Service Above Self. 

It’s a motto embraced by Rotary Clubs everywhere, and a phrase that Louis Massanelli’s more than familiar with. After all, in his nine years as a proud Rotarian, he has 100 percent perfect attendance.

But Service Above Self: It’s also a concept that’s etched beautifully on every page of Louis Massanelli’s career story.

The Datamax Hot Springs General Manager, who plans to retire next month, has built his professional life’s work around doing anything and everything he can for those around him. His community, his co-workers and his family are all characters in his story. His story of giving. His story of sharing.

And his story of service.

For years after Hot Springs Sales Manager Lee Wheelington joined Datamax, Louis would take him around town to introduce him to other business people. The events were simply part of their routine: Chamber functions. Awards banquets. Fundraising galas. The connections Lee made through Louis were invaluable to his success.

And it was never as much as what Louis said, Lee recalls. It was more about the actual things he did. His greatest contribution was leading by example.

“He’s a legend. Everyone knows Louis. He’s a member of countless community and support groups. He’s a mentor to the people here in Hot Springs. And I’ll tell you, in all my years of knowing Louis, I’ve never heard him say the word ‘no’ to anyone. Ever,” Lee said. “lt really is inspirational to see him execute the traits and beliefs that he’s carried for so long.”

Family Above Self

Louis’ door into the office equipment industry opened at an early age, albeit under difficult circumstances.

His father passed away when Louis was 15, so he quickly had to find a way to help his mom and little sister earn a living. He took a job with Pine Bluff Office Machines, working after school and until noon every Saturday.

“I was the little guy that cleaned machines, mainly typewriters and calculators,” Louis said. “But I also listened to everything else that everyone was doing around me. The salesman, the service staff. I really learned to love this business. I just thought, ‘gee this is really nice.’”

His time with the industry was interrupted when he entered into the Army as a combat engineer. He was scheduled to go overseas to Germany, but “everything kind of calmed down and I didn’t have to go.”

Today, family is more important to Louis than ever before. He and his wife Carolyn have been married 56 years. They have a son, Dr. Greg Massanelli, a daughter Melissa, and three grandchildren. In preparing for the interview with the Rave Review, Louis says there wasn’t enough room on a page to share everything his family means to him.

That said, he looks forward to, upon his retirement, the opportunity to spend more time with his loved ones.

Company Above Self

He returned from the military looking for ways to get back into the office equipment business. He eventually came on board with WD Wells Office Equipment, where he opened an office in Hot Springs. But for a man who held his reputation and character close to his vest, Louis become disgruntled with the lack of honesty of his superior. So he made a swift decision to move on.

“The person I worked for just wasn’t very honest. I’m an honest person – I can’t tell a customer something that’s not true. I remember, I told my wife I’m going to resign from the company in the morning, which I did,” Louis said.

Louis then partnered with a friend to open Hall Business Machines, but after several years, Louis decided to go out on his own. He bought out his partner and opened the Business Center in Hot Springs, selling typewriters, calculators and even a few copy machines.

He hired young, aggressive sales people and a reliable team of service employees. He says he made it a point to treat employees with the same respect he would his own clients.

“I knew I could make it on my own, with the employees that I had. If I made money, they made money. I also firmly believed in providing top service: Anyone can sell something. If you can’t service it afterwards, you’re in a bunch of trouble.”

Louis recalls the first time he met Barry Simon at a Canon Conference. Mr. Simon, along with Steve Sumner, were not far away from where Louis was sitting.

“I had received an award that year, I saw them turn around and a little bit later we talked for just a few minutes,” Louis said. “I knew, from the very beginning, that Barry was going to make good at whatever he decided to do. My impression of him was, if I do something with another company, I’m going to do it with Barry Simon.”

Eventually, of course he did, when after about one year of discussions, the Business Center was acquired by Datamax.

“I had some other offers. But I did what my heart told me to do,” Louis said. “I didn’t even hire an attorney. That’s how much I trusted Barry.”

Service Above Self

To this day, Louis’ schedule remains packed full with chamber and community events. The day of this interview, he has two ribbon cuttings in Hot Springs.

From the moment he set foot in Hot Springs, he’s done everything he could to create business for his organization. In addition to Rotary, he’s a 36-year member of the Lions Club with, again, perfect attendance. The chamber there was very small the day he joined, but as an Ambassador Louis has worked extensively to get membership up to 1000 people.

“You just get to know so many people this way,” Louis says. “I may be old fashioned, but that’s how I do business. Eventually, you’re going to get some business out of it. May be tomorrow, or next year, but you’re going to get some business (from it).”

Lee reiterates, “He (Louis) has always believed in community. When local businesses thrive, individuals thrive and the community thrives. That’s really what Louis believes in.”

Also, much like Barry Simon, Louis makes it a routine to go around first thing in the morning and shake every employee’s hand. For new employees, he’s the “go-to” guy if you need help. He’s happy to shadow sales people on calls, and maybe help them meet key people in an account.

If you ask, he never says “no.” He never stops moving. He never stops serving.

“I’m who I am because I do believe in God. And he helps me, so I help others. I Just believe you help everybody that you can,” Louis said. “Because then I know, if I’m serving, I’m not just doing it for myself. I’m doing it for someone else.”