As businesses increasingly rely on specialized platforms for customer service and technical development, keeping information flowing between them can become a challenge in itself. Grazitti Interactive is addressing that gap with Sinergify, its integration platform designed to connect customer-facing and technical teams more efficiently.

Stevie-winner Grazitti Interactive is a global digital innovation company that helps organizations transform marketing, sales, and customer support through technology. Operating across North America, Europe, and Asia, the company works across major cloud ecosystems including Salesforce, Adobe, HubSpot, Marketo, and Khoros, while also developing its own enterprise software products.

Connecting Customer Service and Technical Teams
Among those products is Sinergify, a native, zero-code connector between Salesforce and Jira. The platform enables information to move between the two systems in real time, helping support teams working in Salesforce collaborate with engineering and product teams working in Jira without relying on disconnected processes or repeated manual updates. Recent Sinergify enhancements have focused on security, automation, artificial intelligence, and usability.

For organizations using Jira Service Management, Sinergify provides greater control over how it synchronizes public and private comments with Salesforce. This allows teams to maintain appropriate boundaries around internal information while keeping customer-facing communication current.

The platform has also expanded its authentication capabilities, including support for OAuth 2.0, Google Single Sign-On, and Personal Access Tokens for Jira Server and Data Center environments. These additions support organizations with increasingly complex security and compliance requirements.

Bringing AI and Automation into the Workflow
AI is also playing a larger role in the integration. Through Salesforce Agentforce, users can perform Jira-related tasks from within Salesforce, including creating and linking issues, adding comments, searching for information, and generating summaries. This approach brings technical information closer to customer service teams without requiring them to constantly switch between platforms.

Automation features further address the divide between technical incidents and customer support. Jira issues associated with application or infrastructure incidents can generate corresponding Salesforce support cases, helping relevant teams coordinate their response and communicate more efficiently.

Additional improvements give administrators more control over fields, layouts, default values, and supporting information. Sinergify can also surface similar existing cases as new Salesforce records are created, helping users identify possible duplicates and maintain more consistent data.

Breaking Down Operational Silos
Together, these capabilities reflect a broader challenge facing digital enterprises: customer service, engineering, and product teams may use different specialized systems, but customers experience their work as a single organization. Integrations such as Sinergify are designed to make those internal boundaries less visible by allowing information and context to move more readily between teams.

Sinergify is available through both the Salesforce AppExchange and Atlassian Marketplace and is used across industries including technology, SaaS, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and business services. Its continued development reflects Grazitti Interactive’s focus on using integration, automation, and AI to improve collaboration across increasingly complex enterprise technology environments.

Grazitti Interactive won a Bronze Stevie Award for Best Customer Support Solution - New Or New Version in the 2026 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Interested in entering for 2027?

 

The Stevie® Awards have announced the winners of Grand Stevie Award trophies in the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, recognized as the world's top honors for achievement in business development, customer service, and sales.

Nominees in the 2026 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service were not able to apply for Grand Stevie Awards directly. These are “best of show” honors. Winners were determined by a points system based on the total number of awards won in the program, with a Gold Stevie win counting for three points, a Silver Stevie win for two points, and a Bronze Stevie win for 1.5 points.

This year's Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners in the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service were announced on January 29. All winners in attendance will be recognized on stage during an awards ceremony on March 5 in New York City.

Winners of the Grand Stevie Awards in the 2026 competition are:

1. IBM, worldwide, earned 59.5 points on the back of seven Gold, eight Silver, and 15 Bronze Stevie wins across a broad range of categories. This is the tenth consecutive year that IBM has earned a Grand Stevie Award in the competition, and the second time they’ve won the #1 spot.

2. DP DHL, worldwide, scored 53 points with eight Gold, seven Silver, and 10 Bronze Stevie wins by DHL affiliates across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. This is the 14th consecutive year in which the international transportation and logistics firm has won a Grand Stevie in this program.

