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Wireless by Design

Custom integration distribution firms are about to close out 2014 having witnessed and catered to an ever-changing market.

This Custom Distributor Guide was sponsored by AVAD, Petra, The Powerhouse Alliance, Stampede, and WAVE, as a supplement to Residential Systems, November 2014.

Custom Integration Distribution Firms Outfit the Connected Home

Custom integration distribution firms are about to close out 2014 having witnessed and catered to an ever-changing market. With wireless networking winning the year and changing how custom integrators approach residential projects, The PowerHouse Alliance, Wave Inc., Stampede, Petra, and AVAD continue to provide the products, as well as the training to fuel and expand on what is becoming a game-changing tool for the custom integration channel.

“The connected home continues to gain more attention as it reaches mass market and functions more reliably, with more features,” noted Will Breaux, vice president of marketing for Wave Inc. “In addition to the actual automation products used for these homes, we provide Apple products to actually control the systems. We are one of the few distributors that can provide the products for automation, the training and technical support for the installation, and the Apple products to work with the system.”

For The PowerHouse Alliance, wireless audio and products necessary to receive and send Wi-Fi signals have been their biggest trend, with Dennis Holzer, the company’s executive director noting that “Vendors such as Sonos and Luxul are just two examples of lines that have done extremely well with state-of-the-art, cutting-edge products. Products from vendors as mentioned are doing very well because they provide solutions in specific areas that other vendors don’t provide.”

At Stampede, the “internet of things,” has taken root in the form of wireless systems from companies like Neurona and the ever-growing popularity of low-cost camera drones and video surveillance solutions.

“CI customers in education, corporate, and security are looking for cost-effective new ways for their end-user clients to capture and access high quality video imagery,” said Kevin Kelly, president and COO of Stampede Presentation Products.

The Next Big Thing

As wireless systems and fast networking solutions continue to reshape how end-users interact with products in their connected home, The PowerHouse Alliance sees technology product additions like Dolby Atmos gaining a firm foothold.

Petra Industries is seeing a big trend in wireless audio products. “Systems using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and proprietary wireless technologies have been introduced by well known brands including NuVo, Peerless AV, Knoll Systems, and Iogear,” noted Bill Stewart, founder and CEO, Petra Industries. “These products are gaining traction as many installations are not suited for retrofitting audio cable or speaker wire, so both installers and their customers are finding many advantages in going wireless.”

Breaux, who doesn’t foresee a groundbreaking product for 2015, puts faith in new features and changes that will make the technology underpinning home integration products more accessible.

“It is one of the reasons that we have the MSTR Brand line of products,” Breaux said. Even if we are not the ones creating the technology, we can provide dealers with protected products to coordinate with the systems they are already installing in the home. From door contacts to speakers and cables, we have products under this umbrella to work with every install, and it is all at an attractive margin to the dealer. Dealers that support this line can earn some very attractive rebates back on not only the commodities, but the premium brands they buy from us too.”

Instead of a product focus, Stampede will introduce and establish professional services as a viable dealer business opportunity in 2015.

“Everything we do at Stampede has to pass the ‘value test,’ as we like to call it,” Kelly said. “Every business idea has to answer the question, ‘Does this idea create new revenue opportunities that bring long term value to our dealers?’ We have been taking a very close look at professional services—everything from design, spec, content, and installation professional services; service and support agreements; as well as help desks and extended warranties that are going to help all of us capture ‘the whole nine yards’ of every job.”

WAVE Electronics

WAVE Electronics has again established itself as the largest, fastest-growing independent custom installation distribution company.

Specializing in products for custom installers, WAVE offers a unique blend of key product lines and value-added services that provide its dealers with the products, training, and support they need to complete every job. More than 30,000 SKUS of audio, video, automation, security, lighting control, commercial, and other custom installation-related products are made available from more than 100 manufacturers. There is $15M of inventory stocked and ready to be in customers’ hands when and where it is needed by pick up or ship out.

