Best National Retail Solutions Podcasts (2025)

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Selling Driver Safety for Mobile Enterprises w/LifeSaver’s Ted Chen and Jim Hilton 1:00:30

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5d ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Distracted driving has been exacerbated with the widespread use of mobile devices, which constantly beckon to be looked at, touched, and interacted with. For enterprises that deploy drivers to deliver products or services, or operate internal vehicles such as forklifts, these distractions can lead to costly lawsuits, liabilities, and an inability t…

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Selling Hardware Longevity w/Logic Controls' Paul Peralta & Brian Wheeler 53:10

12d ago53:10

53:10

Planned obsolescence and routine replacement cycles are common in the consumer electronics industry. Those concepts also infiltrate enterprise hardware, undermining the notion that business equipment should be rugged, durable, and suitable for years of day-to-day use. If you're eager to swap out mobile computers, POS devices, printers, and other ha…

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From the Archives: How to Sell Connectivity Solutions w/iONLINE's Dave Farquharson & BlueStar's Jim Hilton 1:03:55

19d ago1:03:55

1:03:55

In two weeks, we'll be focusing on fleet & deliver driver safety and technology to minimize distractions. In preparation, we thought it would be helpful to revisit the importance of reliable, enterprise-ready connectivity to enable such solutions. Enjoy! * * * Originally published March 13, 2025 Mobile computing, IoT, AI, RFID, robotics, mPOS…the f…

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DeepDive Episode 4: Driving Retail Sustainability with ACCEO Smart Vendor 11:20

26d ago11:20

11:20

In Episode 4 of DeepDive, Lightning Layne explores how ACCEO Smart Vendor helps retailers embrace sustainability. From paperless receipts and smarter inventory control to omnichannel integration and reduced service-call emissions, learn how small tech-driven changes can cut waste, boost efficiency, and attract eco-conscious customers.…

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Retail Modernization 2.0 w/Intel's Rob Risany & Elo's Luke Wilwerding 1:07:32

26d ago1:07:32

1:07:32

A couple of years ago, Intel's Kristen Call joined the pod to discuss what retail modernization meant and how VARs should align their solutions for the future. Now, as the AI conversation grows louder, what has changed, and what did we get right back then? Returning guests Rob Risany & Luke Wilwerding talk expectations, skepticism, selling value, a…

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Scrappy Marketing w/OrderCounter's Crystal Barrineau and BlueStar's James Korte 1:28:42

1M ago1:28:42

1:28:42

We're getting scrappy this week to nerd out over marketing practices that don't require big budgets or large staffs. OrderCounter's Crystal Barrineau suggested this topic and volunteered her expertise as a scrappy marketer! Our own James Korte joins her for a valuable conversation about why marketing matters, real examples of simple-but-effective c…

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Meet the BlueStar Network & Connectivity Experts 1:11:01

1M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

You probably sell a lot of cool tech…mobile computers, POS systems, digital signage, printers, RFID, etc, and most of that stuff is designed to send and receive data and communicate with other systems, so it’s only as good as the networks it’s connected to. Is that connectivity something you are selling? Are you leaving it to specialized providers,…

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A Modern VAR’s Guide to Selling Digital Signage w/LG’s Mike Stachura & Matt Waidley 1:10:45

2M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

LG's Mike Stachura is bringing his incredible energy and enthusiasm for digital signage back to the pod (and in-studio!) with Disty Sales Director Matt Waidley. They are discussing current trends in signage, their favorite use cases, how AI is changing deployments and potential applications, and what's new with LG. Slip into some comfy shoes and en…

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From the Archives: Generative AI, Employee Experience, Cybersecurity & More w/LG’s Mike Stachura & Aaron Addison 1:22:37

2M ago1:22:37

1:22:37

LG's Mike Stachura brings his incredible energy back to the pod next week, so we thought we'd revisit his last appearance, which covered a wide range of topics and was a lot of fun. Originally released Aug 24th, 2023 * * * An epic AI trilogy deserves an epic conclusion, so this week, we welcomed LG’s Mike Stachura & Aaron Addison into the studio fo…

