03.26.2008 — When Sam Runco sold his company last year, Runco dealers everywhere shuddered to think that the founder’s storied personality would be forever lost on the organization, now owned by Planar (NASDAQ: PLNR)., an erstwhile staid public company.

But the Runco dealers and reps gathered here at the annual Runco Mexico Getaway in Los Cabos, Mexico, have nothing to fear.

At dinner last night, Scott Hix, vice president and general manager of Planar’s Home Theater Business Unit, said Sam Runco darn near threatened him last year, saying, “Don’t mess with Mexico.”

Sam Runco himself said a few words at dinner (No Runco has ever met a mic he didn’t like). “I’m really not going anywhere but hey the company belongs to someone else.”

It’s been a bittersweet year, he added, “but it’s nice to get a pile of cash.”

The Planar group has insisted that it would not spoil the fun that is Runco. For his part, Runco dealer David Young of The Sound Room, Chesterfield, Mo., says the party continues at Runco.

"Mexico is always a highlight of being a Runco dealer," he says. "Now, if only I could get 'Dr Phil' on Mexican TV."

Still, there have been growing pains, and in the next few days I’m sure we’ll hear an earful from dealers and reps about the changes, which include Runco’s relocation to Planar’s headquarters in Beaverton, Ore.