Azione Unlimited to Launch ‘AU University’

Buying group Azione Unlimited has entered into a partnership with Training Allies, a professional training and education firm that provides customized training programs and e-learning solutions to consumer electronics and home integration companies.

Training Allies will develop an online university for Azione Unlimited members. The central portal will allow members’ staff to quickly learn key information about a broad range of Azione brands and products, enabling them to improve their sales and installation skills.

Richard Glikes, president of Azione Unlimited, founded the buying group on the premise that sharing information is the key to helping members grow their businesses quickly.

“With this project, we’re providing a way for members to easily maintain and build expertise across their organizations, which is critical in custom integration and specialty retailing,” says Glikes. “At the same time, manufacturers can use training modules to reach a huge audience quickly, with highly consistent messaging about their unique selling propositions. Imagine that every Azione Unlimited dealer’s sales people gave the same presentation and knew the merits of all our vendors’ offerings. The potential for Azione Unlimited University is enormous.  ”

Training Allies has provided professional training programs for such brands as Denon, McIntosh, Sharp, Lutron, NuVo, Boston Acoustics, and others. Dave Chace, president of Training Allies, says, “Through this program, Azione Unlimited will put crucial information at its members’ fingertips, when and where they need it—via desktop, laptop, or tablets like the iPad. They’re giving their members a huge competitive advantage, and we’re proud to partner with such a forward-thinking operation.”