LONG BEACH, CA (01.18.2021) – KENWOOD USA has announced its rep of the year awards for both individual sales reps, as well as sales rep firms for the East, Midwest, and Western territories at their recent annual rep awards ceremony, which was held virtually this year.  

Admin Support of the Year: Katie Lopez, Momentum Marketing

Western Region Sales Rep of the Year:  Ryan Christie, N&S Marketing

Midwest Region Sales Rep of the Year:  Keith Selby, Cardinal Sales

Eastern Region Sales Rep of the Year:  Paul Ward, CF Marketing

Katie Lopez represents Momentum Marketing in Southwest Texas and has been a part of the company for over 10 years.  “Katie is always one step ahead of the game,” stated Tim Hill, KENWOOD Midwest Regional Sales Manager.  “If you’re thinking about it, Katie is already making it happen. She has a firm handle on what needs to be done, how fast it needs to be done, and how often it needs to be done.”

“I’ve had the privilege of working with the KENWOOD family for more than 10 years,” stated Lopez. I’m honored and grateful to have received such an award. KENWOOD truly has my heart and I’m thankful for the friendships that have evolved throughout the years. I work with a remarkable team and powerful dealers that I continue to learn something new from every day.”

Ryan Christie represents N & S Marketing in the Pacific Northwest and has been a part of the company for 13 years.  “With the challenges we’ve faced this year, I looked for sales reps who went above and beyond to stay connected to their dealers in deciding this award,” stated Rob Sutton, KENWOOD Western Regional Sales Manager. “I also needed someone who was able to give dealers the tough answers and still guide them through the process of getting new orders in place for allocations. Ryan Christie did all the above and then some. He stayed focused on selling KENWOOD all year, was always available to tackle issues, executed the programs, and always did a great job with following-up.”

“When my name was called, I was blown away,” stated Christie. “I always try to do what’s right and what’s best. I put myself in other’s shoes and try to see things from their point of view so I can help create the best outcome for both parties.”

Keith Selby has been with Cardinal Sales since 1983 and the Rep Principal since 1996. His son Max recently joined the company at the beginning of 2019 and has also had the privilege of having his wife Bess aid in the marketing department for the last 5 years.   “Keith exhibits excellent customer service,” stated Tim Hill, KENWOOD Midwest Regional Sales Manager.  “His dealers really enjoy working with him and his ability to follow up is impeccable! KENWOOD is lucky to have Keith representing our company in his area!”

“The continued success of Cardinal Sales is a direct reflection of our entire team (which now marks 21 years for Jennifer Marr, 11 years for Tony Spires, and 4 years for John Black,” stated Selby. “It has also only been possible with the sustained loyalty and friendship from all of our dealers.”    

Paul Ward has been a part of the sales team with CF Marketing for the past 18 years. “Paul’s ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time is astounding,” stated Kelly McDaniel, KENWOOD Eastern Regional Sales Manager.  “He truly cares about his dealers and ensures they receive the utmost in support.”

“It is very gratifying being named the Eastern Region Sales Rep of the Year,” stated Ward. 2020 was certainly a challenging year and success was only possible with all the help and support from KENWOOD and CF Marketing.  Working with great people makes my job easier and much more enjoyable.  Loving what you do is important. It all started when I heard my first high-end car audio system while in college. After I built my first system I was hooked!”

Western Region Sales Rep Company of the Year:  Oliver Marketing South

Midwest Region Sales Rep Company of the Year:  Momentum Marketing

Eastern Region Sales Rep Company of the Year:  CF Marketing

Oliver Marketing, covering Southern California and Arizona, was founded in 1986. “It’s been years since I managed a rep firm and lately, I’ve thought about how hard it must be on our rep firms this year,” stated Sutton.  “They’ve been forced to take a group of people who are programmed to be on the road, and completely re-invent their company culture to fit within the pandemic.  All of our reps have done a great job in a difficult year, but one really stood out, Oliver Marketing South.”

When VP of Oliver Marketing Dave Furness heard the announcement, he shared: “there are many talented individuals representing KENWOOD across the country, so it is truly an honor for Oliver Marketing to have been recognized with this award. We are proud to represent KENWOOD and extremely appreciative of the partnership and support they provide.”

Momentum Marketing has served the Southwestern market since January of 2008, covering areas such as; Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. “The entire team at Momentum is excellent and always strives for nothing short of the best,” stated Hill. “With a commitment to excellence, their entire team are some of the best in the business. They communicate daily, and when there are issues, they call with solutions, not just to report a problem.”

“Momentum is made up of a group of people that love music, the 12V industry, and the people that we get to do life with as a result of doing business together,” stated Hector Mena, Momentum Marketing’s Rep Principal.   “We are extremely honored and humbled to be chosen as the 2020 KENWOOD Rep Firm of the Year for the Midwest Territory. It would be irresponsible of us to not give credit to the amazing group of KENWOOD eXcelon Dealers and Distributor partners that we have the pleasure of serving in the “TOLA” market.  2020 proved to be a challenging year both personally and professionally for our team, as it was for everyone in our industry. Through it all, we are thankful for the blessings of health, provision, faith, and the privilege we have to work with the wonderful KENWOOD family and our network of partners.”

Dominating both the Eastern Region territory awards, CF Marketing has served the Mid-Atlantic area for 21 years. “CF Marketing continues to push the limits on ensuring the needs of their dealers are always met,” stated McDaniel. “Their team communicates clearly, effectively, and timely, of which is crucial to the needs of dealers today.” 

President of CF Marketing Howard Feldman commented: “No one person alone makes things successful. McDaniel has been a huge help to us in this territory. This business only exists with equal effort between dealer, manufacturer, and sales rep. We are lucky to have a great batch of long-standing supporting dealers that see the value of the brand and helped us to grow it in our territories.”

“2020 was very difficult year as it took a lot of adaptation and communication for our reps with their individual dealer bases,” stated Mike Roberts, VP of Sales & Marketing for KENWOOD.  “Emails, video conference calls, and phone calls were the new norm for many reps to stay in contact. Our entire rep force did an incredible job of adapting and helping our dealer base through busy and challenging times. This is what made selecting the award winners so difficult this year. At the end of the day, it was all about helping their dealers buy KENWOOD products through solving challenges, keeping a positive attitude, and doing the right thing. We are truly grateful to have such an incredible and committed rep force in the field.”

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