PRO Group Will Offer Training Services Plan

NORTHBROOK, ILL. — The PRO Group buying organization will begin offering members customized training services to enhance the dealers' own training programs.

The high-end A/V specialty group will provide the service through an exclusive contract with Consumer Electronics University (CEU), an independent training firm.

According to PRO executive director Dave Workman, "Training and the quality of the sales associates has always been a fundamental strength of the specialist retailer. Our new relationship with Consumer Electronics University builds on this strength to benefit the consumer as we continue to improve our position in the market."

The company was founded two years ago by Ultimate Electronics veterans Tim Ryan, president of CEU, and George Roch, program development director, who worked with Workman during his tenure there as president/CEO.

"I can personally attest to their skills and insights in developing effective training programs," Workman said. "I am excited to once again be working with them at PRO Group and am confident that this new program will be a success for the membership."

"Specialty electronics retailers depend on the superior knowledge and skills of their sales, installation and management teams to distinguish themselves from mass market competition," Ryan said. "CEU is excited to provide our PRO partners with opportunities to further leverage this advantage. Our goal is to develop training strategies that address individual member challenges and to investigate common interests for shared training opportunities."