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TEC Bytes 21 - We're Gonna Need a Bigger Podcast 1:00:36

2M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

We're sharing another batch of interesting reads, trends, lists, and studies to give you something to discuss while waiting for your next meeting to start, over lunch with a client, or with friends and family. Topics: An all-AI agent company? 2024 restaurant trends The world's wealthiest and happiest cities Why Americans are working less What happe…

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Advice from a POS Reseller w/NRS’ Elie Katz 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

This week, we're seeking insights, advice, and experiences from one of our customers in the channel. Elie Katz, Founder & CEO of National Retail Solutions, tells us about building a POS business aimed at helping independent merchants compete against large chains and still have access to the latest and greatest technology. How can SMB VARs & ISVs st…

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Building Your AI Solutions Foundation w/Elo’s Luke Wilwerding 57:00

3M ago57:00

57:00

"It's put up or shut up time for AI!" proclaims John on this week's episode. He and Dean are ready to see real, tangible applications with AI. Thankfully, Elo's Luke Wilwerding brings the goods by helping us explore AI's actual potential and the tools and infrastructure VARs need to bring those solutions to their customers. How is AI already impact…

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Clinical Mobility Survey w/Zebra’s Kassaundra McKnight-Young 1:02:59

3M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

Our latest BlueStar Nation survey tackles mobile device usage, challenges, and expectations for clinical healthcare workers. To help us break down the data, we turned to an expert, Zebra's Healthcare CNIO Industry Principal Kassaundra McKnight-Young, to not only explain the benefits of enterprise mobility in the industry but also share her perspect…

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The New Era of Edge w/Scale Computing’s Jeff Ready 52:39

3M ago52:39

52:39

As more devices, solutions, and emerging tech like AI & machine vision demand rapid, near-instantaneous processing and response, relying solely on the cloud and centralized servers may not be enough. Scale Computing is helping VARs address the need for decentralization, and their CEO, Jeff Ready, joins the pod this week to provide context and a pat…

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How are Kitchens Evolving to Meet New Demands? w/Star Micronics’ Christophe Naasz 58:26

3M ago58:26

58:26

The modern kitchen serves many masters: food safety standards, "I want it now and I want it here" consumers, and delivery companies enabling those consumers. How are those demands influencing restaurant technology in the kitchen and front-of-the-house? Star Micronics' Christophe Naasz joins to explain. How do label printers and modern scanning solu…

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How Should Government VARs Navigate Trump 2.0? with Jeff Smith 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

The new Trump administration has been busy rolling back initiatives from previous administrations and rapidly overhauling government agencies. If you sell into the public sector, what do these rapid changes mean? We turn, as always, to our government guru, EVerged's Jeff Smith, to provide guidance. What is happening with EV charging rollouts and op…

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From the Archives - EV Charging & Sustainable Energy w/EVerged's Jeff Smith 1:01:29

4M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

A run of new episodes starts next week with Jeff Smith returning to discuss government tech sales under the new Trump administration and the state of EV charging opportunities. To prepare, let's revisit Jeff's last appearance! * * * *Originally released May 9, 2024* The electric & hybrid vehicle market continues to grow, spurred by government inves…

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DeepDive Episode 3: Mastering Omnichannel with ACCEO Retail Solutions 19:42

4M ago19:42

19:42

Join Lightning Layne in Episode 3 of DeepDive as we reveal how ACCEO Retail Solutions empowers retailers to excel in an omnichannel world. Discover strategies, tools, and success stories that unify in-store and online experiences, streamline operations, and boost customer satisfaction.By ACCEO Retail Solutions

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Are Digital Displays Frustrating Educators & Their IT? 50:25

4M ago50:25

50:25

"This is your roadmap," says Dean about our latest BlueStar Nation end-user survey results. We surveyed 125 education teachers, administrators, and IT leaders about their experiences using and deploying digital displays in the classroom. What frustrates them? Why aren't they using more interactive displays? Who is responsible for maintenance and su…

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From the Archives - The Intersection of AI & Digital Signage w/Elo's Kristin Roubie 1:00:08

