Recent News & Press Coverage
Stay informed with official news and updates from The ASCII Group. This section features company announcements, strategic initiatives, and industry coverage that reflect our continued commitment to the MSP community and the broader IT channel.
The ASCII Group Appoints Ted Roller as Chief Community Officer
Washington, D.C.– January 14, 2026 – The ASCII Group, North America’s original and vendor-neutral community for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), is pleased to announce the appointment of Ted Roller as Chief Community Officer, a newly created executive role focused on strengthening member engagement and expanding ASCII’s community across the United States and Canada.
In this role, Roller will lead initiatives designed to deepen member connection and engagement, working closely with MSPs to help shape the future of the ASCII community. His focus will be on ensuring ASCII continues to reflect the real-world needs of MSP business owners and remains a trusted resource for peer insight and collaboration.
Roller brings more than 25 years of experience in the IT channel, with a career spanning MSP ownership and senior channel leadership roles. Earlier in his career, he owned and operated an MSP that was recognized locally as one of the Fast 50 fastest-growing companies, providing firsthand experience with the operational and strategic realities MSPs face.
He has since held senior channel leadership positions at LogMeIn, Intronis, Mailprotector, CloudRadial, Zomentum, and FlexPoint, where he helped build partner programs, strengthen community engagement, and support growth through indirect sales models. In addition, Roller has contributed to industry education as faculty for CompTIA and has been recognized by organizations including MSPmentor, The Channel Company, and SMB Nation.
“Ted’s background as both an MSP owner and a channel executive makes him uniquely qualified to lead our community efforts,” said Jerry Koutavas, CEO of The ASCII Group. “His role will be instrumental in strengthening member engagement and expanding ASCII’s reach as we continue to support MSPs across North America.”
“ASCII has always represented something different in this industry,” said Roller. “It is a community built on trust, openness, and shared experience. I’m honored to join the team and look forward to helping shape the next chapter of member engagement and community leadership.”
About The ASCII Group, Inc.
The ASCII Group is the premier community of North American MSPs, MSSPs and Solution Providers. The Group has members located throughout the U.S. and Canada, and membership encompasses everyone from credentialed MSPs serving the SMB community to multi-location solution providers with a national and international reach. Founded in 1984, ASCII provides services to members including leveraged purchasing programs, education and training, marketing assistance, extensive peer interaction and more. ASCII works with a vibrant ecosystem of leading and major technology vendors that complement the ASCII community and support the mission of helping MSPs to grow their businesses. For more information, please visit www.ascii.com.
Press Contact
Jessica Turner
Senior Digital Engagement Manager
Tel: 800-394-2724
Email: jturner@ascii.com
Web: www.ascii.com
ASCII In The News
TechVoice Alliance Partner, ASCII Group, testifies before the U.S. House of Representatives House Committee on Small Business about “The Biggest Tax Problems of Small Businesses”.
Read more http://bit.ly/1iDbtQA
The ASCII Group Announces Members of New Advisory Committee
Bethesda, Maryland – April 10, 2014 — The ASCII Group, a membership-based community of independent MSPs, VARs and Solution Providers, today announced the formation of a new Advisory Committee. The Committee, comprised of representatives from ten member businesses from across the country and various sectors of technology, will work with ASCII headquarters on a regular basis to discuss new alliances, member programs, peer-to-peer networking opportunities for the members, and overall ways to bring value to the group. These initiatives would add to the more than 70 value-add programs ASCII currently provides to its members.
“Input from ASCII members is crucial. Solution providers are a bedrock of the industry, and we are committed to helping them continue to grow and thrive,” said Doug Young, COO and Senior Vice President of The ASCII Group. “Instead of us solely trying to determine the needs of our members, the Advisory Committee informs us what issues our community faces. We can then create solutions that help our members meet challenges and take advantage of innovative technologies.”
The members of the Advisory Committee are:
Matt Adkins – Vanguard Technologies, Toledo, OH
Joe Balsarotti – Software to Go, St. Peters, MO
Scott Brown – TimbukTech, Canton, IL
Howard Cunningham – Macro LLC, Fairfax, VA
Doug Grabowski – Grabowski Group, Inc., Orange, CT
Raffi Jamgotchian – Triada Networks, Northvale, NJ
Ed Mana – Technology On Demand, Yorktown Heights, NY
Francis Poeta – P&M Computers Inc., Cliffside Park, NJ
Tony Stirk – Iron Horse Computers, Springfield, VA
Vince Tinnirello – Anchor Network Solutions, Lone Tree, CO
Advisory Committee member Joe Balsarotti, President of Software To Go has been an ASCII member for over 20 years and welcomes the interaction between ASCII and its members. “I believe these Advisory Committee meetings will have a substantial impact on the success of ASCII and its members,” said Balsarotti. “ASCII is unique in that its primary constituency is solution providers and so the staff definitely listens to our feedback and considers it crucial to the continued success of the organization. Hopefully ASCII will be able to use our ideas and comments to form better programs for all the members.”
The mission of The ASCII Group is to provide solution providers with the tools necessary to survive and grow in the competitive technology market.
