July 10, 2020 · NKBA Names its Global Connect Advisors
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA),the North American authority on all things residential kitchen and bath, has announced the 2020/2021 NKBA Global Connect Advisors.
The trade group explains the 12-person panel are vetted subject matter experts in the fields of sales, distribution, channel, legal, financial, marketing, brand, product development, design licensing and business management have been selected to offer marketplace insights to NKBA Global Connect Subscribers.
“We are so pleased to have gathered this talented group of industry professionals as part of our NKBA Global Connect Subscriber Program,” says Suzie Williford, EVP of industry relations and chief strategy officer, National Kitchen & Bath Association.
“A core component in assisting brands to develop successful business strategies revolves around our ability to share subject matter expertise. Our NKBA Global Connect Advisors are an important part of this mission.”
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July 9, 2020 · ProSource Promotes Dealer, adds 4 new Integrators
ProSource, a national audio, video, and integration buying group, has announced the elevation of one ProSource Custom Integrator (CI) member to the Power membership level and the addition of four new CI members in the second quarter of 2020. New members in the first half of 2020 represent $27.5 million in new revenue.
With the approval of the ProSource Board of Directors, the following CI member was elevated to the Power membership level:
Sound Effects, LLC Mesa, Ariz.
- The new CI members are:
- ENG AV Inc., Birmingham, Ala.
- Integrated Lifestyles, Inc., Dallas, Texas
- Multimedia Innovations, Davie, Fla.
- Premier Media Technologies, Destin, Fla.
“ProSource continues to provide the opportunity for members to grow within the organization,” says Dave Workman, CEO and President of ProSource. “And we welcome our new members with education, services, and support for their businesses to continue to succeed.”
Sherry Dantonio, director of membership, ProSource, notes the goal of the group is support its members in as many ways as possible.
“Our goal is to provide every member with the tools to increase productivity and profitability,” she adds.
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July 1, 2020 · L-Acoustics Enlists Alan Macpherson to run Americas Division
L-Acoustics has announced the appointment of Alan Macpherson to head the newly formed Americas division.
Macpherson’s responsibilities encompass sales, application, support, fulfillment and finance activities for all countries in North, Central and South America.
“L-Acoustics is committed to supporting and growing our presence on the American continent. As we navigate through one of the most challenging times for our industry, we feel incredibly fortunate to be able to bring onboard two of the most outstanding and respected industry veterans, Alan and William [Cornell], and confirm the well-deserved promotion of BJ [Shaver]. I’ve already witnessed Alan’s unflappable attitude, personal commitment, and long-term strategic outlook, which, combined with the unique ability to federate and inspire our teams, are the marks of a great leader,” shares Vaissié.
Macpherson brings to L-Acoustics more than two decades of managerial experience, primarily with Yamaha, where he most recently served as vice president for Yamaha Corporation of America’s Integrated Marketing Group in Buena Park, Calif.
“I’m delighted to join L-Acoustics,” states Macpherson.
“The brand has earned its reputation not just by developing quality products, but by focusing on the systemic quality of its global network of partners and consistent innovation in creating tools that improve the workflow of sound professionals and relentlessly raise the audio bar. L-Acoustics looks to the long game, developing processes and products for enduring success, and always with the improvement of live performance at the heart of what they do. That’s a perfect match for me and my vision.”
L-Acoustics also points out that in addition to the hiring of Alan Macpherson, another component central to the core of the success of the new Americas division are the newly created director of business development post conferred to B.J. Shaver for the installation market, and William Cornell who will handle the company’s rental vertical activities.
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July 1, 2020 · The Edge Group, Catalyst AV Partner and Share Resources
The Edge Group has announce a new strategic partnership with Catalyst AV Distribution Network.
Comprised of nine independent consumer electronics distributors, Catalyst AV members serve the residential and professional AV channels. Joining forces with the Edge Group, which is a trade group with a strong foothold in the multiple industries its serves.
These organizations state the partnership will benefit the members, manufacturers, specialists, dealers, and integrators of both groups.
“By aligning together, Catalyst AV and The Edge Group are delivering increased value to their members and suppliers with added strength in their respective channels,” says Ron Meyers, President and CEO of The Edge Group.
“This is an ideal alliance to grow business through expanded product offerings, shared expertise and local inventory to support the members customers’ needs in markets across the U.S. and Canada.”
Helge Fischer, executive director of Catalyst AV points out, the alliance between the two groups strengthens Catalyst AV’s larger market goals.