4M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

We'll be back next week, breaking down a survey from Educators, but until then, let's revisit this conversation exploring how touchscreen displays complement AI solutions. *Originally released August 8th, 2024* ----------------------------------- We’re talking more about AI with Elo’s Kristin Roubie, this time regarding digital displays and industr…

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Tech Nostalgia w/Sarah Schlueter 1:06:50

4M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

Technology is rapidly advancing, and new inventions and innovations make our lives easier, but do you ever miss something simpler? That's the subject of this week's episode. Is it nostalgia, or do we get stubborn as we age? Sarah Schlueter, an old soul herself, joins us (with props!). When did we feel like we were on the cutting edge of tech adopti…

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From the Archives - Generative AI's Past, Present, & Future with Honeywell's Michael Groskopf 1:05:28

5M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

As AI continues to be a hot topic, we're looking to spotlight practical, tangible use cases on the pod this year, both within your business and solutions for your customers. Look for new episodes soon that address this topic, but in the meantime, if you missed it, check out this conversation we had with Honeywell's Michael Groskopf. *Originally rel…

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TEC Bytes 20 – Take Us Out to the Ballgame 1:07:11

5M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

Sure, we're no longer the TEConnect Podcast, but TEC Bytes--our occasional round-up of interesting articles, lists, rankings, research, tech topics, and more--lives on! Here's what we're discussing: The Most Innovative Countries in 2024 Best inventions of 2024 Top low-stress/high-paying jobs COVID pandemic 5 years later Most technologically advance…

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Retailers Speak! -- Support, mPOS, Payments & More 50:45

5M ago50:45

50:45

Finding new opportunities in retail isn't easy. There is a lot of market saturation, a lot of competition, and a lot of technology options. But, it’s also a lucrative industry when you win business, so we want to give you an edge by equipping you with end-user data—actual insights from retailers about their tech in use, wishlist items, and support …

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Has Pop Culture Ruined the Facial Recognition Market? w/CyberLink’s Terry Schulenburg 54:40

5M ago54:40

54:40

Facial recognition has become common for personal mobile devices, relying on our unique biological features for security and access control. However, the technology is still somewhat controversial in the broader business world. Terry Schulenburg with CyberLink, makers of FaceMe, will help us understand the technology, how the controversy is mainly …

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The Human Element of Automation w/Newcastle's Kevin Ledversis & Honeywell's Kelley Wood 58:13

6M ago58:13

58:13

Supply chain jobs in warehouses, manufacturing, and delivery are still facing a challenging labor market. At the same time, costs remain high, and consumer demands create more pressure to make, distribute, and deliver products quickly. That’s where automation technology has come in to help, but it’s not a total replacement for people, which makes i…

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Restaurant Automation & AI w/Truffle Systems’ Sean McCaughan 51:38

6M ago51:38

51:38

Like many industries, automation & AI are finding a place in restaurants, adding to accelerated trends during the pandemic. This week's guest, Sean McCaughan of Truffle Systems, finds it easier than ever to make the case for innovation, but what solutions actually make a difference? How does "reading bus pans" make the case for AI and analytics to …

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How to Sell Network & Connectivity Solutions w/iONLINE’s Dave Farquharson & Jim Hilton 1:03:55

6M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Mobile computing, IoT, AI, RFID, robotics, mPOS…the future of enterprise technology is exciting, to be sure. Still, it’s only as good as the networks connecting these devices and transmitting all that data for analysis and action. Networking and connectivity solutions may not currently be part of your portfolio, but if you desire to be THE trusted …

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Can Retailers Overcome the Consumer Power Shift? w/Honeywell’s Tony Boncore 1:00:11

6M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Not long ago, retailers held most of the power in how consumers found, purchased, and knew about products and services. The internet age, social media, and always-on-hand mobile devices shifted that dynamic in favor of the consumer. Will technology restore the balance of power or allow SMB retailers to compete against the big box & e-commerce giant…

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Same Great Taste, New Packaging 45:14

6M ago45:14

45:14

The podcast returns with a new name but is committed to the same great topics, guests, and education! This week, we begin with a brief explainer for the name change before reviewing the content topics that had the most attention in 2024. Dean gives us his thoughts on #NRF2025, and we discuss what's been "On Our Radar" since our last recording. Chec…

