OneAV, a trade-only Audio Video (AV) technology distributor specializing in connectivity and signal management products for commercial and residential channels, returns to ISE 2020 with a new CEO and a new franchise model for distributors. The innovative “business-in-a-box” model features a plug-and-play, complete business platform enabling smaller AV distributors to become full-fledged OneAV Country Affiliates.
Ronni Guggenheim joins OneAV as CEO, effective immediately. With more than 20 years of executive-level expertise Guggenheim brings extensive AV and channel business leadership experience to OneAV. Guggenheim’s previous role was as General Manager at Atlona, where he spent nearly five years building their global presence and global channel expansion.
Ronni’s first initiative as CEO is the launch of a new business model aimed at morphing smaller AV distributors into OneAV operations. The strategy is designed to disrupt the long-established distribution landscape, which is today dominated by a handful of main players. To be introduced at ISE, OneAV’s new Distribution Franchise Platform offers a complete business-in-a-box, and brings a fresh approach to building an AV distribution business that frees partners to focus on sales, and serving their dealer network and projects.
“Smaller AV distributors compete against a fragmented distribution landscape dominated by a few gorillas with established brands and extensive resources,” said Ronni. “This presents a substantial growth challenge to smaller distributors that lack access to a broad portfolio, a viable online presence, and the financial resources to build end-to-end AV distribution experiences. OneAV brings an innovative vision that eliminates the need to hold inventory, build online stores, or operate an ERP or logistics service. We instead offer a one-stop service and ready-to-go business framework that helps companies build their AV distribution businesses.”
OneAV’s Affiliate Platform will provide distribution partners with access to its broad inventory of AV products and vendors, which includes more than 40 leading brands. The platform will provide distributors with a sophisticated front-end online store, end-to-end logistics, 360-degree marketing, and pre-sales/post-sales support. Advanced and personalized services including product management, dealer trainings and certifications, and business coaching.
Christian Ahrens, OneAV Founder, commented: “Ronni Guggenheim is an exceptional hire for OneAV’s senior leadership team. He was the outstanding candidate best-qualified to execute the next phase of our long-term vision for the company, which includes a focus on international growth, and expanding OneAV’s presence and brand visibility throughout the EMEA and APAC regions.”
Guggenheim spent 10 years at Minicom Digital Signage earlier in his career. As Founder and CEO, he managed and executed a merger with enQii that formed ComQi, which remains a leading global digital signage supplier. As part of growth consulting projects, Guggenheim has also held successful interim CEO and Managing Director roles at Barix, IHSE and Navori, respectively, establishing new business directions, technologies, sales channels, and/or vertical markets for each company.
OneAV Co-Founder Chris Pinder: “We’re excited to have Ronni onboard and to be working with new and ambitious country partners. Our ‘OneAV business-in-a-box’ concept will expedite and accelerate their business development, helping them compete against the industry gorillas that enjoy the majority of the AV distribution market share today.”
