Catalyst AV, a nationwide distribution network of specialty AV solutions with 18-locations across the U.S., has inked an exclusive deal with the enerG Corporation.
enerG is a new company whose focus is on energy management and home awareness by way of a recurring revenue model for the AV integrator – a first to the custom channel. Catalyst AV began promoting the offering to its network of 15,000 + integrators this month.
enerG offers homeowners a system (utilizes Z-Wave platform) to customize and control all connected devices in the home – namely managing energy consumption, controlling lighting, granting garage door access and providing keyless entry and wireless HD viewing. Interaction takes place via a mobile App (Android, iOS devices) or the enerGhome.com portal. enerG provides the entire back-end infrastructure on which the system operates. The homeowner subscribes to a monthly service plan (starts at $29.99) to access the system.
enerG offers integrators a complete line of components in which to build a system in accordance with the homeowner’s needs. The line consists of thermostats, smart energy meters, indoor and outdoor cameras, lighting control, electronic door locks and related accessories. According to enerG president Greg Brett, these many different aspects of home control make the enerG system the most robust recurring monthly revenue (RMR) offering in the channel today as until enerG the RMR model has been relegated to system maintenance and security system monitoring plans.
The enerG compensation model is also different from what currently exists in the custom channel. In addition to profiting from selling and installing the components, the integrator receives a commission check from enerG for each month the homeowner’s system is active. The higher the service plan, the greater the monthly commission. enerG manages the monthly subscription billing to the homeowner and plans to “market back” to the homeowner as a way to drive additional sales and commission opportunities to the integrator.
“The enerG system is a game-changing opportunity at a time when integrators need it the most,” said Steve Presti, board member of Catalyst AV and principal of Easy Access Distribution. “The technology is hot, the back-end logistics are in place and the system is quick to install. Homeowners will find the system to be both easy and fun to use and in many instances the cost savings achieved through the energy management can offset the monthly subscription costs. This is a home-run for everyone.”
”The enerG offering is different from what’s previously been available from the custom distributor for thre reasons: it’s an extremely robust solution that consumers can get their arms around, it employs a unique recurring revenue model and it’s targeted at the AV integrator,” Presti noted. “While the custom channel has seen RMR models from distributors in the form of security platforms, having a distribution network selected as the go-to-market ‘vehicle’ for an offering of enerG’s magnitude is unprecedented. We said a year ago when Catalyst AV formed that we would bring something different, and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved through companies such as enerG.”