About The ASCII Group, Inc:
The ASCII Group is a vibrant reseller community of independent MSPs, VARs, and other solution providers. Formed in 1984, ASCII has more than 70 programs that provide turnkey cost-cutting strategies, innovative business building programs, and extensive peer interaction. ASCII members enjoy benefits such as marketing support; educational information; group purchasing power; increased leverage in the marketplace; and multiple networking opportunities. These programs enable ASCII members to increase revenue, lower operating costs, and grow service opportunities.
You can learn more at www.ascii.com or by calling 800-394-2724.
Press Contact
Alysia Vetter
Director of Communications
Tel: 800-394-2724 x 131
Email: alysia@ascii.com
Web: www.ascii.com
MSP Live Webinar: The Band of IT Brothers, Growing Your Business Network
Join Jerry Koutavas, President of The ASCII Group on Thursday, April 10 at 11am PST/ 2pm EST as he explains the opportunities and results that we are generating for MSPs and VARs in our community.
Learn more about how The ASCII Group can help grow your business.
Register here: http://bit.ly/1ebMEpl
The ASCII Group Announces 'Best of Show' Award Winners From Austin Success Summit
Bethesda, Maryland – March 27, 2014 — The ASCII Group, a membership-based community of independent MSPs, VARs and Solution Providers, is pleased to announce the ‘Best of Show’ award winners from its 2014 IT SMB Success Summit in Austin, Texas.
“The ASCII Group is dedicated to exposing our members to the best vendors as part of our mission to help the independent solution provider community expand and thrive,” said Jerry Koutavas. “It is important to acknowledge these companies for their continued support for the channel and their commitment to quality products that allow our members to ably serve their clients.”
The awards are voted on by the attending Solution Providers, and honor the industry sponsors in multiple Best of Show categories.
Best Software Solution: StorageCraft
Best Hardware Solution: Datto
Best New Product: Datto
Best Cloud Solution: JetStream
Best Revenue Generator: GFI Max
Best Channel Incentives: M-Files
Best Channel Programs: HP
Best Partner Commitment: HP
Best Customer Support: APC-Schneider Electric
Best Distribution Sales Support: Pax8
Best of Show: Datto
For 30 years, The ASCII Group has leveraged the power of community to benefit its members. The Austin Success Summit is stop number two on an eight city conference tour drawing solution providers, leading technology vendors and industry experts. Online registration is open for the five remaining 2014 ASCII IT SMB Success Summits at www.asciievents.com.
About The ASCII Group, Inc:
The ASCII Group is a vibrant reseller community of independent MSPs, VARs, and other solution providers. Formed in 1984, ASCII has more than 70 programs that provide turnkey cost-cutting strategies, innovative business building programs, and extensive peer interaction. ASCII members enjoy benefits such as marketing support; educational information; group purchasing power; increased leverage in the marketplace; and multiple networking opportunities. These programs enable ASCII members to increase revenue, lower operating costs, and grow service opportunities. You can learn more at www.ascii.com or by calling 800-394-2724.
Press Contact
Alysia Vetter
Director of Communications
Tel: 800-394-2724 x 131
Email: alysia@ascii.com
Web: www.ascii.com
Article: Leverage The Power Of An Interactive Community: Deep In The Heart Of Texas
Learn more about the benefits of being a part of a business community by joining us at our 2014 Success Summits.
To read the article, click here: http://bit.ly/1dMlhVZ
Article: The ASCII Group CEO: Businesses Change … Business Stays The Same
BSM Magazine spoke with The ASCII Group’s Alan Weinberger who reflected on 30 years of business in the Channel.
To read the article, click here: http://bit.ly/1fwf4dq
Podcast: The ASCII Group's Weinberger: For 30 Years, A Front-Row Seat In The Channel
The ASCII Group’s Alan Weinberger is featured in a candid podcast with BSM Magazine – shedding light on the past, present and future of the 30 year community.
To listen, click here: http://bit.ly/Ma9XIb
The ASCII Group Continues to Grow as it Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The largest community of solution providers in the world celebrates 30 years in business
Bethesda, Maryland – January 22, 2014 — The ASCII Group is pleased to announce that 2014 marks thirty years in business for the membership-based community, which has become the oldest and largest group of independent MSPs, VARs and Solution Providers in the world.
As with many businesses, numerous roles and responsibilities fall directly on the backs of the leaders of the company, and the end result is often less production. The ASCII Group helps Solution Providers refocus their efforts back on revenue generating activities while providing support in operations, sales, marketing, purchasing, and vendor management. Additionally, The ASCII Group educates all end-users of IT solutions, services and devices on the value of the Solution Provider and their offering of independent, trusted advice that is not dependent on a particular vendor’s technology.
Alan D. Weinberger founded The ASCII Group in 1984 with 40 computer dealers to become the first industry-neutral “Community Network” of independent resellers. He organized the founding 40 software retailers to join together as a buying group and pay monthly fees to support the organization – and in turn, support each other and their programs for mutual benefit; thus resulting in the industry’s first such network.