3. ValueSelling Associates, the sales consultancy headquartered in Carlsbad, California USA, won eight Gold, three Silver, and six Bronze Stevies, for a total of 39 points, for wins on behalf of clients Abdulla Fouad For Medical Supplies and Services, Alaska Communications, e.Republic, Element Fleet Management, Ironclad, Phenom, Quest Software, and Snappy. This is the sixth Grand Stevie won by ValueSelling in the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

4. Unitedhealthcare Provider Service Operations, Minneapolis, Minnesota USA, takes the fourth Grand Stevie spot with 38 points earned through four Gold, 10 Silver, and four Bronze Stevie wins.

5. Allianz Services Private Limited, Kerala, India, delivered 34.5 award points (three Gold, three Silver, and 13 Bronze Stevies) to earn themselves the final Grand Stevie spot. The firm also earned a Grand Stevie in the program in 2024.

More than 2,100 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry, in 41 nations and territories, were evaluated in this year's competition. Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 150 professionals worldwide on eight specialized juries.

The 2026 awards will begin accepting nominations this July. Those interested in participating may request the entry kit at https://Sales.StevieAwards.com.

Winners in the 20th annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, recognized as the world's top customer service awards and sales awards, have been announced. A complete list of all 2026 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners by category is available at https://Sales.StevieAwards.com.

Winners will be recognized during a gala banquet at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Thursday, March 5. Tickets are on sale now.

More than 2,100 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry, in 41 nations and territories, were considered in this year’s competition.

Winners were determined by the average scores of 150 professionals worldwide on eight specialized judging committees.

Entries were considered in more than 100 categories for customer service and contact center achievements, including Contact Center of the Year, Award for Innovation in Customer Service, and Customer Service Department of the Year; more than 70 categories for sales and business development achievements, ranging from Senior Sales Executive of the Year to Sales Training or Business Development Executive of the Year to Sales Department of the Year; more than 20 categories for AI in sales and customer service including Customer Service AI Trainer or Specialist of the Year, AI & Tech-Focused Customer Service Team of the Year, Best Use of AI Integration in Contact Centers, and Sales AI Trainer or Specialist of the Year; and categories to recognize new products, services, and solution providers.

The top winner of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards is IBM, worldwide, with 30 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award wins.

Other winners of three or more Gold Stevie Awards include:

DHL Express, worldwide (8), BELBİM, Istanbul, Türkiye (5), Tata Consultancy Services, Dallas, TX and Edison, NJ USA (5), UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA USA (5), HALKBANK, Istanbul, Türkiye (4), MEXC, Mahe, Seychelles (4), Percepta, Allen Park, MI USA (4), UnitedHealthcare Provider Service Operations, Minneapolis, MN USA (4), Voya Financial, Gilbert, AZ USA (4), WNS, Mumbai, India, and New York, NY USA (4), ACT, Berwyn, PA USA (3), Allianz Services Private Limited, Kerala, India (3), AT&T, Dallas, TX USA (3), Blackhawk Network, Pleasanton, CA USA (3), CarrefourSA, Istanbul, Türkiye (3), eMoney Advisor, Radnor, PA USA (3), Heavy Construction Systems Specialists, Sugar Land, TX USA (3), RAIN Group, Boston, MA USA (3), Revenue Storm Corporation, Schaumburg, IL USA (3), and TTEC, Austin, TX USA and Krakow, Poland (3).

Winners in sponsored categories for SOCAP International will be announced in April. SOCAP International is the nation’s leading membership community for customer care and CX professionals.

Five winners of Grand Stevie Award trophies, for the five most-honored organizations in the competition, will be announced the week of February 9.

All organizations worldwide are eligible to compete in the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and may submit any number of nominations in a wide range of award categories for sales, customer service, solution providers, business development, solutions and implementations, and thought leadership.

Nominations for the 2027 edition of the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service will be accepted starting this July. The entry kit may be requested at https://Sales.StevieAwards.com.

The awards are presented by the Stevie Awards, which organizes nine of the world’s leading business award programs, including the prestigious International Business Awards® and American Business Awards®.

Hitachi Energy is a $10 billion global technology company that provides sustainable energy solutions to customers in the utility, industry, and infrastructure sectors in more than 140 countries. As a pioneering technology provider, Hitachi is leading the effort to replace carbon-based energy with renewable power sources around the world. 

