Systems Contractor News - The Distributor Guide 2021

A SUPPLEMENT TO

MAGAZINE

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

DISTRIBUTION

GETTY IMAGES/ BUSAKORN PONGPARNIT

SPONSORED BY

ALMO PROFESSIONAL A/V • BROADFIELD DISTRIBUTING • EXERTIS PROAV • HERMAN PROAV • INGRAM MICRO • SNAP ONE • SYNNEX CORP. • TECNEC

INTEGRATION GUIDE DISTRIBITUON DISTRIBUTION

How Distribution Helps Integrators

CONTENT

VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona Content Director Megan A. Dutta, megan.dutta@futurenet.com

By Megan A. Dutta

Content Manager Katie Makal, katie.makal@futurenet.com Group Art Director Nicole Cobban

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hen curating a new installation, there are plenty of options for buying pro AV products, but distribution might be the quickest and easiest way for integration firms to accomplish their goals.

SCN chatted with integration firms and a few distributors to understand the advantages of going through distribution.

Making It Easy Building out a new project can be stressful, and distributors are here to make integrators’ lives easier.

Small- to medium-sized integration firms may find working with distribution particularly helpful, according to Jeremy Caldera, CTS-D, CTS-I, senior vice president at Pearl Technologies.

“Dealing with distributors instead of directly with manufacturers is often much easier. The majority of integration companies are not handling a large enough volume for some manufacturers to care about their specific needs. It is great to have someone to call who will listen to your concerns and assist with design, shipping, or availability issues.”

Even larger integration firms, like Conference Technologies Inc. (CTI), can run into issues when they deal directly with manufacturers instead of working through distribution. Distribution can be particularly helpful when it comes to logistics, said Eric Snider, CTO, CTI. “Manufacturers typically make a [large] run of the product, then pause. We only need 10 at a time. Without distribution, we would have to buy large numbers and inventory them to have them available at the right time for our clients.”

In these uncertain times, product availability, quantity, and price can make or break a job. “Distributors strategically partner with our organization on product and project registration, best negotiated pricing with the manufacturer, and up-to-date availability information to be better informed on general product selection during these crazy supply chain times,” said Michael Fornander, CEO, Neurilink. “As pricing continues to balloon, the right relationship with a distributor keeps our teams up to date on the latest cost increases or shipping changes that seem to be happening more regularly right now.”

“Customers today demand more robust, immersive experiences,” added Sandi Stambaugh, vice

“The worst thing is having to email someone and wait for a price to come back. Having quick access to the best price, along with inventory and availability, is the key to being successful in this business.” —Jeremy Caldera 2 2

SCN // // August July 2021 // avnetwork.com SCN 2021 // avnetwork.com

Art Editor Rob Crossland Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S

Vice President, AV/Consumer Electronics & Pro Audio Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com SALES

John Casey, john.casey@futurenet.com Janis Crowley, janis.crowley@futurenet.com Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com Andi Tureson andi.tureson@futurenet.com

Senior Vice President, B2B Rick Stamberger VP, Sales & Publishing, B2B Aaron Kern VP, B2B Tech Group Carmel King VP, Sales, B2B Tech Group Adam Goldstein Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design Rodney Dive FUTURE US, INC.

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All contents © 2021 Future US, Inc. or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.

Jeremy Caldera

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DISTRIBUTION INTEGRATION GUIDE

“Integrators know their customers’ business best.

By working with a distributor, the integrator can focus on understanding what their customer truly needs and then bring in the distributor to build that comprehensive solution.” — Sandi Stambaugh president, product management, Synnex. “Distributors can provide an additional layer of support, expertise, and value-added resources beyond just the product, which integrators need to provide more comprehensive solutions.”

Kris Begnaud, vice president of sales, Data Projections, agreed.

“There are many types of projects in AV with multiple manufacturers represented on a bill of materials [BOM],” he said.

“A distribution partner can help reduce the number of purchase orders [P.O.s] issued on a project, warehouse and palletize equipment, and provide training opportunities on anything from a specific manufacturer to industry best practices. As an AV integrator, we look to partner with a distributor who not only gives us the best pricing, but also offers the best programs, services, and overall support.”

Value-added distributors like Synnex and Almo offer many benefits in addition to providing the right products at the right price.

Synnex, for example, offers a free learning management system that allows customers to lean on the company for technology, vertical, and product application training via its Varnex Academy.

