Distributors play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of custom integration firms, serving as logistical hubs, technical advisors, and business partners for dealers navigating increasingly complex technology projects. From inventory availability and shipping reliability to training programs and dealer incentives, the services distributors provide can have a direct impact on an integrator’s ability to complete projects efficiently and support clients long after installation. In the 2026 Quest for Quality Awards, integrators once again recognized distributors that combine operational efficiency with strong dealer relationships.
The distributors honored here earned high marks for responsive support teams, reliable logistics, and programs designed to help integrators grow their businesses.
Customer Service / General Communication
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PLATINUM: DOW Technologies🪨
“We’re honored to receive the Platinum award for Customer Service for the second year in a row. At DOW Technologies, support starts with our culture. As a family-owned company, we treat our dealers like an extension of that family, building trusted relationships that go beyond simply shipping products. Our knowledgeable team brings decades of industry experience and understands the real-world challenges integrators face every day — from system design and product selection to troubleshooting and business growth.” — Eric Friedman, Strategic Sales Manager, Custom Integration
GOLD: ADI🥇
“Strong communication and responsive service are foundational to how we partner with our customers. We’re committed to delivering clear information, timely updates, and fast support across all channels. Whether in branch, online, or through our sales teams, our focus remains on creating a dependable, consistent, and customer-first experience.” — Cynthia Menna, Vice President General Manager, AV
SILVER: 21st Century Distributing🥈
“For more than 40 years, we’ve built our business around relationships with a proactive approach, experienced team, and dealer-first mindset. Our sales staff aren’t just knowledgeable — they’re seasoned industry professionals who understand the challenges integrators face because many of them have grown alongside this industry. We don’t just process orders — we partner with our dealers. From quoting and product availability to technical support and post-sale follow-up, our team prioritizes responsiveness, transparency, and accuracy. Our communication extends beyond traditional channels. We’ve built one of the strongest and most engaged social media and SMS followings in the industry, creating another direct line of connection with our dealers.” — Mark Garijanian, VP of Marketing
Dealer Program / Incentives
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PLATINUM: DOW Technologies🪨
“When it comes to dealer programs and incentives our philosophy is simple: the best programs are the ones every dealer can benefit from. That’s why our incentives are designed to deliver real value without complicated requirements or pressure to hit spending thresholds. From programs that reward everyday purchases to free freight, marketing support, and simple policies that make business easier, our focus is helping dealers protect margins and grow profitably. Being recognized for this award reflects our ongoing commitment to creating programs that support dealers of all sizes and make DOW an easy partner to do business with.” — Drew Fischer, Vice President, Home Integration & Specialty Sales
GOLD: ADI🥇
ADI earned recognition for supporting dealer growth. One integrator wrote, “Any interaction with ADI is a discussion between partners. We work together for the best outcomes.”
SILVER: WAVE Electronics🥈
WAVE Electronics received praise for its dealer support structure. One respondent wrote, “WAVE Electronics is always willing to match pricing and work really hard to keep their local stock ready.”
RMR Support Programs
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PLATINUM: DOW Technologies🪨
“Our focus is helping dealers build stronger, more profitable businesses. Through our partnerships with leading service providers, we offer RMR opportunities that allow integrators to expand their offerings with solutions like connectivity, communications, and network services. Taking advantage of these programs allows a business to build predictable, reliable revenue streams. This award reflects our commitment to providing dealers with new ways to grow revenue, opportunities to strengthen their customer relationships, and to helping them build long-term business stability.” — Drew Fischer, Vice President, Home Integration & Specialty Sales
GOLD: ADI🥇
“We recognize the importance of recurring revenue models in helping customers build long-term stability and predictable growth. Our RMR support initiatives provide tools, education, and resources that help integrators adopt subscription offerings more easily and strategically. By investing in these programs, we’re helping customers unlock new revenue streams and strengthen their service relationships.” — Cynthia Menna, Vice President General Manager, AV
SILVER: WAVE Electronics 🥈
WAVE Electronics was praised for helping dealers sustain ongoing relationships. One integrator wrote, “WAVE Electronics is easy to work with and love their Uber shipping option for jobsite deliveries in a pinch.”
