Van Nuys, CA–Custom home electronics distributor, AVAD has appointed Robert Smith as Dean of AVAD University. Smith brings nearly 20 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry to his new position and will be responsible for all aspects of training through or connected with AVAD.
“We are excited to welcome Bob Smith to AVAD and AVAD University,” said Bob Gartland, AVAD president. “The wealth of experience he brings from years in the consumer electronics industry, as well as his extensive training background, will help strengthen AVAD’s commitment to providing the best education programs available to dealers.”
As Dean of AVAD University, Smith will oversee all internal and external training. AVAD University’s continuing education programs make manufacturers directly available to dealers through product training seminars hosted on-site at AVAD locations nationwide, as well as online for complete scheduling flexibility. Each year, AVAD University offers over 450 online and classroom continuing education classes.
To further serve its dealers, AVAD’s education programs will extend outside of traditional manufacturers training. In addition to the existing curriculum, Smith will create training modules focused on assisting dealers in all areas of operating a successful business, an important part of AVAD’s commitment to developing programs that dealers can most benefit from. Smith’s objective for AVAD University is to offer dealers a wide array of programming that provides efficient, concise and useful information on a host of subjects.
“I look forward to working with a stellar team and further increasing the value of AVAD to its dealer customers by facilitating quality product and sales trainings from the best manufacturers in the business,” said Smith. “The goal is to coordinate all training efforts to support a single strategy of being the best resource we can for our dealers.”
Prior to joining AVAD, Smith held the position of vice president of training at Panamax Corporation. Smith is also a practicing attorney who specializes in construction and contract litigation. After three decades, Smith has built a respected reputation for dealing with contract obligation, performance bonds, licensing and certification requirements. He has handled over 200 cases related to contract and construction matters and has also argued in front of the ninth District Court of Appeal in California. Smith began his career as a general contractor after graduating cum laude from the University of San Diego.
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