5 Benefits Businesses Gain From Having a Remote Workforce

Businesses have been forced to either transition to a remote workforce or temporarily halt operations until they can safely reopen. This shift has led many business owners to explore the long-term potential of remote work, given the considerable advantages it offers.

While there are numerous benefits to adopting a fully or partially remote workforce, here are five key advantages that cannot be overlooked:

  1. Lower Costs for Businesses and Employees

One of the most significant advantages of a remote workforce is the reduction in operational costs. Without the need for office space, businesses can save on rent, utilities, office furniture, janitorial services, maintenance, and more. Employees also benefit by cutting out commuting expenses, saving on gas, parking, or public transportation costs.

  1. Higher Productivity

Contrary to the common misconception that remote employees are less productive, studies have shown the opposite. Research, including a survey from Airtasker, reveals that remote workers are often more productive than their office-based counterparts. They tend to work longer hours and complete tasks more efficiently, debunking the myth that working from home leads to distractions and decreased output.

  1. Better Disaster Preparedness

A remote workforce allows businesses to remain operational during disasters that would otherwise force an office shutdown. By already having systems and tools in place for remote work, companies can minimize the cost of downtime, and in some cases, avoid it altogether.

  1. Reduced Employee Turnover

Employee retention is crucial for small businesses, as constant turnover can disrupt operations and increase hiring and training costs. Remote work has proven to boost retention rates, with remote employees being 13% more likely to stay in their roles than onsite workers. Additionally, 74% of workers agree that the ability to work remotely would make them less likely to leave their employer.

  1. Access to a Larger Talent Pool

Hiring the right talent can be challenging when restricted to the local population. With remote work, businesses can tap into a global talent pool without needing to convince candidates to relocate. This provides access to top-tier talent from anywhere in the world, significantly expanding hiring options.

As businesses continue to experience the benefits of a remote workforce, many are considering turning their temporary solutions into long-term strategies. Don’t miss out on the advantages remote work can offer—contact ITG today to get started on building your remote workforce. Submit an inquiry at itgarizona.com/contact-us.

Businesses everywhere have been required to either switch to a remote workforce or cease operations till the quarantine is over and their offices can open again. This has made working remotely something that every business owner has been looking into for its long-term applications. As the considerable benefits of a remote workforce are hard for many businesses to ignore.

While there are many valuable benefits that a business can undoubtedly gain from switching to a fully (or even partial) remote workforce, there are 5 key benefits that simply can’t be ignored:

1. Lower Costs for Businesses and Employees

One of the biggest advantages of switching over to a remote workforce is how much it reduces operational costs for businesses and how much it saves for employees. When everyone is working from home you don’t need to pay for office space, office furniture, the utility bills needed to maintain the office, janitorial costs to keep everything clean, maintenance and installation costs, and so much more. Meanwhile, employees don’t need to pay for commuting to work every day and dealing with the problems all means of travel could financially present.

2. Higher Productivity

A common miss conception about remote working is the level of productivity employees will have when in a home environment versus an office one. While many would think remote workers would be less productive than their office counterparts, but that’s actually not true. Not only has a survey from Airtasker shown that remote employees are more productive, but other research has supported this as well. Multiple studies have proven that they are far more willing to work overtime and get work done faster than office workers.

3. Better Disaster Preparedness

Undoubtedly having remote employees helps make disasters have less of a direct impact on your operations. As you already have the necessary tools and proper systems established to keep your business working in situations that would force offices to close down. This leads to the cost of downtime being substantially reduced or to be non-existent in some cases.

4. Reduced Employee Turnover

Employee retention is vital for many small businesses. Every position is vital for maintaining operations, and the cost of hiring and training over and over again can take its toll. That’s why doing what you can to ensure employees stay is important, and remote workforces are one of the best ways to do it. Statistics show that remote workers are 13% more likely than onsite workers to stay in their jobs over an extended period. 74% of workers also agree that the ability to work remotely would make them less likely to leave their employer.

5. Access to a Larger Group of Potential Employees

Any business can tell you that hiring for specific positions and company rules is challenging. As the talent pool is mostly limited to the local population, as convincing someone to move for a job can be difficult. However, that was before remote working became an option. Now businesses can have access to top talent from anywhere in the world and without having to sell them on uprooting themselves for said position.

