Northbrook, Ill. – The PRO Buying Group is adding two new members to its ranks: Seattle-based Definitive Audio and Listen Up, headquartered in Denver.
Both are custom home installation dealers and former members of Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA).
Their addition, which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2003, follows last month’s announced departure of founding member Ultimate Electronics, and brings the group’s roster up to 15 dealers.
Definitive Audio operates two stores in Seattle and Bellevue, Wash., and specializes in high-end audio and flat panel and front projection video, in addition to custom install. Listen Up, which targets the custom market with retail stores, a custom showroom and a direct sales force, operates four locations in Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs, Colo.
Both dealers share markets with former PRO Group members Magnolia Hi-Fi and Ultimate Electronics, which are rooted in Washington State and Colorado, respectively.
According to PRO Group executive director Roger Heuberger, Definitive Audio and Listen Up are a ‘natural fit’ with the group, as their operations and focus on in-home services mirror that of many current members, including Bjorn’s, Flanners, Myer Emco and Ovation Audio/Video.
Said Definitive Audio president Mark Ormiston, ‘Many of the PRO members have business very similar to ours, but in many cases with more locations. While we know we can be great contributors in the areas of installation or extreme audio, we’re looking forward to mixing with the members, who have already gone through some of the growth challenges we’re facing.’
Listen Up is run by principals Steve Weiner and Walt Stinson. The latter is a founder and former president and board member of PARA (Professional AudioVideo Retailers Association).
The two new members are expected to bring the PRO Group’s annual sales to about $1.4 billion, the group said.
