by KMB Communications | May 8, 2023 | News
Vackar’s mission as Brand Ambassador will be strengthening the dealer relationship and delivering the personal touch.
AUSTIN, Texas – May 8, 2023 – Screen Innovations is pleased to announce the return of Blake Vackar as the company’s Brand Ambassador. Vackar, who began his first stint with Screen Innovations in 2009 and helped the company launch the Black Diamond brand, rejoins after 18 months at Meyer Sound where he served as Residential Sales Manager. From March 2009 to February 2020, Vackar was Director and Vice President of Sales at Screen Innovations.
With more than 25 years of industry experience – including five years each at Dyer Electronics and D-Tools – Vackar brings a wealth of knowledge and acumen back to Screen Innovations at the dealer, integrator, and manufacturing levels.
“It’s super exciting to be back at SI. Screen Innovations sells fun, beautiful products that enable a wide range of people to enjoy the big screen experience,” said Vackar. The company has strong leadership and I look forward to working again with Ryan and Shannon Gustafson, Kim Parker, and the team. It’s about the entire experience and that is what Screen Innovations is selling. I love seeing customers embrace that.”
Strengthening Dealer Relationships through Education and the Personal Touch
With Screen Innovation ramping up for growth in new and exciting ways, Vackar’s focus will be strengthening dealer relationships and delivering the personal touch, helping integrators get into people’s homes and businesses and show them what’s possible so they can be mesmerized by the experience.
“Screen Innovations wants to help integrators do more and better business; we want to work with our dealers closely and sell the experience together,” Vackar continued. “We are going to make it more personal with our dealers and they will feel the difference immediately.”
“Bringing projector and screen together has never been easier. We are making it the mission of Screen Innovations to bring that seamless experience to the world and own it,” Vackar added. “We will make it accessible for everyone. A large part of my job is to educate the dealer on the details of the installation and give them every ounce of support they need so they can respond to their customers right away.”
A Company That Lives Up to Its Name
“Screen Innovations lives up to its name and that is a major reason why I came back. It’s a fun, vibrant company that’s looking to change things for the better. We led the charge with the introduction of Black Diamond in 2009, where we went from a 3.5 inch frame to a half-inch frame and then we added LED backlighting to enhance the experience even further,” Vackar notes. “At the time, this approach was all-new, and it was incredibly exciting to see the industry react; projects were being approached with more creativity and the outcomes were spectacular! The same is true today but the industry at large needs an infusion of energy. If you know me, you know I’m like the Energizer Bunny. I truly love working side-by-side with dealers to get the job done right.”
“It’s exciting to welcome Blake back to Screen Innovations. He exudes passion and his knowledge and experience in the category is unparalleled,” said Kim Parker, CEO of Screen Innovations. “His presence was deeply missed, and we’re thrilled to have him back as SI gears up for the future. There is simply no better person for this particular role than Blake Vackar. SI dealers will benefit greatly from his return.”
2023 is a very big year for Screen Innovations. The company is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is planning a huge technology launch that will be announced during CEDIA Expo 2023. The 20-year milestone will also include a reinvigoration of the Black Diamond brand, as well as special offers, incentives, and more.
To learn more about Screen Innovations, visit www.screeninnovations.com, and follow the company on social media platforms LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Screen Innovations
Dedicated to developing the most innovative and design-forward projection screens and motorized window shade solutions for home and corporate environments, Screen Innovations engineers and hand-builds every product it sells in its 75,000-square-foot factory in Austin, Texas. Always putting the customer first, SI listens, learns, and delivers a wide variety of products, services, and online tools. Committed to doing its part to limit the company’s impact on the environment, SI follows LEAN manufacturing principles and monitors production processes closely to minimize waste wherever possible. For more information about SI visit www.screeninnovations.com and follow the company on social media platforms YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, or more information about Screen Innovations (SI) please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing [email protected].