Three decades later, the IT industry has shifted towards a service model and the core of local IT services, support and advice is now the independent MSP, VAR and Solution Provider. Going forward in 2014, The ASCII Group continues to have the same focus that it had in 1984 – providing Solution Providers with the tools necessary to survive, learn together and grow in the competitive technology market.
Alan D. Weinberger, Chairman and CEO, recalls, “When I started The ASCII Group in 1984, I had a vision of wanting to help business owners who were instrumental in creating the IT revolution. I’m proud of the fact that so many years later, the 70 programs that we have established for our members have helped to expand their businesses. I believe that our 30th anniversary is a testament to listening to our members and remaining dedicated to their needs.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our members and employees – many of whom have been with ASCII throughout our 30 years,” said Jerry Koutavas, President, The ASCII Group. “Though there are many factors which have attributed to our success, underlying all of them is an unwavering commitment to our members. We are not only celebrating 30 years of ASCII, but 30 years of partnerships, services and collaboration.”
Upcoming plans for 2014 include the eight city ASCII IT SMB Success Summits; online registration for this complementary event is at www.asciievents.com.
To commemorate the company’s anniversary, The ASCII Group has released a celebratory logo which will be used in conjunction with the standard company logo throughout the year.
To learn more about The ASCII Group’s portfolio of resources and turnkey programs, please visit www.ascii.com.
About The ASCII Group, Inc:
The ASCII Group is a vibrant reseller community of independent MSPs, VARs, and other solution providers. Formed in 1984, ASCII has more than 70 programs that provide turnkey cost-cutting strategies, innovative business building programs, and extensive peer interaction. ASCII members enjoy benefits such as marketing support; educational information; group purchasing power; increased leverage in the marketplace; and multiple networking opportunities. These programs enable ASCII members to increase revenue, lower operating costs, and grow service opportunities. You can learn more at www.ascii.com or by calling 800-394-2724.
Press Contact
Alysia Vetter
Director of Communications
Tel: 800-394-2724 x 131
Email: alysia@ascii.com
Web: www.ascii.com
The ASCII Group Announces Cities for its 2014 IT SMB Success Summit Series
Bethesda, Maryland – January 16, 2014 — The ASCII Group, a membership-based community of independent MSPs, VARs and Solution Providers, is pleased to announce the upcoming dates and locations for its 2014 IT SMB Success Summit Series. The eight city conference tour is expected to draw more than 1,600 solution providers, leading technology vendors, and industry experts.
Debuting in 2000, the Success Summits have become the premier event for IT Solution Providers because The ASCII Group has successfully created a model that balances education and industry presentations with fruitful networking opportunities. For 30 years, The ASCII Group has leveraged the power of community to benefit its members.
A major highlight of the 2014 series is the list of contemporary speakers that are scheduled for the educational sessions, including CEO’s Anurag Agrawal and Gordon Tan, and Forbes Contributor Roger Dooley. Full session descriptions can be found on the 2014 ASCII IT SMB Success Summit website.
“We have an exciting year ahead planned for the ASCII IT SMB Success Summits,” said Jerry Koutavas, President, The ASCII Group. “With new cities, research and content, the 2014 series features fresh, modern Keynote presentations and education, an energized solutions pavilion and extensive networking opportunities.”
“The ASCII Success Summits are a great opportunity for peer networking as well as learning about the latest industry trends and cutting-edge technology,” said Matt Adkins, Vanguard Technologies, ASCII member since 2009. “More than just a regional event, the Summits provide real education and partnership building that I can take back to my office – and start utilizing immediately.”
Designed for qualified industry IT professionals, this complimentary event is targeted towards those looking to enhance their current business model. ASCII members receive free admission and qualify for a free hotel room.
ASCII Success Summit 2014 Cities:
Newport Beach February 19-20 Newport Beach Marriott
Austin March 19-20 DoubleTree by Hilton Austin
Chicago April 16-17 Chicago Marriott O’Hare
Columbus May 28-29 Renaissance Columbus Downtown
Atlanta June 18-19 The Lodge & Spa at Callaway Gardens
Providence July 30-31 Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick
Phoenix September 17-18 Sheraton Crescent Hotel
Atlantic City October 22-23 Bally’s Atlantic City
To learn more about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jessica Schroder, Director of Marketing and Events, at jessica@ascii.com.
Online registration is now open for the eight 2014 ASCII Success Summits at www.asciievents.com.
About The ASCII Group, Inc:
The ASCII Group is a vibrant reseller community of independent MSPs, VARs, and other solution providers. Formed in 1984, ASCII has more than 70 programs that provide turnkey cost-cutting strategies, innovative business building programs, and extensive peer interaction. ASCII members enjoy benefits such as marketing support; educational information; group purchasing power; increased leverage in the marketplace; and multiple networking opportunities. These programs enable ASCII members to increase revenue, lower operating costs, and grow service opportunities. You can learn more at www.ascii.com or by calling 800-394-2724.
Press Contact
Alysia Vetter
Director of Communications
Tel: 800-394-2724 x 131
Email: alysia@ascii.com
Web: www.ascii.com
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