WAVE Electronic’s Austin, TX, branch is one of 10 nationwide. Ten locations—two in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Ft. Lauderdale, New Jersey (New York metro), and Scottsdale—enhance the company’s ability to deliver product in a timely fashion. Two more locations are being added in 2014 as originally planned.

In addition, each new facility includes a state-of-the-art showroom that is available for custom installers to visit with their clients, enabling them to demonstrate a wide variety of options.

“Our locations provide everything needed to complete a low-voltage project worthy of any client’s satisfaction,” said Gary Wermuth, CEO. “All our locations incorporate handpick warehouses and emphasize efficiency, so orders are both accurate and timely. Our showrooms are filled with a wide range of video displays, audio products, security products, control products, and home theater, including all types of speakers.”

In addition, WAVE created fully automated designer living spaces featuring high-end equipment, such as surround sound demonstrations, integrated lighting controls, automation, and motorized shades, encouraging dealers to bring in their customers.

WAVE’s internal marketing department has the ability to quickly launch promos, brands, and vendor initiatives; as well as help dealers with their own marketing projects. To ensure that its customer base is current with the latest technologies, products, and installation methods, the company also offers a training facility at all its locations in which vendors conduct year-round training seminars and certifications.

Mark Fukuda, President and COO, WAVE Electronics “We provide a unique variety of services that no one else has,” Wermuth added. “From our marketing department to our delivery options, we try to provide all of the tools an installer needs. We even offer product printing so that dealers can have their logo placed on anything from security panels to rack faces to iPort iPad sleeves. We continue to invest in the services that our dealers want. Our website incorporates features that make it even easier.”

Warehouse Locations::

• Houston, TX
• Dallas, TX
• San Antonio, TX
• Austin, TX
• New Orleans, LA
• Baton Rouge, LA
• Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Edison, NJ (New York Metro)
• Scottsdale, AZ

Brands:

• Apple
• Sony and ES
• Lutron
• Bose
• MSTR Brand
• Pioneer and Elite
• RTI
• Pro Control
• IC Realtime
• Atlona
• iPort
• Vivitek
• Jamo
• Polk
• JVC
• Ubiquiti
• Proficient
• Just Add Power
• Screen Innovations
• Onkyo
• Nuvo
• Tripp Lite
• Vitek
• Luxul
• Middle Atlantic
• Xantech
• Elan
• Sunfire
• Leviton
• Panamax / Furman
• Chief
• Velodyne
• Toshiba
• Samsung
• Vitrea
• alarm.com
• HDanywhere

Contact:

Company information and advertising:
Will Breaux, VP Marketing
Phone: 713.466.9283
Email: [email protected]

Sales:
Bryan Stewart, VP Sales
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wave-electronics.com

Stampede

RIDE WITH STAMPEDE AND RUN AHEAD OF THE HERD

When it comes to winning in today’s complex, ever-changing custom installation industry, you have a choice. You can play it safe and stay with the pack, or you can seize the opportunities that new technologies present and move to the front–ahead of the herd. That’s where you will find Stampede.

“For nearly 20 years, Stampede has turned conventional wisdom on its head, pioneering the commercialization of innovative new technologies, platforms, products, and services that make the systems you design and install for your residential and light commercial customers that much more effective and lifestyle enhancing for them–and profitable for you,” according to Stampede president and COO Kevin Kelly.

The residential custom installation industry is now in a period of change that is being fueled by growth that’s being created by a number of new technologies that are being embraced by homeowners everywhere. The Internet of Things trend has clearly become a long-term trend that has homeowners and light commercial business owners wanting to bring more and more devices into their home and office. These devices all need to be networked using a new generation of easy-to- deploy wireless systems from companies like Neurona. Amplifying this trend even more is the opportunity being created by low cost camera drones and video surveillance solutions. Custom installation customers in education, corporate, and security are looking for cost-effective new ways for their end-user clients to capture and access high quality video imagery. Owners of second homes and estates want the same real-time information, and the availability of affordable camera drones and video surveillance systems, installed separately or packaged together, is creating a whole new generation of tremendously exciting opportunities for custom installation dealers.

