Azione Unlimited has named five Founding Members of the organization consisting of dealers and manufacturers.
Andrew Oxenhorn.
Working as an Advisory Board, this group will identify industry trends, share business tactics and strategies, and provide feedback to enhance member’s profitability. The Founding Members will convene via conference call once every six to eight weeks and as a group meet once a year prior to the Azione national meeting.
“I am thrilled to announce the first Founding Members,” said Richard Glikes, president. “These individuals represent the highest caliber business leaders in the industry. Combined, these men have over 150 years of industry expertise. David Daniels of ESC (Electronics Systems Consultants, LLC) and Mike Thul of Thul Electronics, are pioneers of the custom integration business. Their wealth of experience and business acumen will provide leadership that is unparalleled from the dealer aspect. Andy Oxenhorn, Keith Haas and Phil McPhee representing JL Audio, Integra and the Harman Luxury Audio Group respectively, bring world-class leadership and vision to the group from the a vendor stand point. These bright and successful individuals will provide insight to guide our members to new levels of prosperity.”
The remaining six founding members will be in place prior to the group’s launch on February 1, 2012.
“It is interesting to note,” Glikes said, “that of the dealers lining up to join, 90 percent are not currently in buying groups, with 1/3 of dealers being retailers and 2/3 being custom integrators.”
David Daniels.
The Azione Founding Members are:
David Daniels, CEO of Electronics Systems Consultants (ESC) LLC, Aspen, Colorado. ESC has completed integrated control systems in over 30 states and 9 countries. David has owned CE businesses since 1980. He was an early pioneer in the integrated systems industry, and has helped develop products, services and business practices. David also has entrepreneurial interests including cardiovascular drug and supplement development and real estate development.
Mike Thul, founder of Thul Electronics, Vail, Colorado. Mike has 30 years of experience in the electronics industry, and has played a significant role in defining the evolution of System Integration. Mike has served on numerous committees and boards within the Custom Electronics Community.
Andrew Oxenhorn, President of JL Audio. Andrew has 35 years of experience in the consumer electronics. Since joining JL Audio in 1996, he has helped to guide the company’s substantial growth due, in part, to the introduction of high-end home and marine audio to JL Audio’s product offerings. Andrew is actively involved in the day-to-day management of the finance, sales, marketing and administration of JL Audio. Prior to JL Audio, Andrew served as VP of sales and later president of MB Quart, USA. During this time, he helped introduce the brand to North America.
Keith Haas.
Keith Haas, Director of Sales of Integra. Keith began his career on the front lines of the retail sales and management level of Leo’s Stereo Chain located in California. From there he advanced to the wholesale side of the industry. His during 35 years of experience, he has worked for several high-profile manufacturers, including JVC, NEC, Mitsubishi and LG before joining Onkyo USA Corp in 1998. Keith was directly instrumental in launching the Integra brand in 1999 and has since advanced the brand to its current position as the preeminent home theater product line for specialty AV integrators in the U.S.
Philip McPhee, Global Sales Manager for Harman’s Luxury Audio Group. Phil brings a wealth of experience to the Azione board having served in various roles during his career at Harman. He holds two patents for his work on the Mark Levinson No53 Reference Amplifier. Phil’s next position was a product management role for the Harman Professional Amplifier Business unit, where he was responsible for the product roadmap for the Commercial amplifier business. Currently, he is responsible for channel management of Harman’s luxury brands through distribution in 84 countries.
