“It’s been tremendous,” declared Origin CEO Jeremy Burkhardt with his typical over-the-top enthusiasm, when asked how his nearly one-year old company is doing since its launch at the 2014 CEDIA Expo. “I’ve been on the road for 3-weeks a month for the last 12-months.” And apparently, from what Burkhardt tells us, loving every single minute of it.
Strategy
Instead of a Wave, Tidal Turns into a Tempest in a Teapot; Another CEO Exits
Tidal Music Service has, for the second time in only a matter of months, dismissed its CEO. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Tidal has dismissed interim chief executive Peter Tonstad who held the position for only about three months. In a statement, they thanked Tonstad for his service.
But Tonstad had a different take on his exit…read on… [Read more…] about Instead of a Wave, Tidal Turns into a Tempest in a Teapot; Another CEO Exits
On Controls Names Director of Control
On Controls, the cloud-based home automation solutions for integrators, announced today that it has named Jeffrey Skalny to Director of Control. In this role, Skalny will report to the company’s CEO directly and will be based out of On Controls Detroit, MI headquarters location.
Who is Skalny and what exactly will he be doing for On Controls? Read on… [Read more…] about On Controls Names Director of Control
Apple Faces the Music – Multiple Investigations Launched
Just days after Apple, Inc. announced its plans to attempt to reassert its leading role in the music distribution and streaming businesses, we learn from the New York Times that two powerful state attorneys general in New York and Connecticut have launched an investigation into Apple’s music licensing practices. The purpose of the investigation is to determine if Apple has broken any antitrust laws in cutting deals that allegedly restrict music industry providers from offering their content on a free basis with other services.
See why there is suspicion of anti-competitive practices by Apple… [Read more…] about Apple Faces the Music – Multiple Investigations Launched
Proxy Adviser Tells Japanese Investors to Vote Out CEOs at Sony & Sharp
We live in interesting times! In a news report out of Japan that is, shall we say, unusual – proxy investment advisory firm ISS is recommending that Japanese shareholders vote against the reelection of the top executives at both Sony Corp. and Sharp Corp. at upcoming annual shareholders meeting for the firms. Coming from the land of consensus and support for local brands, this news is quite surprising.
See more on ISS’s recommendation & the reason they suggest these execs must go… [Read more…] about Proxy Adviser Tells Japanese Investors to Vote Out CEOs at Sony & Sharp
Backing Beats – Apple Launches Retaliatory Attack on Monster
BREAKING NEWS
Monster’s Noel Lee Talks to Us About Latest Lawsuit Developments
As many regular readers know, Strata-gee has been closely following the litigation between Monster, LLC and Beats Electronics, LLC. Although the matter is really just getting started, it appears to be getting really ugly, really quickly. Now we have learned that Apple, Inc. has taken several actions that, according to Monster CEO Noel Lee (who is known as the Head Monster), are pure retaliation over this lawsuit – even though Monster did not sue Apple.
See more on Apple’s actions against Monster that it says are retaliatory… [Read more…] about Backing Beats – Apple Launches Retaliatory Attack on Monster
The Trail Goes Cold & Sticky at Tivoli Audio; Company Sold to Kings of Yogurt
We learn this month that Tivoli Audio LLC’s epic saga continues, as the previous private equity company owner Summit Associates hires another private equity company Levy Capital Partners to sell it to a third private equity company Serruya Private Equity. (Notice a theme here?) Serruya says it has acquired Tivoli Audio to “serve as its flagship consumer electronics brand.” Or, in other words, as its only consumer electronics brand in a sea of yogurt flavored packaged goods brands.
See more on this new twisty turn in Tivoli’s journey… [Read more…] about The Trail Goes Cold & Sticky at Tivoli Audio; Company Sold to Kings of Yogurt
Differentiate Your Business – To Demo or Not to Demo
GUEST POST
It has never been more difficult to communicate real differentiation or to create real value. Which is why a loyal customer has become more of a concept and less of a reality. But loyalty is something we’ve always had to earn and to earn it now it will require that we get serious about creating innovative programs that build real consumer engagement.
Like brilliantly executed, creative, face-to-face demonstrations can. [Read more…] about Differentiate Your Business – To Demo or Not to Demo
Beyond the Referral – Tools & Techniques to Power Up Your Marketing Strategy
Be sure to see the cover story in the June issue of Residential Systems magazine titled Beyond the Referral – Tools & Techniques to Power Up Your Marketing Strategy by Strata-gee’s own Ted Green. This article introduces readers to the top tools of marketing to market your tech company today.
What are these top tools? Read more below… [Read more…] about Beyond the Referral – Tools & Techniques to Power Up Your Marketing Strategy
TV Maker Funai Says 2015 is the Year of 4K…Cheap 4K, That Is
Osaka, Japan-based Funai Electric announced earlier this month that it will release a line of inexpensive 4K televisions in the North American market this fall, in time for the region’s major selling season. The company expects this year to be the year when 4K UHD TVs hit it big and they want to be ready to grab market share with their lineup.