Kevin Kelly Stampede is strategically positioned to provide you with everything you need when you need it most. From our six North American warehouses, Stampede is able to ship more than 80,000 different product SKUs from our 150-plus manufacturer partners anywhere in the United States, Canada, Central America, and South America through a network of 11,500 dealers. Stampede is headquartered Amherst, New York, just outside of Buffalo, and maintains satellite offices and support centers in Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Columbus, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Seattle, Washington.

From its six North American warehouses Stampede is able to ship more than 80,000 different product SKUs from its 150-plus manufacturer partners anywhere in the United States, Canada, Central America, and South America through a network of 11,500 dealers. What’s more, Stampede doesn’t just sell you product. Stampede helps you to sell products through to your customers by providing you with the support you need to design, install, and service profitable systems that meet all of your customers’ needs. The Stampede Big Book of AV Tour is the largest tour of its kind, visiting metropolitan areas all across the country, providing hands-on product demonstrations, training, and information packed conference presenters to thousands of attendees. Stampede’s 24/7 online education resource, Stampede University, is available to you when you need it most. And when it comes to options, nothing comes close to the annual Stampede Big Book of AV, an 1,100-plus page interactive catalog and companion website designed to help dealers help their customers instantly find what they are looking for–along with hundreds of sales, installation, and spec tips on more than 8,000 products from 90 manufacturers–making it the single largest resource guide in the industry.

It’s not surprising that Stampede has received numerous recognitions for its excellence in providing customers with superior quality AV and IT system solutions, including “No. 1 in Customer Service for North American Large Screen Distributors” (2000, Pacific Media Associates), “International Distributor of the Year” (2001, AV Magazine), “Best Managed Company” in the Buffalo Niagara region (2005, Business First), and “Fast Track 50” (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 by Business First).

Regions Covered:

• United States
• Canada
• Latin America

Warehouse Locations:

• Buffalo, NY
• Miami, FL
• Phoenix, AZ
• Toronto, ON
• Vancouver, BC

Brands Distributed:

• Amplivox
• Atlona
• AVTEQ
• Balt
• BenQ
• Canon
• Casio
• Chief
• Christie
• Da-Lite
• Dynascan
• Epson
• Gefen
• Hitachi
• Horizon
• InFocus
• Jelco
• Ken-A-Vision
• LG
• Ladibug
• Luidia
• MediaPOINTE
• Mitsubishi
• Mustang
• NEC
• Neurona
• Panasonic
• Peerless
• Phoenix
• Samsung
• Sharp
• Sony
• Tech Global
• Vaddio
• Xpand
… and more

Contact:

Kevin Kelly,
President and COO
716-817-1711
[email protected]

New supplier inquiries:
Jeff Willis, Senior VP Marketing and Product Management
716-817-1715
[email protected]

www.stampedeglobal.com

AVAD

AVAD is an industry-leading provider of consumer electronics solutions to the residential and commercial custom installation markets. As part of the Specialty Solutions Division of Fortune 100 parent company Ingram Micro Inc., AVAD supplies integrators access to the industry’s top products and integrated solutions for video, audio, lighting control, content management, whole-home and more. AVAD offers the broadest consumer electronics and business automation portfolio in North America, distributing over 90 major brands.

Further differentiating its services, AVAD invests in tools and technical support that integrators need to grow their businesses. AVAD positions itself as a distribution partner by providing easy access to the best products and a full range of value-added services that enable customers to receive complete commercial solutions.

AVAD Experience Centers and Local Product Availability

With 23 locations throughout North America, AVAD’s Experience Centers offer local, hands-on access to the latest products and technologies from hundreds of the industry’s best brands. Dealers and their customers can see, hear and feel the products and solutions before installation.

AVAD System Design Group

For larger and more complex residential and commercial jobs, the award-winning AVAD System Design Group provides a full range of complimentary design services, including needs analysis, bill of materials specifications, AutoCAD presentations, product selection, and much more, allowing dealers to develop the best solutions for their clients with the best product selections.

