Who owns and leads R.K. Black?
R.K. Black is owned and led by Chris and Cynthia Black. As a family-owned company, leadership isn’t distant or corporate — the people at the top are invested in every client relationship and every associate on the team.
What makes R.K. Black different from a national vendor?
What industries does R.K. Black have experience serving?
What values guide R.K. Black as a company?
How does R.K. Black give back to the community?
What kind of people work at R.K. Black?
What brands and technology partners does R.K. Black work with?
Why RK Black?
What are Managed Services?
Managed Services represents a comprehensive approach where specialized providers assume ongoing responsibility for specific business functions or technology systems. Rather than handling everything internally or calling for help only when problems arise, you partner with experts who proactively monitor, maintain, and optimize these systems continuously.
This umbrella term encompasses various service types including Managed IT (network and system management), Managed Print (printer and copier fleet management), Managed VoIP (phone system hosting and support), and other specialized services like mailing systems. The model transforms unpredictable, reactive expenses into stable partnerships with predictable costs. You gain access to enterprise-level expertise across multiple domains without building separate internal departments for each specialty.
What’s the difference between staff augmentation and Managed Services?
Staff augmentation places temporary specialists within your organization to work under your management and direction. You control projects, set priorities, and make decisions while these professionals provide the expertise you’re missing internally—whether IT technicians, print specialists, or telecommunications experts.
Managed Services transfers both responsibility and accountability to an external provider who owns outcomes. They monitor systems proactively, make decisions within agreed parameters, and guarantee performance levels through service level agreements. You’re not managing additional staff—you’re partnering with experts who take full ownership of specific business functions like IT infrastructure, print fleet management, or phone systems.
What is the Managed Services delivery model?
The Managed Services delivery model operates on a subscription basis where providers deliver defined technology services for predictable monthly fees. This contrasts with traditional break-fix support, where you pay separately for each incident or emergency repair.
Providers deploy remote monitoring tools across your systems, creating 24/7 visibility into performance and potential issues. Technicians address problems proactively, often resolving them before users notice anything wrong. Regular maintenance cycles keep systems optimized, while strategic planning sessions ensure your technology roadmap aligns with business objectives.
What services do I get with Managed Services?
Managed Services offerings vary depending on the specific type you select. Managed IT Services include network monitoring, help desk support, security management, backup administration, and strategic technology planning. Managed Print Services cover device monitoring, automated supply fulfillment, maintenance, and print fleet optimization.
Managed VoIP provides hosted phone system infrastructure, calling features, and telecommunications support. Many providers offer comprehensive packages combining multiple service types under unified agreements. The specific services included depend on your needs—detailed information about each service type appears in the dedicated sections below.
What’s not included in Managed Services?
Most Managed Services agreements exclude the actual hardware and equipment costs—you own the computers, printers, copiers, or phone handsets while providers manage and maintain them. Software licensing fees, paper and printing supplies, and internet connectivity charges typically remain separate expenses.
Major infrastructure projects, custom development work, and specialized consulting beyond standard service scope usually fall outside base agreements. Providers offer these services separately, ensuring you only pay for what you need. The specific exclusions vary by service type—for example, Managed Print agreements might include toner but not paper, while Managed VoIP might exclude desk phones but include the phone system infrastructure.
What are the benefits of Managed Services?
Predictable monthly costs replace unexpected expenses—whether emergency IT repairs, printer service calls, or phone system failures. This makes budgeting straightforward and eliminates financial surprises. Your systems become more stable through proactive monitoring and preventive maintenance that catches issues early across all managed areas.
Access to specialized expertise across multiple domains improves both operations and decision-making. Security strengthens through continuous monitoring and rapid response. Your internal team focuses on strategic business initiatives rather than troubleshooting technology issues, managing printer supplies, or coordinating with multiple vendors for different systems. Consolidating multiple technology areas under managed services often provides better coordination and unified support.
Why should I use Managed Services?
Technology complexity across all business areas—IT infrastructure, print operations, telecommunications—has exceeded what most organizations can manage effectively with internal resources. Each specialty requires deep knowledge, continuous monitoring, and rapid response capabilities that are difficult and expensive to maintain in-house.
