BUTLER, PA – POS software provider Future POS recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, which, in the POS software industry today, is no small feat. Over the past two decades, John Giles, who founded the company in 1998 and his wife Kelly, who joined as VP in 2003, have built not only an impressive hospitality software solution, but loyal reseller network, a team of top-notch developers, and an award-winning business.
Proven Success
Today, Future POS serves more than 18,000 restaurants worldwide and employs more than 60 engineers, sales, marketing, and installation staff at its Butler, PA office. Thanks to a dependable network of resellers and continuous industry-defining improvements to the product, year-over-year sales have grown by double-digits in 18 of the company’s 20 years in business. According to two independent surveys, the company’s market share places it in the top 5 of all POS software solutions. Most impressively, Future POS was awarded the RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association) Vendor of Excellence Award 11 out of 12 years, winning gold (the highest honor) 4 years in a row. “The RSPA is the only organization dedicated to the point-of-sale industry, and consequently their awards are the only real report card for how well we’re doing compared to our competitors,” says John Giles.
Acquisition Leads to Growth
Despite success and acclaim, Giles sold the business to Lighthouse Network (now Shift4) in 2017. While not an easy decision, Giles realized it was the best thing for Future POS and its resellers long-term. “Everyone knows how dramatically the payments industry has affected the POS channel,” he says. “Each month our resellers were feeling the squeeze. After numerous meetings and consideration, we concluded that if we didn’t partner with Shift4, we’d be holding Future POS and our channel back.” The thinking was that Shift4’s mature SaaS model, hardware manufacturing, extensive industry connections, and vast resources would create new opportunities for Future POS and its resellers. In reality, Giles could never have guessed the results of the acquisition would be so powerful.
Future POS’ resellers now have more options than ever before. Customers of all sizes are fair game, and the ability to offer software and EMV solutions at a reduced cost is creating exciting new sales opportunities. “We’ve been competing with iPad-based POS solutions for a while now, but have struggled to compete on price,” says Giles. “Now that we’re in the same ballpark price-wise, we win the comparisons every time since we blow them out of the water when it comes to features and functionality.” As evidence, Giles adds that the company’s network of resellers has just had the best 3 months in its 20-year history, selling more systems than ever before.
Industry-Leading Mobile POS Strategy
Additionally, the acquisition has given Future POS resellers access to new technology. For years the company struggled to find the right hardware partner for mobile POS solutions. Leveraging Shift4’s relationships, Giles was immediately connected with PAX Technology, a provider of secure payment terminals. In short order, Future POS began beta testing the Android-based PAX A920 mobile tablet terminal. This industry’s first all-in-one device does everything from mobile order entry, contactless and EMV payments, and receipt printing.
A Bright Future for Future POS
Looking ahead, Giles sees nothing but blue skies for Future POS. “Backed by a capable company that fully supports our mission, we’re reinvigorated to take Future POS to new levels,” says Giles. “Each day I get to come to work with employees who are like family and spend time bringing exciting innovations to our solution. With our reseller network, staff, and Shift4 partnership, there’s no telling what the next 20 years will look like.”
About Future POS, LLC
Future POS is award winning point-of-sale software for the hospitality industry. Our state of the art software is used in some of the most prominent fine dining restaurants, major chains, bars, and nightclubs around the world. We offer restaurateurs the most powerful, robust point-of-sale solution, with features and options that will make your establishment more efficient and profitable.