 

But due to supply chain disruptions, the demand for infrastructure has risen higher than the capacity to build equipment. Hitachi is on the front lines of this challenge. The company’s sales team frequently faces difficult conversations with clients due to longer lead times, supply chain bottlenecks, and rising prices for materials and manufacturing.  

 

This means sales professionals must thank clients for their business while delivering unwelcome news that promised ship dates will not be met, and prices have risen since the order was placed. Hitachi knew it was putting their sales professionals in an uncomfortable position every single day. 

 

Joe Bigler, NAM Customer Success Director, Transformers at Hitachi Energy recalled, “It became very taxing. It was exhausting to wake up each morning thinking, ‘Who am I going to disappoint today?’” 

 

Blinking Red on Customer Satisfaction 

 

Hitachi takes continuous improvement of the organization very seriously. In addition to tracking transactional and relational Net Promoter Scores (NPS), the company requests feedback via customer surveys. 

 

Over the past year, surveys revealed that the company was not doing as well as it wanted to on responsiveness, ease of doing business, and customer communication. “We were in the red on all of these things,” said Bigler.  

 

The sales team needed a professional way to share unwanted information and the skills to build and maintain long-lasting trusted advisor relationships. 

 

Tailored Solutions Meet Customer Needs

 

Hitatchi engaged The Brooks Group Sales Consulting Services for a solution. Since its founding in 1977, The Brooks Group has been recognized as a leader and innovator in the sales training and performance industry. The effectiveness of its training delivery and sales process methodology is proven by continued customer success and positive reviews.

 

Using a customized, consultative process that included psychometric assessments and extensive discovery, The Brooks Group developed a comprehensive program of content, messaging, training, roleplaying, and coaching that was tailored to the company’s specific needs.

  

Assessments Improve Customer Communication 

 

Using a customized, consultative process that included psychometric assessments and extensive discovery, The Brooks Group developed a comprehensive program of content, training, and coaching tailored to Hitachi’s specific needs. The Brooks Group also worked with Hitachi to revise its messaging so that sales professionals and customers became partners rather than opponents in a difficult situation.

 

“We partnered with Hitachi to understand the issues. We found out what was important to them and provided them with insight to solve for that, developing content that represented real interactions,” said Dan Markin, VP of Sales Strategy & Consulting, The Brooks Group. “Their results improved, and they got the quantifiable ROI they were looking for.” 

  

Back in the Green: Building Long-Term Relationships 

 

Hitachi Energy made a wise investment in its sales force that will pay off for years to come. Since working with The Brooks Group Sales Consulting Services, client survey results have flipped from red to green. The company now has a defined process for addressing client feedback, steps to communicate corrective action, and messaging to handle tough situations.

• Participants reported 96% overall satisfaction with their training experience, 96% satisfaction with training facilitation, and 92% satisfaction with content and materials.​
• Team Dynamics program participants reported an average skill improvement of 17%.​
• Conversations With Confidence program participants reported an average skill improvement of 12%.​

“Now we have green on responsiveness, green on ease of doing business, green on customer communications,” said Bigler. “We've been able to turn things around since we've had the training on difficult discussions. It's worked out great. And the proof is in the data.” 

 

The Brooks Group received a Gold Stevie Award for Sales Consulting Practice of the Year and a Gold Stevie Award for Best Use of Thought Leadership in Sales at the 19th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

 

For the past two years, the Stevie® Awards team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to create something we know you’ll love.

The system we built more than 20 years ago to manage and run most of our Stevie Awards programs has reached the end of its life.

After over two decades of operating under the same website, entry platforms, and judging systems, we are introducing a fully modernized, user-friendly website and upgraded platform for entrants and judges across all nine Stevie Awards programs!

This new system is fully operational for all 2026 programs, except the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, which will transition to the new platform in May.  

View the schedule in the table below:

The new system has many benefits for entrants, judges, and Stevie Awards administrators. Founder & Executive Chairman of the Stevie Awards, Michael Gallagher, announced:

"This milestone refresh has been a long time coming, and we are excited to announce that it's finally here.

