After 12 years at the helm of Azione Unlimited, founder, president, and chief creative officer Richard Glikes has stepped away from day-to-day operations effective February 1. Glikes has assumed the role of chairman emeritus and will provide strategic guidance to Azione Unlimited and Nationwide Marketing Group.
“Richard has been a guiding force in the consumer electronics industry for five decades, and we have benefited greatly from his experience, skill, and leadership over the past two-and-a-half years,” says Tom Hickman, CEO of Nationwide Marketing Group, which merged with Azione Unlimited in October 2021. “Although he will no longer be leading Azione’s day-to-day operations, Richard will continue to play a critical role in the growth of our custom integration ecosystem, including Oasys Residential Technology Group and Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group, and I look forward to the continued success of all three groups, especially with his ongoing support.”
“In 2011, after 43 years of management positions working for others in the electronics industry, I founded Azione Unlimited because I saw a void in the market,” says Glikes. “Buying groups were for electronics retailers — no group focused on custom integrators. My goal was to start an integrator-only group with a target of 250 dealer members, assemble the best-in-class vendor partners with equal status, and create the best buying group ever. My goals have been accomplished. With a love for hobbies like golfing, travel exploration, and wine appreciation, I will relish the time. There is a whole new world out there with fun things to do and ideas to explore.”
As chairman emeritus, Glikes will continue to engage with both Nationwide Marketing Group and Azione Unlimited in a reduced capacity and will continue to lead the Azione Unlimited team during this transitional phase. His main responsibilities will shift into a consultancy role, including providing strategic insights, contributing to association success, and participating in industry events. Additionally, Glikes is collaborating closely with Andy Orozco, Nationwide’s senior vice president of custom integration, to search for a successor who fits the Azione Unlimited ideology.
“Surround yourself with smart people; smart people can solve problems,” says Glikes. “These are the cornerstones of my business philosophy, and Azione Unlimited is successful because we have them in spades.
“I knew this day would come, so I worked hard to assemble a team that could continue my legacy. Backed by the whole Nationwide team — Patrick, Caryn, Nick, and Maxi are those people. Trust and watch, Azione will continue to share, trust, and prosper.”
To recognize Glikes’ Azione Unlimited legacy and monumental impact on the industry, the Azione family will celebrate his career with a “Roast of Richard” during the “Propagating Partnership” spring member conference in Orlando, April 10-12.
For more information, visit www.azioneunlimited.com.
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