Above: Jennie Fisher and me at The Cannata Report’s 10th Anniversary Elite Partner Dinner in May 2025, at private club, Tiro A Segno, in New York, NY.
Jennie Fisher (center) with (left to right) Tawnya Stone, Nicole Schweizer, Sarah Burnes, Stacey Miller; GreatAmerica; and Noah Maphis, Cobb Technologies, at The Cannata Report’s 2025 and 10th Annual Women Influencers Brunch.
While I can hardly believe it, today is Jennie Fisher’s last day as Group President, Office Technology at GreatAmerica. I’ve had the privilege to work and build both a highly rewarding professional and personal relationship with Jennie from the very beginning of my tenure with The Cannata Report in January of 2013.
GreatAmerica was the first company that invited me to visit their headquarters when I began at The Cannata Report, and Jennie Fisher welcomed me with a private dinner when I arrived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a gesture that meant so much to me. Jennie’s support, wisdom, and friendship have since positively influenced The Cannata Report, my career and personal life. I’m grateful our friendship will continue as she begins this new and exciting chapter in her life.
Jennie Fisher and Carol Cannata wearing scarves designed by Carol and custom made in Italy by EFI Reggiani for guests who attended The Cannata Report’s 2018 and 3rd Annal Women Influencer’s Brunch.
CC: As the traditional print business faces continued pressure, diversification has become increasingly important. How is GreatAmerica helping dealers evolve, and where do you see the biggest growth opportunities ahead?
JF: I absolutely agree that the traditional copier business is under pressure and diversification is no longer optional—it’s essential.
What I’m proud of is the fact that GreatAmerica has been evolving alongside dealers for decades, and we’ll continue doing that by understanding where they’re going, how we can support them, and how technology can help them diversify and build efficiencies within their organizations.
Since probably the inception of GreatAmerica, we’ve worked to present ourselves as more than a leasing company—as a finance company that brings resources and solutions to help customers become more successful.
“What I’m proud of is the fact that GreatAmerica has been evolving alongside dealers for decades, and we’ll continue doing that by understanding where they’re going, how we can support them, and how technology can help them diversify and build efficiencies within their organizations.”
– Jennie Fisher –
Through all the changes we’ve encountered over the past thirty years, we’ve continued offering flexible financing structures, supporting services and software solutions, integrations, billing, invoicing, collections, and bundled offerings. We’re remitting north of half a billion dollars annually back to our customers today.
As far as opportunities, managed IT services remain critical. Dealers are very good at focusing on relationships and understanding what their customers need next to be successful.
Services, solutions, and software will continue to be important. I believe there’s real opportunity in helping customers improve workflow and build efficiencies. Some of that can be done through AI, and there may also be opportunities around AI consulting and implementation.
There are other areas gaining attention as well—cost per scan, water solutions, additive manufacturing, even robotics. The industry will continue evolving, and dealers that are not focused on continuing to evolve and diversify are not really focused on being sustainable organizations.
Jennie Fisher in racing-themed attire at GreatAmerica. This racing theme, for a monthly presentation and month-end celebration, was conceived as a fun, purposeful metaphor for “driving” results and finishing strong for customers.
CC: Artificial intelligence continues to dominate industry conversations. What impact do you believe AI could have on the office technology channel over the next three to five years?
JF: It’s kind of scary, actually, especially after hearing presentations at the Executive Connection Summit (ECS) discussing how rapidly things may change. It’s something we should all be thinking about.
I believe the people factor will never go away, but AI will help us automate processes and become much better at what we do—whether that’s helping us gather information and knowledge more effectively or automating operational processes.
“I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I’m trying to embrace AI daily, learn more about it, and use it more effectively. GreatAmerica is doing the same. We’re probably not on the leading edge yet, but we’re advancing every day and placing a stronger focus around it.”
– Jennie Fisher –
The area that may ultimately be most influential is process automation and improving organizational efficiency and scalability, especially considering the economic pressures businesses are facing today.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I’m trying to embrace AI daily, learn more about it, and use it more effectively. GreatAmerica is doing the same. We’re probably not on the leading edge yet, but we’re advancing every day and placing a stronger focus around it.
Jennie Fisher and me at this past February’s ECS.
CC: You recently announced that while retiring from full-time responsibilities, you’ll remain involved with GreatAmerica and organizations like the ECS. What will those roles look like moving forward?
JF: My retirement from full-time employment will officially begin on June 30, but I’ll remain with GreatAmerica in an advisory role focused on continuing to foster relationships, perspective, and connection for the organization.
“My retirement from full-time employment will officially begin on June 30, but I’ll remain with GreatAmerica in an advisory role focused on continuing to foster relationships, perspective, and connection for the organization.”
– Jennie Fisher –
That role allows me to stay involved in an industry I care deeply about and continue supporting thoughtful industry dialogue through associations and organizations like Stramaglio Consulting, ECS, and BTA.
I’ll continue working to understand where the market is going, how customers are evolving, and how organizations can continue building synergies, resources, and knowledge for the dealer community.
With ECS specifically, I’ll continue serving on the advisory board and become even more involved in helping evolve what has become an expanded space for honest, forward-looking industry dialogue and collaboration.
Jennie Fisher (3rd from left) and GreatAmerica support the Freedom Foundation, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based veterans-support nonprofit that provides food, emergency financial assistance and more. This reflects the company’s emphasis on community, and giving back beyond the workplace.
CC: What are you most looking forward to in this next chapter of your life, both personally and professionally?
JF: I’m most excited about re-centering my life around my family, my friendships, and my own well-being.
Over the years, I let myself deprioritize my physical health and fitness for the sake of other opportunities, so I genuinely look forward to getting back into a consistent exercise routine.
I bought a house in Florida, and when I’m there I naturally focus more on balance and wellness, which I really enjoy.
“I’m most excited about re-centering my life around my family, my friendships, and my own well-being.”
– Jennie Fisher –
Family is especially top of mind for me right now. My grandson turns two in May, and I have another grandchild arriving very soon. I’m really looking forward to being present, creating special memories, and spending more time with them as they grow.
I also want to spend more time with my siblings and extended family. None of us are getting any younger, and we all live somewhat far apart, so I want to invest more time in those relationships.
This next chapter really gives me the gift of time, and I don’t take that lightly.
As far as GreatAmerica and the industry, I still look forward to continuing to grow, learn, and stay engaged. Who knows—it may motivate me to work a little more than I’m planning to, but probably not.
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This concludes my two-part discussion with office technology industry icon Jennie Fisher’s on her last day in her current full-time role at GreatAmerica and in the office technology industry. I along with my family and team at The Cannata Report wish Jennie all the best as she transitions into the next phase of her life. We also look forward to continuing to work with and track the current GreatAmerica executive leadership team.
Jennie Fisher and me in Nashville, Tennessee, where we attended a May 19, 2023 Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel concert with other members of the GreatAmerica team.
