North Andover,
Mass. – InstallerNet, the
retailer network for installing products in cars and homes, has hired former
NEC Technologies president and COO Bob Byrnes as sales and marketing senior VP.
Byrnes also served previously as president and CEO of 1414C, a
subsidiary of PictureTel, and president and CEO of A. T. Cross’ pen computing
group. He was also executive VP and GM at Packard Bell and director of personal
computer marketing at IBM.
InstallerNet is also seeking
to buy the Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association (MERA), and Byrne’s
role will include coordinating this acquisition, said InstallerNet.
Tony Frangiosa, president and CEO of InstallerNet, said of
Byrnes, “He brings high-level management experience in marketing, which will
help create greater recognition for the InstallerNet brand, and demonstrated
strengths in driving new business, revenue and profits. We’re excited to gain
his expertise, particularly in the company’s current growth mode.”
InstallerNet works with thousands of independent retailers to
provide a network of installers where consumers may receive installation
service for car stereo, computer and home theater products in their car or
home. Its network includes 2,000 car
stereo installers, and the company announced last month it will purchase the
MERA car stereo trade association, pending a vote by MERA members.
As one of MERA’s main goals is to provide retailers training in
products, marketing, installation and sales, InstallerNet would benefit from
the purchase because it would help train InstallerNet retailers, it said. MERA would benefit from InstallerNet’s deep
pockets.
Barry Vogel, current MERA executive director, said MERA members
should begin voting within two weeks on the purchase. There has been a slight delay in sending
MERA’s 200-plus members voting ballots as the organization is minding its p’s
and q’s in adhering to Ohio law and MERA’s
charter rules, Vogel said.
InstallerNet sells retail “gift cards” for installation
of products. The gift cards are sold through stores, including Walmart, Costco,
RadioShack, Crutchfield, Target and Amazon.
