Program Linking Builders with Integrators Combines Wide Brand Access, First-Rate Training and Superior Execution
Van Nuys, Calif. — October 18, 2006 — Only four years into its creation, AVAD’s innovative Dealer-to-Builder Program (D2B), which links builders with electronic system contractors to install home entertainment systems in dwellings across the United States, has proven to be an overwhelming success, with more than 7,500 projects in place, coast-to-coast.
Florida led the nation with over 4,000 D2B projects. Idaho came in second with 2,000 D2B projects and California coming in third, with 400 D2B projects. Notable projects include 1,000 D2B Homes in the South, and over 400 in Southern California, 2,000 in Boise, Idaho, 150 in Wisconsin and over 400 multi-dwelling units in Detroit.
AVAD established its D2B Program to bring builders, home buyers and Electronic Systems Contractors (ESCs) together to meet the exploding consumer demand for home entertainment systems, electronics and other lifestyle amenities. The program strives to simplify the installation of such systems so they are easy to use, reliable and profitable for the builder and convenient for the homeowner.
The program makes it easier for builders to access dozens of home electronic brands at competitive pricing. AVAD’s Electronic System Contractors can install the whole gamut of home entertainment and electronic systems, including Home Theater, Whole-House Music, Lighting Control, Structured Wiring, Central Vacuum, Telephone Systems and Home Networking.
AVAD D2B Electronic System Contractors are carefully screened and selected for capabilities and skills that will allow them to meet the demands of the building market. They are provided extensive D2B training and education, in addition to classes offered via AVAD University, which conducts more than 450 online and classroom training events each year. All of AVAD’s Electronic Systems Contractors receive certification in systems integration — ensuring that the company’s installers and integrators are the most knowledgeable and highly trained professionals in the industry.
Integrators and builders who are a part of the AVAD’s D2B program also receive the benefit of receiving marketing support materials and sales training that help both the integrator and builder fully communicate the benefits of new home technology systems to potential buyers.
Armed with the training, expertise and access to the best brands on the market, AVAD’s D2B program ensures that homebuilders receive cost-effective, performance-enhancing design and integration. The program also allows builders to differentiate their homes with technology, so they stand out among the masses, which is crucial in today’s challenging real estate market.
“Our builder-partners know they can count on us not only for timely fulfillment, but for expertise, as well,” said Bob Gartland, president of AVAD. “The combination of good execution with the most highly trained systems integration professionals in the industry is the foundation of D2B’s success.”
Currently, AVAD serves more than 9,000 dealers in 37 distribution centers throughout the United States. Several nationally known homebuilders are already partnering with AVAD Electronic Systems Contractors, including DR Horton, Kolter Communities, Lennar Homes, Centex Homes, GL Homes and John Wieland homes.
In Brief: Release Summary
-AVAD’s D2B program brings Electronic Systems Contractors, builders and home buyers together to meet the growing demand for home electronic systems and other lifestyle amenities.
-The program has been successful nationwide, with the installation of home technology systems, electronics and other lifestyle amenities under way in over 7,500 homes across the United States.
-D2B combines broad access to brands with fast, accurate execution and superior installer training for reliable system integration that is attractive to both the builder and potential home owner.
-The program helps boost builders’ profitability.
-AVAD certifies Electronic Systems Contractors through elite and selective D2B Training Program.
-Major builder partners include DR Horton, Kolter Communities, Lennar Homes, Centex Homes and GL Homes.
-More information about AVAD’s D2B program can be found at www.avadd2b.com.
About AVAD, LLC
AVAD, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ingram Micro, Inc., is the most complete home integration solutions provider in the United States. Its in-depth technology offering of the most trusted brands and progressive continuing education programs provide all the support necessary to design and implement complete home electronic systems solutions. AVAD stocks products for home theater, lighting controls, distributed audio/video, central vacuum, and more. AVAD also provides just-in-time delivery from each of its 37 locations nationwide.
AVAD is dedicated to dealer education, training and skill advancement, as evidenced by AVAD University’s over 450 online and classroom continuing education classes held each year. By partnering with CEDIA for key industry training courses such as Installer Level I and II Certification, Designer Boot Camps and Home Theater Workshops, AVAD is unparalleled in its commitment to the betterment of the industry and the dealer’s bottom line.
AVAD exemplifies this concept with the Dealer to Builder (D2B) program, which links highly-trained and qualified members of its 9,000+ dealer corps with homebuilders across the United States to outfit new homes with in-demand, cutting-edge electronic systems.
Product lines that AVAD distributes and supports include: Acme Brackets, APC, Aprilaire, Artison, Atlantic Technology, Belden, Bose, Carlon, ChannelPlus, Coleman Cable, H-P Products/Dirt Devil Central Vacuum Systems, D-Link, Draper, Fujitsu, Gefen, Goo System-Visual Reality, Inc., Harman Kardon, InFocus ScreenPlay, iPort, JVC Professional Products Company, Key Digital, Lutron, Marantz, Middle Atlantic Products, Inc., NetStreams, Niles Audio, Niveus Media, OmniMount, OnQ Technologies, OpenHouse, Panamax, Panasonic Phones, Peerless, Philips, Polk Audio, PROconnect, ProFlex, RTI, Samsung, Sharp, SharpVision, Spaun USA, Terk, Toshiba, Universal Remote Control and more.
In July 2005, AVAD was acquired by Ingram Micro, Inc., making its parent company the leading distributor for solution providers and custom integrators serving the fast-growing consumer electronics and home automation markets in the United States.
For more information about AVAD or the D2B program, please visit www.avad.com or www.avadd2b.com.