AVAD Technical Support Group

While most of our competitors rely on third-party technical support, we’ve invested in our dealer’s business by providing an in-house team of product and systems experts. Whether they’re in the office or the field, AVAD offers industry-leading support tailored to your needs.

Leveraging its network of 24 branch locations, all products can be picked up at will call or shipped directly to the dealer or the job site. AVAD Product Exchange Policy

Unique to our industry, AVAD’s vendor relationships allow more flexibility to control a dealer’s inventory. Should any product fail within 30 days, they can exchange it hassle-free. In addition, we also offer a 90-day “good as new” return program for any current product.

AVAD National Freight Program

AVAD streamlines dealers’ operations to save time and increase profits. Leveraging its network of 23 branch locations, all products can be picked up at will call or shipped directly to the dealer or the job site.

AVAD University

AVAD’s award-winning education programs will increase dealers’ industry IQ and business acumen, allowing them to stay a few steps ahead of your competition by learning about proven solutions and best practices from the marketplace and industry leaders. Online and classroom product training, technical certification, and complete system coursework are planned to accommodate dealers’ schedules.

AVAD VendoPalooza, VendoCOMM and Local Industry Events

AVAD brings the industry’s newest products and the best technologies right to the dealers’ doorstep through its VendoPalooza and VendoCOMM tours, which have been recognized by industry publications as outstanding dealer resources. Local industry events save integrators valuable time and money enabling them to see the best products from the best manufacturers without traveling too far.

Jim Annes, VP/GM, AVAD AVAD is committed to delivering leading products backed up by best-in-class support as a clear blueprint for dealer success.

Regions Covered:

• North America (21 U.S. branches, 2 Canadian branches)

Brands Distributed:

• AKG
• Altronix
• APC by Schneider Electric
• Aprilaire
• Arlington Industries
• Artison
• AT &T/VTech
• Atlantic Technology
• Bose
• Boston Acoustics
• Burton Wire & Cable
• Calrad Electronics
• Carlon
• Celerity Technologies
• Chief
• Cisco/Linksys
• Crestron
• Current Audio
• DBX
• Denon
• Draper (Home Theater Sales)
• DVDO
• DYMO
• Furman Sound
• Gefen
• Global Caché
• GRI
• Hosa Technology
• H-P Products/Dirt Devil
• InFocus
• Intuitive Designs
• iPort
• JBL Professional
• JVC Professional
• Key Digital
• Kramer Electronics USA
• Leviton Manufacturing Co.
• LG (Canada only)
• LifeSize
• Linear
• Lutron Electronics Co.
• Luxul
• Marantz
• MartinLogan
• Middle Atlantic Products
• MIDLITE
• Monster
• NEC
• NETGEAR
• Niles Audio
• On-Q/Legrand
• Optoma Technology
• Panamax
• Panamorph
• Panasonic Professional
• Parasound Products
• Peerless Industries
• Platinum Tools
• Polk Audio
• PRO Connect
• Pro Control
• ProFlex
• RepairMaster
• Revolution Acoustics
• Revolv
• RGB Spectrum
• Rip-Tie
• Row One
• RTI
• Russound
• Sanus
• Samsung Professional
• Screen Innovations
• Sharp Professional
• Sirius/Terk
• Sling Box
• Soundcraft
• Structured Cable Products
• SunBriteTV
• SurgeX
• TiVo
• Triplett
• TZ Connect
• Universal Remote Control
• Wilson Electronics
• XM Satellite Radio
• ZeeVee

Contact:

AVAD LLC
5805 Sepulveda Blvd.,
Ste. 750
Sherman Oaks, CA 91411
Phone: 866.FOR.AVAD
(866.367.2823)
Web: www.avad.com
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]

The PowerHouse Alliance

The PowerHouse Alliance, now 13 members, has established itself as the respected national consortium of regional distributors, providing name-brand high-tech products to dealers and custom installers nationwide.

