Gary was joined by two industry icons who are both retiring this month — Ron DeVoe and Elaine Jones. Ron reflected on what it meant to be a value-add manufacturer’s rep firm for more than four decades while Elaine Jones will be leaving the AV industry as one of AV’s best-ever writers. Both will be missed, but they […]
ProAV industry icon Ron DeVoe, founder of Texas-based TOTAL Marketing, joined Gary on his videocast Thursday. TOTAL Marketing is universally respected as one of the industry’s top three manufacturer’s rep firms. Ron entered the AV market in the mid-1970s and has weathered all sorts of AV storms. His insights, attitude and historical perspective are invaluable in a […]
By Ron DeVoe Total Marketing, LLC We are now embarking on a New Year as we leave behind 2016. I am reminded daily of my time on this earth and how it has exceeded the mid-range of my sixth decade. Yesterday, I was again reminded as my phone rang and I was assailed by the […]
By Ron DeVoe Successful Sales Consulting I have enjoyed having guest editorials published with rAVe. In times past my contributions have been more for entertainment than insight. However, this rambling is a result of my increasing awareness of the double standard that we, in our beloved industry, seem to ignore and that deals with women […]
By Ron DeVoe Successful Sales Consulting “Are we there yet?” is a repeated question that was seen on an episode of The Simpsons brought a knowing nod from everyone who has chauffeured children on long trips. “Are we there yet?” is a question that can be applied to many areas, because it indicates a journey […]
By Ron DeVoe Successful Sales Consulting “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” This phrase was uttered by Strother Martin in the classic, late ’60s movie Cool Hand Luke. While I have again dated myself, I believe this quote is truer now more than ever. As an ancient member of the AV Industry […]
By Ron DeVoe Principal, Successful Sales Consulting InfoComm is now 75 years old and while I am not quite that age, I look around and found that I have become an “old dog” of the AV industry. You can spot an “old dog” fairly easily. Sometimes he is identified as one who remembers easels, speaks […]
By Ron Devoe The “F” word has become prevalent in more conversational circles and its multiple uses leave little doubt as to its meaning. I believe that within our industry we have a better command of the King’s English and a better sense of propriety than to speak that “F” word continuously. I would offer an […]
By Gary Kayye, CTS First things, first: Thanks, Ron! Thanks for all the ways you supported me and your dealers!!! In the ProAV market, I am perceived as a manufacturer’s rep-hater. Interestingly enough, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. I am, in fact, a manufacturer’s rep supporter – at least of the good ones! […]
