Great America Financial Services: Driving Dealer Success Beyond Financing
By Andy Slawetsky – In the latest episode of The What’s Happenin’ Technology Podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jenny Fisher, Group President of Office Technology, and Wil Meggers, Senior Vice President of Platform Services, from Great America Financial Services.
A Year of Growth and Transformation
Jenny Fisher, a familiar face to many in the industry, shared her thoughts on her first year as Group President overseeing both the Office Equipment and Connected Technology divisions.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Jenny remarked, reflecting on the learning curve of understanding connected technology’s unique challenges and opportunities. “I’ve been drinking out of a fire hose, but now I’m getting my grounding.”
Despite the industry’s shift away from large vendor shows in 2024, Great America remained highly active, engaging with dealers at various events and reinforcing their commitment to helping partners succeed. As a major sponsor of the upcoming Executive Connection Summit in January, Great America continues to position itself as a key player in fostering industry collaboration.
Platform Services: Expanding the Definition of Partnership
Wil Meggers introduced us to the exciting initiatives under his leadership as Senior Vice President of Platform Services, a division that goes beyond traditional equipment financing.
“Platform Services captures all things that are not equipment finance,” Wil explained, highlighting services like PathShare HR consulting, portfolio services, and their newly launched sales training programs.
One of the standout developments in 2024 was Great America’s decision to enhance its PathShare program. Traditionally focused on HR consulting, PathShare is evolving into a comprehensive advisory services platform. From sales training and leadership development to operational and financial consulting, the program is designed to address the diverse needs of dealers at every level.
“Early returns on our sales training programs have been phenomenal,” Wil shared. “We’re helping sales reps with consultative selling, engaging clients, and building strategies. It’s about empowering the entire sales hierarchy—from frontline reps to C-suite leaders.”
In addition to sales training, Great America is exploring innovative solutions like fractional leadership models, which could provide dealers with access to experienced sales or financial leaders on a part-time basis, reducing the burden of hiring full-time personnel.
Collabrance: A Success Story in the Channel
The sale of Collabrance, a managed services-focused initiative, marked a significant milestone for Great America in 2024. After years of investment and development, the company passed the torch to a new organization that could scale Collaborators’ success even further. Wil noted that the feedback from dealers has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming that this was the right move for the channel.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Jenny and Wil both emphasized Great America’s continued commitment to the success of their dealer partners in 2025. Whether through enhanced advisory services, expanded training opportunities, or deepened relationships with dealers, the goal remains the same: to simplify challenges and help businesses grow.
“Our mission has always been to help our customers create greater success,” Jenny said. “The more value we bring to their organizations, the more successful we all become.”
As Great America looks to the new year, their innovative approach to supporting dealers beyond financing is a clear differentiator in the industry. Whether it’s through comprehensive sales training, advisory services, or collaborative marketing efforts, the company’s dedication to fostering dealer success ensures they remain a trusted partner in the office equipment channel.
SOURCE industry Analysts Inc.