A remote workforce has many benefits that businesses are finding harder and harder to ignore. Lots of companies are now looking to turn their short term remote working plan into a long one, as they stand to gain a lot from it. Don’t let your business miss out on everything working remotely has to offer, call ITG and get started on your remote workforce today.

Phil Semallie

Director of Operations

  • Present: Imagine Technology Group
    Director of Operations

Phil is the Director of Service with nearly three decades of experience in the service industry, having begun his career in 1995. A founding team member of Imagine Technology Group since day one in 2011, Phil has played a critical role in building and leading high-performing service operations. Known for a hands-on approach, Phil collaborates closely with his team to optimize response times, maximize equipment uptime, and service support for clients across Arizona. His leadership and dedication to excellence helped the organization achieve Sharp’s Platinum Level Service Dealer designation and Toshiba’s ProMasters Award.

 

Phil is Navajo, from the Navajo Nation, and maintains a strong connection to his roots. He is of the Rock Gap People Clan and born for the Salt Clan. Outside of work, he enjoys the drive home to the reservation to spend time with family, valuing the traditions and relationships that continue to shape who he is both personally and professionally.

Dylan Olson

Director of IT

  • Present: Imagine Technology Group
    Director of IT

Dylan is a seasoned IT leader serving as Director of IT in Chandler, Arizona. He brings extensive experience overseeing enterprise infrastructure, applications, and IT operations, with a focus on scalability, security, and continuous improvement. Throughout his career, Dylan has led cross-functional teams, modernized technology environments, and partnered closely with executive leadership to ensure IT strategies directly support organizational goals.

Known for his calm, results-driven approach, Dylan emphasizes operational excellence, thoughtful governance, and practical innovation. He is passionate about developing strong teams, optimizing systems for long-term growth, and delivering dependable technology that enables the business to move faster and smarter.

Outside of work, Dylan values maintaining an active and well‑rounded lifestyle. He enjoys hiking, weight training, watching movies, and attending live concerts
—interests that reflect his appreciation for both physical challenge and creative experiences.

Cathy Chambers

Director of Finance

  • 2015-Present: Imagine Technology Group
    Director of Finance
  • 2008-2015: Marcolin USA
    Controller
  • 1994-2008: Enterprise Holding Co
    Accounting Manager

Originally from the Midwest, Cathy is now a long-time Arizona resident. She holds a degree in Accounting and brings with her 30+ years of Finance and Accounting experience at the Management level. Cathy has a theory: “it’s always Monday and it’s always Friday” because she’s been fortunate enough to always love her job and the company she works for.

Cathy is known for her “workaholic-never-stops” dedication and is committed to getting the job done. She possesses an honest approach to solving team issues and stands by her “open-door”, “let’s talk about it” policy. Cathy is loyal and determined and has a unique stubbornness for problem-solving and seeing her team succeed.

Cathy was an integral part of multiple conversions in ERP systems, payroll, banking, 401k, and benefits at ITG and with previous employers. At Marcolin, in the middle of an acquisition and SAP conversion, a key employee resigned. Cathy was responsible for hiring and training a replacement all while keeping the conversion on tract. Through this process, Cathy kept her team focused on valuing their customers, even when they were unsure of their future with the newly merged company.

In her personal life, Cathy prefers to be outdoors enjoying activities that the Arizona climate brings. She can be found hiking, running, mountain biking, kayaking and camping. She also spends time with her family and pets, travels, and enjoys scuba diving preferably in the blue waters of the Belize or Bonaire.

Ray Trombley

Director of Operations

  • 2019-Present: Imagine Technology Group
    Director of Operations
  • 2011-2019: Imagine Technology Group
    Service Operations Manager
  • 2005-2011: Infincom
    Operations Supervisor
  • 1994-2005: Copier Brothers
    Service Manager


Currently a resident of Arizona, Ray is originally from the East Coast (New Hampshire). He has been a member of the Service Team with Imagine Technology for over five years and has been in the Industry over 25 years. Starting in the Technical area, Ray grew his expertise into-and-beyond the Operations and Logistics field. He has won numerous awards for his technical abilities along with winning the President’s Club Award. Ray is an “original” ITG employee and has been instrumental to the growth of the company. As Director of Operations, Ray is responsible for the entire logistics operation and has shown continual insight into how to improve ITG’s delivery process, decrease cost of goods sold and manage the inventory levels to provide excellent customer service.