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BlueStar Nation Podcast Trailer 2:01

7M ago2:01

2:01

The TEConnect Podcast is now BlueStar Nation! It has the same great content, the same hosts, and new packaging! Each week, John Martin & Dean Reverman explore the hottest trends, emerging technologies, new opportunities, and sales & marketing tips for the specialty IT reseller channel. Hear from experts in AI, RFID, robotics, barcoding, point-of-sa…

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DeepDive Episode 2: Unlocking Profits with the ACCEO Logivision Reseller Program 22:10

8M ago22:10

22:10

In Episode 2 of DeepDive, Lightning Layne unpacks the ACCEO Logivision Reseller Program. Whether you choose the high-earning reseller path with up to 40% commissions or the flexible Ambassador Program, discover how to tap into the POS market and turn sales into scalable, long-term success.By ACCEO Retail Solutions

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DeepDive Episode 1: Unlocking Retail Success with ACCEO Retail-1 and MoneyCard 13:55

9M ago13:55

13:55

In this episode, we spotlight the ACCEO Retail-1 Money Card—a powerful gift card solution that works seamlessly across your entire retail network. Instantly redeemable at any participating store, the Money Card not only offers shoppers unmatched convenience but also strengthens customer loyalty, drives repeat visits, and boosts revenue. Discover ho…

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Star Wars Nerdfest – Episode V 1:26:28

9M ago1:26:28

1:26:28

We’re wrapping up the year (and this podcast iteration?) with another deep dive into Star Wars news, recent projects, and our thoughts on the franchise. We’re talking “Bad Batch” season 3, “Tales of the Empire,” and the now-canceled “The Acolyte.” What’s next for Star Wars? Will we get a new movie in 2026? What do hardcore fans really want? Is Star…

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RFID in Retail & Checkout w/Zebra’s Eric Malmed & EXO’s Rey Essex 55:25

9M ago55:25

55:25

"This is the year of arrival." That's how EXO co-founder Rey Essex responds to the question, "Was this the year of RFID?" Rey joins Zebra's Eric Malmed to help us find new retail RFID opportunities. What industries is item-level RFID applicable for? How does EXO's RFID checkout solution work, and why has it taken off in sports stadiums and large ev…

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A Guide to Video Production with Max Faust 1:17:34

9M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

Video produces 1200% more engagement than text/images only. That makes the medium a valuable tool to extend the reach and interest in your business. This week, videographer and owner of Faust Film, Max Faust, joined us in advocating for video as a "24/7 sales rep." How does video supplement other content strategies? What does a typical video shoot …

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TEConnect Replay: Generational Tech Trivia 1:12:16

10M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

*We're back with a new episode next week, but if you're looking for something fun to do with family/friends over the Thanksgiving holiday, here's a replay of our 200th episode and some Gen X vs. Millennial/Gen Z trivia!* Wow! 200 episodes! We’ve been doing this for a while, and to mark this milestone, we're taking a break from our usual educational…

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TEConnect Replay: Food Safety & the Supply Chain w/Jim Hilton 1:03:36

10M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

*We're off until December, so enjoy a replay of our episode on traceability in the food supply chain* *Originally released March 28, 2024* Traceability is more important than ever in the food supply chain, as it allows quick and efficient tracking and halting of potential contaminants and foodborne illnesses. This week, food supply chain expert Jim…

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TEC Bytes 19 - Look Upon Our Podcast, and Despair! 1:04:17

10M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

What topics are John & Dean riffing on this week? Why some people don't have children A hybrid work A/B test FAA approves air taxis Younger generations are not answering the phone US state name meanings Worst workplace jargon The best TV episodes of all time TEConnecting with us: Dean - Why do plants wiggle John - Watch "Homicide: Life on the Stree…

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What Do 125 Retail Leaders Want Out of POS? [End User Survey] 49:23

10M ago49:23

49:23

We're breaking down the data from another one of our #BlueStarNation end-user surveys, this time speaking to 125 retail leaders about point-of-sale. What are the top considerations when buying? What is the preferred OS? What are the biggest challenges? What is on their wishlist for their next solution? Read the full article Register for Elo's Payme…

