CEDIA Expo
Eagan, Minn. –
Capitol, a CE distributor for residential systems, light commercial
contractors, retailers and premium incentive resellers, will demonstrate the
benefits of expanding into the light commercial marketplace while at CEDIA
Expo.
“Without
belaboring the point, the residential market will continue to be a challenge
for residential pros who previously specialized in new housing starts, which is
precisely why Capitol has been and will continue to be bullish about helping
our customers intensify their business in the light commercial channel,” said
Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s strategic development director.
“Throughout all
the market changes, light commercial has maintained steady growth in recent
years, with a strong emphasis on opportunities in A/V conferencing, digital
signage and architectural audio,” Kussard said.
Capitol’s
2011 CEDIA Expo booth will dedicate ample real estate to products that are
geared to both the residential and light commercial markets, with an emphasis
on technologies that solve installation challenges on a variety of projects.
Included in the mix will be products that represent the cutting edge in
business communications technologies supporting VoIP and HD video conferencing,
security, sound masking, networking, digital signage and more.
Capitol will
play a prominent role in the CEDIA education program as well, with four courses
that are designed to help residential specialists make a smooth and profitable
transition into light commercial. Included will be courses on IP Network
Cameras and Surveillance (Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., CEU Value: 0.75),
Digital Signage and Video Conferencing (Sept. 9, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., CEU
Value: 0.75), Commercial Audio and 70 Volt Systems (Sept. 9, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., CEU Value: 0.75), and Phone Systems –
Digital and IP Based (Sept. 9, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., CEU Value: 0.75).
Kussard
indicated that far from being a momentary diversion until the residential
market rebounds to pre-2008 levels, the move toward light commercial is a
necessary and permanent measure for any residential specialist who plans to
remain profitable in the coming years.
“We would
never advise anyone to abandon the residential channel, but the reality is that
the new economy is going to be with us for some time,” he noted. “The question
for everyone, from manufacturers to installers and distributors like us, is how
do we continue to thrive while working within the current framework? It’s
obvious to me that expansion into light commercial channel will continue to
represent one of our best opportunities for growth, especially as No New [Long]
Wires and other technology trends lead to exciting new solutions on both sides
of the fence.”
