GOTTA GO WIRELESS AND AVT
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In the early 1990’s, when the cellular phone phenomenon began to unfold in the United States, a very clever businessman by the name of Karl Stender had the vision and intestinal fortitude to see where the mobile phone market was staged to go. He realized the obvious popularity and how everyone would eventually go mobile. Working in the trade show business for nearly ten years, Karl realized the future and unbelievable growth rate of this exciting business. So in 1997, Mr. Stender joined Compass Wireless, driving sales from zero to $6.6 million in just five years--that’s inspiring from anyone’s perspective! During that time, he had a ground breaking revelation to make it convenient for customers to obtain cellular products and accessories by purchasing them through vending machines – a concept that could change the cellular industry forever! |
When speaking about the company, Mr. Stender becomes very enthusiastic and is delighted to express his views about his new and flourishing business. He says, “GGW is growing very steadily. Although we’re in a more mature market today than my prior business, I have great confidence in the company’s direction and insatiable appetite for certain success.”
GGW’s largest client has purchased close to 5,000 products and the approximate number of customers is 14,000 and growing in the geographic areas of Baltimore, Washington D.C. and parts of northern Virginia.
The success of GGW—to the tune of $2.7 Million in annual revenue—is due in part to the company’s dedication of providing superior customer service. He says, “We stand out above the competition because we simply care for our customer’s more than our competitors and have made it company policy to treat each customer exactly the same. It doesn’t matter whether they purchase one product or 1,000 products; we will always extend the same level of professional courtesy and respect to each and every one of them.”
GGW is composed of 17 talented and loyal employees who have been with Mr. Stender since its inception. He is very proud of the fact that there have been virtually no turnovers within the management team and the infrastructure has over 50 years of cellular experience, collectively.
Mr.Stender goes on to say, “Due to our GOTTA GO WIRELESS AND AVT Featured Story When You’re on the Go, Be Mobile Featured Story below average turnover rate, this gives our company leverage that no one else in the industry can touch. It’s rare this day and age when anyone speaks with the same person twice. It’s really refreshing when the same familiar voice gives you the ‘thank goodness it’s you feeling’ year after year and knows exactly how to satisfy your needs in business. This is proficiency at its best!”
After Mr. Stender considered his options and researched companies that could help promote his business and take his ideas to the next level, this savvy business owner recognized the advantages of aligning his business with companies like AVT.
His research showed that AVT is a manufacture of quality and reliable products that incorporates all the latest technologies necessary to help his company to succeed quickly. His philosophy for developing a company is to GO BIG, FAST.
Mr. Stender said, “People view my idea of vending cellular products as being very grandiose. That’s fine! I enjoy the fact that they laugh at me and say that I’ll never be able to do it. That has always been the driving force that fuels the fire and makes me that much more determined. It has been my experience that any great idea that was initially laughed at is usually a worthwhile idea, i.e. Who needs a cell phone when you have beepers? Well, where are the beepers now?”
| GGW is currently one of AVT’s largest clients who will operate AVT’s “Tech Store” vending machines to distribute cell phones and several other products. Each Tech Store machine will be custom-made according to the specific requirements of GGW. “We are excited about the launching of the pilot program with AVT. I really think the growth potential of the vending market with cellular phones and accessories is going to be phenomenal…it’s an untapped market and I just hope AVT can handle our rapid growth,” states Mr. Stender. |
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Integrating digital signage technology into vending machines along with dispensing cellular products is another feature that attracts Mr. Stender. He states, “The concept of showing customers streaming videos ads of cellular product lines while waiting for assistance is simply a great idea. It’s going to take a lot of ingenuity and resources to get over the initial hurdles and complexities but I get a strong sense that it’s one of those plans that will come together when the infrastructure is in place. I believe it will attract more public awareness than any other invention in the history of vending. AVT and GGW will need to converge to make this pilot work rapidly.”
Mr. Stender is proposing to drop 1,000-1,500 units nationally within an 18-24 month period, using Redbox as the role model with an initial capital investment of $1.5 million in product costs and machine delivery.
GGW is working with Sherman & Sherman of Towson, MD, and the Law Offices of Cohen & Swanson to raise capital for business development in association with Jamie George at Shepard Consulting who is assisting in developing the business model.
Mr. Stender’s long-term goal for GGW is to build a long-lasting alliance with AVT and become a valuable contributor to the industry. “Given the history of Mr. Stender’s remarkable experience in the wireless industry, AVT appreciates the value of being associated with this knowledgeable businessman. We hope that our relationship with GGW will be yet another addition to his impressive resume and we will continue to develop and thrive for years to come,” said Mr. Illingworth.
Written by Chris Moore and Sherri Russell