Almo provides education through its E4 Experience in-person regional events and E4 Evolution (E4v) virtual events, which feature live educational courses worth valuable AVIXA renewal units that are applied toward maintaining CTS certification status.

us be competitive with the larger integration firms.”

“Because distributors purchase products in bulk quantities, then store them in warehouses for easy shipping, that savings is often passed on to the integrator,” added Melody Craigmyle, vice president of marketing, Almo Corp.

In addition to all of the previously discussed benefits, distribution firms aim to help integrators build and expand their businesses. “Adding additional technologies, expanding into new verticals, and other initiatives to grow your business can take a lot of time and require additional resources,” said Synnex’s Stambaugh. “Instead of building a new practice from scratch, integrators can lean on the distributor to help fill the gaps, whether it’s with a new product, service, or training—saving both time and money. Integrators know their customers’ business best. By working with a distributor, the integrator can focus on understanding what their customer truly needs and then bring in the distributor to build that comprehensive solution.”

Technology for the Win Distributors often implement technologies to assist integrators in procuring product—the simplest of which is a website or CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Saving Time and Money Oftentimes, manufacturers discourage integration firms and end users from buying direct by offering little (or even no) discount on products, even when buying in large quantities.

“In most cases, we save money buying through distribution,” said Pearl Technology’s Caldera. “It is a numbers game, and volume is king. Distributors are able to purchase and allocate so much product that they will often get much better rates from the manufacturers.”

Caldera said that a distributor’s shipping and freight programs can also help lower costs. “Flat rates on displays or free freight for purchases over X amount of dollars can equal huge savings, which helps

Eric Snider

Michael Fornander

avnetwork.com // August 2021 // SCN

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ADVERTORIAL

ALMO PROFESSIONAL A/V ABOUT ALMO PROFESSIONAL A/V

AV INTEGRATION DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE

Almo Professional A/V is the nation’s largest professional audio-visual distributor with forward-thinking product integration, training and education, managed services, and technical support capabilities.

With highly skilled sales and business development manager teams, reseller education programs, distribution centers across the U.S. and carefully chosen product lines for the Pro A/V channel, Almo Pro A/V provides customers with the full distribution experience on a local and a personal level. Almo Pro A/V is a division of Almo Corporation (www.almo.com), the nation’s leading independent distributor of consumer electronics, major appliances, furniture and housewares.

E4 EVOLUTION/E4V FALL DATES

Almo’s E4 Experience is back on the road! Set for Boston on October 7 and Dallas on November 30, these regional, in-person educational experiences feature the industry’s most sought-after presenters who will deliver critical trends and business content, most worth AVIXA CTS Renewal units. Due to its overwhelming success, the E4 Evolution (E4v), a live, virtual version of the E4 Experience is also taking place in December.

ARHT MEDIA

The future of meetings and presentations is here! Through its exclusive U.S. distribution partnership with ARHT Media, Almo provides a range of lifelike hologram technologies that give a sense of presence in any room and are ideal for employee meetings and sales trainings to trade shows and regional events. Holographic technology reduces business travel time and expenses while allowing for more impactful interactions than traditional streaming and videoconferencing. Integrators now have the benefit of accessing ARHT technology through all WeWork locations as they begin building out their own network.

AV OUTSOURCING SERVICES

Almo has created a path for integrators to expand their reach and create more margin and recurring revenue.

These professional services extend an integrator’s business without the need to maintain staff or overhead.

Services include Almo AVaaS Financial Solutions, Business Communications, Digital Signage Creative and Hosting, Control Systems and DSP Programming, Drafting and Engineering, Hosted Surveillance and Security, Remote Asset Monitoring, Labor and Project Support, and Service and Repair Plans.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS

Almo’s highly specialized fleet of Business Development Managers bring a multitude of expertise, such as technical knowledge, system design assistance, in-depth brand/product knowledge, bid and project registration capability, as well as a direct line to all of the top manufacturers in the AV industry. No other distributor in the AV industry provides this level of expertise to its partner community.

ALMO 75TH ANNIVERSARY

Almo Corporation is honoring the 75th anniversary of its founding in 1946. The celebrations surrounding this diamond-studded achievement range from giving back to Almo communities by serving 75 different organizations to in-person and virtual celebrations in conjunction with key company and industry events.