From selecting categories to submitting entries, and managing nominations across multiple competitions, you will find that every step of the Stevie Awards nomination process has been upgraded from our former antiquated system." 

Stevie Awards President, Maggie Miller, added:

"Whether you’re a first-time entrant, a returning participant, or one of our dedicated judges, this overhaul is designed to make entering or judging the Stevie Awards a simpler, faster, and more intuitive experience."

Below, you will find a list of the top benefits that make the new Stevie Awards website and system better than ever. Among them are:

1. Single Sign-On Across All Stevie Awards Programs 🏆

Previously, to enter or judge multiple Stevie Awards programs, users were required to create separate logins for each competition. Now, through one Stevie Awards entry account, you will be able to submit nominations or apply to judge in any of our awards programs. No more multiple logins! As each program opens for 2026, it will open on the new system. For now, you can login to closed programs through the old platform. 

As shown below, if you are logged in to your entry account, it's easy to select a program from the dropdown menu.

2. Superior Performance👌

The new system is built on the latest and best available tools and services, and is significantly faster and easier to use than the current system. The new website is fully mobile-friendly, and entrants can now submit nominations on their phones or tablets if they choose to do so. The technology foundation allows us to continually add new features and enhancements, so the experience will keep improving year after year.

The only Stevie Awards system that will not be integrated into the new system is the official Stevie Awards Store, which will continue to run on Shopify. Our store is where winners purchase additional trophies, medallions, certificates, and commemorative items. 

3. One Account for Judges Across all Stevie Awards Programs 👨‍⚖️

Just as each entrant will now only need one account through which to enter any or all of our programs, judges can apply to judge one or more of them, and act as a judge for any of them under one login.

4. Archival Storage 💽

To date, for most of our competitions, we’ve had to clear out a prior year’s nominations from the system before we can open the next edition. The new system will store and make available to you all of your past nominations (submitted through the new platform).

5. Effortless Category Selection and Search 🔍

The new system includes a convenient “find-as-you-type” search feature for categories. Previously, entrants had to scroll through hundreds of options to locate the right one. Now, finding the right category for your achievement is quick and effortless.

 

6.  Billing and Payment Options that Give Entrants More Control and Convenience 💳

Our new platform will make it easier to find, modify, and pay your invoices, with more payment options.

For paying your entry fees, we now have advanced payment options, including a “pay later” option that will offer automatic reconciliation of invoices, and allows you to make edits to invoices. At checkout, you can choose how you'd like to pay, whether via card, bank account, bank transfer, Cash App Pay, Affirm, Klarna, pre-authorized debit, or Amazon Pay.

The option to choose to pay shipping fees will be completely integrated into the overall system as well.

7.  Fewer Technical Issues ⚠️

If you’ve recently had a problem logging into your entry or judging account, submitting nominations, or judging entries, you’ve experienced our former system’s growing unreliability. If you’ve been a longtime Stevie Awards participant, you may recall the occasional frustration of encountering 403 error messages when submitting nominations. (Thank you for your patience in putting up with the old system!)

These errors often occurred during high-traffic periods near final entry deadlines, after resetting a password, or even when certain symbols were included in a nomination. Now, entrants can submit nominations with confidence, without worrying about system errors or having to write them offline during down periods.

8. Mobile-Friendly Website 💻

We no longer have a separate mobile website, and the Stevie Awards site is fully mobile-friendly. Nominations can now be submitted from your mobile device or tablet if you choose. 

Join Us for a Live Workshop About Navigating the New Stevie Awards Platform 👇

Starting Thursday, October 23, we will be hosting regularly occurring live workshops to walk entrants through the ins and outs of the new system. Register Now to participate in the first workshop or click the button below.

While the new system is intuitive and user-friendly, we are striving to make this transition seamless for everyone, and these workshops are another opportunity to answer your questions as they arise.

We look forward to sharing the new Stevie Awards platform with you!

If you encounter a problem, please reach out to us at help@stevieawards.com, and we will help you accomplish what you need to do.

