In the keynote, Connie Podesta (far left, middle) livened things up by bringing several attendees up on the screen to delve into how things have changed, adaptations been made and what we have learned about ourselves, others and our businesses from the pandemic. Resideo Technologies (NYSE: REZI) held its annual CONNECT event for its Premier Dealer Program members virtually Nov. 12.
The traditional multiple-day affair, typically hosted at getaway location resorts, was scaled back to an early afternoon affair of online networking, company updates and a motivational keynote from sales, branding and leadership expert and psychologist Connie Podesta. The legacy of this event dates back 31 years, when the group under Honeywell was known as the First Alert Authorized Dealer Program.
Scott Harkins, vice president of sales & channel, Amercas, for Resideo, enthusiastically kicked off the proceedings emphasizing how the industry has risen the myriad challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to flourish. He also talked about the immense opportunity in the security smart home space, citing rising residential systems penetration, homeowners’ keen purchasing intentions and a diminished DIY threat.
“The market is doing great despite the pandemic,” he said. “Consumers want it done right and overwhelmingly continue to turn to their professional security dealer. You today are the smart home leaders. I think the back half of 2021 will be the great SMB recovery. Also be ready for the commercial market opportunity as the economy reopens. I am bullish that with an effective vaccine this market will strongly rebound.”
That optimism was consistent throughout the presentations, which also included Resideo Vice President of Global Product Management, Security Alice DeBiasio, CEO Jay Geldmacher and Premier Security Dealer Program Leader Quentin Gunther.
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“People look to the professionals when it comes to the safety of their families and loved ones,” she said in stressing the audience’s position of strength as compared to the DIY players. “Security is at the forefront of consumers’ minds, especially in 2020.” DeBiasio also urged dealers to continue pushing customers to have their systems upgraded from 3G to 4G, with the sunset looming in February 2022. She also highlighted Resideo’s solutions and tools to help dealers navigate that transition.
Gunther closed out the Resideo updates by summarizing several new support products and mechanisms now in place for Premier Dealer Program participants. Those include a new online portal, marketing materials and advisory groups.
In the keynote, Podesta livened things up by bringing several attendees up on the screen to delve into how things have changed, adaptations been made and what we have learned about ourselves, others and our businesses from the pandemic.
Resideo will hand out its annual dealer program awards during a subsequent virtual gathering next month.