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
Article originally posted here: https://www.svconline.com/the-wire/back-by-popular-demand-blake-vackar-rejoins-screen-innovations
by KMB Communications | Apr 28, 2023 | DPI, News
With a combined total of more than 75 years of sales, management, and integration experience, DP’s knowledgeable and passionate sales team is poised to drive projection and display sales and help dealers prosper in a competitive AV market.
(Kennesaw, Georgia) April 28, 2023 – Digital Projection, a leading manufacturer of innovative residential and commercial LED display and video projection solutions, proudly announces the appointment of four new individuals to its U.S. sales team. These additions help strengthen DP’s presence and adoption of its advanced imaging products across the U.S. through greater dealer support and service.
Joining DP’s U.S. sales team are Alan Davies, TOLA (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas) region; Andy Towers, Pacific Coast region; Brain Schumacker, Mid-West region; and Damon Alford, Southeast region. Each member brings a wealth of sales experience to DP, is familiar with the nuances of their respective sales regions, and shares an innate passion and understanding of the AV industry. “These are the exact attributes we look for in a sales team and we are thrilled to have each and every one of these talented individuals representing DP as we continue to advance the performance of our imaging technologies, projectors, and displays,” says Chuck Collins, Digital Projection Vice President of Sales.
A remarkable caliber of qualifications extends across the entire DP sales force. DP will draw from Davies’ 20-plus-year sales management background in several fast growing markets to bring more dealer business to DP. Also an accomplished sales leader is Towers, who joins DP with more than 20 years of sales and international business development experience. Knowledge of and a passion for the AV industry runs deep in Schumacker, as well, whose 25+ career in the AV market includes positions within sales, manufacturing, distribution, and integration. Adding a unique perspective to the sales team is Damon Alford. As a former sales director, account manager, and project manager at several respected systems integration firms, he knows first-hand the types of products and support dealers need to be successful.
“To have a team with this much sales experience and wisdom is rare,” adds veteran Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Sales Director Jeff Schneider. “The knowledge they share and their dedication to our dealers is critical to our mission of providing our partners with the quality imaging solutions they need to grow their AV businesses.”
For more information about Digital Projection’s latest video projection products and technologies, as well as its complete line-up of innovative, cutting-edge imaging solutions, please visit https://www.digitalprojection.com/en-us/
About Digital Projection International
Founded in 1989, Digital Projection International has been instrumental in the development and application of Digital Light Processing™ (DLP) technology by Texas Instruments for projection systems. Digital Projection introduced the world’s first 3-chip DLP® projector in 1997, and has since delivered expert system engineering and world-class customer services, thus maintaining its position as a digital imaging pioneer. Digital Projection’s ground-breaking projection research and development has garnered the admiration of industry professionals around the world. This has earned the company many awards, including two Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Digital Projection remains the first and only projector manufacturer to win the coveted award.
Media Contact
For interviews, editorial appointments, or media tours, please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing [email protected].
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Apr 26, 2023 | Leon Speakers, News
The latest addition to Leon’s popular Edge Media Frame line of technology concealment solutions, the Profile Edge elegantly frames a display and integrates Leon’s signature Profile sidemount speakers in one custom-fit, stylish hardwood frame
[Ann Arbor, MI] – April 26, 2023 – Leon Speakers announced today the release of the new Profile Edge Media Frame. A custom-fit solution, Profile Edge’s elegant design conceals and frames Leon’s signature sidemount speakers alongside any display.
Unsightly borders, wires, and brackets can lead to an on-wall display that detracts from the style of a space, but the Profile Edge’s mid-century modern-inspired handcrafted frame and vertical slat wood grille option will turn any television into a unique and timeless centerpiece.
Like all Edge products, the new Profile Edge is engineered to install easily and is built to fit the exact dimensions of a television. It is available in a variety of Leon standard finishes including hardwoods, with additional options for custom paint matching and Designer Grille Fabrics.