“Family, Innovation, Integrity and Teamwork (FIIT) are at the foundation of our company,” said Gene Chaiken, chairman of the board, Almo Corporation. “People are what make companies great and Almo is comprised of passionate, hard-working, caring people who bring meaning to our business and our relationships. Operating our business for 75 years has been a challenging and rewarding experience for all Almo stakeholders. We remain steadfast in our ability to be a value-added distributor for many years to come.”

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REGIONS COVERED • United States • Latin America • Mexico • Caribbean

BRANDS DISTRIBUTED: • Absen • AKG • Almo Professional Services • AMX • ARHT Media • Ashly Audio • ATEN • AtlasIED • Atlona • Audio Technica • AVer Information • Avocor • Barco • beyerdynamic • BrightSign • BSS • C2G • Canon • Cattura • Centricity • Chief • Christie • ClearOne • Comprehensive Connectivity • CRI Inc. • Crown • Da-Lite • dbx • D-Link • Draper • Elo Touch Solutions • Epson • Furman • Hanover • Huddly • IAdea • Jabra • JBL • Jelco • Kramer • LEA Professional • Lexicon • LG

• Listen Technologies • Logitech • Luxul • Maxell • Middle Atlantic • MIMO • MXL • NEC • Netgear • Nureva • OfficePro • Optoma • Panasonic • Peerless-AV • Phoenix Audio • Planar • Premier Mounts • Salamander Designs • Samsung • Samsung Televisions • Sharp • Sony • Soundcraft • SpinetiX • Star Mount • StarBoard • Stem Audio • SunbriteTV • TASCAM • TeleAdapt • Tightrope Media Systems • TOA • Tripp Lite • TSItouch • tvONE • Vaddio • VDO360 • Viewsonic • Vivitek • Wiremold • Wolfvision • Yamaha UC • ZeeVee • Zoom

ALMO PROFESSIONAL A/V CONTACT

1447 York Road, Suite 700 Lutherville, MD 21093 Phone: 888-420-2566 Web: www.almoproav.com Email: ProAVSales@almo.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/almoproav LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ company/almoproav Facebook: www.facebook.com/ almoproav

ADVERTORIAL LIVE DEALER WEBINARS

BROADFIELD DISTRIBUTING AV INTEGRATION DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE

Broadfield Distributing is a family owned and operated distributor that has been servicing thousands of resellers in the pro video marketplace for the past 30 years. We have grown with the changes in the industry, and now we are pleased to offer hardware and software systems from more than 40 manufacturers and thousands of products in stock, ready to ship, from our large distribution center in Long Island, NY. WE UNDERSTAND THE PRODUCTS WE SELL.

Our expertise in this area is undisputed. No other distributor has the product knowledge or technical support that we do. When you buy from Broadfield, you get to leverage our product expertise. This makes you a better supplier to your customers and helps you sell more products and grow your business.

WE UNDERSTAND THE MARKETPLACE.

As our industry grows and matures, there are more and more choices for you to make. Not only can we tell you about what products are available today, our strong partnerships with our vendors give us a peek into the future. We can help you plan your marketing and sales promotions in advance, allowing you to grow your business and be more profitable.

VIDEO PRODUCTION AND EDITING IS OUR ONLY BUSINESS.

We have been the leading distributor in the video editing and production marketplace since its infancy.

This is why we know the products and the marketplace so well. For us, this is and has always been a long term commitment. We don’t treat our products as SKU numbers or the flavor of the month. Our number one goal is to see the marketplace grow while protecting your profit margins. You won’t find us dumping products into the channel to offset poor sales in other product segments.

WE ARE INDUSTRY INNOVATORS.

Over the years, we have worked hard to create profit opportunities for you. We offer special bundle versions of software that you can use to increase your sales and profits. We are constantly searching for and finding complimentary products and add-ons that you can sell to your customer base.

WE HAVE THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE IN THE INDUSTRY.

We have the people and systems in place to make sure that you always look your best to your customers.

Let’s face it—in business, things don’t always go as planned. When this happens, you can count on Broadfield to do everything possible to help you make and keep the sale.

