CEDIA 2016 is coming to Dallas on September 13-17. CE Pro spoke to Michael Benedetto, VP of Sales, Salamander Designs, about the company's plans for the show and what to expect in booth #1712.
For those looking to become a dealer, email Benedetto at [email protected] or call 860-761-9503.
What would you say to dealers who are already familiar with your product line?
We would show them our latest innovative products and how they evolve with their rapidly changing business. We like to show them ways to increase their revenue on a per job basis by explaining what other areas of an install will call for Salamander products.
As an example, most installers put PRO racks in every install because they do not want the customer touching the electronics but there are a bunch of devices that a customer will still need to interact with such as Tuner, Turntable, Game Systems and BluRay players.
Not to mention all clients could use convenient storage for media, a place for headphones or charging laptops and other personal electronic devices.
What would you say to dealers who are stumbling across your company for the first time?
We would share with them our brand story and our pillars: Built-to-last, Engineered-to-Perform and Design-Your-Own. These pillars are consistent within all of our product lines. All of our Products are made with the finest materials and Built to Last.
Whether it is ergonomics in our seating or providing ample ventilation for today’s systems our furniture is Engineered to Perform. Salamander gives the client choice.
Our cabinets are available in a plethora of configurations, styles, finishes and accessories. With our Entertainment Seating we offer six styles, over 75 + cover options and can cover with Customer Owned material. Our furniture is shaped by the customer needs, design your own.
If an integrator stops by your booth with only 5 minutes to spare, what’s the one product he should examine or one question he should ask?
The one question an integrator should ask upon visiting our booth is “Can you show me how Salamander Products can increase their revenue and efficiencies on each job?” Salamander is a one-stop shop for all their furniture needs. We have a solution from a simple audio stand to highly customized Theater Seating and everything in between.
What’s your most memorable CEDIA moment?
There have been so many memorable CEDIA’s over my 19+ year career with Salamander. I would have to say every year is memorable as we get to see a lot of our longtime dealers and integrators and we get to meet a lot of new ones. I am always impressed with the positive attitudes and the business mindset they bring to the show year after year.
Think of your closest competitor. What is one thing you do offer that they don’t?
We offer leading-edge customizable innovative products, built in the USA with industry leading service levels. Most of our cabinets ship within 3-5 days while our Custom Entertainment Seating ships within 15 working days.
As a furniture vendor, we live in the Custom AV space so all of our products our built for today’s technology and our style choices allow our products to fit in virtually any décor.
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