On October 14, 2025, the annual Sandler Partners National Summit held in Huntington Beach, California, celebrated the outstanding achievements of Channel Managers at its concluding gala dinner. This significant event, which drew over 1,000 participants from the Sandler Partners community, showcased a blend of educational opportunities, including panels and keynote speeches focused on Technology, Sales, and Growth.
Throughout the Summit, attendees had the chance to engage with more than 65 leading technology Providers, creating a week filled with recognition and valuable networking opportunities. Among the highlights was the announcement of the 2025 Channel Manager of the Year Award winners, recognizing the efforts of individuals who have excelled in their roles within the provider landscape.
2025 Channel Manager of the Year Award Recipients:
At the national level, notable honorees included:
- - Kevin Bednarz (Granite)
- - Chasidy DeSantis (Lumen)
- - Helene Fakhery (GoTo)
- - Holly Hunt (Cipher)
- - Marina Kay (Nextiva)
- - Chris Simmons (NHC)
- - Michael Spartz (NICE)
- - Stacey Tillman (Five9)
Regional awards recognized excellence across various territories:
- - In the East Region, recipients included Steve Jacklitch (CallTower) from Canada and Chris Fuhry (NHC) from New York/New Jersey.
- - The Midwest Region honored Austin Thompson (NHC) from the Great Lakes, while the Southwest recognized Jose Marin from Spectrum.
- - In the West, Jackie Balkus (Spectrum) received accolades for Southern California, and Heidi Eccles (Dialpad) for Northern California.
Managing Partner Alan Sandler emphasized the vital role Channel Managers play, stating, "They are often the first touchpoint for our Partners. What sets them apart is their commitment to outcomes and creating meaningful relationships with the Partners they serve. Their dedication is evident in every interaction, whether through collaboration, problem-solving, or providing tailored solutions. The award winners exemplify this spirit, fostering trust and enhancing the overall partner experience."
Additionally, the National Summit recognized its charity partner, The Surfrider Foundation, highlighting their mission to protect oceanic ecosystems. Attendees were encouraged to engage with the foundation's initiatives reflecting a broader commitment to environmental stewardship.
Sandler Partners, a leading independent distributor, is committed to empowering their extensive network of Sales Partners by offering a comprehensive range of technology solutions that include Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things support. The organization focuses on an unbiased approach to help Partners swiftly identify solutions from over 200 technology Providers.
Through robust support networks, including Sales Engineering expertise and innovative sales tools like SCOUT and Solutions Finder, Sandler Partners enables its community to deliver exceptional value and performance to clients. Members benefit from the strongest negotiated agreements in the industry, ensuring that all commissions are tracked and compensated efficiently.
In conclusion, the 2025 Sandler Partners National Summit served not only as a recognition platform for excellence in channel management but also reinforced the importance of community, partnership, and technology in driving business success. As the technology landscape grows increasingly complex, events like these underscore the vital role of dedicated Channel Managers in bridging gaps and delivering innovative solutions to the market.