Watch our Broadfield “Liquid Lunch & Learn” Dealer webinars LIVE! Every Thursday at 1pm ET at news. broadfield.com/live. Crack open a beer and stay up to date on the latest sales tips, new products and opportunities in the industry.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES OFFERED • Live production and streaming solutions • NDI production systems, cameras & converters • Video editing and production software • Video storage solutions • Mixers and switchers • On camera monitors, recorders, and playback • HDR monitors • PTZ cameras • Videoconferencing cameras • NLE software and plug-ins • Church, live event, and sports production equipment

BRANDS DISTRIBUTED • NewTek • Epiphan Video • Telestream • PTZOptics • LiveU • BirdDog • Matrox • Panasonic • Grass Valley • Atomos • RED

• LUMIX • Avid • BirdDog • SanDisk Professional • Seagate / LaCie • Angelbird • Teradek • SmallHD And many more...

You’ll like doing business with Broadfield because we make it easy to do business!

CONTACT Broadfield Distributing 179 Liberty Ave Mineola, NY 11501 Phone: 800-634-5178 or 516-676-2378 Email: broadfield@broadfield.com Web: www.broadfield.com Our dealer sales staff is available Monday–Friday, 9am to 5pm ET, to help answer any questions you may have regarding our products, system recommendations, compatibility, features, and more.

Call us at 800-634-5178 to speak to your salesperson.

Team Broadfield is proud to be the top Global Distributor for NewTek and LiveU in 2020.

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Taco Tuesday at Broadfield HQ in Mineola, NY… all orders were processed and shipped before the party started.

ADVERTORIAL

REGIONS United States Canada Latin America Australia Asia

AV INTEGRATION DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE

BRANDS

EXERTIS PROAV If ever there was a time to partner with one strategic distribution partner that has the long-term commitment to lead, the financial resources to help you grow your business, the supply chain infrastructure to scale your business locally or globally anywhere in the world, and the market intelligence to help you stay ahead of the curve, that time is now and the partner is Exertis ProAV, one of three specialist business units now operating under the Exertis name in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia, and Asia. The other specialist units are Exertis Enterprise and Exertis Mobile Living.

According to Exertis North America Managing Director John Dunne, broadline generalist distributors are a thing of the past and value-added distribution is evolving into specialist distribution, with an expanded emphasis on dedicated sales teams organized to drive sales growth for vendor partners in the key specialist markets.

“Exertis is your strategic growth partner,” Dunne explains. “We are the one global distribution partner that offers the most stability and the greatest range of resources that can help you grow your business region by region, category by category, North America, Latin America, and around the world.”

Looking ahead to 2022, Dunne promises that manufacturer and reseller partners will experience Exertis as a company organized around a platform of value-added services that include marketing, sourcing, supply chain management, and logistics, as well as increased digitalization and automation of the business. “We are committed to working with you to expand the size of your total available market.”

Backed by the unmatched resources of parent DCC Technology, Exertis ProAV provides a regional network of nearly 20,000 resellers with the broadest range of traditional pro AV solutions from more than 150 manufacturing partners, and leads the way in the creation of the new product categories and related training and support programs that are unleashing the business opportunities of the future: unmanned aerial vehicles, drone video systems, augmented reality, virtual reality, IoT, unified communications, and low-cost videoconferencing. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Just Lamps, Exertis ProAV also offers the world’s largest selection of replacement projector lamps.

“The Pro AV industry has grown exponentially across all verticals for the last ten years and, despite the challenges posed by Covid, the industry will continue growing again in 2022, driven by an insatiable human need to connect and collaborate through the technologies, products, and solutions that our manufacturer partners create every day,” Dunne promises. “ Now, Exertis” vast financial resources and logistics capabilities will empower our partners to reach more customers, more efficiently and more profitably than ever before. Together, we can create a new and better normal that creates market-moving opportunities for all of us!”

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• Amplivox • Ashley Audio • Atlas Sound • Atlona • Autel • Bose Professional • Brightsign • C2G • Chief • Christie • Da-Lite • Diamond Lamps • Draper • Elmo • Epson • FLIR • Furrion • Gefen • Hamilton Buhl • HuddleCamHD • InfiLED • Jabra Panacast • Jelco • Joan • Kramer • LG • Lumens • Maxell • MAXHUB • Middle Atlantic • Mustang • Newline • Optoma • Peerless-AV • Philips

CONTACT:

• Phoenix Audio • Planar • PTZOptics • Samsung • ScreenBeam • Sharp • Sharp/NEC • SHURE • Stem Audio • TAP-it • Tripp Lite • Vaddio • Vidyo • Wyrestorm Technologies • Yamaha ….And many more

John Dunne, Exertis North America Managing Director For more information,contact (Toll Free) 800-398-5652 or https://www.exertisna.com.