Beyond risk mitigation from system failures, Managed Services deliver strategic value. Providers stay current with emerging technologies, evolving best practices, and industry innovations across their specialties. This institutional knowledge would take years to develop internally and would require maintaining multiple specialized teams. Managed Services transform these areas from operational burdens into competitive advantages that enable growth.
What is the price range for Managed Services?
Managed Services pricing varies significantly based on the type of service and scope of coverage. Managed IT Services typically range from $75-$200 per user monthly, or $1,500-$20,000+ monthly depending on organization size and complexity. Managed Print Services often use per-page pricing ($0.01-$0.03 for black and white, $0.05-$0.15 for color) or flat monthly rates based on typical usage.
Managed VoIP typically costs $20-$45 per user monthly for hosted phone services. Organizations often bundle multiple service types—IT, print, and telecommunications—under comprehensive agreements that provide better overall value than purchasing each separately. The investment replaces unpredictable break-fix costs and multiple vendor relationships with stable, predictable monthly expenses and unified support.
Managed Services
What is Network Security?
Network Security protects data during transmission and controls access to network resources through multiple defensive layers. Firewalls examine and filter traffic between networks based on security rules. Intrusion detection and prevention systems identify suspicious activity and block potential attacks automatically. Encryption protects sensitive data traveling across public networks from interception.
This multi-layered approach includes segmenting networks to contain potential breaches, implementing strong authentication mechanisms for network access, monitoring traffic patterns continuously for anomalies, and maintaining current security patches across all network devices. Network Security forms the foundation of comprehensive cybersecurity, as most attacks originate from or target network connections.
What is Data Security and why is it important?
Data Security protects digital information from unauthorized access, corruption, theft, or destruction throughout its entire lifecycle. This involves access controls limiting who can view or modify data, encryption rendering information unreadable if intercepted, continuous monitoring for suspicious access patterns, and disaster recovery planning ensuring data availability after incidents.
Security breaches create devastating consequences—average costs exceeding millions of dollars for mid-sized businesses, severe reputation damage that erodes customer trust built over years, regulatory penalties for inadequate protection of personal information, and operational disruptions when ransomware locks critical systems. Strong Data Security has evolved from optional to essential as cyber threats proliferate and regulations mandate protection standards.
Are IT and Cybersecurity the same thing?
IT and Cybersecurity represent related but distinct disciplines with different focuses and skill requirements. IT departments manage technology infrastructure broadly—computers, networks, applications, databases, user support, and system administration. Their primary mission centers on availability, performance, and reliability of systems that users depend upon daily.
Cybersecurity specifically addresses protecting systems and data from threats—hackers, malware, data breaches, unauthorized access, and insider risks. While Cybersecurity operates as a subset of IT, it requires specialized expertise in threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, security architecture, incident response, and compliance that general IT professionals typically lack. Organizations need both broad IT capabilities and focused Cybersecurity expertise.
What is the difference between IT and Cybersecurity?
IT professionals focus on managing technology infrastructure to support business operations—network administration, system maintenance, application support, and user assistance. Their work emphasizes making systems available, responsive, and useful for business purposes while managing technology investments efficiently.
Cybersecurity professionals focus exclusively on protecting systems and data from threats through risk assessment, security control implementation, threat monitoring, and incident response. They identify vulnerabilities, design defensive architectures, analyze security events, and coordinate response to breaches or attacks. While IT ensures systems work properly for users, Cybersecurity ensures they remain protected from those who would exploit vulnerabilities.
How do companies usually handle Data Backup?
IT Security
What is a MultiFunction Device (MFD)?
MultiFunction Devices combine printing, copying, scanning, and often faxing capabilities into single consolidated units. These versatile systems eliminate the need for separate devices handling each function, reducing equipment costs, simplifying management, and conserving valuable office space.
Modern MFDs connect to networks enabling shared use across departments, support mobile printing from smartphones and tablets, and include advanced document management features. They can scan documents directly to email addresses, cloud storage services, or network folders. Intuitive touchscreen interfaces guide users through operations, and advanced models include finishing capabilities like automatic stapling, hole-punching, and booklet creation.