Ray is always involved in the entire aspect of the business and tries to understand and help in all areas. After a company decision to change Software, he took the lead in implementing the new database and has become the point person since implementation, winning the new title of the go to guy “ASK RAY”. He is a strong source of knowledge and always willing to take the time to assist others where needed. He is known for his strong work ethics and attention to detail. He keeps up with business life by reading ENX and other business publications.

Ray’s personal interests include basketball and he is a huge Boston Celtics fan. He is involved with his children’s Taekwondo and spends his free time being with his family. His long-term goals include visiting Ireland and spending vacation time with his family.

Pamela Berlin

Director of Aftermarket Sales

  • 2015-Present: Imagine Technology Group
    Director of Aftermarket Sales
  • 1999-2015: Arizona Office Technologies
    Regional Supply Mgr.
  • 1986-1999: Danka
    Customer Care Coordinator

Pamela is one of the few Arizona natives and comes with 31+ years of experience in the field of Customer Service and Aftermarket Sales. She has the unique ability to work out-of-the-box, enabling her to wear a myriad of hats when it concerns customer service. She has a strong background in Aftermarket Sales and a firm believer in Customer Satisfaction above all else. Pamela is a very organized individual and brings with her a positive attitude, along with the skillset to work and solve issues. She possesses the determination and drive that it takes to achieve complete Customer Satisfaction. Pamela is a great team player and not afraid to assist in other areas where needed.

In her current role at ITG, Pamela has been instrumental at improving the delivery process of all aftermarket activities. She has implemented special pricing programs with multiple vendors and has improved the supply reporting system for all customers. During a major takeover, Pamela’s dedication to detail, industry knowledge and foresight allowed ITG to provide superior customer service all while never missing a commitment.

Pamela is involved with volunteering her time with local Foundations such as Hospice of the Valley, Tempe Community Action, and the Human Society of Arizona, rescuing and adopting her family of dogs. Her giving heart spreads to helping others through donations, volunteering her time where needed, and organizing community Charity drives. Pamela’s free time is spent with her family, and enjoys shopping with friends and trying new food!

Wendy Hagerstrand

Director of Service / Sales Manager

  • 2000–2009: IT Systems & Arizona Office Technology
    Service Technician
  • 2009–2010: SoCal Office Technology
    Field Product Specialist
  • 2010–2011: SoCal Office Technology
    Director of Corporate Service Training
  • 2011–2015: SoCal Office Technology
    Director of Service
  • 2015–2019: SoCal Office Technology
    Vice President of Service
  • 2019–2020: Sales Manager
    Arizona Office Technology
  • 2020–2021: Director of Sales
    Arizona Office Technologies
  • 2021–Current: Imagine Technology Group
    Director of Service

Wendy was born in Denver, Colorado and moved to California at a young age where she was raised before moving to Arizona in 1992. She returned to California for 10 years where she took the opportunity to advance her career prior to returning to Arizona 3 years later. She has 22 years industry experience with 12 years of that being in leadership positions.

Throughout her experience in the technology industry Wendy started off her career as a field service technician and has advanced her career holding other roles such as a Product Specialist, Director of Service Training and Director of Service before being promoted to the Vice President of Service role to advance and drive service growth strategies for an organization generating $51M in annual revenue. Wendy is passionate about developing service vision and long-term business planning. She has a relentless drive for building and promoting long-lasting customer relationships through partnering with them to understand the needs of their organization. She returned to Arizona 3 years ago and worked as a Sales Manager before being promoted to a Sales Director. Wendy joined the team here at ITG in June of 2021 as our Director of Service. With her experience it gives her a relentless passion to support the company in all aspects.

Wendy’s business perspective is leadership by example. She believes strongly in helping her team understand the ‘Whys’ behind the business decisions. She feels this helps them to better understand why certain tasks are asked of them in their roles daily and helps to expose opportunities. With this understanding across the service organization, it helps all of us make better choices when working in all areas of the business from supporting the clients to the financial impact the team makes in their day-to-day decisions. Wendy is never one to say, “It’s not my job.” She will support the team in any way she can.

In her free time Wendy enjoys painting, traveling as much as possible, and the great outdoors doing anything from biking to hiking. Wendy has 3 children, 2 daughters-in-law, 1 son-in-law and 9 grandchildren and thoroughly enjoys spending time with them whenever she can for family gatherings.