The perfect addition to any home entertainment system, the Profile Edge’s side-mounted speakers create a broader, more cohesive sound stage for any room. Four audio performance options: ultra-thin Profile 44UX, Profile 55UX, Profile ULTIMA, and flagship reference-grade Profile SEVENs, are available in both two-channel and multi-channel configurations to meet the audiovisual needs of any room.
“We believe that, as our technology continues to evolve, our approach to design must evolve with it,” says Leon Speakers founder and president Noah Kaplan. “The Profile Edge represents a new era of technology decor.”
About Leon Speakers
Leon brings a creative approach to technology by designing and manufacturing customizable speakers and technology concealment solutions that enhance the sound and style of any space. For 25 years, the company has been a leader in the conversation about merging design with technology, creating innovative products that serve both the Residential and Commercial markets. Learn more by visiting www.leonspeakers.com and by following @leonspeakers on social media.
Media Contacts
Press Contact: Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640 or [email protected]
Company Contacts: Carolyn Ceccoli, Sales & Marketing Director at Leon Speakers, (734) 926-4092 or [email protected]
by KMB Communications | Apr 26, 2023 | D-Tools, News
Longtime CE Pro Editor-in-Chief and respected industry veteran, Jason Knott, to harness his decades of industry expertise and lead D-Tools’ drive to become the trusted source of data analytics and insights for the electronic systems industry.
CONCORD, CA, USA — April 26, 2023 — Today, D-Tools, Inc., the leading provider of core business management software that improves financial results for thousands of electronic system integrators worldwide, announced the addition of Jason Knott as Data Solutions Architect and Evangelist effective July 5th, 2023. Knott has been a fixture in the custom electronics industry for decades, heading up the leading trade publication and industry news website since 2000. In his new role, Knott will work with the D-Tools Industry Information & Insights team to define and deliver an expanded set of timely, accurate, and actionable business intelligence to stakeholders throughout the residential systems, commercial AV, and commercial security industries.
“When Jason raised his hand to help guide the broader rollout of D-Tools’ Industry Information & Insights program, we were over the moon. Frankly, I can’t imagine anyone more qualified,” said Randy Stearns, D-Tools CEO. “I am confident that Jason’s involvement will help D-Tools fulfill its vision of delivering relevant and actionable insights to the various industry cohorts – system integrators, manufacturers, distributors, buying groups, and trade associations – in a manner that serves to benefit the industry as a whole.”
“This might be the first time ever I am at a loss for words,” comments Knott. “It is hard for me to find the right words to express how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to help drive this game-changing initiative for D-Tools. The industry is in dire need of a definitive source of timely and accurate industry analytics and insights. D-Tools is ideally positioned to capture, warehouse, analyze, and report on market activity, performance, and trends. I believe D-Tools’s business intelligence and industry insights will become the standard that everyone across the industry uses to gauge and benchmark their performance and plan for the future.”
Knott has been involved in the low-voltage electronics industry for the past 33 years, first as Editor-in-Chief of Security Sales & Integration, and in the same role at CE Pro since 2000. For the past 10 years, Knott has overseen a group of integrator-focused publications and websites, including CE Pro, Security Sales & Integration, and Commercial Integrator, as Chief Content Officer. He has served on several industry association committees over the decades, including on the CEDIA Business Education Working Group for 10 years. He is the recipient of the 2022 Consumer Technology Association Smart Home Division Leadership Award.
“I believe my familiarity with all the facets of the integration industry—from security to smart home to commercial integration—has prepared me well to take on this new challenge with D-Tools. This is going to be a blast. I can’t wait,” adds Knott.
For additional information on D-Tools software, or to sign up for a free trial, visit d-tools.com.
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools, Inc. is a worldwide leader in accessible, highly accurate business software that caters to the unique and diverse needs of systems design and installation firms. The company’s on-premises software, System Integrator™ (SI), and cloud-based platform, D-Tools Cloud, are robust solutions that help manage all aspects of an integrator’s business, including sales, comprehensive system design, project documentation, procurement, and installation and service management. Today, 7,000 companies in over 90 countries use D-Tools’ award-winning software to streamline business processes, leading to improved operating efficiency and increased profitability.
