July 1, 2026

Sponsor Spotlight: Hungate Business Services

At the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, our sponsors play an important role in supporting the growth of our innovation ecosystem. Hungate Business Services has been helping organizations across the New River Valley improve workplace efficiency for decades by delivering reliable office technology and workplace solutions. As a locally owned business, Hungate Business Services works behind the scenes to help companies reduce operational challenges so they can focus on innovation and growth.

We sat down with Lauren Haga, Account Executive at Hungate Business Services, to learn more about the company, the challenges businesses face as they grow, and why supporting VTCRC is important to them.

Tell us a little about Hungate Business Services and the clients you serve.

Hungate Business Services has been supporting businesses in our region for decades by providing office technology and workplace solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. We work with a wide range of clients—from small local businesses to banks, manufacturers, schools, healthcare providers, and government offices. Our focus is helping organizations streamline everyday operations with simple solutions.

We are a 100% locally owned business offering copiers, printers, managed print services, printer supplies, and our most recent addition: bottle-free water and ice solutions.

What inspired you to get into this field?

Interestingly, I wasn’t originally brought on in a sales role. Over time, I had the opportunity to step into it and decided to give it a try—and I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed it. I found that I really love meeting business professionals in our community, learning about the challenges they face, and finding ways we can help make their operations run a little smoother.

What are some of the most common financial or operational challenges you see growing companies face?

One of the most common challenges I see is that many businesses struggle to keep operational costs under control. Expenses that seem small—like toner cartridges, unreliable printers, or fluctuating costs for bottled water and coffee—can really add up over time.

We help streamline processes and implement solutions that reduce waste and eliminate unexpected costs so companies can focus more on growth and less on day-to-day operational headaches.

What made you want to support and sponsor the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center?

The VTCRC plays such an important role in bringing together innovation and business in the region that it just felt like a natural fit. We saw an opportunity to offer ourselves as a local resource for tenants that might be struggling with some of the challenges I mentioned earlier, and we felt it was worth investing in as our business continues to grow throughout the New River Valley and into the Roanoke Valley.

How does your line of work contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem?

By helping businesses streamline things like managing print devices, automating toner replenishment, and eliminating the hassles and pain points of bottled water and water jugs, we free up time and resources so teams can focus on their own innovation and growth. We work more “behind the scenes.”

What excites you most about being connected to this region’s entrepreneurial and research community?

I love seeing local entrepreneurs and innovators take risks, solve problems, and grow their businesses—and knowing that we can play a small role in supporting their success. For me personally, it’s motivating to be connected with people and organizations like the CRC that are making an impact in the region.

What motivates you in your work?

While helping businesses succeed and continuing to build relationships within the community is extremely motivating, I would say my biggest motivators are my children. I want them to grow up seeing the value of hard work, integrity, and helping others, while also knowing that it’s possible to build a career you love and make a positive impact along the way.

Outside of business, what helps you recharge?

Outside of work, I recharge by spending time with my family. Whether it’s chasing after the kids, enjoying a backyard adventure, or sneaking off to grocery shop alone, it all helps me unwind. Honestly, coffee and the occasional Netflix binge are pretty great too. It’s important to find an outlet that helps hit the reset button so when Monday rolls back around, you’re ready to go!

How can people connect with you?

lauren@hbsx.com