If you mention the word “Synergetic” to David Holzhauer, he invariably points toward the future.

The newly appointed President of Datamax Arkansas openly asserts that the future is now for Datamax. He sees a group of dedicated people in our company who are the “heart and soul” of what we’re trying to accomplish as an organization. It’s his intention, as President, to plug into that energy. To forge ahead and to create synergy for the road ahead.

When it comes to 2024 (and beyond), Holzhauer has a strategy. That’s where it all starts.

“When I think of the word Synergetic, it’s a lot about what this younger generation brings to the table and the energy we put together into what we want to accomplish. It’s very important to me that we get everyone fired up about the direction we are going,” Holzhauer said.

Holzhauer has had his pulse on this industry for nearly 40 years. He was three months out of college and selling telephone equipment and services when a friend led him to Datamax. Holzhauer started working state and federal accounts before being named Sales Manager, which he did for 30 years. Eight years ago David was named Vice President of Sales.

“It was an honor for me that they gave me the opportunity to build and manage a sales force at a young age,” David said in his previously published Little Blue Book Story. “They only had around 200 machines out in the field at the time. (That number has since grown to more than 12,000 in Arkansas).”

Whether he was selling phone systems, managing state/federal or accounts and account representatives, or leading a sales team, Holzhauer has always held to a vision for success. As he moves into the role of President of Arkansas, he shares a few of his “Synergetic” strategies for our organization moving forward.

Embrace the Next Generation.

As noted above, Holzhauer believes that the time is now for a next generation of leaders to step up and contribute their ideas for what’s best for our organization.

“It’s their time. This is the time where you’re going to be given the ability to do what needs to be done. You’re going to be empowered,” Holzhauer said. “The first thing I’ve got to do is communicate that. I have to set the boundaries. I have to acquire their commitment to make it happen, and then back their ideas on what they’re working for is worthwhile.”

Search for Innovative Ways to Market.

David acknowledges the opportunities that lie ahead in document solutions, in IT Services, in Unified Communications, and technologies (some of which we have yet to touch) that go well beyond a box. It’s important we harness those opportunities.

“If you aren’t searching for new and innovative ways to market what you sell, and also new markets to sell to, you’re nothing more than that new piece of equipment you’re trying to peddle,” Holzhauer said.

Acknowledge the Competition.

Our biggest obstacle? 

“It’s always been the competition. Everything that’s out there, we’ve got to take from somebody else. By collaborating to discover our strengths vs. competitor’s weaknesses, it’s an area I believe we can improve upon,” Holzhauer said.

Find New Differentiators.

Finding our advantage against competitors? That’s a true differentiator. We have in-house leasing, local support and decision-making, exceptional customer recommendation scores, etc.  But Holzhauer says we should always be seeking new ones.

“We have to strive to find more definitive ways that we separate ourselves from good competitors,” Holzhauer said.

Which brings us to that word again, Synergetic. The culmination of our shared ideas, our collective energy, and our mutual commitment to giving our best effort equates to success and professional satisfaction. It’s just like Holzhauer said. It’s time to get fired up about the direction we are going.

The future is now.