Scott graciously lent me this space typically reserved for his editor’s letter so that I can mark our milestone 400th issue. While I say this with tremendous humility and gratitude for all the dealers and vendors that continue to support us, 400 issues is an extraordinary accomplishment by any measure in the media business. This issue looks a lot different from issue #1, but it also looks a lot different than issue #150, #250, and even #375 because as the industry has evolved, so has The Cannata Report. I’m just not talking about layout, design, or format. I’m referring to the many ways in which we’ve adapted our editorial focus always to stay ahead of the changes in the dealer community to help you prepare for future success.
Since we’re talking about numbers, let me focus on a huge “first” in this issue. On page XX, I hope you’ll enjoy my interview with Frank G. Cannata, the first time I’ve ever had the opportunity to interview my mentor. What a thrill it was to interview Frank. I wasn’t nervous about interviewing him; curious would be a better word to describe how I was feeling in the days leading up to the interview. When it was over, my overall feeling was joy. I had fun, and Frank did too. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
The theme for this month’s issue is Service and Services, which couldn’t be more relevant given the current situation. And no, we’re not psychic—when we created our editorial schedule for 2020, we included an issue devoted to service and services once again this year because we consider this a diversification opportunity that dealers must consider. For the past five years, many dealers have shifted from an absolute hardware focus and moved into services, representing a significant change in the channel. Given what is happening today, those changes were prescient and have put some dealers in a better position to manage their businesses. If you weren’t convinced before, this segment is sure to move beyond an attractive diversification opportunity and emerge as a cornerstone in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Like everyone, I am laser-focused on how to conduct our business most efficiently for our clients and partners, but as well the most secure and safe way for our staff. I know the economic fallout from the coronavirus is shattering, but public health, economic stability, and prosperity are not mutually exclusive. They are interdependent, and I am concerned that this situation will continue to escalate if we all do not come to that realization as an industry, as a country, and as global citizens. I am fortunate to have strong and decisive leadership in my home state of New York, and I will make decisions that adhere to the guidelines set forth by the authorities for the foreseeable future for our business.
We’ve seen many changes throughout these 400 issues, but nothing compares to the changes we’re are all dealing with in this crazy time. The one thing that has never altered at The Cannata Report is our audience. Every change we’ve ever made was driven by our desire to provide you with exceptional content to propel your success. And that will never change.
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