Category Archives: Articles

Essential Employee Spotlight, Scott Fuller-Logistical Operations Manager

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Not All Superheroes Wear A Cape

Scott Fuller is the Logistical Operations Manager here at Essential Systems Solutions and in this position Scott is responsible for running the warehouse, ensuring that the incoming POS equipment and materials from suppliers are in good order and properly stored.  He ensures that the all outgoing customer orders leave in the right quantities and in good condition.

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Throughout the day, Scott may negotiate with shipping companies over rates or service levels; prepare documents; or review invoices. Scott regularly saves that day by resolving any issues with suppliers, customers, transportation companies, and sometimes employees.  He’s even rolled up his sleeves to save us all from a leak in the bathroom.  That’s just Scott  🙂 

  1. Where’s your hometown? Rockville, Maryland
  2. How many children do you have? One 16 year old daughter, Hana
  3. What do you like about your job? Lunch time
  4. What did you want to be when you were small? Forest Ranger. I love being outside and hiking
  5. What would you sing at Karaoke night? Nothing because I can’t carry a tune in a bucket
  6. If money was no object, what would you do all day? I would travel a good bit and maybe open a Chick-Fil-A franchise
  7. If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? Not sure but they would have to love Chick-Fil-A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential Employee Spotlight, Judy Manahan-Controller

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Judy Manahan is company controller here at Essential Systems Solutions andas the Controller and head of the accounting department for the company, Judy Manahan oversees cash management and risk management for the company. She is responsible for the company’s financial statements, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and budgeting. If you’ve ever met or talked with Judy, one of the first things you’ll notice is that she is committed to this company and making Essential the premier POS technology company on the East Coast.
Judy loves her job, but who is the REAL Judy Manahan? We asked Judy 9 questions and this is how she answered.

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  1. How many children do you have? I have 2 Sons, 3 Step-children, 16 Grandchildren, 3 Great-Grandchildren and 3 more on the way.
  2. Where’s your hometown? I was born in Emmitsburg Maryland and I still live in Emmitsburg Maryland today.
  3. What are you hobbies? I love cooking for the whole family and working in my flower beds.
  4. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? Baseball (Go O’s!)
  5. Who is your hero? Manny Machado of course (Go O’s!)
  6. If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? The Beatles!!
  7. Do you collect anything? Longaberger Baskets
  8. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? I am not a daredevil, but I have ridden on the back of a Harley!
  9. If you had a warning label, what would yours say? “Caution”

Why You Should Work with a Local Point of Sale Company

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Purchasing a point of sale (POS) system is an important investment that will have a direct impact on how efficiently your business operates. You will probably spend a lot of time researching options that work best for your business, looking for the features and functions your business needs, and matching prices to your budget. You will focus so much attention on the perfect POS solution, do you also research the best place to buy your POS system? The answer is a resounding YES!

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Courtesy of your friends at Essential

There are a many reasons why working with a POS professional is smart. Let’s review three.

Location, Location, Location
A POS provider that is in close proximity to your business can only benefit you in the long (and short) run. The POS provider that’s nearby can make in-person visits to show you the technology you are going to purchase. They can answer questions and put to rest any doubts you may have about this new technology. When you choose a POS provider with an office nearby, you’ll get an accessible partner that’s ready to spring into action whenever they’re needed. When something goes wrong with your POS, having the ability to call on a local technician can help minimize your downtime and loss of any sales.
Additionally, local POS providers typically offer training, support, making them a one-stop shop for all of your POS needs. This is an important point to consider for small businesses that don’t have an in-house IT staff.

Accomplished Integrators
POS systems can be more valuable to your business if they integrate with the rest of your store systems and technology. Integrated systems offer a number of benefits including greater accuracy by eliminating the need to re-enter data and allowing systems to communicate with each other, making processes such as order fulfillment and inventory management easier. A POS provider experienced in working with your industry or market will understand your business needs and how to provide an integrated system to address them.

Cost vs. Value
Don’t make the mistake that many small businesses do; chasing the lowest upfront POS cost with online companies. If the deal seems too good to be true, it usually. Many small businesses end up with increased support costs, high credit card processing rates, and integration issues with a POS system they purchased at a “special deal” online.

