Catalyst AV Attendees (l-r) Bryan Bentley, Custom Partners; Chris Gentile, AHA Distributing; Scot Barrows, Easy Access; Wally Whinna, Allnet; Chris Carrol, Easy Access; Helge Fischer, Catalyst AV; Tom Provost, SPD; Chad Neiderman, Tech Source; Brett Neiderman, Tech Source; Woody Taylor, Electronic Lane; Patrick Boyer, AV-Warehouse;
Chris Gilray, AHA Distributing; Mike Munger, Custom Plus Distributing; Bob Oliver, Custom Plus Distributing; Dan Haight, Pioneer Music Co; Terry Lackey, Electronic Lane.
Twenty of Catalyst AV’s distributor members met at Pioneer Music Co. in Kansas City, August 9-10 to discuss a variety of topics, including a close look at new product lines and strong growth by several members since December 2016.
Catalyst AV’s 11-member strong distribution network offers 25 locations and communicates to more than 16,000 integrator/dealers on a continual basis.
Presentations at the meeting included discussions of potential new lines for the group to carry, with influential industry leaders presenting products, pricing, and programs.
Also paramount to the Catalyst AV mission were discussions on furthering the growth of the educational platform and prepping for the CEDIA show.
Several members reported that their revenue was up more than 20 percent since December. The group’s ongoing mission continues to be the “Very Best in the Industry,” especially when it comes to educating integrator/dealers.
“The semi-annual Catalyst AV meeting is a great way to help steer the group forward in a cohesive manner, we get a chance to meet industry experts and receive plenty of education on up the minute changes in our industry,” said executive director Helge Fischer. “Furthermore the face-to-face exchange of great ideas and best practices is invaluable. It also prepares the group for CEDIA in September to bring the best products to market!”
Catalyst AV is comprised of 11 privately-owned distribution companies:
·AHA Distributing (www.ahadistributing.com) (Florida and Southeast)
·Allnet Distributing (www.allnetdistributing.com) (Midwest)
·Audio Video Warehouse (www.av-warehouse.com) (Nevada, Arizona)
·Custom Partners (www.custompartners.com) (Metro-NY)
·CustomPlus Distributing (www.customplusdistributing.com) (No. CA/ Pacific NW/ AK)
·Easy Access Distribution (www.easyaccessdistribution.com) (Northeast)
·Electronic Lane Distributors (www.electroniclane.com) (Southwest)
·HCA Distributing (www.hcadist.com) (Rocky Mountains)
·Pioneer Music Company (www.pmcav.co) (Plains States)
·SPD (www.soundproductdistributing.com) (Upstate NY)
·Tech Source Distributors (www.techsourcedist.com) (Mid-Atlantic)
