We’ve revealed our inaugural Channel Partners Technology Advisor (TA) Thought Leaders and will honor more than 50 TAs at Channel Partners Conference April 15 in Las Vegas.

After receiving nearly 100 nominations, we sent the best of those to a panel of judges and produced a list of 51 top-flight TAs. We also called out a Top 20 list of elite TAs that scored highest among the categories we judged: industry influence and advocacy, innovation and vision, customer/client impact, sales leadership and thought leadership.

Winners said they were proud of what it means to be on a list with such distinguished peers, and of what it says about earning their customers’ trust.

“Being nominated as a thought leader is an honor because it reflects those values and the legacy that shaped me,” said Jenna Adams, director of sales, operations, and support at Advantage Communications Group, who placed among the top 20. “I am proud to represent both where I come from and those who aspire to lead with purpose in this industry.”

Mike Oliver, CEO of Solus Technology Solutions, called his making the top 20 “a profound honor. “To see Solus Technology Solutions and my name recognized among such influential individuals within this vibrant ecosystem is both incredibly humbling and inspiring.”

North Atlantic Consultants president Michale Agri said reaching this point in his career required years of hard work. “Being named among the TA Thought Leaders is incredibly meaningful because it represents the journey behind it,” he said. “Building a business as a technology advisor isn’t easy, it takes years of persistence, navigating constant challenges, and continuing to push forward without immediate rewards. For me, the most meaningful milestone was making it through those early years and reaching a point where the business became sustainable. That’s when I knew I had truly built something.”

Aram Boldac, president of TopSpin Tech, said being named a TA Thought Leader shows he has earned his clients’ trust.

“Being recognized as a TA Thought Leader matters because this industry is built on trust, and trust isn’t given, it’s earned over time,” Boldac said. “There are a lot of smart people in this space, so to be included in such a great group means you’re consistently showing up the right way for clients.

“What I’m most proud of is building a business where clients rely on us to cut through the noise. We’re not here to sell, we’re here to help them make the right decisions. That reputation, and the relationships behind it, are what I value most.”

Top 20 TA Thought Leaders BlueWave Technology Group client advisor Angie Martindale and D&M Enterprise Group CEO Steven Gerhardt will join Robert DeMarzo of Channel Partners on the Channel Partners keynote stage April 15. They will share their experiences and discuss how TAs are shaping the channel.

“Thought leadership only matters if it is useful,” Martindale said. “For me, thought leadership is about sharing perspective, learning from others, and helping clients navigate change with more clarity and confidence. I have always believed that everyone has something to teach, and everyone has something to learn. That belief is core to how we show up at Bluewave Technology Group as we bring clients new insights and ideas to help shape their businesses and drive outcomes.”

Later on April 15, all the TA Thought Leaders in attendance will gather for a champagne toast on the Expo Hall Floor. You can see the complete list here.

And a special thanks to our judges: David Wright, Catherine Ripley, Kelly Danziger, Lucas Salvage, Dalyn Wertz, Craig Schlagbaum, Tricia Ward, Mitch Lopez, Devan Adams, James Anderson, Bill Power, Darcee Nelan, John Berardi, Jen Dimas, Kate Jaffe, Alex Danyluk, Christopher Fischer and Matthew Toth.