AV INTEGRATION DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE

ADVERTORIAL

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR EVERY AV NEED Herman ProAV and Herman Integration Services are now part of the ADI Global family of companies, firmly establishing Herman as the Pro AV industry’s leading Full-Service Distributor. Herman provides everything an integrator needs, from products to people, and does so with best-in-class service and support. Now with vast global resources, Herman and ADI are bigger, better, stronger together!

Get Products, Labor, Logistics, Engineering, Programming, Second Day Labor Support, and much more. All from one trusted source – Herman, the industry’s leading full-service distributor. Our differentiating value and benefits empower integrators to achieve more.

Streamline your product ordering and staff up when and where you need to take on new business opportunities or grow existing ones. Herman has it all.

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Operational efficiencies, cost savings & better service Consolidate the procurement of more than 80 of the industry’s leading manufacturers from one trusted source Automated daily order tracking and status reports make your job easier Project staging and inventory management solutions Overall Procurement process is better, faster, and easier Labor resources & technical service Highly trained AV technicians Nationwide installation Engineering, Programming and CAD services Maintenance & service solutions Nationwide Day-2 Service Program Real-time online portal to manage and maximize service offerings Recurring revenue opportunities

ADVERTORIAL

AV INTEGRATION DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE

INGRAM MICRO Ingram Micro helps businesses realize the promise of technology by helping them maximize the value of the technology that they make, sell, or use. With its vast global infrastructure and focus on cloud, mobility, supply chain services, and technology solutions, Ingram Micro enables business partners to operate more efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve.

In addition, Ingram Micro’s pro AV and digital signage business unit provides the hardware, software, site surveys, system design, content creation services, installation, programming, and training that enable resellers and solution providers to successfully sell, service, and support complete, end-to-end pro AV and digital signage solutions.

Through Ingram Micro’s pro AV and digital signage business unit, resellers and solution providers also have access to a variety of business-building resources, which include hands-on and remote training and education seminars, field-deployable sales, technical engineers, and financing and leasing assistance.

WHY INGRAM MICRO PRODUCT & SERVICE PORTFOLIO Bring to the market the largest breadth of products and services for IT, Mobility and Cloud VALUE-ADDED LIFECYCLE SERVICES Ability to tailor specific solutions for our customers COMMERCE & FULFILLMENT SOLUTIONS World-class scalable forward, reverse and logistics services platform RELATIONSHIPS + COMMUNITIES Comprehensive market resource / knowledge for SMB, retail and others CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS Ingram Micro’s pro AV and digital signage team has 85-plus industry certifications—more than anyone in the channel. These include CTS, and CTS-D, DCSE certifications. This means Ingram Micro can help resellers and solution providers better address their clients’ needs by providing the technical expertise and professional collaboration to spec a complete solution faster.

DEDICATED SALES SUPPORT The pro AV and digital signage business unit provides dedicated inside and field sales support. Our field sales team covers the entire country to ensure your sales needs are met and the best possible solutions

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created. An inside team, working in conjunction with our dedicated product specialists, is also available for consultative support.

TECH SUPPORT Ingram Micro Tech Support answers pre-sales technical questions to ensure your solution meets your customers’ needs. They also help you grow your business, keep up on new technologies, solutions, and services, and provide a strong technology backbone.

TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS Win incremental sales, gain a competitive advantage and become a strategic partner to your customers by extending Ingram Micro’s world-class technical support into the field. Our dedicated pro AV and digital signage technology consultants accompany you to customer sites to provide pre-sales consultative services and education for pro AV and digital signage solutions.

DESIGN CAPABILITIES Ingram Micro’s Pro AV and digital signage business unit can assist resellers and solution providers in developing the best plan for their clients. From basic to the most complex jobs, this full range of complimentary design services includes needs analysis, bill of materials specifications, AutoCAD presentations, product selection, and much more.

CONTENT CREATION SERVICES Ingram Micro offers content creation services through a network of content creation providers, and vendor partners and resellers.

LEASING AND FINANCING As an Ingram Micro solution provider, you have access to optimal leasing and financing options. Qualified resellers may be eligible for a temporary credit increase, end-user financing, and leasing. Consult your Ingram Micro sales representative for details.

