From paper to paperless, how innov8 Digital Solutions is transforming into a provider of helpful business technology

“Customers want a positive experience not only on the day they make the purchase but for years after they take the initial leap of faith. I know that empowered people make the difference — something technology can never replace.”

“The business is in transition,” said Andre Brosseau, President of innov8 Digital Solutions. “It’s in what we call a digital revolution, or rather, a digital transformation.”

Traditionally, innov8’s business has been printers, copiers and scanning solutions, but now they’re migrating that into artificial intelligence, IT solutions, back-end document storage and management, as well as staying within their traditional business.

That traditional business started in 2013 with the purchase of Lakeside Office Systems in Kelowna by Andre Brosseau.

Now, Andre operates innov8 from seven offices, with their head office in Kelowna that supports Kamloops and Nelson offices. Victoria is the island hub for Nanaimo, Courtenay, and Campbell River operations.

This is the cumulation of several independent corporations into one strong, customer-focused business. With a team of over 60 people and 7 offices, their support for customers across the B.C. Interior and Vancouver Island has allowed them to become the largest British Columbia owned and operated office equipment organization.

“We’ve always focused on customer service first and I’m in an enviable position as I’m doing this because I want to,” said Andre. “It’s better when you meet a client and actually analyze people’s needs and make a correct recommendation versus trying to sell them on what you have.”

That focus directed innov8 to carry multiple brands. This ‘best of breed’ approach provides them with the strategic advantage to look at somebody’s needs, applications and back-end software, then recommend the best product and solution for them.

“We’ve picked what we feel are the superior brands, and now we can tailor them to individuals.”

One big blessing with the business, or as Andre admits is probably the driving factor for him and his wife Katia, innov8’s Director of Marketing and Client Services, is philanthropy.

“What motivates us is giving back,” said Andre. “That is by far the biggest reason as to why I’m growing and building this business. It’s so we can go back and support the communities that supported us.”

Approximately 15% of pre-tax dollars go back into philanthropy, supporting many programs like the Foundry Kelowna, Joanne’s House, KGH Foundation, Victoria Hospital Foundation, Mamas for Mamas and many other charities are supported because the entire team at innov8 knows how important it is to give back.

Katia works tirelessly to help bring causes that are close to their hearts, such as mental health and the hospital foundations, both financial support and public awareness.

“I’m so proud of the work we do and this past summer we held a fundraiser in our back yard in support of CMHA, ‘let’s build longer tables, not taller fences’, that raised $45,000 for Foundry Kelowna in support of youth mental health,” said Andre.

innov8 works tirelessly to provide positive experiences for both staff, customers and community.

With the goal to revolutionize their industry in Canada, Andre and Katia will continue supporting the community as they help businesses in British Columbia grow and improve their internal operations by customizing the fit-for-purpose solutions, streamlining processes, reduce costs and provide suit for purpose equipment.