Brian Spitler

Chief Information Officer

Brian brings over three decades of experience in technology and operations to his role as Chief Information Officer at Imagine Technology Group. Having spent more than 15 years in the Phoenix area, Brian has held leadership positions at some of the region’s largest companies. His focus on innovation and driving synergy between Operations and Technology has led to a proven track record of successful projects and large-scale operations.

In his current role, Brian is dedicated to leading strategic technological advancements and enhancing customer experiences. His previous career experience allows him to work closely with clients to provide valuable insights into technology-based solutions and the development of key applications and systems.

Utilizing his expertise in process improvement and vendor relations, Brian has successfully streamlined sales and operations, resulting in a significant increase in profitability. His commitment to operational excellence in technology drives continuous innovation and ensures that IT needs remain cutting edge.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys hiking, camping, golf, and holds a private pilot license. On weekends, you can find him adventuring with his wife and kids.

Jay Van Ryn

VP Major Accounts

  • Imagine Technology Group, 2015-Present
    VP Major Accounts
  • Arizona Office Technology, 2007-2014
    Major Account Executive
  • CB Documents, 2001-2007
    Major Account Representative

Jay is a proud member of the Executive team at Imagine Technology Group as the VP of Major Accounts. He brings a wealth of major account leadership experience in the office technology industry throughout Arizona.

Jay has been in the industry for over 25 years and works with National Accounts throughout the US. His customers include some of the highest profile, Non-Profit and For-Profit organizations throughout Arizona and most with a tenure of 15-20 years. Jay’s latest endeavor is the opening of an ITG office in Flagstaff and growing the business to include such areas as Cottonwood and other outlying areas in Northern Arizona.

Jay has been successful in helping his customers make great inroads in improving their imaging spend by working closely with them to efficiently manage not only the output but the devices they are using in their offices. Through his direction, one of his major accounts was able to eliminate 25% of their output devices and decrease their overall spend by 15% in the first 6 months all while improving internal customer satisfaction. Jay has a unique ability to find a way to improve the customers bottom line while protecting the service level they receive from Imagine Technology Group.

Jay grew up in Minnesota and graduated from Northern Arizona University. He is married with three children. Helping Non-Profits succeed is Jay’s current and future goal. He currently sponsors events for Hospice of the Valley, Tempe Community Action Agency, NAH Foundation, The Phoenix Zoo and Fans Across America. Jay enjoys fishing in Canada, and vacations with his family.

Christy Gallegos

Director of Sales, Major Accounts

  • 2015-Present: Imagine Technology Group
    Director of Sales, Major Accts
  • 2005-2015: Arizona Office Technology
    Major Account Executive

 

Originally from California, Christy is now a loyal Arizona resident who brings with her a vast array of experience in the Technology Sales and Service Industry. Christy has the unique ability to adapt to any environment, thus allowing people around her to feel a sense of comfort and relatability. She can uncover and understand what business owners’ needs are to improve workflows, and finding ways to redistribute money in inefficiencies to reallocate back to her customers bottom line. Her positive energy and enthusiasm are never-ending and tends to rub off on not only her team, but other coworkers in the business.

She was responsible for managing a major account business plan and succeeded in expanding revenue by 30% in 2013 and 42% in 2014, resulting in being a Presidents’ Club recipient for those years, plus two others. She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Customer Service, adding new customers while maintaining premium service levels with existing accounts. She is also successful in retaining and expanding current accounts, while writing 40$ net new business. Christy is currently helping to build and coach new sales teams to achieve success. Her business goals include growing her sales team to 10 with an annual revenue of 15 mil+.

Christy is a dedicated wife and mother of two amazing children. She can be found attending school functions and participating in outside activities. She is the VP of Mountain Pointe Baseball Booster Board. Christy is outgoing, ambitious, intuitive and giving. She volunteers where needed and is always willing to assist others no matter what walk of life. Christy’s future goals include Sky-Diving, taking a family vacation to the Cayman Islands and living on the beach with her family.