Shipping Policies
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PLATINUM: DOW Technologies🪨
“Whether dealers need reliable scheduled deliveries or fast shipping on everyday orders, our programs are designed to save time, reduce costs, and protect margins. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to making it easier for our customers to get the products they need, when they need them. We’ve created flexible options for integrators to choose from that fit the way they operate. Our Smart Services program offers more benefits than simply free shipping — dealers get freight credits for defective product returns, free courier and exclusive savings. Our local DOW Dash delivery offers exceptional service and flexibility. And the low free-shipping threshold program offers a price point that every size business can meet.” — Drew Fischer, Vice President, Home Integration & Specialty Sales
GOLD: ADI 🥇
“Our shipping policies are built around reliability, flexibility, and convenience. With thousands of products available in branches and online, paired with fast shipping and easy pickup options, we help customers streamline operations and stay productive. Our focus is on removing barriers and making it simple for customers to access the products they need to keep projects moving.” — Cynthia Menna, Vice President General Manager, AV
SILVER: 21st Century Distributing🥈
“21st Century Distributing sets itself apart with our in-house delivery system, designed specifically to handle larger, more delicate items like big-screen TVs. As TV panels grow in size, the expertise of our specially trained 21st Century drivers become even more essential. Leveraging our first-class delivery route system, we ensure that every delivery is timely, efficient, and secure, especially when transporting bulky, fragile products. Additionally, by owning and operating our own fleet of trucks, we maintain complete control over the entire delivery process, ensuring that even the largest, most sensitive TV panels arrive in perfect condition — every time.” — Mark Garijanian, VP of Marketing
Social Media Presence
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PLATINUM: DOW Technologies🪨
“Our social media is a place for us to highlight the value of our company, our vendor partners, our customers, and to have a little fun. First, we want to showcase our amazing employees so dealers can see that they’re dealing with real people who are dedicated to making their lives easier. Second, our social media is a valuable resource for dealers to learn about new products, trainings and promotions from our vendor partners. Third, we love to showcase our customers and the amazing installations they create. We appreciate the recognition from our customers for the effort we put in to keeping them up to date and entertained.” — Jay Johnson, Director of Marketing
GOLD: ADI 🥇
“Social media is a key part of how we connect with our customers and the broader industry. We’re committed to sharing meaningful content, from product updates and learning opportunities to success stories and insights, that supports our community and encourages engagement. Our goal is to create authentic, helpful interactions that strengthen relationships and keep our customers informed.” — Cynthia Menna, Vice President General Manager, AV
SILVER: WAVE Electronics🥈
WAVE Electronics earned recognition for maintaining visibility and engagement. One respondent noted the company is “easy to work with” and consistently communicative.
Technical Support
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PLATINUM: ADI🪨
“Our customers rely on us to provide fast, accurate, and effective technical assistance, and we’re proud to deliver support that keeps their operations running smoothly. With expanded resources and deep expertise across ADI, we’re able to respond faster, troubleshoot more efficiently, and offer robust solutions. We remain committed to being a trusted partner that customers can depend on every day.” — Cynthia Menna, Vice President General Manager, AV
GOLD: DOW Technologies 🥇
“We know how demanding the field can be for integrators, and our team is committed to providing timely, reliable support. Drawing on decades of experience, we partner with dealers on system design, product choices, troubleshooting, and everyday best practices. Being a dependable resource is something we take seriously, and we’re honored to be recognized for the expertise and care we bring to every project. Helping our customers finish their work successfully — and confidently — is what drives us.” — Eric Friedman, Strategic Sales Manager, Custom Integration
SILVER: WAVE Electronics 🥈
WAVE Electronics was recognized for responsive support. One respondent wrote the company is “always willing to work really hard to keep things moving.”
Training Programs
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PLATINUM: ADI🪨
ADI’s training infrastructure stood out. One respondent noted, “Training has both in person and distance options offering flexibility.”
GOLD: DOW Technologies🥇
“We’re honored to receive this award for our training programs. At DOW Technologies, we believe that when our dealers succeed, we succeed. That’s why we focus on bringing valuable training opportunities directly to our customers in their local markets. Our goal is to make it easy for dealers to gain the knowledge, skills, and product insights they need to stay competitive and grow their businesses. By working closely with our vendor partners and hosting accessible, hands-on trainings, we strive to deliver meaningful education that supports our dealers every step of the way. This recognition reinforces our commitment to investing in our customers’ success.” — Eric Friedman, Strategic Sales Manager, Custom Integration
SILVER: Pioneer Music Company🥈
“Receiving this award as a regional distributor means a great deal to us. It reflects the time we spend listening to our dealers, understanding their markets, and adjusting to meet their needs. We’ve always believed the small details matter, and that focus helps build the strong relationships we’re proud of. At PMC, our mission is to install human connections wherever possible.” — Alec Haight, CEO
Website
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PLATINUM: ADI🪨
ADI earned top marks for its dealer portal. One respondent described it as “a great resource” for managing business operations.
GOLD: DOW Technologies 🥇
“We’re honored that our website is recognized as one of the top in the industry. Providing a fast, intuitive, and reliable online experience for our dealers is a top priority. Our team works continuously to improve navigation, product information, and search tools so customers can quickly find the right products and get the details they need. Our convenient self-service features allow dealers to download marketing assets, process returns, and track orders at their convenience. This award is a testament to our commitment to making it easier for our customers to do business with DOW every day.” — Jay Johnson, Director of Marketing
SILVER: 21st Century Distributing🥈
“21st Century Distributing sets itself apart with a website that offers far more than just a seamless shopping experience. We’ve integrated a one-of-a-kind virtual roadshow through our website that we put on once a year, providing customers with an interactive, immersive way to explore our products and services from anywhere. Our Virtual Conference Center serves as a dynamic hub for hosting events, training sessions, and webinars, ensuring dealers and clients stay informed and engaged, no matter where they are.” — Mark Garijanian, VP of Marketing
