I recently caught up with Dave Workman, CEO and President of ProSource, to talk about the annual ProSource State of the Business Address and the group’s new video highlighting 2021 key initiatives AND the ProSource Lighting Technology and Learning Center at the Dallas Market Center!
Maureen Jenson: Hi Dave, I understand ProSource has produced a video for your members highlighting your state of the business update?
Dave Workman: Yes, we have just released the video this week and we filmed it on location at the ProSource Lighting Technology and Learning Center at the Dallas Market Center. The video recaps the key 2021 initiatives and challenges, focusing on the organization’s commitment to help members grow their businesses. Following the highlights of the State of the Business presentation, is a guided video tour of the recently unveiled ProSource Lighting Technology and Learning Center, home to the exclusive ProSource Lighting Technology Certification Level 2 training.
MJ: During the beginning of 2021 how have you been reaching the ProSource membership without in-person events?
DW: Communication in 2021 has been even more critical than ever before. The membership has learned about supply chain disruptions, product shortages and upside opportunities throughout the year via video conferencing, day-to-day, one-on-one contact with the District Managers and through a series of peer-to-peer experiences recorded on video. Monthly member surveys have been valuable to the ProSource vendor community for accurate forecasting and tracking regional business conditions.
MJ: Most ProSource Members were deemed essential workers during the pandemic, right?
DW: Yes, upon being deemed essential service providers, ProSource members experienced great demand for solutions that customers required to shelter in place including more robust networks to support working from home, home schooling and entertainment options. A variety of categories have seen tremendous growth including premium TVs, 2-channel audio, lighting, shading and outdoor entertainment spaces.
MJ: What’s the latest on ProSource University?
DW: The launch of ProSource University in May of 2020 was a timely investment by the ProSource Board of Directors and the management team. Since its launch, the depth and breadth of the education and training modules has grown exponentially, having generated over 450 unique courses with more on the way with leadership, sales and project management curriculum in development. Participation in PSU for every member company and their employees is free through 2021.
MJ: Tell our readers about some of the new programs ProSource has launched in 2021?
DW: Two new programs launched in 2021 include the McQuaig Candidate Assessment Solution enabling member companies to measure the job candidate’s potential for success against powerful benchmarking data. And most recently, ProSource announced the launch of ProSource Academy this fall addressing the pain point of finding qualified technicians with an exclusive three-day hands-on basic training for new installers.
MJ: What is the latest news on the healthcare program?
DW: Launched in 2019, the ProSource healthcare program has evolved with new benefits and competitive pricing providing the opportunity for members to differentiate themselves in the marketplace.
MJ: What is the current state of ProSource live events?
DW: Additional live events are in the planning stage for the second half of the year including a Summer Conference for the PRO and Power members in August, a presence at CEDIA Expo 2021, an expanded roster of Town Hall dinners and the inaugural Lighting Certification Level 2 trainings at the ProSource Lighting Technology and Learning Center in Dallas this fall. The annual Summit for the CI members is planned for spring, 2022 in Las Vegas.
ProSource Lighting Design and Education Center – Dallas Market Center
MJ: Anything else you would care to add?
DW: To wrap up, ProSource members have thrived in 2021 with the support of unprecedented best-in-class programs. Beyond the financial incentives, ProSource provides quality differentiators for our members from attracting and mentoring employees by providing education and a career path, to prioritizing communication and developing impactful events contributing to the continuation of a healthy business climate through the remaining months of 2021 and beyond.