I recently caught up with John Clancy, VP Residential, Crestron to talk about the cancellation of CEDIA EXPO and supporting their dealer base during the time of the novel Coronavirus. Part 1.
Maureen Jenson: We now know that CEDIA EXPO won’t be an in-person event this year, but Crestron made the announcement this Spring that you were coming back as an exhibitor. What was the catalyst in going back to CEDIA EXPO this year?
John Clancy: As proud CEDIA members for decades, Crestron has continued to support the organization, the industry, and our residential dealers through events and trainings.
With requests from our dealers and our new Crestron Home software, we feel that now is the right time to exhibit and show our premium smart home solutions that are in high demand.
Though it won’t be an in-person return, we have plans to make the best of the virtual experience for our dealers and attendees. While some might be seeing Crestron Home for the first time, there are even more solutions on the way that will wow dealers. Even in the last few weeks, we conceptualized and launched Crestron HomeTime to meet the changing needs of the smart home. We welcome dealers to discover what’s new, and to join us in trainings and education that will kick off in September and continue into 2021.
Next week John talks about the new Crestron HomeTime
MJ: What has Crestron done to support their dealer/integrators during this difficult Coronavirus time?
JC: Creston always works to provide stellar support, and as the pandemic began, we took measures to provide dealers with the tools and support they need to continue their business. We pivoted our day-to-day operations, instituting a fully-operational remote workforce, taking necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing, shipping, engineering, training, and sales support.
Most importantly, we regularly call and personally check in on all of our dealers to see how their families and employees are doing and ask what we can do to help.
We expanded online training, and we adapted many in-class courses for live remote classes. We also developed and delivered a comprehensive schedule of live webinars that range from business and sales topics to technical and installation content. Dealers have fully embraced and appreciated the opportunity to hone technical knowledge and skills as well as receive guidance and advice about supporting their businesses during this challenging time.
The Crestron True Blue Support services were also available throughout the shutdown. Customers worldwide can connect with Crestron solution engineers by phone or email for one-on-one sessions or to schedule live remote support and service upon request. Regional Sales Managers are also accessible to their dealers to assist them with client projects, questions, and installation challenges.
In our 45 years, Crestron has adapted and adjusted to worldwide market conditions, and despite the pandemic, our product release cycle has been essentially uninterrupted, continuing to align with our product roadmap and long-term plans. We’ve successfully launched new residential and commercial products over the last few months (and more coming!). Our dealers across both market sectors appreciate Crestron’s product offering and inventory to leverage new sales.
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week when John discusses the new Crestron Home experience and the new residential solution Crestron HomeTime! Part Two Here.