Nationwide Marketing Group has made a significant investment in the success of its custom integration division over the past several years. Those efforts have resulted in growth in both the team itself and its network of CI dealers. As the group continues to expand exponentially, NMG has called on industry veteran Frank Sterns to provide additional support.
Sterns, who has extensive experience in the CI channel, will consult on Nationwide’s overall CI strategy with Azione Unlimited, Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group, and Oasys Residential Technology Group to ensure the groups are best positioned to support integrators across the commercial and residential industries.
“We’ve built a strong foundation within our CI team over the past two years, which has led to the rapid growth we’re experiencing right now,” says Andy Orozco, senior vice president of custom integration for NMG. “Frank is a tremendous talent in our industry, and he will be a phenomenal resource for our organization as we look to build on this momentum and create efficiencies across our three groups.”
Sterns will play an integral role in the overall direction of NMG’s CI strategy and has been tasked with reviewing and assessing the group’s programs and offerings, event strategy, processes, and more. His efforts will help to keep the three groups within NMG’s CI division aligned as the “Drive to 1000” initiative continues.
“Nationwide Marketing Group has embraced the custom integration channel with a substantial commitment of energy and resources, including a veteran crew of talented people, many of whom I have had the pleasure of working with during my career,” says Sterns. “Their passion for this space that means so much to me is inspiring, and I’m excited to jump in with both feet to help Nationwide and the custom integration membership thrive.”
A luminary in the CI channel, Sterns’s career has been marked with successful runs at some of the biggest brands in the AV industry. Following an 18-year stint at Niles Audio Corp, where he served as president, COO, and EVP in charge of sales, marketing, product development, and supply chain, Sterns spent seven years with Sony Electronics leading its AV Specialty and CI resurgence and four years with Sound United (now Masimo Consumer), where he served as SVP of the Americas before becoming president of both Polk Audio and Definitive Technology. He also recently completed a seven-year stint on the board of directors of the Audio and Tech Home divisions for the Consumer Technology Association and a two-year term on the board of Azione Unlimited.
“We are thrilled to have Frank join our team,” says Orozco. “Having known each other for many years, I’ve always admired Frank’s humble and collaborative approach to doing business. His values and work ethic align seamlessly with our culture, making him the perfect addition. Furthermore, Frank’s extensive background in our industry positions us to build stronger relationships and become even better partners to everyone we serve. His expertise will undeniably enhance our capabilities and deepen our connections across the board.”
Sterns will be with the group at the upcoming Oasys Summit in Austin, April 29 – May 1.
For more information, visit nationwidegroup.org.
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