Newport Beach, Calif. — December 1, 2005 — One of car and home electronics’ most respected manufacturer’s representatives announced a major transition in leadership today. Western Sales and Marketing founder, Doug Ferguson, is handing the reins over to long-time members of the Western team, Brad Crawford and Shel Wiener, as he shifts focus to heading up his new firm, Western A/V Consultants. Ferguson will continue to consult with Western Sales and Marketing as well as its two affiliate companies, Electronic Sales and Marketing, and Western Distributing, as well as provide consultant services to a range of companies in the consumer electronic industry, such as electronics manufacturers, independent retailers and independent representatives.
“Western Sales and Marketing, Electronic Sales and Marketing, and Western Distributing are known as the go-to companies for manufacturers and retailers in Southern California and Hawaii who want to energize their sales. With Western A/V Consultants, I am taking over three decades of knowledge and developing business plans for variety of other companies seeking greater success. It is very important, however, that each of our manufacturer clients knows that Western’s rep service will always maintain the commitment and expertise that are the foundations of all of our professional relationships.”
Since 1982, Western Sales and Marketing and its affiliates have set the standard for developing sales channels between retailers and manufacturers that strengthen brand equity and enhance revenue for each participant. To ensure that the quality of his own brand and business relationships remains rock-solid, Ferguson put his two most experienced Western employees at the helm.
Brad Crawford is stepping into the role of president while Shel Wiener is vice president and secretary of the three Western companies. Both employees have been involved with all the companies and are well suited to meeting the high expectations that their clients have come to expect during their years working together.
Crawford noted, “We look forward to the challenge of today’s marketplace and take what we have learned to grow these companies for years to come.”
Shel added, “Brad and I wish to continue with the business template that Ferguson built into Western Sales and Marketing, making it the success that it is.”
In shifting responsibility for his companies to other employees, Ferguson confronted many of the issues that principals face in formulating the best exit strategy. In solving the challenges, he became aware that his experience could provide valuable insight to others in a similar position. This realization led in part to the formation of Western A/V Consultants. The company will help executives make the decisions that will maximize success in phases throughout the lifespan of their companies, and help with their succession planning. Ferguson is also an independent contractor with the law firm of Preovolous & Associates in San Diego, California, to ensure the proper legal excellence.
About Western Sales & Marketing
Western Sales & Marketing provides the consumer electronics industry with innovative sales and marketing of products. Western Sales offers the finest in both inside and outside sales personnel to implement our manufacturers programs and policies. We serve the needs of consumer electronics retailers in Southern California and Hawaii with honest, diligent representation, and at the same time create a cohesive rapport between retailer, representative and manufacturer.
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