Sunbelt Associates and Distributors, Carrollton, TX with 35 years in car electronics closed its doors suddenly last week, surprising the industry and leaving little word on why it left.
Regional Sales Manager for Sunbelt Associates, Scott Ringo, has launched a new rep firm that will assume responsibility for representing some of the same brands carried by Sunbelt in the same territory of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. The new firm, called Southwest Sales and Marketing out of Grapevine, TX will represent Elettromedia, and Maxxsonics. It will also handle Q Logic and Hooking Audio (wires and accessories).
Sunbelt’s brands also included Kenwood, VOXX, PAC, Metra and more.
Ringo said of Sunbelt’s departure, “It was a shock to everybody including people who worked there….I was driving home from a day of sales calls and I was told ‘We’re shutting the doors.’”
Ringo was named Rep of the Year by Elettromedia last year. Southwest Sales may be reached at [email protected] or 214-212-9049.
Other industry members also expressed surprise at Sunbelt’s closing.
Sunbelt principal John Mansina did not respond to a CEoutlook inquiry.
But the head of the Elite Distributor Association, of which Sunbelt was a member, confirmed Sunbelt’s departure. Elite Executive Director Ray Windsor said, “They will not go forward as a rep or distributor and they are not a company anymore for all intents and purposes.” He added, “They are no longer a member of Elite. Speaking for Elite, we are, of course, seeking an alternative member.”
Sunbelt is at least the second leading car audio distributor to exit the market this year. Advanced Marketing in California left in January.
Phil Bolden of Advanced Marketing said car audio distributing is becoming an increasingly difficult business as the market is contracting. “This is a very tough business to make money in. Some of the vendor partners of these large distributors, if they want value-added distribution, they need to do more to ensure these premium distributors can make a profit.”
Well stated Marty. Wake up VENDORS !!!! We need veterans in our industry, not accountants.
Well stated Marty. Wake up VENDORS !!!!!!!!!!! We need veterans in our industry, not accountants.
This is too bad! For those still in business, i have a one word piece of advice,
“DIVERSIFY”
80% of Companys can care less about brick and morter sales! Why? Because they are selling to the internet and they dont care what they are selling the product for price wise. Distributers dont care either when they are selling to flea markets and internet. Slowing Destroying brick and morter car audio because the distributor and manufacture has the need for large numbers and dumping product. Support correct retail pricing with internet. We dont support or install anything from the internet ever.
I predict more to follow soon. Vendors need to get a handle on internet policy and practices.
if you think distribution is tough-try retail.
g