What is the speed range of an Office Copier?
Office copiers typically operate at speeds ranging from 20 to 75 pages per minute depending on the model and intended use case. Entry-level devices suitable for small workgroups print 20-30 pages per minute, balancing adequate speed with affordable pricing.
Mid-range copiers serving larger workgroups or small departments operate at 35-50 pages per minute, providing faster output without the cost of high-volume systems. High-speed office copiers designed for busy departments or centralized printing operate at 55-75 pages per minute, minimizing wait times and supporting significant daily volumes approaching 10,000 to 20,000 pages monthly.
What are the differences between a Retail Copier and a Commercial Copier?
Retail copiers designed for home offices or very small businesses emphasize low purchase price over durability and features. They use consumer-grade components, typically handle 500-2,000 pages monthly, lack advanced security features, and offer limited finishing options. Support usually consists of carry-in service or depot repair with extended equipment downtime.
Commercial copiers built for business environments use industrial-grade components designed for 3,000 to 100,000+ pages monthly depending on the model. They include robust security features protecting sensitive documents, professional finishing options, advanced scanning capabilities, and comprehensive network management. Commercial devices typically include responsive on-site service with technicians arriving within hours, not days, minimizing business disruption.
How long are Copiers supported by the Manufacturer?
Major manufacturers typically support copier models for 5-7 years after discontinuation, continuing to provide parts, service, and firmware updates during this period. Popular business models often remain supported for 7-10 years total from initial release.
However, optimal performance and security require replacement before end-of-support. Most organizations replace copiers on 3-5 year cycles, ensuring access to current security features, the latest connectivity options, improved energy efficiency, and avoiding reliability issues as components age. Waiting until support ends risks being unable to obtain parts when failures occur.
What are the advantages of a New vs. a Used Copier?
New copiers include manufacturer warranties covering parts and labor for 1-3 years, providing protection against defects and failures. They feature current technology including the latest security features, mobile printing capabilities, cloud connectivity, and energy-efficient designs. New equipment qualifies for manufacturer service contracts with guaranteed response times.
Used copiers offer lower initial investment but come with significant tradeoffs. They have unknown usage history that may include neglected maintenance or repairs using non-OEM parts. Used equipment typically carries no warranty or very limited coverage, lacks current security features, may not support modern mobile and cloud printing, and often doesn’t qualify for comprehensive manufacturer service contracts.
Should I buy or lease a Copier?
Leasing offers several advantages for most businesses: lower initial cash outlay preserving capital for revenue-generating investments, predictable monthly expenses simplifying budgeting, potential tax benefits with lease payments often fully deductible as operating expenses, and easy equipment upgrades every 3-5 years ensuring access to current technology.
Purchasing makes sense primarily for organizations with available capital preferring asset ownership, those planning to keep equipment beyond typical 5-7 year useful lives, or situations where total cost of ownership over extended periods favors purchase despite higher initial investment. Most businesses find leasing more cost-effective and flexible given rapid technology evolution.
What is the difference between a Fair Market Lease and an Abandonment Lease?
Fair Market Lease (FMV) agreements feature lower monthly payments but require equipment return or fair market value purchase at lease end. You do not own the equipment during the lease term. This option suits organizations wanting flexibility to upgrade to newer technology regularly without equipment disposal concerns.
Abandonment Lease, sometimes called dollar-buyout lease or capital lease, includes higher monthly payments but ownership transfers to you at lease end for nominal fees ($1 typically). This option appeals to organizations wanting ownership while spreading costs over time, though it typically doesn’t provide the flexibility to upgrade as easily.
Are Service Contracts worth the investment?
Service contracts provide significant value for most organizations by converting unpredictable repair costs into stable monthly expenses. Contracts typically cost less than 20-30% of equipment value annually while covering all parts, labor, and preventive maintenance. Without contracts, single major repairs can cost $800-$2,500 for office copiers.
Contracts also ensure priority service with guaranteed response times, usually same-day or next-day. Technicians arrive equipped with common parts rather than requiring additional trips after diagnosing problems. Regular preventive maintenance included in contracts extends equipment life and maintains optimal performance. For business-critical equipment, the predictable costs and reliable support typically justify the investment.
