Klipsch Forms Systems Integration Division

Consumer Reps Now Handle Sales Of Pro Sound And Residential Contractor Systems

1-Nov-00

As part of a strategic restructuring for the sale and distribution of its products geared toward both the professional sound and residential contracting industries, Klipsch Audio Technologies has formed the Klipsch Systems Integration Division and ended its association with 13 rep firms nationwide. Dave Kelley, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, including the new division, said the new business unit will be driven by Klipschís existing knowledgeable and seasoned worldwide sales force.Kelley said Klipsch has had the good fortune to work with a number of top-tier rep firms since securing its professional brand name back from WWR and re-entering the market in 1997. He said the change in strategy mirrors a successful change Klipsch made with its consumer business in 1990.""Ten years ago, we made the decision to switch to a direct-to-dealer business model on the consumer side, and itís resulted in a world class sales organization that has been instrumental in making Klipsch the number one loudspeaker brand in the U.S. specialty market,"" Kelley said. ""The dedicated Klipsch-employed professionals who call on specialty audio retail stores know Klipsch products and, more importantly, they know the Klipsch sound story. The new contractor structure eliminates communication gaps and allows inside Klipsch reps, the individuals who understand the local markets, to set up residential and commercial contractors that make sense for the area without compromising the specialty retailers.""Paul Jacobs, COO for Klipschís Worldwide Products Group said, ""The industry is evolving. Computers, audio and video components, loudspeakers and other technologies are being brought together into cohesive packages that are delivered and installed by commercial and residential contractors. Utilizing our existing consumer sales and distribution infrastructure for this market is the best way for Klipsch to ensure growth, maintain control and develop a more simplified system of delivery and service.""According to Jacobs, Klipschís mission is to become recognized within the systems integration community as a company that effectively markets its premium products worldwide through a controlled distribution network, represented by a well-trained and focused sales and technical staff. ""Klipsch is a growing technology company, and itís no secret that we are exploring new ways of capturing larger shares of professional sound and residential contracting markets,"" Jacobs said. ""With impressive new product offerings, proprietary array and horn technologies, and smart, whole-house approaches, Klipsch is quickly becoming known as a ëbest of classí and ëfirst to marketí provider. Weíre also eager to be known for placing greater value on the customer experience than the sale of a single product. The changes weíre implementing right now will allow us to hit that mark more often than we already do.""Kelley said Klipsch is positioned in the residential contracting arena as a premium products manufacturer that remains the only brand to seamlessly bridge the gap between architectural and home products for a fully integrated product line offering. The Klipsch Synergy Series, in particular, includes 24 whole-house products that match in technology, materials, performance and styling. The Klipsch Reference Series also includes four new in-wall/in-ceiling models that match their floorstanding and bookshelf counterparts creating a step-up product line for all areas of the home.In the commercial contracting arena, the new Klipsch KI Series has helped Klipsch address a variety of small to medium size venues. From the commercial sound contractor installing sound systems in restaurants and retail stores to the professional sound consultant who writes the specs for houses of worship and gymnasiums, Klipsch has the products and specifications in the necessary format to meet their needs.For more information, visit www.klipsch.com.

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