Global Vision Marketing set for January launch January 1st, 2010 will see the launch of Global Vision Marketing Ltd, Western Canada’s newest manufacturer’s agency. The BSIA News Magazine sat down with Dina Harding, one of GVM’s partners, to learn the why’s, what’s and how’s of this new partnership. Dina Harding and Shawn Dooley Where did the idea to form Global Vision Marketing come from? My partner, Shawn Dooley, and I met a year ago to discuss sharing office space and possibly an inside support assistant. As we talked, we realized we shared a very similar passion and drive in what we do, along with a common strong work ethic. Shawn and I have both built agencies in different industries and starting GVM enables us to sell our companies under one new name, providing stronger coverage and shared knowledge. What are you backgrounds in relation to the building supply industry? Shawn has spent over 25 years in the electrical and industrial industry in the sales, marketing and management areas. I have worked in the hardware retail store industry for the past 16 years as a manager as well as being involved in merchandising, and product knowledge training. For the past 2 years, I have run my own agency, D.M.H. Marketing Ltd. What do you see as the key benefits to your customers and BSIA Member companies with the formation of GVM? Let me see, - better coverage, increased number of product lines and product knowledge. Shawn’s technical skills have also enabled us to launch a new website www.globalvisionmarketing.ca
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BSIA News Magazine
December 2009
Why do you feel companies like GVM (manufacturer’s agents) are important to our industry?
How do your current suppliers feel about the merger of D.M.H.Marketing and Shawn Dooley?
Without local representation, companies are not always aware of all the products a supplier has to offer. Agencies like GVM fill that void along with offering the correct product knowledge and support required to sell their goods.
Our suppliers are very confident in our decision. We can now drive sales as a team rather than relying on one person to cover a territory. On the whole, we share a real synergy between our different personalities and our common goals.
What companies and products do GVM represent? We represent an exciting and diverse group of companies and offer some really unique products, some of which are internationally patented and recently launched, such as the Ripso Linkstrap (see ‘New Product Showcase’ on page 31) as well as our lifetime guaranteed unbreakable boot laces by Armorlace. Companies such as Fusion enable us to offer a real one stop shopping experience. You can buy their Fusion brand products such as solar garden lighting, tarps and brand names like Dewalt glasses and gloves and Holmes metal free CSA safety boots (see “New Product Showcase” on page 31). Fusion designs and imports their products under their own brand name and are the master Canadian distributor for other major branded products as well. It really is the best of both worlds. A complete listing of the companies we represent can be found on our website.
As a new business and with the challenging economy, how does GVM plan to market itself to the building supply industry? As well as the launch of our website, we are planning an advertising campaign utilizing various trade publications such as the BSIA News. A letter of introduction is also being sent to our existing customers and a presence at trade shows is also planned for 2010. We look forward to seeing you all at the Westcoast Building & Hardware Show in May!
Some of the companies that Global Vision Marketing represents are: The Designers Edge, Fusion Products, Ripso Canada Inc and Vista For more information, visit www.globalvisionmarketing.ca