every customer counts

Every customer who walks through your door is an opportunity to build a relationship.

Your technology should make every interaction faster, more personal, and easier to manage—from inventory and checkout to customer loyalty and reporting.

Square brings together modern retail tools in one connected platform.

North Country delivers the planning, implementation, training, and ongoing guidance that keeps your business moving forward with confidence.

Great Retail Begins With Great Experiences.

Independent retailers succeed by offering something customers can’t find in a big-box store. Knowledge. Service. Relationships. A carefully selected product mix.

Customers remember how they’re treated long after they’ve forgotten the transaction.

Technology should strengthen that experience; not distract from them.

Square connects checkout, inventory, payments, customer insights, marketing, and reporting into one modern platform.

North Country ensures everything works together so you can spend less time managing systems and more time serving customers.

Create Great First Impressions

Every shopping experience begins the moment someone walks through the door.

 

  • Products are stocked.
  • Employees are ready.
  • Inventory is accurate.
  • Checkout is prepared.

Technology should support every interaction, allowing your team to focus on customers instead of troubleshooting systems.

Fast Checkout

Reduce wait times and keep transactions moving.

Inventory Visibility

Know what's available before walking to the stockroom.

Employee-Friendly Tools

New team members learn quickly and serve customers with confidence.

Integrated Payments

Provide flexible payment options customers expect.

Business Insights

Monitor sales throughout the day.

Every positive shopping experience begins with smooth operations behind the scenes.

Remove Friction From Every Transaction.

Retail moves quickly. Customers ask questions. Products sell faster than expected. Returns happen. Inventory changes.

Technology should connect every part of your operation, so your team stays focused on serving customers instead of managing disconnected systems.

Square streamlines the everyday tasks that keep independent retailers moving.

Track products with greater accuracy.

Simplify checkout and inventory updates.

Process returns quickly while maintaining accurate inventory.

Encourage repeat visits with integrated gift card programs.

Know what’s selling and what needs attention.

When every department moves together, the entire store performs better.

Turn First-Time Shoppers Into Regular Customers.

Independent retailers build their reputation; one customer at a time. Square gives you the tools to stay connected long after someone leaves your store.

  • Reward loyal shoppers.
  • Promote new products.
  • Celebrate seasonal events.
  • Invite customers back again.

Building customer relationships shouldn’t require another platform.

Know your customers better.

Reward repeat business.

Reach customers with relevant promotions.

Keep your business top of mind.

Understand purchasing trends throughout the year.

The first sale matters. But, the next one matters even more.

Built Around Independent Retail

Independent retailers need technology that supports growth without adding unnecessary complexity.

Square combines point-of-sale, payments, inventory, customer engagement, reporting, online selling, and business tools into one connected platform that’s intuitive for employees and straightforward for owners.

Instead of managing disconnected software, your store operates from one platform designed around the way independent businesses work.

Square delivers the tools independent grocers use every day in one connected platform.

Local Expertise. Long-Term Partnership.

Every retail business is unique.

– Your products.

–Your customers.

– Your workflows.

– Your goals.

North Country plans every implementation around your operation—not a standard template.

From hardware selection and installation to employee training and ongoing guidance, our team delivers a transition designed to minimize disruption and prepare your business for long-term success.

As your business grows, we continue guiding your technology decisions, so you’re always prepared for what’s next.

Designed for businesses like yours.

More Than Your POS Provider

North Country supports the technology that keeps your business running.

One relationship | One experienced team | One trusted advisor.

Managed IT

Networking

Security

Cameras

Backup & Recovery

Business Technology Planning

Payment Solutions

Future Growth Consulting

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Square manage retail inventory?

Yes.

Square provides inventory management tools that give retailers greater visibility into products, stock levels, and sales performance.

Yes.

Square connects in-store and online selling, allowing retailers to manage products and sales from one platform.

Yes.

Customer profiles and purchase history make it easier to build stronger customer relationships and targeted marketing campaigns.

Absolutely.

Square supports independent retailers today while providing flexibility to expand tomorrow.

Yes.

Our team plans, installs, configures, and tests your system while preparing your employees for a successful launch.

Yes.

Training is part of every implementation, ensuring your team feels confident from day one.

Installation is only the beginning.

North Country continues providing guidance, training, and responsive support as your business evolves.

Ready for Your Next Customer?

Whether you’re opening a new store, replacing an aging POS, or preparing for future growth, North Country delivers the planning, implementation, and ongoing guidance that keep your business moving forward with confidence.

