Robert William Dorrance, 40-year CE Industry veteran and founder of Dorrance Audio Marketing in Louisville, Ky., passed away on December 18, 2018, age 61.
Bob Dorrance's love for the Industry was only matched by his love for all things Kentucky, sports, and his family. Over his long career, he represented various notable brands in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Western Pennsylvania.
He touched many lives and left an indelible mark on his corner of the industry. He was a valued asset to the companies he represented as well a mentor and a friend to the dealers he worked with.
In 1978, he founded the A/V specialty store The Audio Center in Bowling Green, Ky., where he continued to work until 1989. Then in 1990, Dorrance became the sales manager and Vice President of Cardinal Sales, an independent rep firm where he worked for 8 years.
In 1998, Dorrance decided to found Dorrance Audio Marketing, his own independent A/V rep firm specializing in high-performance home theater products where he worked dutifully for 16 years.
His final career move came in 2014 when he became the regional sales manager for The B&W Group (comprised of Bowers & Wilkins, Rotel, and Classé).
Here's a brief overview of some of the awards he won throughout his career:
Awards:
- 1998—Proceed Representative of the Year North America
- 1999—B&W Representative of the Year North America
- 2002—Stewart Filmscreen Representative of Year North America
- 2003—Runco Representative of the Year North America
- 2004—Russound Representative of the Year North America
- 2005—D-Box Representative of the Year North America
- 2004 & 2006—Stewart Filmscreen Outstanding Product Training
- 2006—United Leather Rep of the Year
- 2007—Stewart Filmscreen Outstanding Customer Service Award
A West Virginia native, born December 19, 1956, Bob was preceded in death by his parents Addie Pearl and Harold J. Dorrance. Bob was an avid Steelers and Cardinals fan. He was a graduate of Bowling Green High School and attended Western Kentucky University.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly, two sisters, Kathy (Dave) Rinehart of Columbus, Ohio and Janet Thompson of Bowling Green, two nieces Brittney Greenlee and Lynn Gerber (Josh).
A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at JC Kirby and Son Broadway Chapel. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Humane Society of Bowling Green.
Doug Henderson, former president of The B&W Group, said, “I had the privilege to work with Bob for many years. He was our independent rep for the B&W Group and then became a Regional Sales Manager. A consummate professional, Bob was above all else a wonderful human being. He is sorely missed by everyone that was lucky enough to call him a friend.”
