Longtime association member and leader Bob Bauer was inducted into the RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association) Retail Technology Industry Hall of Fame July 27 at RetailNOW 2026 in Las Vegas, NV.
Bauer, who led VAR BMC for decades, was presented for induction by Thomas Greenman of VAR Skurla’s POS Solutions on the RetailNOW 2026 main stage.
Following is the complete text of Greenman’s induction speech and Bauer’s acceptance speech.
Greenman: In 2010, I had been in the IT world for about 12 years, but I was new to the POS world and, frankly, I didn’t want to like this unglamorous world of cash registers and POS. In those days I still thought P-O-S meant something else!
But I attended my first RetailNOW that year, which opened my eyes and changed my mind a bit about our industry. Mostly because I had the privilege of spending two days in a service management class that changed my career trajectory.
The instructor for that class was Bob Bauer, this year’s Hall of Fame inductee. Going through the class – I was both perplexed and amazed by Bob’s willingness to share his policies, procedures, business formulas, spreadsheets, flowcharts, and job descriptions with other resellers. I couldn’t help but think, “Who is this guy? How can he afford to give away all these secrets?”
But by the end of that class, my jaded mentality had shifted to one of gratitude. I don’t know how one class can change a person so significantly, but I do know that I walked away inspired, motivated, and fundamentally changed.
Over the years, I’ve seen Bob at RSPA events where he’s always eager to share incredible tips and business advice. Bob is a fountain of knowledge and has never been one to pull his punches. You always get the straight story – delivered directly, but usually with a smile that makes you feel better for having heard it, even if it contradicts your own opinion.
You can see his legacy not just in the success of BMC and its staff, but in his children, who are now forging their own paths within the industry and the RSPA.
Sometimes I struggle to really know who is truly notable for our Hall of Fame. But I know one thing is for certain: Bob Bauer belongs there.
Just some highlights of his service include many years as an RSPA Board member, including serving as Board Chair in 2003 to 2004. In 2009, he received the H.O. Whistler Award for his service to the association.
But more recently, he founded the John B. Lockington Memorial Scholarship (thank you Bob), and he’s still serving the association today as Secretary of the RSPA Scholarship Board.
During his nearly 50 years with BMC, he volunteered many hours serving SDA and RSPA – as well as guiding and mentoring many of its members – including me. He turned this former “industry pessimist” – who had zero desire to be in this industry – Into one of its most “raving fans” and supporters.
And last but not least, Bob is a man of profound faith and family. And so I can think of no better example of the RSPA spirit to induct into the Hall of Fame this year – than Bob Bauer.
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Bauer: I’m humbled at this esteemed recognition and the many compliments I’ve received.
I served on my first vendor advisor board in 1984 and attended my first ICRDA Convention in 1985. I remember that naïve 23-year-old kid who “knew it all.” Now in meetings I am the seasoned veteran with experience and history.
It has been my honor to share knowledge with you in countless seminars, serve you on various advisory boards, and serve this organization in various positions since 1996. RSPA would not be where it is today without the countless hours donated by industry stakeholders on your Board.
Most, if not all of us have had mentors along the way. Today I join two of them: Bob Underwood and John Lockington in this distinguished group, the RSPA Hall of Fame. Few in our industry will get this accolade.
As many of you know BMC endowed the John Lockington Scholarship in 2023 for $50,000. I’m pleased to announce today a $25,000 matching contribution to endow this Scholarship to $100,000. Please stop by the booth on the trade show floor and make your contribution to the general fund or Lockington Scholarship.
My mantra the last few years remains unchanged: “Take care of the customer or someone else will.” When we help the customer solve their problems, we remain a trusted, indispensable resource, maintaining our value in the distribution chain.
I want to close with my heartfelt thanks and know that it has been my honor to serve you.
