Driven and Dynamic Former Fujitsu Exec Plans to Create Synergistic Sales Strategies for Established Home Technology Distribution Firm
Van Nuys, Calif. — March 20, 2007 — AVAD, America’s largest distributor of home technology products, announced today that Mike Gleason has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. In his new position, Gleason will be responsible for creating universal sales strategies that continue to grow the company in new areas, taking into consideration the unique challenges, scenarios and dynamics at each of the 36 AVAD locations across the United States.
An esteemed and driven consumer electronics executive, Gleason brings over 16 years of consumer electronics experience to AVAD, having most recently worked for Fujitsu, where he served as Vice President of Sales in the company’s Plasma Division. Prior to his tenure with Fujitsu, Gleason was employed by Mitsubishi Digital Electronics AMERICA. Throughout his career, Gleason has personally been involved in creating effective sales strategies and bringing hundreds of very successful home electronics products to market.
“Michael brings immense sales knowledge and industry experience to AVAD,” said Bob Gartland, president of AVAD. “We are confident his insights will help us create sales strategies that work well for all of our associates and provide immense value to our dealers.”
As VP of Sales, Gleason will act as the communication link from the salesperson and AVAD dealers up through the corporation. Gleason plans to visit each of the AVAD locations across the United States where he will meet with associates to glean a better understanding of the organization as a whole.
“I’m extremely pleased to be joining AVAD,” Gleason said. “To be joining an industry powerhouse like AVAD is a wonderful opportunity and I’m very excited about what we will be able to accomplish together.”
AVAD is no ordinary wholesaler: AVAD’s Electronic System Contractors are provided with extensive training and education 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 and other important skills — 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 (Dealer to Builder) 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 and lifestyle amenities. Currently, AVAD serves more than 9,000 dealers at 36 distribution centers throughout the United States.
In Brief: Release Summary
• Mike Gleason has joined AVAD as Vice President of Sales.
• In his new position, Gleason will be responsible for creating universal sales strategies that take into consideration the unique challenges, scenarios and dynamics at each of the 36 AVAD locations across the United States.
• An esteemed and driven consumer electronics executive, Gleason brings over 16 years of consumer electronics experience to AVAD, having most recently worked for Fujitsu, where he served as Vice President of Sales in the company’s Plasma Division.
• As VP of Sales, Gleason will act as the communication link from the salesperson and AVAD dealers up through the corporation.
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 36 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, visit www.avad.com.
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