“The Catalyst AV/Edge Strategic Alliance furthers our goal of providing broad based support to the integrators in the Pro AV custom channel,” adds Fischer.
“The Edge Group are experts and specialists in industrial electronics, data networking and security industries and the Catalyst AV members can support The Edge Group members in audio video applications. By combining strengths, such as our manufacturer’s buying programs, each group has the opportunity to continuously improve their competitive advantage.”
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June 30, 2020 · Hall Research Names Jason Schwartz CEO
Hall Research, a designer and manufacturer of A/V and electronic hardware products, has announced the appointment of Jason Schwartz as Chief Executive Officer.
Schwartz will have the overall responsibility for creating, planning, implementing and integrating the strategic direction of the organization to advance its market share both domestically and internationally. This leadership transition comes in conjunction with the planned retirement of Ali and Gail Haghjoo, founders of Hall Research, who will be retiring July 31, 2020.
“We are excited to welcome Jason to Hall Research,” says Stephen K. Parker, Hall Research board chairman and Blackford Capital operating partner.
“He [Jason Schwartz] has a proven reputation of innovation as an organized and collaborative leader, and we know his impact-oriented and analytical strategies will further growth opportunities for Hall within in the pro A/V marketplace.”
Hall has been engineering and manufacturing A/V and data connectivity products since its inception, with a product range that includes matrix switchers, scalers and extenders for applications in a range of sectors including corporate, education, healthcare, transport, broadcast and government.
Hall is a portfolio company of Blackford Capital, a national private equity firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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June 24, 2020 · Almo Pro AV Offers Digital Signage Webinars
The national commercial market distributor Almo Pro AV is offering new training webinars.
Almo Pro AV says, “as we continue to reintegrate as a society, Almo has the technology that will help your clients have confidence as their employees, customers, and patients return to work or pleasure.”
The distributors invites integrators to learn about the advanced temperature taking digital signage solution from its team and Mimo.
Almo is offering several time slots for its educational webinars: Please click here to select the date and time that works best for the integration market.
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June 23, 2020 · Presence Summit Focuses on Video Conferencing Opportunities
The Presence Summit a new virtual conference taking place on July 15, 2020, will focus on teaching attendees how to orchestrate and create transformative experiences that engage, influence and connect with their customers.
The full day conference will couple keynotes and interactive breakout sessions with industry experts from companies, including Zoom. Attendees can follow the free livestream track or the paid professional development track with presenter led sessions and breakouts, amid the myriad of entertainment and presentations.
With online meetings consuming employees and business owners’ lives over the last several months, the Presence Summit will serve as the first of its kind professional development event for video communicators. With interactive exercises and group Zoom rooms, attendees will learn how to present themselves more effectively on video and how to garner more engagement from their audience while gaining the tools and strategies to be better on-camera communicators, whether as event hosts, moderators or meeting participants.
Attendees will hear directly from live streaming experts, professional podcasters, and executives from Zoom. Joseph Pine, author of “The Experience Economy” will kick of the event with a keynote designed to help attendees transform customer experiences through the professional use of video communications. Fatima Doman, author of “Authentic Resilience,” will speak on driving personal engagement, productivity, resilience, and well-being, through sustainable high-performance actions both at work and in life. Author, Paul Richards, and host of the popular live streaming show, StreamGeeks, will talk podcasting and provide the digital version of his new book “The Online Meeting Survival Guide” free for event attendees.
The topics will cover a range of easy-to-learn and apply skills which include: recognizing subtle, non-verbal communication cues; utilizing personal strengths for greater collaboration; creating powerful presentations; increasing both size and engagement of community members; and much more . Group exercises will help attendees better understand their unique communication styles and learn how they can effectively engage those with opposing styles. Following the Presence Summit, participants should be able to take the skills they learn back to their teams to further collective understanding and better video communication experiences company wide.
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June 22, 2020 · Bedrock Learning Partners with Latin Press
A collaboration between two recognized authorities in the integrated systems industry, Latin America now has a resource to help installers start or further their careers. Bedrock Learning and Latin Press, Inc. are excited to work together to offer the Spanish version of Bedrock’s Fundamentals for Electronic Systems Technicians, FEST, online course.
