Representatives of Group One’s New York office. Seated, L-R: Anne Marie Zicari, Dyanna Wunsch and Sue Adamson. Standing, L-R: Jack Kelly, Kevin Markowitz, Norman Wright, John Sanchez and Vinny Finnegan.
U.S. pro audio distributor, Group One Ltd., based in Farmingdale, N.Y. and under the direction of president Jack Kelly, has reached an agreement with UK-based digital console manufacturer DiGiCo to distribute its products within the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The agreement was signed January 14, 2008 and is retroactive beginning January 1, 2008.
“Looking back, the Group One decision seems so obvious, but finding the right man with the drive, passion and motivation for an expanding brand in a growing market was not an easy find,” says DiGiCo managing director James Gordon. “From the very first meeting, it seemed clear Jack [Kelly] possessed the drive and the experience to make this work. After the second meeting, there was no doubting his passion for the industry and the potential for DiGiCo. From that point, it was just a question of timing. Starting at the beginning of 2008 represents a perfect sync point for the DiGiCo team to combine with Group One to carry us into the new year. Avoiding the usual cliché adjectives, I am confident this is going to really work!”
“I’ve known Jack since 1980,” adds marketing director David Webster. “I was working at Klark Teknik as a test engineer, and he became part of the organization, handling their U.S. distribution. Even at that point, I noticed how many more boxes started going out of the door as soon as he became involved. It meant I had to work harder, but the rewards were certainly worth it.
“DiGiCo has developed a strong brand in the U.S.,” Webster continues. “Combining this, the established DiGiCo U.S. team, and the distribution know-how of Group One gives us the ideal marriage to further strengthen our position and fully implement the extensive plans we have for the not-too-distant future. Jack has proved himself time and time again in the intervening years with high-end professional products, and I’m very much looking forward to working with him again.”
“Working with James and Dave over the last few months,” says Group One president Jack Kelly, “I was committed to putting this agreement together the right way—for the long term and for the benefit of all of DiGiCo’s current and future customers. I feel we have achieved that, and I’m incredibly positive about our relationship and our prospects for continuing to build the DiGiCo brand in the United States. I look forward to working with [sales manager] Allan Nichols, [technical sales] Taidus Vallandi and [sales and service support] Amy Vallandi, all of whom will join the Group One team. This group of DiGiCo employees is held in very high regard from the audio community for their dedication and knowledge, and I am proud to have them become part of Group One.”
For more information, visit www.g1limited.com and www.digico.org.
