Executive Corner
Interview with Gary Thomas, Thomas Office Machines
- By Laura Kittner
- 10/01/2010
Based in Muncie, Ind., Thomas Office Machines is a leader in office imaging with a focus on MPS. T.O.M. assists companies by reducing costs, right-sizing devices, and implementing time-saving and money-saving ideas.
Gary Thomas is the president of Thomas Office Machines.
What is your current state of mind?
It's usually chaos up there and most people say I'm random. My thoughts are all over the place, I'm always thinking about what's next, how can we serve our clients better, can we make this do that.
What is the greatest challenge you face today?
First let me say we have wonderful business partners like GreatAmerica, but a challenge in certain clients is obtaining financing.
What do you see as your biggest opportunity?
Offering an expanded solutions offering to our core clients.
What is the quality you like most in a sales manager?
Leader, mentor, teacher, coach.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
My grandfather (C.F. Thomas) started the business during the great depression in 1930. I'm lucky enough to lead a family business with the help of my mother (Carolyn) and my father (Wayne). It's pretty cool to say we've been around 80 years and we are obviously doing something right.
If your customers were to describe your company in three words, what would they be?
Responsive, fun, timely.
Managed print services or managed services?
This is a hot button for a lot of dealers, but seriously? My dad and grandfather always said it's about the service. No matter what issues our clients have, we have to look at our business model and decide if we expand our services' portfolio. If we can be profitable and offer clients a smarter way to work, why not expand?
Where are you investing the most within your company this year?
Developing and tweaking the back end. Making sure our people and processes are in line with our core service offerings.
What is your greatest concern for this industry?
Dealers thinking they know how to handle MPS.
How would your employees and co-workers describe you?
Fair, never sit still, fun, passionate and always on the phone.
Who are your favorite writers?
Duh… Jimmy Buffett, "A Pirate Looks at Fifty" is a good beach book. I'm not a big book guy, I have the attention span of a 10-year-old. I prefer Inc. or Fast Company magazines since they are current and they have pretty pictures.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Right now I would say, "awesome." I'm annoyed with that now so I might just start nodding my head more like I'm paying attention.
Why do you hold your current business position today?
I felt it was my obligation and I wanted the challenge of transforming a "typewriter company" to something new and different. I knew we were headed in the right direction when Canon offered us a full-line dealership.
Do trends exist in this industry?
Yes. It seems everyone talks MPS and that a dealership needs to transform into a new type of service provider. Just analyzing your service offerings and finding new and creative ways to help clients. (I wish it was that easy.)
Who is your next hire?
We have a great staff of people. Sales professionals to help carry out our master plan.
What is your favorite quote?
"Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions."—Harold Geneen
This article originally appeared in the October 2010 issue of The Imaging Channel.
About the Author
As the Editorial Director of The Imaging Channel, Laura has 10 years experience with the print and imaging industry. Prior to launching The Imaging Channel, Laura was a founding member and the Vice President of Marketing and Global Business Development at PrintFleet Inc. She has also held various executive level marketing and communications positions, and is a Professor in the School of Business, at St. Lawrence College. Laura holds diplomas in Advertising and Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communications.