How Resideo Hosts Security Industry’S Largest Independent Dealer Gathering

Earlier this month some of the industry’s most highly respected security dealers were in Marco Island, Florida, for the annual CONNECT Conference. It was a record year for attendance with more than 800 security professionals excited to hear the Resideo story.

Alice DeBiasio, vice president and general manager of global residential security, kicked off the general session where she urged dealers to embrace the connected home.

“The smart home is now, and as it’s an exciting time with technology changing quickly it can also be overwhelming for the homeowner,” DeBiasio said. “Consumers need professional expertise to simplify the smart home, and the security dealer is best positioned to deliver that customer experience.”

As Scott Harkins, vice president and general manager of connected home, introduced Mike Nefkens, President and CEO, he also urged dealers about the need to expand into the connected home. He reminded attendees how the security industry has faced changes in past, including the switch to cellular, the move from wired to wireless systems and penetration of apps and interactive services, and each time how the industry has embraced the change, adapting and adopting the new technologies, and the growth that has resulted.

Attendees heard first-hand from Nefkens, on how Resideo will deliver an end-to-end connected home with security and comfort products on the exterior, behind the wall, on the wall, and in the cloud. His address highlighted the company’s plans to double down on the professional channel to give dealers the tools they need to deliver an exceptional experience for consumers.

“With change comes great opportunity,” said Quentin Gunther, authorized dealer program leader for Resideo. He shared details of the new dealer loyalty program that will launch early next year. “As Mike has said on several occasions, the professional channel is core to the Resideo strategy, and the new program will provide support to help dealers stay on the cutting edge of technology and win in today’s market.”

At the Partner and Innovation Showcase, attendees had the chance to see and test the latest technologies featuring smart designs to keep users safe and connected. Dealers lined up to get an early preview of the next generation security platform that will feature a full range of panels and complete suite of sensors and devices. Platinum, gold and silver event sponsors were on display representing some of Resideo’s expanded ecosystem. The conference offered education sessions ranging from new product introductions, sales workshops, to business management courses, and attendees shared best practices and learned from each other.

During the event, Resideo recognized its dealers for a variety of activities including life safety and community service activities, sales and marketing excellence, installation of the year, and embracing the connected home. Resideo hosted two community activities including a Stand Down for Homeless Vets -Trivia Edition event with Impact 4 Good. Impact 4 Good connects corporations with communities to support local homeless veterans. 100 attendees from CONNECT were divided into teams to take part in an interactive trivia game, packaged 525 basic needs/hygiene kits, and wrote personalized messages to the beneficiaries. The kits were donated to the local American Red Cross of South Florida.

In addition, Resideo hosted a life safety presentation that honored the Marco Island community for their work in minimizing the impact of Hurricane Irma last year. The award showcased the Marco Island Police Department, Fire Department, City Staff, and JW Marriott Marco Island for their work to protect the community from harm. Hurricane Irma brought a variety of challenges, but by working together they were able to create a beautiful island once again. https://youtu.be/llHSXHLtJ4A

Resideo benefits from long-standing relationships with its professional dealers and contractors who purchase 95 percent of the company’s residential products, and plans to continue the tradition of hosting the popular security industry event. CONNECT 2019 will be in Phoenix, Ariz.