Azione Unlimited Names Five Founding Members
Azione Unlimited is proud to announce five Founding Members of the organization consisting of dealers and manufacturers. This esteemed group will serve as the lighthouse of the organization. Working as an Advisory Board, they will identify industry trends, share business tactics and strategies, and provide invaluable feedback that will enhance our member’s profitability. The Founding Members will convene via conference call once every six to eight weeks and as a group meet once a year prior to the Azione national meeting.
“I am thrilled to announce the first Founding Members,” says Richard Glikes, President. “These individuals represent the highest caliber business leaders in the industry. Combined, these men have over 150 years of industry expertise. David Daniels of ESC (Electronics Systems Consultants, LLC) and Mike Thul of Thul Electronics, are pioneers of the custom integration business. Their wealth of experience and business acumen will provide leadership that is unparalleled from the dealer aspect. Andy Oxenhorn, Keith Haas and Phil McPhee representing JL Audio, Integra and the Harman Luxury Audio Group respectively, bring world-class leadership and vision to the group from the a vendor stand point. These bright and successful individuals will provide insight to guide our members to new levels of prosperity.”
The remaining six founding members will be in place prior to the group’s launch on February 1, 2012. “It is interesting to note,” says Glikes, “that of the dealers lining up to join, 90% are not currently in buying groups, with 1/3 of dealers being retailers and 2/3 being custom integrators.”
David Daniels
CEO of Electronics Systems Consultants (ESC) LLC, Aspen, Colorado.
ESC has completed integrated control systems in over 30 states and 9 countries. David has owned CE businesses since 1980. He was an early pioneer in the integrated systems industry, and has helped develop products, services and business practices.
David also has entrepreneurial interests including cardiovascular drug and supplement development and real estate development. Mr. Daniel’s versatility and varied business experiences will make him a very unique resource to members.
Mike Thul
Founder of Thul Electronics, Vail, Colorado.
Mike has 30 years of experience in the electronics industry, and has played a significant role in defining the evolution of System Integration. He has created a very successful business model making Thul Electronics the established leader in the Design, Installation and Service of Integrated Electronic Systems in the Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado area.
Mike has served on numerous committees and boards within the Custom Electronics Community. Mr. Thul’s professional accomplishments and extensive industry knowledge will be a great benefit to the members.
Andrew Oxenhorn
President of JL Audio.
Andrew has 35 years of experience in the consumer electronics. Since joining JL Audio in 1996, he has helped to guide the company’s substantial growth due, in part, to the introduction of high-end home and marine audio to JL Audio’s product offerings. Andrew is actively involved in the day-to-day management of the finance, sales, marketing and administration of JL Audio.
Prior to JL Audio, Andrew served as VP of Sales and later President of MB Quart, USA. During this time, he helped introduce the brand to North America and build it to become a leader in premium mobile audio. Mr. Oxenhorn’s involvement in all aspects of business will bring vital insight to the organization.
Keith Haas
Director of Sales of Integra.
Keith began his career on the front lines of the retail sales and management level of Leo’s Stereo Chain located in California. From there he advanced to the wholesale side of the industry. His during 35 years of experience, he has worked for several high-profile manufacturers, including JVC, NEC, Mitsubishi and LG before joining Onkyo USA Corp in 1998.
Keith was directly instrumental in launching the Integra brand in 1999 and has since advanced the brand to its current position as the preeminent home theater product line for specialty A/V integrators in the US. Mr. Haas’ retail and wholesale knowledge and brand marketing expertise will be an invaluable resource for the group.
Philip McPhee
Global Sales Manager for Harman’s Luxury Audio Group.
Phil brings a wealth of experience to the Azione board having served in various roles during his career at Harman. He holds two patents for his groundbreaking work on the Mark Levinson No53 Reference Amplifier. Phil’s next position was a product management role for the Harman Professional Amplifier Business unit, where he was responsible for the product roadmap for the Commercial amplifier business.
Currently, he is responsible for channel management of Harman’s luxury brands through distribution in 84 countries. Mr. McPhee’s vast product development wisdom and distribution skills will provide a unique prospective for the members.
More Information
Richard Glikes can be contacted by calling 610-344-7477, or email richard@azionegroup.com