What is included in a Service Contract?
Comprehensive service contracts cover all labor for repairs and preventive maintenance, all parts except paper and staples, regular preventive maintenance visits, and unlimited service calls without additional charges. Priority response with guaranteed timeframes (typically 4-24 hours depending on service level) ensures minimal downtime.
Contracts usually include remote diagnostics allowing many issues to be resolved without technician visits, phone support for user questions and minor troubleshooting, and meter reading monitoring for proactive supply management. Many contracts also include firmware updates maintaining security and compatibility with evolving technology ecosystems.
What’s not included in a Service Contract?
Service contracts typically exclude toner and ink supplies, which are billed separately or included in cost-per-page agreements. Paper, staples, and other consumables remain your responsibility, though some comprehensive cost-per-page programs include everything except paper.
Damage from abuse, accidents, or environmental factors (water damage, electrical surges without proper protection, improper voltage) is not covered. Repairs required due to use of non-approved supplies or unauthorized modifications void coverage. Moving equipment to new locations usually requires notification and may incur additional charges, as contracts cover specific installed locations.
Copiers & Printers
What is Document Management Software?
Document Management Software provides systematic platforms for capturing, organizing, storing, securing, and retrieving digital documents and information throughout their lifecycle. These systems replace chaotic file shares and physical filing cabinets with structured repositories where documents are categorized, indexed, and easily searchable.
Modern Document Management Software includes version control tracking changes over time, automated workflow routing documents for review or approval, comprehensive audit trails documenting all access and modifications, and integration capabilities connecting with business applications. Users find documents quickly through full-text search rather than remembering complex folder structures or filenames.
What are the types of Document Management Systems?
Cloud-based Document Management Systems host documents on provider infrastructure, offering anywhere access and minimal IT requirements for deployment and maintenance. On-premise systems store documents on organizational servers, providing maximum control over sensitive information and air-gapped security when required.
Hybrid approaches combine on-premise storage for highly sensitive documents with cloud storage for general information, balancing security and accessibility. Industry-specific systems optimize features and workflows for legal firms, healthcare providers, financial services, manufacturing, or other specialized needs. Enterprise Content Management expands beyond documents to manage records, multimedia content, web content, and digital assets comprehensively.
What is a Document Management System?
A Document Management System provides centralized software platforms controlling document storage, organization, security, and retrieval. Users capture documents through scanning, email, direct file uploads, or integration with business applications, with the system automatically categorizing and indexing content.
Full-text search finds documents based on contained information regardless of filename or location. Workflow capabilities route documents through approval processes, review cycles, or processing steps automatically. Security controls limit access based on user roles, document classification, and organizational policies. Integration with other business systems enables seamless information flow across the organization without manual transfer.
What is legal Document Management?
Legal Document Management addresses unique requirements of law firms and legal departments—matter-centric organization grouping all documents by case or client, conflict checking preventing inappropriate document access, extensive security with detailed access controls, and comprehensive audit trails documenting every interaction for professional responsibility compliance.
Email integration automatically captures all client communication without manual filing. Time and billing integration connects document work with accurate client billing. Version control maintains complete document histories essential for legal proceedings and discovery. Redaction tools protect privileged information and personal data. The systems support specialized legal workflows from case intake through resolution and archiving.
Document Management
What is the difference between Onsite Shredding & Offsite Shredding?
Onsite Shredding brings mobile shredding equipment directly to your location in specially equipped trucks. Technicians collect documents in secure containers, empty them directly into truck-mounted industrial shredders, and destroy materials immediately while you observe. Documents never leave your property before destruction, providing maximum security and compliance assurance.
Offsite Shredding involves collecting documents in locked containers, transporting them to secure shredding facilities, and destroying them at central locations. While more economical for very large volumes, this approach involves transporting intact confidential documents off-site. Reputable providers use locked containers, GPS-tracked vehicles, and provide certificates of destruction documenting proper handling.
What are the benefits of Onsite Shredding?