Stevie-winner HP Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is continuing its investment in channel partner success with the launch of the "HP Future Ready AI MasterClass." This new program builds on the company’s long-standing efforts to prepare partners for emerging opportunities through its HP Amplify partner framework.

Introduced in 2020, HP Amplify was designed as the first global partner program optimized for dynamic growth. Its goal is to provide consistent end-customer outcomes while helping partners expand into new markets and adapt to ongoing technological change. The program has continually evolved with additional benefits, reflecting HP’s commitment to giving partners the tools and knowledge needed to stay competitive.

HP has consistently invested in Amplify to match the pace of innovation in areas such as hybrid work, gaming, and 3D printing. Today, with artificial intelligence reshaping industries, the company has taken a significant step forward by offering a structured way for partners to build AI expertise.

Building AI Expertise with Role-Based Training
The Future Ready AI MasterClass, announced at the HP Amplify Partner Conference in March 2024, is the technology industry’s first role-based AI training and certification program. Delivered through HP University, it provides specific learning paths tailored to sales representatives, account managers, and technical consultants.

The first pathway, AI Fundamentals, gives participants a foundation in AI concepts, real-world use cases, HP’s AI solutions portfolio, and data analytics through HP Amplify Data Insights. Since its launch, over 16,000 users have enrolled in the program, surpassing HP’s initial expectations.

Expanding Learning Opportunities
Following the strong uptake of AI Fundamentals, HP introduced the AI Workstation Training pathway in June 2024, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA RTX-powered solutions. This addition enables partners to delve more deeply into AI’s technical applications and understand the value of high-performance AI workstations for meeting customer needs. HP is also actively incorporating partner feedback to design future learning pathways, ensuring the program evolves in line with market demand.

To support its global partner base, the MasterClass is now available in six languages—English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Korean—with more to be added.

Most businesses are using or planning to use AI to improve customer satisfaction and generate revenue growth. The Future Ready AI MasterClass positions partners to capitalize on this demand by giving them the skills and resources needed to deliver AI-enabled solutions effectively. With HP’s portfolio of over 100 AI-powered offerings, trained partners are equipped to advise customers and drive measurable results.

HP Inc. won a Silver Stevie® Award in the Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year – Technology Industries in the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Interested in entering for 2026?

Founded in 2009 during the global financial crisis, Business Hub began as a single serviced office in Seaton, South Australia. Its vision was to provide affordable, flexible workspaces for small businesses seeking alternatives to costly and restrictive leases. Over the past 15 years, that vision has evolved into Business Hub becoming South Australia’s largest privately owned serviced office provider—and one of the most innovative players in the industry.

Today, Business Hub operates 22 locations nationwide, with over 450 members utilizing its facilities to grow their businesses. Its headquarters in Glenelg, South Australia, is itself a testament to innovation: the world’s only revolving serviced office, offering members 360-degree views of Adelaide’s coastline and central business district. This landmark space also serves as a hub for events, workshops, and podcasts that strengthen the local business community.

Transformative Growth Through Licensing and Partnerships
Since July 2022, Business Hub has accelerated its growth through the introduction of a licensing platform—a first-of-its-kind approach in the serviced office industry for a private company. This framework allows partners to adopt Business Hub’s proven operational model and brand standards while tailoring their facilities to local needs. The strategy has enabled rapid national expansion, with Sydney and Canberra now part of the network, and plans to enter Asian markets are underway for 2025. The company has set an ambitious milestone: opening its 100th location by 2027.

Business Hub’s approach is not only focused on scale but also on community impact. Through partnerships with property owners, the company has transformed underutilized buildings into thriving business centers. One such project achieved over 90% occupancy within months of opening, simultaneously raising the property’s value, creating jobs, and stimulating the local economy. This partnership-driven philosophy reflects Business Hub’s belief that success is shared among landlords, license partners, members, and surrounding communities.