Members combined, The PowerHouse Alliance represents annual sales of over $850 million with over 800,000 square feet of fully stocked warehouse space in 40 locations nationwide. Each member had a significant presence in its territory prior to joining the alliance, but recognized the benefits of joining forces, both for themselves and the dealers they service.

PowerHouse Alliance member, Volutone’s Van Nuys, CA, location. “Our group continues to exceed goals, which includes increasing the number of stocking locations (4 more thus far in 2014), expanding categories, adding additional brands, and consolidating buying power for better pricing to dealers,” says Dennis Holzer, executive director. “In addition, vendors looking for national fulfillment, we have created significant efficiencies, allowing members to fulfill distant orders by using an authorized partner’s closest warehouse.

“We’re able to focus on custom installers, opportunities with larger retailers/ buying groups, since as a group combined, we cover all 50 states. We are not manufacturer reps with distribution arms. Wholesale distribution with local representation, local product availability and local service is our business. Our goal, bring together our customers and vendor partners to create a seamless, profitable, and successful relationship for all.”

More than 150 lines on the roster span home theater, security, commercial electronics, and IT; and Holzer continues to build a group of core vendors that fit with one another that all members are required to support, creating stronger relationships with key manufacturers and additional benefits for PowerHouse customers.

Dennis Holzer, Executive Director, PowerHouse Alliance “We also offer exclusive products, reoccurring income streams, prepaid freight options, reward programs, one stop solutions in every warehouse for all levels of custom installation, and more,” Holzer states. “Vendors, custom installers and retailers realize that with The PowerHouse Alliance, they benefit from a national footprint, local representation, dealer training, convenient well-stocked pickup locations, tier one vendor assortment, reward programs, and truly innovative one-stop custom solutions.”

Members are: 21st Century, Garner, NC; Audio America, Jupiter, FL; Autco, St. Louis, MO; CED, North Brook, IL; CTD, Ft. Wayne, IN; Dorrance Supply, Youngstown, OH; ECD, Houston, TX; EDI, Portland, OR; MRI, Plainville, CT; Mountain West, Salt Lake City, UT; Sierra Select, North Highlands, CA; Ultimate Integration, Clifton, NJ; and Volutone, Simi Valley, CA.

Regions Covered:

• Nationwide

Warehouse Locations:

• Atlanta, GA
• Austin, TX
• Cerritos, CA
• Carmel, IN
• Charlotte, NC
• Clifton, NJ
• Columbus, OH
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Ft. Wayne, IN
• Garner, NC
• Houston, TX
• Indianapolis, IN
• Irvine, CA
• Long Island, NY
• Las Vegas, NV
• Marlborough, MA
• Merriam, KS
• Miami, FL
• Minneapolis, MN
• New Berlin, WI
• Northbrook, IL
• North Highlands, CA
• Orlando, FL
• Jupiter, Fl
• Miami, Fl
• Ontario, CA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Plainville, CT
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Seattle, WA
• Simi Valley, CA
• St. Louis, MO
• Syracuse, NY
• Union City, CA
• Van Nuys, CA
• Wichita, KS
• Youngstown, OH

Brands Distributed:

• 2GIG
• Digital Watchdog
• Jamo
• JVC
• LG
• Luxul
• Middle Atlantic
• NUVO
• Panamax
• Peerless
• Pioneer/Elite
• Platinum Tools
• Polk
• Sanus
• Universal Remote Control
• Vanco
• Velodyne
• Wyrestorm
• Yamaha
…and 150+ more

Contact:

Dennis Holzer, Executive Director
Phone: 412-531-2068
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.powerhousealliance.com

Petra

Petra is the nation’s leading distributor of consumer electronics and accessories for the custom installation market. Petra is a solution-oriented company committed to delivering superior service to its customers for 30 years. As a privately held entity, Petra’s loyalties are with its customers, brands, and employees and in all of its efforts, Petra remains true to its mission statement–“Service with Integrity. Value Delivered!”

