Strategy in TECH...
Our phones and email lit up over the last few days as word spread that Nortek Security and Control has fired all of the remaining Core Brands reps in the U.S., according to multiple sources. The timing of the terminations over the holidays only seems to add a sense of heartlessness to the action….a real-life ‘bah humbug’ that leaves the reps feeling cold.
The NY/NJ Tech Summit rolled in to the Big Apple last week, almost exactly one year after its first iteration, which took place last year in the MetLife Stadium…a really unique venue. This year, I looked forward to it with great anticipation, interested to see if the Summit would begin to gain traction and what changes would take place as a result of the show being acquired by CEDIA.
C&E Marketing, a manufacturer sales representative firm based in Sunrise, FL announced last week that it has acquired the home AV division of Audio Video Representatives (AVR) based in Marietta, GA. C&E specializes in a wide range of custom integration lines, while AVR represents and distributes both mobile electronics and home AV lines.
The Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) announced today that it has acquired the Technology and Business Summit, a regional sales rep-driven dealer show. The move raises some interesting questions, as these regional shows are believed to impact centralized national shows, such as the CEDIA Expo, which they sold to Emerald Exposition a little over a year ago.
A couple of months ago, I visited the first New York Metro area Technology & Business Summit at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and reported to Strata-gee readers about my experience. These events, smaller local shows, are fun to attend and offer some definite advantages to attendees as compared to the large national shows, such as more face time with brand executives, more hands-on displays with local representatives who truly know your business, and perhaps most importantly, much easier and more convenient to attend. Literally, these shows are a short drive from your home base, making it easier to fit show attendance into your schedule no matter how busy you may be.
Now celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the organizer plans on offering more events this year and is launching a new show concept called the CASTLE (Converging Audio/Video Security Technology Lighting & Entertainment) Summit.
As we were first to report on Sunday, October 8th, well-known industry manufacturer sales representative Steve Zaboji was tragically killed in a plane crash the previous day (Saturday). We can now report that the Zaboji family has set the arrangements for his funeral.
The Sapphire Marketing 2017 NYC Road Show rolled into Manhattan this week, taking over the 11th floor (and terrace) of the Midtown Loft & Terrace on 5th Avenue, just a stone’s throw from the Empire State Building. A large group of integrators and end users gathered to see the latest technology offerings from top brands such as Crestron, Digital Projection, Stewart, Leon Speakers and more.
Specialty audio and automotive electronics supplier AudioControl announced this week that it has selected Rich Jackson in Northern California as its Rep of the Year for their home products category. For AudioControl, Rep of the Year means that “independent sales organization that has delivered outstanding overall performance, dedication to the AudioControl brand and exceptional service” in their region.
Within a span of just minutes today, we began hearing from multiple sources around the country that something was afoot at Savant Systems, LLC. Word quickly spread that the company was terminating salespeople around the country, a move that was occurring in the wake of founder Robert Madonna’s return to the company to replace former CEO William Lynch.
In a national conference call with sales reps yesterday, Onkyo announced a major restructuring of their sales organization. This overhaul involves consolidating their four major brands – Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer, and Pioneer Elite – into two newly-created divisions.
