AOPD has just concluded its “Engage 2026” Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, CA. The AOPD Annual Meeting provides the opportunity for AOPD Business Partners and Dealers to discuss sales and marketing strategies. In addition, there are seminars and networking sessions spread throughout the agenda.
“The response to Engage 2026 exceeded our expectations and confirmed that returning to a dedicated AOPD meeting was the right decision,” said Angela Price, Executive Director of AOPD. “The meeting brought together independent Dealers and Business Partners from across the country to share ideas, learn from one another, and discuss the issues shaping our industry. AI and cybersecurity were two of the biggest topics, as dealers look for ways to leverage new technology while protecting their businesses and customers.
Attendees also spent time discussing marketing strategies and growth opportunities for the remainder of 2026. Through educational sessions and peer sharing, dealers exchanged practical ideas to strengthen customer relationships, find new business, and position their organizations for continued success.”
Price continued, “What makes AOPD special is the willingness of our members to openly share their experiences, successes, and challenges. The engagement throughout the meeting was tremendous, and attendees left with new ideas, valuable connections, and actionable strategies they can take back to their businesses. That spirit of collaboration continues to be one of the greatest strengths of the AOPD network.”
AOPD’s President, Jon Rossman commented, “AOPD staff and consultants did a great job putting together a program that allows our dealers and business partners to interact in a setting that allows for relationships to continue to be fostered. The amount of discussions centered around what is happening industry wide, along within each of our businesses was really fun to witness. As AOPD continues to seek ways to help dealers and business partners succeed, this meeting helps the board understand our shared priorities, the challenges we all face, and allows us to celebrate many accomplishments.”
At the Awards Dinner on Tuesday night AOPD presented nine new awards to recognize the Dealer’s success in 2025. The winners were:
- Office Basics, Inc. – Highest percentage growth by a Contracting Dealer
- FSIoffice – Highest dollar growth by a Contracting Dealer
- OPACS, Inc. – Highest percentage growth for the OMNIA Contract
- Coastal Office Solutions, Inc. – Highest dollar growth for the OMNIA Contract
- Southeast Office Products & Paper – Outstanding New Dealer
- Perry – Highest percentage growth for the Premier Contract
- FSIoffice – Highest dollar growth for the Premier Contract
- Strive Workplace Solutions – Highest percentage growth for the Vizient Contract
- Perry – Highest dollar growth for the Vizient Contract
AOPD presented the President’s Award for Dealers to Beth Freeman, of FSI Office. The Business Partner recipient was Patrick Scales from BIC. Both awardees are well deserving of this respected award and have been long time supporters of AOPD and the IDC.
AOPD presented the M.C. “Bud” Mundt Award to Wayne Stillwagon. This is a prestigious award that AOPD only gives to people that have given years of dedicated service to AOPD and our members. Past recipients include Bud Mundt, Pat Crowley, Sharon Stepien, Champ Davis and Mark Leazer.
The 2026 AOPD Board of Directors elected at the meeting by the Dealer members are:
- President – Jon Rossman, Chuckals Office Products
- Vice President – Mark Porter, Porter’s Office Products
- Treasurer – Alisa Fraga-Kautzman, Tejas Office Products, Inc.
- Secretary – Chris Crumpton, Business Essentials
- Director – Jarrod Anderson, Walkers Supply Co.
- Director – Beth Freeman, FSI Office
- Director – Lindley Herring, Officewise
Price concluded, “AOPD would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the sponsors who made this year’s Annual Meeting an outstanding success. Our Platinum Sponsor, HP, has provided tremendous support over the years. We also thank our Silver Sponsor, S.P. Richards Co., and our Bronze Sponsors, BIC, Essity, and Fellowes Brands.
Their partnership and continued commitment were instrumental in helping us deliver a phenomenal event filled with collaboration, innovation, and industry insights.
We also want to thank all the AOPD dealers and Business Partners who participated in the meeting. Your engagement, ideas, and enthusiasm continue to drive the success of AOPD and the IDC.”