Van Nuys, Calif. — September 14, 2006 — Only four years into its creation, AVAD’s innovative Dealer-to-Builder Program (D2B), which links builders with electronic system contractors to install sophisticated home technology systems in dwellings across the United States, has proved 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 and Electronic Systems Contractors together to meet the exploding consumer demand for sophisticated home technology systems, electronics and other lifestyle amenities. 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.
But 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 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.
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.
“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 over 30 distribution centers throughout the United States, and plans to open six more centers by the end of the year. Several nationally known homebuilders are already partnering with AVAD Electronic Systems Contractors, including DR Horton, Kolter Communities, Transeastern Homes, Lennar Homes and, Centex Homes
Some of the major homebuilders who have partnered with AVAD Electronic Systems Contractors in Florida include DR Horton, Kolter Communities, Transeastern Homes, Engle Homes, Lennar Homes and GL Homes. In Georgia, D2B is working with John Wieland homes on a 200 unit townhome project.
In Brief: Release Summary
• AVAD’s D2B program brings Electronic Systems Contractors and Home Builders together
• The program has been successful nationwide, having installed home technology systems, electronics and other lifestyle amenities in over 7,500 homes
• Program combines broad access to brands, fast and accurate execution and superior training
• Helps boost builders’ profitability
• Over 9,000 distributors nationwide
• AVAD University conducts more than 450 education and training events per year
• AVAD certifies Electronic Systems Contractors through AVAD University
• Major builder partners include DR Horton, Kolter Communities, Transeastern Homes, Engle Homes, Lennar Homes and GL Homes
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 names and progressive continuing education programs provide all the support necessary to design and implement complete home solutions. AVAD stocks products for home theater, lighting controls, distributed audio/video, central vacuum, and more for just-in-time delivery from each of its 30 + locations nationwide. With complete technical training and certification for industry hallmarks like CEDIA’s Installer Level I and Level II Certification, AVAD is unparalleled in its commitment to expanding dealers’ bottom line.
AVAD exemplifies this concept with the Dealer to Builder (D2B) program, which links members of its 9000+ dealer corps with homebuilders across the United States to outfit new homes with in-demand, cutting-edge electronic systems.
AVAD is dedicated to dealer education, training and skill advancement, as evident by AVAD University’s over 450 online and classroom continuing education classes held each year.
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 Systems, 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 Electronics, 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 and its services, visit its website at www.avad.com.