VERTICAL MARKETS Pro AV and digital signage can increase sales opportunities in a wide variety of vertical markets, including education, hospitality and independent hotels, corporations and lobbies, shopping malls, retail stores (independent and franchise), hospitals and clinics, gyms and spas, restaurants, houses of worship, and legal and financial institutions.

REGIONS COVERED Global

BRANDS DISTRIBUTED • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

22 Miles AKG AOpen APC AtlasIED Audio Visual Furniture Intl.

Axiom Barco Belkin BenQ Black Box BrightSign C2G Canon Casio Chief Cisco ClearOne Da-Lite Draper Elite Screens Elo Epson Ergotron/Anthro Harman Hiperwall HyperSign

• InFocus • ITS Enclosures • JBL • JELCO • Key Digital • Konftel • LG • Liebert • Navori • NEC • Network Allies • Optoma • Panasonic • Peerless-AV • Planar Systems • Premier Mounts • Samsung • Sharp • SignageLive • Smart • TouchSystems • TrippLite • tsiTouch • V7 • Vivitek • ViewSonic • Wyrestorm

CONTACT

3351 Michelson Drive, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92612 Phone: 800.456.8000 Email: proav@ingrammicro.com Web: us-new.ingrammicro.com/ proavinfo Twitter: twitter.com/ingrammicroinc

ADVERTORIAL

SNAP ONE

AV INTEGRATION DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE

Snap One Partner Stores – 32 Locations and Growing In addition to the to the powerful assortment of Residential Brands, Snap One offers leading commercial brands as well. Category leading Brands such as QSC, Yamaha Pro, Samsung, Sony, Ubiquiti, Brightsign, Atlona, Middle Atlantic and more can be found at the Snap One 32 Branch locations under these Snap One Partner Store banners: Allnet, Custom Plus, MRI and Volutone. Snap One also manufacturers an Award-Winning range of products with commercial applications: SunBrite Outdoor TV, Episode Commercial Audio solutions, Binary video distribution, WattBox power management, Araknis Networking, Access Networks Enterprise solutions, Strong racks and mounts, OvrC Remote management, Luma surveillance and WirePath Bulk cable. Snap One Brand purchases qualify for special Programs and receive rewards pricing, Quarterly rebates, and Free Shipping. Only Here, will you be able to access the Award-Winning Proprietary Snap One brands at the same time as market leading commercial products.

Local storefronts offer will call, including 24-hour access, courier service, ground, or LTL shipment. We offer a competitive Free Freight program on all Brands.

With over 150 years of combined experience the Snap One Local Partner Stores are proven performers. We are always available for system solution consultation, first level technical service and after sales support. We also understand that you often need product quickly and we use our buying power to ensure that if it’s available from our vendors, we have the inventory you need on hand at competitive prices.

Many of our Partners rely on us for education services. We offer multiple methods to learn about ours and our Vendor Partners brands. We have weekly Live webinars on key brands. The upcoming webinar schedule can be found at www.snapavlocaltraining.com. You will also find all of them Archived here, so they are available for your staff, new hires or at the time you need to learn more about a product or brand.

A majority of the Branches have training facilities, and we will be returning to Live training late summer. Partners can also visit SnapAV web site to take advantage of the hundreds of short training videos, product documentation and white papers. We take pride in our experienced and knowledgeable staff so if you’re looking for just the right solution please reach out to them for recommendations.

We will continue to open new branch locations so if there is not one close today keep on the lookout for one Coming Soon.

REGIONS COVERED North America

PRODUCTS OFFERED • Amplifiers • AViP • Bulk Wire &Connectors • Conferencing • Control Systems • Displays

Indoor • Displays Outdoor • Lighting • Loudspeakers • Media Distribution • Mounts

NETWORKING EQUIPMENT • Power Management • Projectors • Racks • Remote System Management • Screens • Security

• Signal Management • Smart Home • Streaming Sources • Structured Wire • Surveillance • Tools

BRANDS DISTRIBUTED • • • • • • • • • • • •

Apple Atlona AVPro Edge Binary Brightsign Chief Clearline ClearOne eero Episode iPort Just Add Power

• Klipsch • Lutron • Middle Atlantic • QSC • RTI • Samsung • SONOS • Sony • Strong • SunBrite • UBIQUITI • WattBox

SNAP ONE CONTACTS

Allnet www.allnetdistributing.com Volutone www.volutone.com MRI www.mridirect.com Custom Plus www.customplusdistributing.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ snaponepartnerstore LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/ company/snaponellc

Snap One Partner Store – Custom Plus Kirkland, WA

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AV INTEGRATION DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE

ADVERTORIAL

SYNNEX CORPORATION

REGIONS COVERED

As a leading technology solutions distributor, SYNNEX Corporation has the experience and expertise to solve today’s most pressing business challenges for vendor, reseller and integrator partners. Whether guiding the entrance into new vertical markets, supplementing a customer’s core capabilities or providing turnkey support services, SYNNEX offers a range of options to help partners succeed. Our approach combines best-in-class hardware, software, services and support components that enable customers to lead the technology industry with complete solutions.

