ADVANTAGE-X CREATES NICHE 'XEROX' MARKET

(POMPANO BEACH, FL )— Jane Beekmann learned her trade in the frigid Midwestern states at Xerox Corp, frequently traveling in snowstorms for hours to visit customers. Jane brought her skills to Xerox South Florida in the late 1980's.

"I realized I could only deliver the level of service needed in critical print production operations by controlling the entire team", said Jane.

After opening her company in 1994 primarily to service existing Xerox equipment owners, Jane quickly sought Women-Owned Business certification at the local level. She then turned her attention to bidding and winning local government contracts.

"Government contracts fueled our early success, and I recommend other start ups consider the same, especially in high cost projects where timely payment is essential for good cash flow."

Beekmann estimates publicly funded entities have saved over $1,000,000 in equipment and service to date and currently has her sites on the Broward County School Board copier contract, which she believes could realize millions more in savings.

In the early 1990's Xerox dominated the high volume laser printing market. Additionally, Xerox serviced virtually every machine in the USA. Competitors were scarce due to the lack of an economical parts supply.

When a class action lawsuit brought by would be competitors outside of Florida settled, parts became readily available. Jane was ready with her business plan and pounced at the opportunity. Her husband Lonnie agreed to give up his own successful sales career to join her. They sold their home and leveraged their assets for start-up capital.

"Our mission is to deliver a premium level of service. Whatever level of service the customer had before, we 'kick it up a notch'."

After 9 years in business, Advantage-X's success can be measured in one word: retention. Over 97% of all customers and 100% of core employees have been with the company since inception. It's not uncommon to find the Beekmann's entertaining employees and their families on the weekend in their newly renovated Plantation home, or Jane delivering home-baked cakes to customers for special occasions.

"I want our internal and external customers to know they are appreciated. A special gift or time out from work brightens everyone's day," said Jane.

Jane's philosophy for business also includes maintaining tight control over expenses. "Service income supports our day to day operations and equipment sales provide capital infusion for expansion."

After developing an impeccable track record in the government sector, Advantage-X turned it's focus to the private sector. "Five years ago, we had a hard time getting in the door at local corporations."
Then in 2001, IT department budgets came under the microscope. CFO's began earnestly looking for alternative sources. Advantage-X offers a win-win solution. Data centers can still use the same Xerox equipment models, yet the department saves up to six figures annually.

With the encouragement of Office Depot's dedicated Women in Business staff, Advantage-X obtained WBENC status in 2003. "We have several significant opportunities pending with companies that promote diversity in purchasing, directly as a result of our certification. It opens the door to present our story." Over 91% of local companies meeting with Jane give her their business.

Advantage-X currently has one of the largest equipped Xerox production printer demo rooms in the country. "Our inventory includes a Xerox DocuPrint 180 MICR, the worlds fastest cut sheet printer."

PHOTO INSET: (TBD- Jane Beekmann, Lonnie Beekmann, Josh Beekmann, Shirley (Jane's mother)

ADVANTAGE-X CORP. PROFILE
Services: 24X7 service of Xerox high volume printing systems and duplicators, disaster recovery, equipment sales and leasing
Owners: Jane Beekmann and her husband Lonnie Beekmann
Family: three generations work in the business
Established: 1994
Certifications: Women Business Enterprise National Certification (WBENC), Broward County School Board Women Owned Business, and other local certifications
Web site: www.advantage-x.com
Advice: "Listen to your customers and employees. Then develop creative ways to help them do their jobs more effectively."

For information, please call (954) 938-5050 or (800) 201-7454.

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