Jeff Zimmerman
Director of Grocery Sales

As NCBP’s Director of Sales, Jeff focuses on building relationships with our Grocery/Retail customers, partners, and associates. He holds a deep belief that personal connections are an integral part of everyone’s success in business.

Jeff began his career in wholesaler management and as a general manager of an independent grocery chain. His retail expertise helped him quickly achieve sales success and grow our business at NCBP, and he now leads the continued success of our entire sales organization.

Kirk Benson
Director of Hospitality Sales

With 20 years of food and beverage technology experience, Kirk helps our customers deliver excellent hospitality and dining experiences while optimizing their business operations and financial performance.

Kirk leads the NCBP Hospitality sales team and builds relationships with partners to bring new technology solutions to hospitality and hotel industry clients across the U.S. He is a devoted supporter of the local restaurant and craft beverage scene, and he actively participates in industry groups and events.

Monica Laurent
Director of People and Culture

Monica joined NCBP in 2020 with over twenty years of leadership experience and is deeply committed to the associate experience. She is refining the company’s talent strategy with an emphasis on engagement, inclusion, and leadership development. Monica has earned her SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, is an active member of several HR associations, and volunteers for Twin Cities R!SE.

Matthew Swanson
Vice President of Operations

As a technology leader, Matt helps our associates, and our clients tackle their toughest business challenges. Matt has held several roles at NCBP and has focused on numerous process improvement, operational excellence, cybersecurity, and strategic technology initiatives.

Matt’s approach to leadership strives to balance a tenacious focus on results against making sure associates and their families are well-cared for. He is passionate about his family, and endeavors to build a team that allows his associates the space to achieve results while also achieving their desired work-life balance and personal objectives.

Before joining NCBP in 2008, Matt worked with MICROS Systems with their Leisure and Entertainment team. He holds multiple technical, project management, and process improvements certifications and advanced degrees focused on helping him build successful teams and drive results.

Over his career, Matt has worked with some of the largest operators in the industry and around the world, is passionate about helping them design and implement technology solutions that help achieve their goals, and has presented at multiple conferences and seminars on related topics. Matt also serves on the boards of directors of multiple industry and community organizations, and volunteers actively in the community.

Mark Olson
Board Member

Mark is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in technology and automation industries, most notably for his impactful leadership as President (1988-2014) and later President & CEO at APG Cash Drawer, LLC until his retirement. His multifaceted career demonstrates both technical expertise and strategic vision, leaving a lasting impact on the companies he has served and the industries he has influenced. Mark has brought his valuable insights to North Country as a board member since 2010.

Chelsey Paulson
Board Member

As a Culture Strategist & Business Growth Guide at Keystone Group International, Chelsey previously led North Country’s HR Team and has remained a dedicated Board member and ESOP Trustee. With experience chairing two boards and active participation on three, Chelsey brings her passion for creating lasting business impact through Strategic Foundation and Growth Strategy, Culture Evolution, Leadership Academies, and Executive Coaching. Her superpower of positive energy and commitment to continuous learning helps push North Country to break through growth ceilings and reach new heights.

Bruce Mann
Board Member

With over 45 years of management experience in the POS and Transaction Processing industries, Bruce brings exceptional expertise in operations, HR, product development, exporting, importing, multi-level distribution of hardware and software, marketing, business development, electronic payments, M&A, loyalty programs, integrated electronic payments, and integrated coupon programs. As one of the original Retail Solution Provider Association vendor BOD members, Bruce has been a frequent contributor to industry publications and presenter at industry events, in addition to serving on several NPO Boards.

Jim Freed
CEO and President

Driven by hands-on experience with technologies and his dedication to the people who use them, Jim cultivates a vision, organization, and work environment to enable our associates and customers to succeed and thrive.

Jim served in several key technology, service, support, and operational roles before becoming CEO and President of NCBP. He is a member of multiple partner advisory boards and enjoys fostering relationships, sharing best practices, and staying on top of industry trends.

Jandi Ketelsen
Sr. Director, Financial Services and Administration

During her more than 25 years at North Country, Jandi has worked across every facet of the organization’s accounting and financial systems, advancing to her current role as Vice President of Finance & Administration. 
 
An employee owner, she drives process improvement, strategic planning, strong partnerships, and associate development. Jandi’s business acumen includes leading cash flow, budgeting, inventory management, business operations, and North Country’s ESOPs. She is most proud of the team she has built and is especially passionate about the ESOP—where everyone has a stake in the outcome—and the culture it creates.