The SYNNEX VISUALSolv business unit brings together the industry’s top AV and CE hardware and software experts with comprehensive IT services and support for needs around audiovisual, digital signage and physical security. A rigorous certification process prepares our dedicated team to serve as a single source for assessment, design, installation, training, sales and technical support. We empower partners with reliable, interactive technology to meet customer demand with the industry’s most intelligent solutions.

BRANDS DISTRIBUTED

SOLUTIONS:

SERVICES:

Professional AV Digital Signage Physical and Network Security Unified Communications/Collaboration Networking Cloud, Mobility, IoT

Expansive IT, AV and CE Line Card GSA Schedule State Contracts Grant Specialist Cloud Services IT Managed Services Site Surveys, Assessments Regionally Located Distribution Facilities Same-Day Order Processing and Drop-Ship FulfillmentServices Online Resource and Ordering Portal Extended Warranty Programs Financing Solutions (Including Subscription as a Service)

SUPPORT AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Industry-Trained and Certified Teams CTS (I,D) DSCE Multiple Manufacturer Certifications AVIXA Regional Learning Center Partner Dedicated Pre- and Post-Sales Support VIRTUAL TRAININGS/ROADSHOWS:

SYNNEX Inspire Conference Varnex Partner Community Red, White & You – Public Sector StellrCON – Cloud, Mobility and IoT VISUALSolv Roadshows Regional Secret Sauce Events COLLABSolv Roadshows

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North America and Latin America

We have a robust, diversified line card to meet an array of customer needs. Contact us today to learn more.

CONTACT

39 Pelham Ridge Drive Greenville, SC 29615 visualsolv@synnex.com Web: www.synnexcorp.com Phone: 1.877.708.0886 Twitter: @SYNNEX

ADVERTORIAL

AV INTEGRATION DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE

TECNEC Value added services are often overlooked when choosing a distributor. Most dealers and system integrators see their distributor as a mere ordering portal where stock or price are the primary consideration. Why not sign on with a distributor who establishes a relationship designed to mutually benefit both parties? Why not create a relationship that’s akin to the one you’ve established with your own customers? Since 1992, TecNec Distributing has delivered all of this and more.

ONLY AVAILABLE FROM TECNEC

TecNec carries many exclusive brands. Why does it matter? We are able to control the sales channel on your behalf enforcing MAP policies and sales protection on registered bids. This ensures you the highest possible margins and no undercutting. We are here to be your partner in business!

CUSTOM BUILT CABLES & PANELS

American craftsmanship and innovation is still alive and well at TecNec. We are the only industry distributor to house an on-site shop with on-time delivery of custom fiber & copper cables, custom AV panels, cable reels, wall plates and field boxes. Our shop is certified by Neutrik (opticalCON), Belden, Canare and LEMO. Whether it’s SMPTE camera cables for stadium integration or elegant panel work for a Fortune 100 boardroom, we’re your complete source. Take advantage of our free panel builder app to create all your metalwork needs.

RESPONSIVE WEBSITE

TecNec has a fully responsive website. Whether you’re catching up on P.O.s on your laptop or stuck behind an AV rack and need it tomorrow from your phone, ordering from our site delivers a seamless experience across all devices. We have simplified account management and a host of features to make our website a valuable resource and true time saver!

A COMPANY OF OWNERS

Nobody works harder for its customers than a company owner! TecNec became 100% Employee Owned in 2016. Now you can reap the benefits of dealing directly with an owner to create a team united in the same goal of your profitability. Now more than ever, your success is our success.

CUSTOMER FIRST SERVICE

Working with TecNec will make you realize how nice it feels to be the customer again. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is the backbone of our personalized customer-first service via our dedicated account specialist system. We assign an inside representative who is well versed in your area of expertise to keep you up to the minute on the latest product trends, cost effective alternatives, timely advice and the fastest delivery options to get you what you need on time.