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Do You Like Scary Podcasts? w/Ghostface & Sam Hughes 1:19:44

10M ago1:19:44

1:19:44

In honor of a Halloween release, we're talking about the spooky season with special guests Sam Hughes and...the Ghostface killer from Scream? (It's Sarah Schlueter!) What are some movies/TV shows that have scared us? Favorite Halloween costumes? What technology scares us? Best candy? It's the episode so packed that Dean could only say, "Oh." TEConn…

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The Robot Market and Potential w/Bear Robotics’ Juan Higueros 56:43

11M ago56:43

56:43

"The robots are here," says Juan Higueros, Co-Founder & COO of Bear Robotics. He joins us this week to discuss the robot market, where opportunities are taking off, and how VARs can play a huge role. What are service robots doing in the hospitality industry? What use case surprised Juan? What does a typical deployment look like? How does Juan addre…

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Building a Better Shipping Label w/Epson’s Tessa Kohl 49:59

11M ago49:59

49:59

Shipping labels aren't going anywhere, but why are they so dull? Epson's Tessa Kohl returns to emphasize the opportunity to do more with a process all shippers utilize. How can labels level up with color, additional images and messages, and personalized content? How does such labeling benefit the shipper, and how is Epson helping your customers mak…

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Generative AI’s Past, Present, and Future w/Honeywell’s Michael Groskopf 1:05:28

11M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

It's been nearly two years since LLMs like ChatGPT exploded into the public consciousness, but how are businesses leveraging the technology to improve and grow? Honeywell PSS CIO Michael Groskopf shares some powerful but practical examples with us. What are two things he thinks all VARs could use gen AI for? How does it improve data analysis? What …

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VARTECH 2024 Recap 1:06:01

11M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

We're reflecting on #VARTECH2024 one last time! Was it our biggest show ever? What was the theme, and how did William Shatner, Florida Man memes, and TED Conversations fit in? What were the hot technologies on the exhibit floor, in education sessions, and during the ISV and Solution presentations? Did BlueStar engineer a rocket launch just for thei…

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What Does Your Digital Presence Say About Your Business? w/James Korte (Live at VARTECH 2024) 1:05:04

12M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Once again, we took our show on the road to VARTECH in Orlando, Florida, to discuss websites and social media and how they can impact your business. James Korte gives us a breakdown of what "good" websites should contain and what they should do. What are some common pitfalls and mistakes? Is there a right way to do social media? Finally, we wrap up…

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TEConnect Replay: Design Resources w/Krystal Cotriss 1:08:15

12M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

**We're off this week, recovering from #VARTECH2024, but as a prelude to the episode we recorded there on website design and social media, here's a flashback to one of our most popular episodes with Barcoding's Krystal Cotriss! See you next week with a new ep!** Originally released July 21, 2022 -------------------------------------------- Having s…

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Overcoming Receipt Printer Challenges w/Star Micronics’ Kate Orara & Bill Shuff 57:52

12M ago57:52

57:52

As POS evolves, so does the need for receipt printers to keep up with modern hardware, software, unique use cases, new types of commerce, and myriad connectivity options. That presents many potential problems, which Star Micronics' Kate Orara & Bill Shuff are here to tackle! What's happening with interfaces? How do tablets change printing needs? Wh…

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Mobility Trends & Opportunities w/Zebra's Eric Hilton 1:09:43

1y ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Mobile devices are as standard in the workplace as in our personal lives, so we turned to an expert—Zebra's Eric Hilton—to investigate the market, potential opportunities, and the results of a recent BlueStar Nation survey of Field Service Companies. How have consumer devices affected the enterprise market? What challenges and problems do field tec…

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TEC Bytes 18 – Homes to Drones 1:03:41

1y ago1:03:41

1:03:41

John & Dean have more hot topics and deep dives to get you through the holiday weekend and break the ice at your next team meeting. What’s going on with Amazon drones? What US cities have the highest rent? What cities are most polluted? Who are the world’s most sustainable companies? What bands put together the best single-show setlist? What are th…