share tips for making the most of the show (and any industry event!). What does this year's theme, "The Next Now," mean? What should first-timers expect, and how do veterans prepare? How do we differentiate between cool ideas and real potential solutions that could represent growth for the channel? Put on your comfy shoes and enjoy!

 

Learn more about how Intel is elevating retail customer experience with their partners at NRF!

Around the Nation: Watch the IHL 2026 Retail Trends Webinar

#VARValue - For VARs, ISVs, and vendor partners attending NRF, what is Intel’s approach to the show, and how will they be interacting with existing and potential partners? What does BlueStar do at the show?

 

On Our Radar

Mariya - Agentic AI for checkout & change leadership

Dean - Toy Story 5

John - Is grey hair a good thing?

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

 

Sponsored by:

EloPOS Instant Rebate Promo

The interest in RFID has never been higher, but what's driving it, and how can the channel capitalize on this momentum? This week, we have an all-star panel: Zebra's Patti Blessing, AIM Global's Mary Lou Bosco, and GS1 US's Teresa Williams. What does the RFID market look like from a broad perspective and within the channel? How are standards and mandates helping guide RFID adoption in industries like retail and healthcare? Is RFID the solution for fighting organized retail crime? Listen to find out why RFID is like a vegetable.

 

Around the Nation: Check out next week's NRF Prep episode with Intel's Mariya Zorotovich

#VARValue - Final thoughts on the future of RFID and how Zebra, AIM, and GS1 are helping the channel grow and prepare.

 

On Our Radar

Teresa - NFC tags around the home

Mary Lou - Ja'Marr Chase suspension

Patti - Shopping with RFID

Dean - AI country artist

John - Gabb smart watch for kids

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

 

Sponsored by:

Zebra TC22R Handheld RFID Reader

Elo Legacy

It's the 250th episode!!! We like to celebrate milestones with fun topics, and having this one fall on Thanksgiving presented the perfect opportunity to discuss the tech we are thankful for with Sarah Schlueter. First, we share our takes (some quite controversial?) on the Thanksgiving holiday, the food, and leftovers. Then, what tech makes our personal and professional lives better, and we wouldn't want to live without? You'll also hear from colleagues and friends around the channel.

Thanks to all our listeners who keep us going...on to the next 250!

 

Around the Nation: BlueStar's Webinar Series

 

On Our Radar

Sarah - Bye bye to the penny

Dean - Russia's AIdol robot flops

John - Parasocial - Cambridge Dictionary word of the year

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

 

Sponsored by:

Elo's Self-Service Array

Visitor management is an oft-overlooked opportunity for resellers in industries they already serve, especially education, healthcare, government, and any enterprise where security, protecting sensitive information, or employee and guest safety are prioritized. This week, Epson's Michael Weitz joins to explain the challenges of outdated or traditional visitor management, where you should be looking for business, and why color-printing badges and passes elevate the process. It's the episode that's looking a little shady...

 

Around the Nation: Need help with your next project? Ask about our Custom Configuration capabilities!

#VARValue - How does the Colorworks printer line enhance the visitor management process, and how should VARs approach their customers about changing existing technology? 

 

On Our Radar

Michael - RAMaggeddon

Dean - Workslop

John - iPhone Pocket

 

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

 

Sponsored by:

Epson C4000 Color Inkjet Label Printer

Elo Non-Touch Displays