Petra’s entire business model is built around fast, cost-efficient distribution, so fulfilling orders–big or small–is what Petra does best. Petra’s 120,000 square foot distribution center is designed to provide customers with the just-in-time inventory they need to maintain cash flow and lower their inventory investment. Petra’s same-day shipping guarantee and no minimum order policy provide installers and integrators with what they need, when they need it.

As a member of CEA, CTIA, and CEDIA, Petra is well positioned to stay in sync with the pulse of the consumer electronics industry and custom installation markets. The most relevant brands and accessories are always available to drive profits for Petra’s partners. Petra is dedicated to serving the unique needs of custom installers and technology integrators. Every account is assigned to a knowledgeable sales consultant to help dealers with product selection and assure the best possible customer experience.

Petra carries accessories for a huge range of products in categories that include home theater, automation, security and surveillance, outdoor, tablet accessories, appliance, and much more. Accessories specific to the custom installation and integrator market include HDMI cables, audio/video mounts, universal remotes, speakers, power conditioning and surveillance and security equipment. Petra’s enormous buying power allows installers and integrators access to an extensive selection of more than 20,000 products and accessories from more than 500 top brands. Weekly emails alert dealers to exclusive promotions for extra profit opportunities, and web specials are prominently displayed on petra.com daily.

Petra’s 120,000 square foot distribution center is designed to provide customers with the just-in-time inventory they need to maintain cash flow and lower their inventory investment. Orders may be placed via Petra’s website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online account set-up is quick and easy, and online account management tools include order stats, tracking, and history, as well as invoice and payment tracking. Live support provides customers with real-time online assistance with orders, site navigation, and account updates. All orders ship from a centrally located distribution center for swift and cost efficient nationwide delivery, and orders of $800 or more are shipped free of charge.

Petra’s unique combination of category experience, personal service and top brand-name product availability is why so many installers and retailers choose Petra as their distribution partner.

Dealer Benefits:

Bill Stewart, founder and CEO, Petra Industries • Same day shipping – orders received by 6:00 p.m. CST.
• No minimum order requirement – order 1 or 1000.
• Access to over 20,000 items from more than 500 top brands.
• Low price guarantee – to beat a competitor’s advertised price on identical items.
• Free freight on orders of $800 or more.
• Centrally located distribution center for quick nationwide ground service.
• Flexible payment options including C.O.D., credit card, or net terms.
• Order online or via phone, fax, EDI, and flat-file-feed.

Brands Distributed:

• Acoustic Research
• Airvac
• Antennas Direct Inc
• APC
• Atdec
• Aton
• Audiosource
• Benq
• Bic America
• Black& Decker
• Bluebolt
• Ce Labs
• Channel Plus
• Chief
• Crescent
• Datacomm
• Dewalt
• Elite Screens
• Ethereal
• Foscam
• GE
• GPX
• Haier
• Hitachi Power Tools
• Ideal Industries
• Intellinet
• Knoll
• Leatherman
• Level Mount
• Leviton
• Linear
• Lorex
• LSD
• M&S
• Microsmith
• Midlite
• Mohu
• Monster Cable
• Monster Power
• MTX
• Mywerkz
• Naxa
• Nuvo
• Oem Systems
• Omnimount
• Openhouse
• Optoma
• Panamax
• Peerless Mounts
• Pinnacle
• Proficient
• Pro Scan
• Pureacoustics
• Pyle Audio
• RCA
• Sanus
• Security Labs
• Security Man
• Sherwood
• Sima
• Sog
• Spyclops
• Stanley
• Stanley Mounts
• Steren
• Swann
• Sylvan Ridge
• Sylvania
• Teac
• Techtent
• Terk
• Tic
• TiVo
• Tripplite
• URC
• Vericom
• Vextra
• Whistler
• Winegard
• Xantech

Contact:

Petra Industries
PO Box 6190
Edmond, OK 73083

800-443-6975
[email protected]

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