AVB’s Summit 2025 was full of new member tools, plenty of networking opportunities, and, true to the show’s theme, “Focus”. TWICE had front row seats as Jim Ristow, AVB CEO, opened the show with a clear directive for members: tune out the noise and get serious about execution.
“Stop chasing squirrels,” advised Ristow, as he related the similarities he sees in how his chihuahua mix, Luna, loves to chase after anything, to “shiny objects” which are everywhere and distracting for dealers. Ristow encouraged members to focus on a three-step framework: define a clear one-year vision, identify the three most important actions to get there, and then implement relentlessly. “Focus on implementing it,” he said, “and don’t let the squirrels get in the way. Don’t get caught up in the noise. Stay focused on what you can control.”
Throughout the day, AVB’s leadership continued to help members “Focus” by unveiling new tools designed to help members do exactly that.
Probably the most exciting announcement may have been ARC, AVB’s new cloud-based POS system. Designed specifically for AVB members and built by the group, ARC syncs with the group’s ecosystem, including websites, LINQ, and HUB, and updates product data daily and streamlines sales, service, and inventory operations. “ARC is the most integrated POS in our space,” said Chief Marketing Officer John White.
On the operations side, COO Dave Meekings rolled out a suite of programs aimed at optimizing both showroom and back-end processes. These included AVB-exclusive digital price tags managed through LINQ, a traffic-tracking radar system, and a second consumer finance option through Synchrony. “Flexibility is key in today’s financial landscape,” Meekings said.
FTS Direct also expanded, with new vendor partnerships bringing high-margin categories like gun safes and private-label furniture to the table. “We’re giving members the buying power they need, without the volume requirements,” said Meekings. The service side wasn’t left out with AVB’s ServiceSource program now offering three levels of support, from free core tools to premium training and coaching packages.
Following Ristow’s opening speech, members were further inspired by a keynote from motivational speaker and author of “The Hero Effect” and “Unleashing Your Hero,” Kevin Brown. Brown shared the four characteristics of what makes a true hero, and the experience of how one caring Disney employee, Aunt Bea, changed their lives – and thousands of others in the years to come – all from the simple act of her being a hero to Brown’s autistic son by going beyond what was expected to cook his favorite breakfast: apple pancakes. Brown encouraged Summit attendees to be true heroes, embrace excellence, and share their gifts to make life better for themselves and those they influence back home.
Executive VP of Merchandising Chad Evans rounded out the day with market insights, reporting that despite a tough 2024, BrandSource dealers outperformed broader industry trends in both appliances and furniture. Still, Evans cautioned against complacency, pointing to tariffs and inflation as ongoing headwinds. And while he acknowledged that market conditions remain volatile, Evans’ message to Summit attendees was clear: AVB members who engage with these platforms are outperforming the market — and their peers. “The tools are there,” he said. “The difference is who uses them.”
AVB returns to Las Vegas August 3-6, 2025, for the AVB Summit.