Pioneering Industry Shifts
When Business Hub launched, the concept of “coworking” was unfamiliar in Australia. Traditional lease agreements dominated the commercial property market. By replacing leases with flexible member agreements, Business Hub reshaped the landscape for both landlords and tenants: property owners filled vacant spaces, and entrepreneurs gained affordable, low-risk access to professional offices. This innovation proved particularly critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses turned to hybrid work models and sought more adaptable workspace solutions. Business Hub responded with packages that supported resilience and continuity for its members.

Continuing to Push Boundaries
Since winning a Stevie, Business Hub has made strides in advancing its mission to revolutionize the workplace. The company has successfully expanded its footprint across Australia and is preparing to launch its first international location in Southeast Asia. This growth allows it to serve a broader range of businesses, from high-growth startups to large enterprises seeking flexible and scalable workspace solutions.

The company has also rolled out AI-powered space management tools, expanded virtual office offerings, and enhanced community-building features, helping members collaborate seamlessly and scale efficiently. Unique innovations—such as its licensing model, acceptance of cryptocurrency as rent, and the conversion of a former revolving restaurant into the world’s only revolving coworking space—continue to set Business Hub apart.

This award recognition has validated the creativity and dedication of Business Hub’s team, motivating them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in flexible workspace design. Looking ahead, the company remains focused on delivering innovative, sustainable, and scalable solutions that empower businesses to grow and thrive in the modern era of work.

Business Hub won a Gold Stevie Award for Business Development Achievement of the Year - All Other Industries in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Interested in entering the 2026 program?

Smart Flats 24 has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Czech Republic’s short-term rental sector. Founded by CEO Daniil Demchuk, the company focuses on offering modern, comfortable, and energy-efficient apartments designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers. With over 200 fully equipped properties in prime locations, Smart Flats 24 aims for a combination of service quality, sustainability, and adaptability.

Sustainability as a Growth Strategy
From the start, Demchuk’s vision has been to go beyond traditional rental models by integrating eco-friendly practices into the company’s operations. These practices have reduced energy consumption across properties, contributing to lower utility costs and a smaller environmental footprint. At a time when many competitors emphasize rapid expansion alone, Smart Flats 24 has distinguished itself by aligning growth with responsibility.

This balance of sustainability and customer focus has been instrumental in driving higher occupancy rates. The company has seen marked gains through improved marketing strategies, stronger visibility on international booking platforms, and the rollout of a seamless digital booking management system. These initiatives not only boosted efficiency but also enhanced the overall customer experience, making the company a preferred option for travelers who value convenience and reliability.

Customer-Centric Leadership
Customer satisfaction has remained a priority throughout Smart Flats 24’s growth. By focusing on service consistency and modern amenities, the company has earned high ratings and repeat bookings. Its online systems also make the rental process faster and more flexible, helping the company remain responsive in a competitive marketplace.

Demchuk’s leadership extends beyond daily business operations. He has contributed articles and expertise to advance discussions in the rental and real estate industries, sharing insights on both sustainable practices and market trends. This involvement underscores his commitment to shaping not just his company’s success but also the direction of the broader sector.

Demchuk’s leadership continues to be central to Smart Flats 24’s success. His forward-looking strategies, from implementing sustainable practices to expanding the company’s digital capabilities, have shaped the company into a trusted provider in the short-term rental market. By focusing equally on growth and responsibility, he has created a model that balances customer satisfaction with operational efficiency.

Beyond business strategy, Demchuk is an active contributor to the industry through his writing and thought leadership. His articles and expert commentary reflect a commitment to advancing standards across the sector, particularly in areas of sustainability and innovation. With this combination of entrepreneurial drive and industry engagement, Demchuk has established himself as a leading figure in the evolving short-term rental landscape.

Daniil Demchuk won a Bronze Stevie Award for Business Development Professional of the Year in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. 

Interested in entering for 2026?

 

The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards programs, are excited to announce a new partnership with SOCAP International, the nation’s leading membership community for customer care and CX professionals. Through this collaboration, the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service will feature three exclusive award categories available only to SOCAP members, with entry fees waived.

For the first time, SOCAP members will have the opportunity to spotlight their achievements on a global stage through the Stevies, recognized worldwide as the top honors for excellence in customer service, contact centers, and sales.