Find product updates and related information by following D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Tim Bigoness, D-Tools, (925) 270-4102, [email protected]
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640, [email protected]
by KMB Communications | Apr 14, 2023 | D-Tools, News
New capabilities added to award-winning D-Tools Cloud SaaS platform enable a recurring revenue opportunity for system integrators through the creation, sale and management of service plans.
CONCORD, CA — April 14, 2023 — Today, D-Tools, Inc., the leading provider of core business management software that has improved profitability for thousands of system integrators worldwide for 25 years, announced significant updates to its award-winning D-Tools Cloud platform. D-Tools has extended the capabilities of its web-based software to include a comprehensive service management suite, which enables recurring revenue opportunities for system integrators through the creation, sale, and management of service plans. Service plans can be designed in advance and presented as an option on any project proposal. Invoicing and payment collection are seamless within the D-Tools Cloud environment. Whether issued against a service agreement or as a one-off service call, service orders empower users to effectively schedule resources and assign tasks. Service technicians can expediently document problems found and actions taken, track their time, and complete the service call or indicate next steps, right from a mobile device.
“Most system integrators would agree that keeping clients happy and coming back for more is critical to their sustainability as a business and long-term success,” said Randy Stearns, D-Tools CEO. “By offering service plans, system integrators build stronger relationships, foster loyalty, and generate recurring revenue streams. The new service management suite of features in D-Tools Cloud provides our users the tools they need to succeed with their clients over the long run.”
D-Tools Cloud is a robust, yet user-friendly multi-OS, web-based SaaS solution that is easily implemented and accessed from any web-enabled device. This innovative platform offers a wide range of features including sales pipeline management, intuitive visual quoting, multimedia proposals with e-sign and payment collection capabilities, change orders, product procurement using supplier-authorized dealer-specific pricing, as well as scheduling, time tracking, and task management. With the addition of a comprehensive service module, D-Tools Cloud fulfills its original objective of providing a complete end-to-end SaaS solution for system integrators.
D-Tools Cloud Service Management Suite Capabilities include:
- Service Plans and Agreements: Easily create service plans and manage service agreements, automate recurring tasks, monitor service call progress, and communicate with clients. Proactively manage service obligations, enhance project tracking, and improve client communication.
- Service Call management: Streamline communication and improve customer service; easily log, track, and manage customer calls. Document call details, assign team members, set reminders, and track call status to facilitate proactive customer support and effective call resolution.
- Resource scheduling: Efficiently manage and schedule resources, including technicians, equipment, and vehicles. Assign resources to projects, track availability, schedule tasks, and manage conflicts.
- Request and collect payment: quickly request and collect payments from clients with just a few clicks. Create and send payment requests and seamlessly integrate with payment systems for efficient and hassle-free payment collection.
To learn how to leverage the service management capabilities of D-Tools Cloud, system integrators are invited to join D-Tools for an informative series of webinars. The series starts April 25th with “Build Recurring Revenue with Service Plans,” featuring Martin Roseman from the MC Group. Interested parties can register here: attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4037392833647565148
For additional information and pricing on D-Tools Cloud, or to sign up for a free trial, visit d-tools.com.
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools, Inc. is a worldwide leader in accessible, highly accurate business software that caters to the unique and diverse needs of systems design and installation firms. The company’s on-premises software, System Integrator™ (SI), and cloud-based platform, D-Tools Cloud, are robust solutions that help manage all aspects of an integrator’s business, including sales, comprehensive system design, project documentation, procurement, and installation and service management. Today, 7,000 companies in over 90 countries use D-Tools’ award-winning software to streamline business processes, leading to improved operating efficiency and increased profitability.
Find product updates and related information by following D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Tim Bigoness, D-Tools, (925) 270-4102, [email protected]
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640, [email protected]
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
