In January, the Bi-County Collaborative Professional Speaker Series kicked off the new year with some serious scan power. We were honored to host Toby Burrell of SAB Solutions, based in Walpole, MA.
Toby took students from across our programs—SMS, AMS, STAP, the Learning Center, and Summit High—on a deep dive into the world of barcode technology. That’s right, those little black lines you see on every product from Pop-Tarts to power tools? They have a fascinating backstory, and as Toby revealed, their roots trace back to right here in Massachusetts. Cue the local pride and scanning sounds: beep beep!
But Toby didn’t just drop barcode facts—he shared his vocational journey, showing students that passion and purpose can go hand-in-hand (or hand-in-scanner?). His talk was a tribute to the classic proverb: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” And with the way Toby lit up while talking about inventory systems, supply chain solutions, and the magic of a well-placed QR code, it’s clear—he’s living that truth.
To make the experience even more impactful, SAB Solutions generously arranged for a point-of-sale (POS) system to be donated to the BICO School Store, bringing real-world technology right into the hands of our students. It was a perfect full-circle moment—where learning, giving, and innovation all intersected.
Toby’s visit reminded us that every field—from education to engineering to enterprise automation—needs curious minds and dedicated hearts. Our students left the session not only knowing how a barcode works but also how work can feel like play when you find your fit.
Thank you, Toby, for scanning into our world and showing us that passion + profession = success.
Post by: Brian Grinnan, Director of Transition Services