The partnership you develop with your POS provider can also provide value by allowing you to focus more on your business, and not trying to manage your technology needs.
Because your POS system is a great investment, you’ll want a technology partner who is just as invested in the success of it as you are. Working with a top-notch POS provider is one way to maximize your technology ROI and minimize total cost of business ownership as you can keep your costs as low as possible by not having to look elsewhere for service and support.

Choosing an industry-proven POS partner is just about as important as picking the right POS system itself and you should view your provider as your trusted consultant. It’s a partnership after all.

5 Quick Ways to Bring Customers to Your Restaurant after the Holidays

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It’s the end of the year. Pockets are light and bellies are full from the Holidays. That doesn’t mean your restaurant should sit empty until people are ready to get back out to enjoy your tasty creations.  Here are 10 quick ways to get people back into your restaurant after the Holidays.

Birthday emails
Birthday coupons aren’t just for the likes of Starbucks and Chipotle.  Independent restaurateurs should also tap into this market.  Every year, I get an email from Starbucks on my birthday. I’m given any drink on the house. It’s the perfect way to start my birthday morning.

I’m very surprised that most other restaurants don’t do this.  They’ll offer free birthday items after I’ve walked in their doors, but an email reminder would really get me in their door.  Don’t forget, birthday customers travel in groups. If you offer a free drink or entree, you’ll get the additional business of friends and family who come along for the celebration.

Send offer emails
You can also send special offers, like buy one drink, get one 50% off or half-off appetizers to entice new customers to come in.  Email marketing is perfect for attracting new customers, but it’s also helpful in keeping your current customers.  Look into services like Mailchimp or Constant Contact.  They’re inexpensive and user-friendly.

Live music
Bring in some local talent on the weekends to entertain your customers. Get your guests involved by asking them to vote for the band they want to hear on your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page.

Grand re-opening event
If you’ve been open for a while, host a grand re-opening. It’s a simple way to remind people about your restaurant and encourage new people to try out your restaurant. Think about offering a deal on a sampler platter so they can taste test several dishes.

Join the local chamber of commerce
Yes, we know restaurateurs are too busy running their business to attend the many Chamber of Commerce events in your area, but just about every community has a chamber of commerce that promotes their local businesses.  And, they’ll do it for free.  Not only can you network, but you can also offer to cater or host chamber events.

We’re in the digital age and it’s now even easier than ever before to promote your business electronically. Collect email addresses wherever you can. When you’re at a local tasting event, business meeting, or trade show, make sure you have an email sign up sheet.  Have a business card drop bowl at your door.  Also, don’t forget to collect email addresses on your website. You can create a signup form easily on your website with little help from a web designer.  Reach out to your trusted restaurant technology provider, they should be able to assist or point you to someone who can.

 

Press Release: Essential Systems Solutions Celebrates 5th Anniversary as a Leader in Point of Sale Industry

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FREDERICK, MARYLAND (PRWEB) DECEMBER 08, 2016

Essential Systems Solutions (Essential), celebrates its 5 year anniversary as an industry leader in Point of Sale restaurant & retail technology and professional services.

Essential was founded on December 5, 2011 by President Jason Thompson and VP, Customer Relations Michael L. Tash. The co-founders noticed that the changes in the POS industry created a need for trusted technology advisors for small business owners and not just a POS sales team. Clients found that partnering with Essential Systems Solutions meant they were getting a team of POS industry experts that provided innovative solutions and an easy way to reduce costs, experience savings and increase revenue.

“Essential is proud of its five-year track record of growth and sustained profitability while delivering superb technology solutions,” said Tash. “At the same time, we are forward-focused on this next five years and have significant plans to deliver substantial additional value to our clients.”

In anticipation of hitting this business milestone, Essential unveiled a new corporate Website and Blog (https://www.esspos.com, blog.esspos.com) in June of this year that reflects the company’s future strategic direction, mission, and goals. Essential will also be executing several promotional and informational initiatives throughout this month in support of the fifth anniversary.

About Essential Systems Solutions
Founded in 2011, Essential Systems Solutions is a single-source technology provider of traditional, mobile, and cloud-based Point of Sale solutions for restaurants, hospitality, and retail establishments throughout the United States. Essential also offers a vast selection of hardware equipment to meet a wide variety of business needs. Known for outstanding and professional service, Essential’s expert technicians are available to fix any kind of POS equipment. For more information about Essential Systems Solutions call 301-732-5000 or visit https://www.esspos.com. Follow @ESSisEssential on Twitter.