The three SOCAP-exclusive categories are:

• Best Use of Technology in Customer Service
• Innovation in Customer Service
• Customer Service Training or Coaching Program of the Year

“We are excited to offer award categories to recognize the achievements of SOCAP members around the world who are offering exceptional customer care,” said Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller.

Winners in these special categories will be revealed during the SOCAP Retail Summit, taking place April 29–30 in Columbus, Ohio. The final entry deadline is January 14, 2026.

SOCAP members can learn more about these exclusive categories here and submit nominations by creating an account on the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service website.

Rpharmy, an Austin-based healthcare technology company, was founded with a clear mission: to prevent medication errors and protect healthcare workers from hazardous drug exposure. Its cloud-based solutions—Formweb, a formulary management system, and Rhazdrugs, a hazardous drug safety platform—are used by healthcare organizations nationwide to improve safety and compliance.

At the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, two of Rpharmy’s team members were recognized for their outstanding contributions to this mission. Caroline McBreen, Director of Business Development, earned a Bronze Stevie Award for Business Development Professional of the Year, and Sherlene Christen, Customer Experience Specialist, received a Silver Stevie Award for Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year – Other Service Industries.

A Mission-Driven Approach to Growth
Rpharmy was founded following a personal tragedy caused by a medication error, and that mission continues to guide the company today. Caroline McBreen shares a deep personal connection to this cause. After starting her career in finance and accounting, Caroline transitioned to healthcare technology to help prevent the types of errors her family had worked for years to address.

Since joining Rpharmy full-time in 2023, Caroline has driven a 34% increase in revenue and expanded the company’s reach through a personalized, relationship-based approach. Rather than relying on automated sales funnels, she focused on creating meaningful engagement with healthcare leaders. Caroline organized Rpharmy’s participation in 13 regional and national healthcare meetings, where she hosted hospitality suites, delivered presentations, and facilitated over 450 live product demonstrations for more than 1,200 prospects.

Her efforts also secured major visibility for Rpharmy when Premier, a leading healthcare improvement company, recognized Rhazdrugs as one of the top 10 innovative healthcare technologies of 2024. This achievement gave Rpharmy access to Premier’s alliance of 4,100 hospitals and health systems, a significant milestone for a family-run business in a competitive industry dominated by large corporations.

Caroline also introduced initiatives that strengthened Rpharmy’s market presence, including the Rpharmy Rounds blog series, educational webinars, and customized demonstrations for nursing teams—an audience often overlooked in pharmacy-centric solutions. Her work in obtaining Texas HUB woman-owned business certification positioned Rpharmy as a leader in promoting diversity in the healthcare technology space.

Delivering Hands-On Customer Service
While Caroline focuses on expanding Rpharmy’s reach, Sherlene Christen ensures customers receive the expert support needed to successfully implement the company’s solutions. With more than 30 years of pharmacy experience at Duke Raleigh Hospital, Sherlene brings an exceptional depth of knowledge to her role as Customer Experience Specialist. For the past four years, she has guided healthcare organizations through the complex processes of formulary consolidation and hazardous drug safety compliance.

Sherlene leads implementation projects for both Formweb and Rhazdrugs, ensuring that systems meet regulatory standards. Her expertise was particularly critical when the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released an updated list of hazardous drugs in December 2024. Sherlene proactively analyzed and documented necessary changes for each client, saving them significant time and resources.

Her approach combines technical proficiency with a deep understanding of customer needs, resulting in a level of service rarely seen in the healthcare software industry. Clients benefit from her direct communication, tailored support, and practical solutions, which have earned consistent praise from healthcare organizations nationwide.

A Shared Commitment to Innovation and Safety
Both Caroline and Sherlene’s accomplishments reflect Rpharmy’s commitment to innovation, safety, and exceptional service. Their work demonstrates how a company built on personal experience and driven by mission can compete successfully with larger corporations while setting new standards for customer engagement and industry leadership.

Sherlene Christen won a Silver Stevie Award for Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year - Other Service Industries, and Caroline McBreen won a Bronze Stevie for Business Development Professional of the Year in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Interested in entering for 2026?