KITTING SERVICES

Some of the nation’s largest integrators appreciate the immense value of our kitting services and you can too! Specify the cables, connectors, tooling and wall panels and we deliver the unified kit your field technicians require at common installations. We provide a consistent experience to your technicians and customers alike while giving you one SKU to place in your shopping cart. Streamline industry installations for Broadcast, Commercial, Educational, Worship, Military and more.

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REGIONS United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Australia BRANDS DISTRIBUTED • Adder • Marshall Corporation Electronics • AJA Video • Matrix Switch • Amphenol Corporation • Artel Video • Middle Atlantic Systems Products • Atlas Sound • MOTU • Atlona • MuxLab Technologies • My Custom • Audinate Shop • Audio• Neutrik Technica • NTi Audio • Audix • Ocean Matrix Corporation • Optical Cable • Belden Corp • Blackmagic • Patton Design Electronics • Blustream Company • Canare • Pelican • Chief Mounts Products • Clear-Com • Pro Tapes & • Contemporary Specialties • QSC Research • Radio Design • Datavideo Corporation Labs • Decimator • Roland Design Professional • Delvcam AV • Draper • Samson • ESE Technologies • FiberPlex • Sennheiser • Freakshow HD • Sescom • FSR • Shure • Gator Cases • Simply45 • Gefen • Spider Support • Hall Research Systems • Hammond • Structured MFG Cable Products • Hannay Reels • Studio • JBL Technologies Professional Inc. • Kings Brand • Switchcraft • Kramer • Techflex • Laird Digital • Teradek Cinema • Thor Fiber • Lemo USA • Tripp Lite • LevelOne • tvONE • Luminex • West Penn • LYNX Technik Wire • Mackie • Yamaha Designs Commercial • Magenta Audio Research Plus 150 More!

CONTACT

812 Kings Hwy Saugerties, NY 12477 Web: www.tecnec.com Phone: 800-543-0909 • 845-2460428 Email: sales@tecnec.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ tecnec-distributing Facebook: facebook.com/ tecnecdistributing Instagram: instagram.com/tecnec_ distributing/

INTEGRATION GUIDE DISTRIBUTION

Sandi Stambaugh

Kris Begnaud

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 customer portal.

“Many of the distributors have user-friendly websites. This is key for allowing us quick turnaround on quotes and proposals to our clients,” said Caldera. “The worst thing is having to email someone and wait for a price to come back. Having quick access to the best price, along with inventory and availability, is the key to being successful in this business.”

Neurilink’s Fornander agreed that having this data is critical to an integrator’s success, in addition to those same portals offering up-to-date tracking services. Many distributors offer additional services that are valuable to integrators including integration tech services, programming, and even digital signage content creation.

And it’s not just run-of-the-mill content being offered; it’s quality content that will help engage customers. Almo’s Digital Signage Content Creation Services, for example, won a 2019 APEX Award— presented by the Digital Signage Federation—for its hospitality wayfinding project for The Housing Trust Group.

Integrators will also want to take advantage of distributor tools to assist with claiming spiffs and rebate programs. As Data Projection’s Begnaud said, “Working with a good distribution partner can also result in saving money through various rebate programs.” And money saved is money earned.

Melody Craigmyle

Future-Forward Distributors have a privileged view of the entire pro AV ecosystem—and they’re more than willing to share that information with customers. Synnex, for example, offers its customers reporting tools that help them recognize business trends and growth opportunities.

They also offer future-forward technologies that integrators want and need. “The best distributors are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the industry and the challenges of the world,” said Almo’s Craigmyle. She pointed to one of their emerging technologies as an example: Almo is the distributor of ARHT’s holographic telepresence technology, which enables professionals to beam lifelike images of themselves anywhere in the world for conferences, meetings, and events, which they say reduces the time and cost associated with business travel. With learning and work environments evolving at a rapid pace, it’s critical that distribution partners look into and then offer these new technologies to their customers.

While the future is unknown, one thing is certain, according to Data Projection’s Begnaud: “Distributors have transformed into more of a partnership approach, expanding their offering to include much more than just products.”

“Integrators know their customers’ business best.

By working with a distributor, the integrator can focus on understanding what their customer truly needs and then bring in the distributor to build that comprehensive solution.” —Sandi Stambaugh 20

SCN // August 2021 // avnetwork.com