“Bedrock Learning is well-known for providing exceptional industry training in English,” says Max Jaramillo, Managing Director of Latin Press. “Knowing our market wanted a self-paced training experience, Bedrock was the obvious choice because of their expertise. The Spanish version of the online course, available 24/7 and in their language, serves our dealers in many countries throughout Latin America.”
The electronic systems industry is growing rapidly, and worldwide demand for qualified entry-level and advanced technicians has never been higher. Bedrock’s FEST online course provides engaging, vendor-neutral self-study for individuals who want to work in technology installation or would like a refresher. Topics include:
- Electrical Basics
- Hand Tools, Power Tools, and Testing Tools
- Construction Methods and Materials
- Wiring and Installation Practices
- Standards, Codes, and Safety Practices
June 22, 2020 · MSE Audio Names Digital Sales Group Metro as Rep
MSE Audio, parent company of SoundTube Entertainment, Soundsphere, dARTS, Phase Technology, Induction Dynamics, SolidDrive and Rockustics, has announced that Digital Sales Group Metro is its newest residential manufacturer’s representative for the Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic regions.
To support this expansion, Digital Sales Group Metro has hired four industry veterans: Michael Lakhter, Elias Kabous, Troy Bedell and Dan Fischer.
“Digital Sales Group has been a loyal partner since 2005,” says Mike Sipes, Sales Manager at MSE Audio.
“We’re excited about the new staff onboard to support this growth. Digital Sales Group will, without a doubt, continue to provide northeast-coast integrators with outstanding service.”
Lakhter is well known throughout the residential installation market with his 21-year history working with Key Digital in positions ranging from national sales manager to COO. Lakhter is responsible for Metro N.Y., including Westchester, Connecticut, Bronx, and Manhattan.
Kabous founded AVI Electronics in 1980 and has a lengthy career working in residential custom AV, including stints at S1 Digital and Audio Server D. He covers the middle Atlantic territory including Virginia, Maryland, western Pennsylvania, Washington DC and Delaware.
Bedell, is a winner of a CE Pro’s Best Technical Support award. Bedell has a history in networks and connectivity and is a one–man tech support group, according to MSE Audio. With extensive experience in custom AV from writing drivers to programming alarms, he will support dealers in middle Atlantic territory with Elias, his co-worker for many years.
Fischer has a strong background in audio video retail and custom installation, and has worked as a territory sales rep for consumer and commercial AV products for 13 years now. Fischer also works as a rep for B. Rich Company and has extensive experience in system design in residential and Pro A/V. He can regularly be found walking a job site with his dealers wearing his hard as a consultant and system designer for the brands he represents. Dan covers upstate New York.
“I’ve worked with Michael, Elias, Troy and Danny over the years in different industry roles and am thrilled to have them on board with Digital Sales Group,” adds David Silkin, principal of Digital Sales Group Metro.
“We’ve consistently shown substantial growth with MSE Audio and are excited to now grow the Atlantic and middle Atlantic territories with them. With this new team, the sky’s the limit.”
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June 22, 2020 · ADI Global Distribution Announces new Websites
ADI Global Distribution, a wholesale distributor of security, AV and low-voltage products, announced it has launched new websites in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
The new websites were redesigned to deliver an enhanced online shopping experience at ADI. The redesigned sites feature a simple user interface and improved navigation to make online browsing and purchasing seamless for dealers.
“To help deliver the best user experience to our customers, we incorporated their feedback into the redesign of our sites,” says Laura Phelan, vice president of digital experience and digital branch at ADI.
“The website redesign is the first phase in our larger initiative to transform the customer’s digital experience at ADI. We’ll continue adding new features and functionality to our Digital Branch, and make it easier for dealers to access the products, services and support they need from ADI.”
ADI’s websites and e-commerce platform, known as the Digital Branch, gives customers access to the full range of products and services available at ADI. With a mobile-first design, the updated ADI sites feature clean, modern aesthetics that look good on all devices – from desktop to mobile.
The distributors also points out that an updated navigation bar provides quick links to new products, services and deals, and it provides faster loading times to offer more efficient browsing.
Additionally, the ADI monthly sales flyer is now interactive online. After logging in, customers can click on products in the flyer to see promotional pricing, view details and add products to lists for future purchase.
The ADI U.S. site is available at adiglobal.com/us, the ADI Canada site is available at adiglobal.com/ca and the ADI Puerto Rico site at adiglobal.com/pr.
To sign up for an online ADI account, dealers can click on the Sign In link on the upper right corner of the homepage, and then select Register for Online Account.
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