Toluca Lake, CA (May 1, 2023) — Affinity Business Communications, publisher of ENX Magazine and ENX The Week in Imaging, announce that Katie Wagner, Senior Director of Operations, and John Lowery, President and CEO at Applied Innovation, have been selected as a 2023 Difference Maker. A profile on Wagner, Lowery, and 58 other honorees are included in the May issue of ENX Magazine.
The Difference Maker recognition program, now in its ninth year, provides the opportunity to salute the men and women of the office technology dealership and imaging industry—at all levels of operation and across the full spectrum of providers (dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, technology and solutions specialists, etc.)—for their efforts in helping to deliver on the values and ideals of their companies.
Each year, ENX Magazine solicits nominations from its readership and selects those individuals who embody the spirit of what a Difference Maker represents. This year’s class of 60 honorees is among the largest in the history of the program.
“As uncertainty continues to swirl around the industry from an HR perspective, we’re constantly reminded of the stability that our most valued team members provide,” said Susan Neimes, managing editor of ENX Magazine and ENX The Week in Imaging. “Every organization within the office technology sector has an MVP or two lurking in the background, quietly delivering on its core value to provide the ultimate in customer satisfaction. Difference Makers helps to cast a spotlight on these individuals and provide them with a much-deserved recognition.”
Noted Erik Cagle, editorial director of ENX Magazine, “Once again, we have assembled a cast of fascinating, inspiring and impressive individuals, some of whom are instantly recognizable while others may be unknowns on the larger stage. The common denominator they share is their willingness to go the extra mile, regardless of what it takes, to truly make a difference for their companies, partners and customers alike. These models for excellence are worthy of sharing and emulating, and represent the ideal to which we should all aspire.”
A vital member of Applied Innovation’s leadership, Katie Wagner plays a crucial role in managing over 200 people in the administration team. Joining the company in 2006, she steadily rose through the ranks from SOS manager to client relations manager before assuming her current position in 2021. Wagner has been instrumental in streamlining operational processes while achieving record revenue through effective management. Her adeptness in navigating global supply chain challenges has also been evident in successfully handling acquisitions and departmental expansions.
“She’s a perfect addition to the leadership team and has streamlined the operations department to run like a well-oiled machine. She’s well-respected within our organization and in the community, and we’re proud to be led by her,” shared Sheila Keller, Field Marketing Strategist at Applied Innovation.
John Lowery has also made a significant impact as President and CEO of Applied Innovation. He was instrumental in rebranding the company from “Imaging” to “Innovation” to reflect its core focus on helping end-users innovate and improve efficiencies. Under Lowery’s guidance, Applied Innovation has achieved remarkable growth, surpassing $100 million in annual revenue. Through a combination of organic expansion, strategic acquisitions, and fostering a culture of collaboration and success, Lowery has not only established a strong presence in Michigan, but also secured footholds in Ohio, Indiana, and Florida.
“From the beginning, John developed a corporate culture that’s now become the envy of customers, manufacturers, and, yes, even competitors… He’s a dedicated family man, has always personally supported his local communities, wants his customers to enjoy peace of mind and is genuinely a fun person to be around… he’s the type of leader others aspire to be,” said Ian Crockett, President at ICE Advertising.
Read the full article by ENX Magazine here.
With over 35 years of expertise, Applied Innovation provides imaging, technology, and automation services to businesses, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and manufacturing operations. Our goal, to improve our clients’ businesses and the lives of the people working within the, is measured by our 98.8% client retention rate. Applied Innovation locations in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Florida are home to over 500 team members, our world-class technology partnerships, and a unique Customer Loyalty Center.
ENX Magazine is a monthly publication dedicated to the document imaging industry since 1994. Now in its 30th year, ENX Magazine continues to deliver exclusive editorial coverage on market opportunities and issues, news and trends, company profiles, new products, and industry insights through interviews with key players in all segments of the document imaging industry. With a circulation of more than 24,000 hard copies, ENX Magazine serves as a leading integrated resource that brings together industry people, products, and business concepts and strategies for document imaging industry professionals.
The magazine also publishes The Week in Imaging, a weekly digital newsletter that provides news, profiles, technology and business updates, along with blogs from some of the industry’s most prominent players.