The Boomerang Hire: Standley Reboots Print Strategy for a Digital World

PLANO, Texas – July 21, 2026 – In a move that speaks volumes about strategy and talent, business technology provider Standley Systems has announced the return of Todd Maxson to lead its Managed Print Services and Solutions division. While personnel announcements are routine, Maxson’s reappointment is a significant signal, reflecting a deliberate pivot in how companies must approach the seemingly mundane world of office printing. It underscores a broader industry transformation where the humble printer network is being reimagined as a strategic gateway to digital efficiency, robust security, and AI-driven automation.

Maxson, who first joined the company in 2016, was a key architect in elevating Standley's print services from a basic offering to a comprehensive, strategic program. His return after a stint leading another successful program is being positioned as a catalyst for the next stage of innovation. "We're excited to welcome Todd back to Standley," said CEO Greg Elliott. "His vision, leadership, and deep understanding of where our industry is headed make him the right person to help us continue delivering greater value for our clients."

This isn't just about bringing back a proven performer; it's a calculated bet on experience to navigate a profoundly changing landscape. Standley is signaling that the future of its print division—and by extension, its clients' operational success—lies in a far more sophisticated and integrated approach to technology.

Beyond the Printer: The New Mandate for Managed Services

The term "Managed Print Services" (MPS) has long been associated with optimizing device fleets and controlling cost-per-page. Today, that definition is woefully incomplete. The convergence of hybrid work models, cloud infrastructure, and escalating cybersecurity threats has fundamentally altered the role of every device on the network, including printers. This evolution is at the heart of the strategy behind Maxson's return.

Modern MPS is no longer about just managing printers; it’s about managing the flow of information. As organizations grapple with distributed workforces, the need for secure, seamless access to documents and data from any location has become paramount. Cloud-based print management platforms have become essential, centralizing control and reducing the reliance on on-premise servers. This shift supports remote employees while giving IT departments the visibility they need to maintain security and control costs across a scattered fleet.

Security, in particular, has moved from a feature to a foundational requirement. Networked printers and multifunction devices are potential vulnerabilities, entry points for bad actors seeking access to a corporate network. Consequently, leading MPS programs now embed robust security protocols, including secure print release requiring user authentication, data encryption, and continuous monitoring for threats. As Maxson noted, the conversation has changed. “Security, workflow automation, hybrid work, and cloud services have become essential parts of the conversation, and the emergence of artificial intelligence is opening the door to even more possibilities.”

This expanded scope positions MPS as a critical enabler of digital transformation. By analyzing and optimizing document workflows, providers help businesses digitize paper-based processes, automate routine tasks, and integrate with enterprise content management systems. The goal is to create a smarter, more efficient work environment where information flows securely and intelligently. Maxson’s new mandate is to advance these capabilities by enhancing assessment processes with the latest technology and identifying new solutions to expand this ecosystem.

A Legacy of Evolution and a Bet on Experience

Standley Systems' own history is a testament to its ability to adapt. Founded in 1934 as a typewriter company, it has navigated nearly a century of technological disruption, evolving into a holistic provider of business technology solutions that span managed IT, document management, and print services across Oklahoma and North Texas. This long-term resilience is built on recognizing and acting upon market shifts—a tradition this latest move continues.

Maxson's first tenure at Standley was transformative, laying the groundwork for the industry-leading program the company boasts today. The press release notes his return brings "expanded leadership experience and a fresh perspective" from his time away. This type of "boomerang hire"—re-engaging a former high-performer who has gained new skills and insights elsewhere—is a powerful strategic tool. It combines deep institutional knowledge with a renewed vision, allowing a leader to hit the ground running while simultaneously challenging the status quo.

Throughout his career, Maxson has demonstrated a knack for scaling MPS programs by aligning sales and service, implementing new technology platforms, and driving customer adoption. This experience is precisely what Standley needs as it aims to redefine its value proposition. As CEO Greg Elliott stated, "Todd played an instrumental role in elevating our Managed Print Services offering into the industry-leading program it is today." The company is betting that he can do it again, this time for an era defined by even more complex challenges and opportunities.

Orchestrating the Future of Work

In the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma markets, Standley Systems competes against a mix of national giants like Xerox and Ricoh and other regional specialists. In this environment, differentiation is key. While national players offer scale, Standley leverages its local presence, deep regional roots, and a comprehensive portfolio that integrates IT and print services. The decision to double down on MPS innovation with Maxson at the helm is a strategic move to sharpen that competitive edge.

The focus is shifting from a purely transactional, cost-based conversation to a consultative, value-based one. The promise is no longer just about saving money on toner; it's about making a business more agile, secure, and prepared for the future. Maxson’s vision reinforces this direction. “I’ve seen firsthand how the right combination of strategy, people and technology can turn managed print into a much broader source of value for customers,” he said. “Standley already has a strong foundation, and I’m excited to return and help build the next phase of its solutions portfolio.”

This next phase will see MPS serve as an orchestration layer for a range of critical business functions. It’s about helping organizations navigate the complexities of hybrid work, fortify their security posture, and begin harnessing the power of AI for predictive maintenance and workflow intelligence. For Standley Systems, the return of Todd Maxson is not just about filling a director role; it's about appointing an architect to design and build the infrastructure for the future of work. His task is to prove that even in a digital-first world, the strategy around the printed page matters more than ever.