Letter on the Third — January 2026

Dear Datamax Family,

It is an honor and a pleasure to lead this organization into its next chapter. I step into this role with a deep sense of gratitude, excitement, and respect for the people who make Datamax what it is today. I am especially thankful to Barry Simon, not only for his leadership during this transition, but for his mentorship over the past thirteen years and his continued support moving forward.

This transition was not sudden, and it was not taken lightly. It has been thoughtfully planned for years as part of a larger commitment to continuity, growth, and leadership development. What makes me most proud is not merely stepping into this role, but doing so alongside a leadership team, management team, and employee base filled with talented individuals who are building meaningful careers here. This moment represents momentum, not just for me, but for all of us. The Next Wave is here in 2026.

The Next Wave of Leadership and Perpetuation.

When I think about the Next Wave, I think about perpetuation. Leadership transitions should strengthen a company, not disrupt it. That only happens when knowledge, values, and accountability are passed forward intentionally. That kind of perpetuation does not happen only at the top. It happens across departments, teams, and roles when future leaders learn from experienced leaders, and when people are given the opportunity to step up.

I cannot do this alone, nor would I ever want to. Our success depends on strong teams across the entire organization, people who care deeply about Datamax and take pride in what they do. When leadership transitions are done right, they lift the whole team, and that is exactly how we have approached this transition.

The Next Wave of Innovation and Opportunity.

The Next Wave also represents a willingness to innovate. It constitutes being open minded to new ways of working, new technologies, and smarter, more efficient processes. That includes AI, automation, growth through acquisitions, and strengthening our manufacturing relationships. These changes are not about change for the sake of change. They are about creating opportunity.

With innovation comes growth, and with growth comes opportunity for all of you. We are ultimately investing in people because we know that much of the talent we require is among us. Promotions from within, expanded responsibilities, and new career paths will continue to open up for those who embrace this moment. Change can be uncomfortable in the short term, but it creates long term benefits for our company, our culture, and every individual who is part of it.

The Next Wave of Culture and Collaboration.

One of the most encouraging things I have seen recently is the level of collaboration across departments – something I witnessed personally during the Business Plan Meetings in December. Teams are sharing best practices, exchanging ideas, and rallying together as one Datamax team for the benefit of our customers and each other. I also see a management team that genuinely cares about this company and its people.

Culture is our brand. How we communicate matters. Language is the heart of culture, and how you say something is just as important as what you say. Be authentic. Care deeply. Let us continue creating memorable experiences for customers by focusing on the details that matter most to them. Without a strong culture, nothing else works. With it, everything becomes possible.

Again, it is an honor and a pleasure to lead this organization into the next chapter of what Datamax can be. Together, we will not stand still. Together, we will move forward, grow stronger, and ride the Next Wave successfully.

In conclusion, we believe that within a people-centered organization, everything else improves: Culture, performance, customer experience, and results. We want to empower people within a positive environment. We want to get the right people for the right role, and to sustain a culture of both accountability and opportunity, so that ultimately, our people can be the best they can be.

People-Centered Culture Wins.

Respectfully,