Scott Reynolds

Executive Vice President

  • 1993-2013: Arizona Office Technologies
    Sr. Vice President/CFO
  • 2013-2018: SoCal Office Technologies
    Sr. Vice President/CFO
  • 2020-2021: Sharp Business USA
    General Manager, Sharp Business Systems Southwest
  • 2021-Current: Imagine Technology Group
    Executive Vice President


Scott was born in New York but has lived in Arizona for 40 years with a short time of 6 years spent in California. He has nearly 30 years of office technology industry experience with 20 years of that being in leadership. He holds a university degree in Finance from the Arizona State University.

Throughout his long-time experience, Scott has held positions from Accounting and Finance to President and General Manager. His background in these areas support a strong connection to every aspect of the business which makes him a great fit for Imagine Technology Group. He specializes in strategic planning and business development and enjoys successfully scaling a business for growth.

Scott is a big proponent of giving back to the community and leads the business to be the same. In the past, he has held a board member position for The Boy’s and Girl’s Club. Scott has been married over 35 years to his wife Amy, has a daughter named Rachel and an Australian Shepherd named Divot. In his free time, he enjoys running, golf, all other sports as well as traveling.

Rudy Parga

CEO/Owner

Rudy is the CEO of Imagine Technology Group. Prior to joining Imagine, Rudy was a trial attorney at a multi-state regional law firm and spent several of those years as the firm’s Managing Shareholder. For over 20 years, he handled complex business disputes, including helping businesses protect and defend their irreplaceable confidential business information – whether from internal forces or external threats such as cyber-security breaches. During his time as Managing Shareholder, Rudy’s firm expanded into different geographical markets and developed new and innovative business models to better serve its clients both domestically and internationally.

Rudy’s legal experience provides him with a unique perspective regarding the critical importance of deploying effective technology in business. Rudy excels at clearing away obstacles and developing creative business solutions. Technology in business will continue to evolve at a staggering speed, and ITG looks forward to the opportunity to become a trusted business partner with your organization.

Rudy is frequently acknowledged for his community leadership. He actively supports many nonprofit organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation as well as past Chair of the Board. He also serves on the Executive Board for Gridiron Greats Foundation. He has also served as past Chair for Chicanos Por La Causa, and a past member of the Board of Directors for Friends of Public Radio Arizona.

Rudy has been recognized for his professional accomplishments, including numerous peer-reviewed legal directories. He is recognized as an AV Preeminent® lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell®; has been featured prominently in Southwest Super Lawyers®, including on the “Top 50 Super Lawyers List” in Arizona in 2016 and in the special Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel and Business editions. Rudy is also named in the 2009-2018 editions of Best Lawyers in America®, including in the Business edition. He was also named to the inaugural group of Arizona’s Finest Lawyers.

Rudy also has been recognized numerous times by AzBusiness Magazine and has been listed among the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona and featured in the Managing Partners section; in 2014, Rudy was highlighted in the inaugural issue of AzBusiness Leaders and has been listed multiple times since then; and in 2013, he was named one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanic Business Leaders. In 2012, the Phoenix Business Journal named Rudy to their list of Most Admired CEOs and Top Level Executives. Rudy was also recognized as a legal visionary in the book Legal Visionaries by David Galbenski (2013).

Rudy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Political Science from Amherst College. He also holds a J.D. degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law.

Chad Schwartz

President Owner/Founder

Chad has over 22 years of experience in the Office Technology Space. He has the unique ability to relate and create relationships, providing solutions for his clients. A typical day for Chad would be supporting the sales team, and managing department leaders in the business. When his staff and customers come to him, he provides solutions that are pleasing to all. His views on the business world are professional, but also include family values. His belief is that you get out what you put into it. He works hard, is always there to help where needed and consistently shows a positive attitude. He frowns on lack of effort, lack of integrity and lack of accountability. Chad is clearly noted for his hands-on dedication with his sales team and consistently goes the extra mile to get things accomplished.

In his experience with the Office Technology/Document Management Field, Chad brings with him years of Customer Service experience along with highly skilled Sales experience. He grew his first company, Infincom, into an 8-million-dollar company within 4 years, and was featured as one of Inc5000 fastest growing companies. As Founding Partner with ITG, he guided them to another INC5000 fastest growing companies a 5-time ENX Magazine Elite Dealer of the year.

Chad currently serves on the Board of the David Johnson’s Mission 31 Foundation, volunteers at Hospice of the Valley and is involved with his children’s Sports and Dance activities.

Chad spends his off time with his family, enjoys Golfing, and someday hopes to play St. Andrews.