Heather Van Galder

I’ve spent my career in the SaaS, security, and office‑technology world doing what I do best: staying in motion, building real relationships, and helping people make sense of an industry that changes faster than a printer jam turns into a Teams meeting. My clients trust me because I focus on what actually works for them, not whatever shiny thing is trending this quarter. (Unless, of course they want the shiny new thing). Whether it’s pairing dependable hardware with smart platforms like uniFLOW or Square 9, or making sure service doesn’t disappear the moment the ink dries. I’ve built a reputation for solutions that actually solve problems and support that actually supports.

In the public sector, I’m the person agencies call when they want to navigate NASPO ValuePoint, Sourcewell, or other SLED contracts. I understand the compliance hoops, the bid structures, and the procurement rules that keep everyone honest. My goal is simple: make the purchasing process smoother, clearer, and a whole lot less painful while ensuring everything stays transparent and above board. At the end of the day, my superpower is turning complex procurement paths into straightforward decisions and delivering technology that meets both operational needs and the fine print no one wants to read.

“Build relationships, not transactions” has become my north star. I learned early on that long‑term success doesn’t come from chasing the next deal, it comes from earning trust, delivering real value, and standing behind what you sell long after the paperwork is done. Whether I’m working with private businesses or guiding public‑sector teams through the maze of contracts and procurement rules, that mindset shifts everything. It moves the focus from quick wins to genuine partnerships. When integrity, responsiveness, and expertise lead the way, your reputation becomes your strongest sales tool and the one thing no competitor can copy.

Young women: own your expertise and never shrink your voice. Tech, copiers, software, and security may have been male‑dominated for a long time, but competence, preparation, and confidence have a way of leading. Learn your products inside and out, understand the “why” behind every solution, and don’t hesitate to ask the technical questions everyone else is secretly Googling under the table. Build real relationships and align yourself with organizations that invest in your growth. And remember your perspective is a strength, not a footnote. Clients value clear communication, attention to detail, and strategic thinking. All skills that consistently set great professionals apart in any industry.

AI, AI, AI. That’s the headline everywhere right now, and it’s reshaping our industry. Technology is evolving at lightning speed, customers expect everything to integrate seamlessly, and the workforce is shifting right along with it. Cloud platforms, AI‑driven analytics, and secure connected devices are advancing so quickly it sometimes feels like they’re updating themselves. Keeping everything interoperable and cybersecure has become a core part of the job.

Supply‑chain curveballs and unpredictable tariffs continue to keep pricing and inventory planning interesting. Forecasting these days is part strategy, part patience, and part educated guesswork. In the public sector, SLED and government agencies are raising expectations around compliance, transparency, and value justification, pushing the entire market to operate with sharper precision and higher accountability.

The talent landscape is evolving too. There’s growing demand for sales professionals who can confidently bridge software, hardware, and networking without breaking a sweat. The people who thrive are the ones who treat these challenges like a training ground, continuously learning, leaning into strong service models, and making complex environments feel simple, secure, and strategic for their customers.

Here in Seattle, the office‑technology sector is in the middle of a genuine transformation. Major players are restructuring, leadership models are shifting, and even long‑established manufacturers are rethinking their strategies after years of market change. It’s creating space for innovation, smarter partnerships, and a fresh sense of alignment across the industry. Choosing the right partners isn’t just important, it’s a strategic advantage. And honestly? It’s an exciting time to be part of it.

I’ve built my career in the Seattle by staying curious, steady, and fully committed to the people I serve. I genuinely enjoy helping customers navigate a landscape that moves fast, whether that means rolling out new tech, tightening security, or turning a complicated decision into something that doesn’t require a process flow and a deep breath. Trust, transparency, and long‑term partnerships shape how I lead, and I’m convinced leadership matters most when it lifts others up. Continuous learning and strong relationships guide my work, but they also guide my life outside the office. I’m a proud Husky parent, Go Dawgs! And I carve out time for family, travel, and the moments that refill my tank and keep me grounded. Those experiences remind me why I do what I do. To create clarity, stability, and opportunity for the people who count on me, professionally and personally.