Both Marla Suttenberg (left) and Joe Blacker (right) have decades of experience working in the AV rep space and have now joined forces. Veteran rep firms Audio Associates and Sapphire Marketing have decided to form a partnership in order to expand the company’s reach and ensure a higher level of service and support for the brands within its portfolio. Both Audio Associates and Sapphire Marketing are leading rep firm for AV manufacturers across the United States.
In addition to the new partnership, industry veteran Marla Suttenberg has joined forces with the Maryland-based firm. The announcement was made by Joe Blacker, president of Audio Associates, and underscores Audio Associates’ ongoing expansion and dedication to ensuring the company provides the highest level of service and support for the distinguished brands it represents.
“I’ve known and admired Marla’s work for many years, and we’ve been good friends and business associates and over the years had quite a few iconic product lines in common,” says Blacker. “Her relationships in the industry are second to none, and we plan on leveraging these relationships with end users, consultants and integrators on behalf of our manufacturers.”
According to a joint press release, Suttenberg brings decades of experience to Audio Associates. She will be focusing on key integrators, consultants and Enterprise end-users. Additionally, the joining of forces of Suttenberg and Blacker further expands and solidifies Audio Associates’ business in New York, New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
With a rich background in AV in the residential and commercial market sectors, Suttenberg has served on the IPRO board of directors, was the acting Chairperson of the avreps.org Membership Committee in the past and has been honored with the Women in CE Award in 2013 and entered the System Contractor News Hall of Fame in 2019.
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“I’m excited to join Joe’s dynamic team and represent some really cool manufacturers, as well as continuing to work with some previous Sapphire brands,” says Suttenberg. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the road!”
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