Onsite Shredding provides maximum security by eliminating transport of intact confidential documents. You can witness the destruction process directly, providing absolute assurance that materials were destroyed properly. This eliminates chain-of-custody concerns that exist when documents leave your premises.
The convenience of on-site service minimizes disruption to your operations. Mobile shredding typically processes large volumes quickly—often thousands of pounds per hour. Immediate destruction eliminates storage of documents awaiting offsite pickup, freeing valuable space. Certificates of destruction provided immediately after service support compliance documentation requirements.
What is a Mobile Shredding Truck?
Mobile Shredding Trucks carry industrial-grade shredding equipment capable of destroying thousands of pounds of documents hourly. These specially engineered vehicles include secure loading hoppers for documents, powerful cross-cut or micro-cut shredders reducing materials to tiny particles, and compactors for shredded material.
Security features include cameras recording the destruction process, GPS tracking providing location verification, and locked storage compartments securing materials. Self-contained diesel engines power the shredding equipment, eliminating need for external power sources and enabling service anywhere trucks can safely park. The specialized design allows technicians to complete shredding while remaining visible to clients observing the process.
How much does Onsite Shredding cost?
Mobile Onsite Shredding services typically charge $75-$150 for standard office console bins holding approximately 200-250 pounds of paper. Regular scheduled service (monthly or quarterly) costs less per shred than occasional one-time service.
Per-pound pricing for large purge projects ranges from $0.30 to $1.00 depending on total volume and location. Most services include secure console bins for accumulating documents between scheduled shredding visits. The investment provides security, compliance documentation through certificates of destruction, and convenience without maintaining shredding equipment or dedicating staff time to document destruction.
Shredding
What are Promotional Products?
Promotional Products encompass branded items bearing company names, logos, or marketing messages distributed to customers, prospects, employees, or event attendees. Common examples include pens, notebooks, coffee mugs, t-shirts, tote bags, USB drives, phone accessories, water bottles, and calendars.
These tangible marketing tools keep brands visible in daily life while providing genuine utility to recipients. Unlike digital advertising that disappears after viewing or traditional ads that interrupt activities, promotional products remain in use for months or years, generating repeated brand impressions. Strategic product selection aligns items with target audience preferences, brand values, and marketing objectives.
Why use Promotional Products?
Promotional Products create tangible brand connections in increasingly digital marketing landscapes, providing physical touchpoints that stand out from endless digital advertisements. They generate goodwill by providing value rather than interrupting activities like traditional advertising.
Products remain visible for extended periods—often 6-12 months or longer—generating thousands of repeated impressions without ongoing costs. They differentiate your organization from competitors relying solely on digital marketing. Strategic use strengthens relationships with existing customers, rewards and motivates employees, generates qualified leads at trade shows and events, and creates memorable brand experiences that digital touchpoints struggle to match.
Do Promotional Products work?
Research consistently demonstrates promotional product effectiveness—83% of consumers remember the advertiser on promotional products they received in the past two years. Recipients develop more favorable impressions of companies providing useful, quality items compared to those relying solely on traditional advertising.
Promotional products generate significantly lower cost per impression than traditional advertising channels. A $5 item used daily for a year generates thousands of brand impressions at a fraction of a penny each—dramatically more cost-effective than print ads, radio spots, or digital advertising. The tangible, useful nature creates emotional connections and positive associations that passive advertising exposure cannot achieve.
Which Promotional Products provide the best ROI?
Practical items used daily generate maximum impressions relative to cost—quality pens, useful notepads, insulated coffee mugs, and durable water bottles. Recipients keep and use these items regularly, generating consistent brand exposure over extended periods.
Technology items like USB drives, wireless phone chargers, and earbuds provide high perceived value despite reasonable costs, creating positive brand associations. Quality apparel that recipients actually wear creates walking billboards extending brand reach beyond direct recipients. The best ROI comes from carefully matching products to audience preferences, ensuring adequate quality that recipients use items rather than discarding them, and selecting items aligned with brand identity and values.
Promotional Products
What states does R.K. Black currently serve?
R.K. Black operates across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, with offices in cities including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Bartlesville, Norman, Stillwater, Enid, Weatherford, Wichita, and Kansas City.