by WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Nationwide Marketing Group has merged with Azione Unlimited, a group of custom integrators and manufactures, to form a whole-home platform for custom installers, home technology professionals and others positioned in the growing smart home sector.
The two groups will serve a network of more than 450 custom integrators, they said in a joint release, and Azione brings more than 60 additional vendor partners, “making the combined group one of the largest and most diverse offerings in the industry.
And this merger will allow both Nationwide and Azione Unlimited to offer smart home integrators and the vendors that serve them an end-to-end suite of tools and programs that focus on improving efficiency and profitability – at no additional cost.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In the release, the groups said nothing will change, logistically for their members. Azione’s staff will continue to operate out of their Chester Springs, Pa., location.
“What really gets me jazzed about this merger is the size, strength and vitality of our combined organization — and the potential that it creates for our dealers moving forward,” Richard Glikes, founder of Azione Unlimited, said in a release. “From marketing expertise and data analysis to credit card savings and finance programs, Nationwide brings so many compelling offerings to our dealers.”
By merging with Nationwide, Azione’s network of more than 250 dealers also gains access to Nationwide’s business and financial benefits, including company healthcare programs, extended service and warranty programs and digital and marketing solutions. They also can access PriMetrix, the buying group’s performance insights platform.
Azione Unlimited, meanwhile, brings to the table experience and efficiencies in the custom integration channel that will enable Home Technology Specialists Nationwide (HTSN) members to streamline and improve their businesses, including talent acquisition tools, existing relationships within the interior designer and architect communities, and more, the buying groups said.
Nationwide and Azione said the two already are working to develop innovative programming for all dealers, including in-market referral programs between the groups’ integrators and luxury appliance retailers.
“Providing our members with the tools they need to thrive on their own terms has been Nationwide’s purpose since day one,” Nationwide President and Chief Member Advocate Tom Hickman said.
“Richard and his team have a long history of treating their members — both dealers and vendors — like family. We know they’ll feel right at home as part of Nationwide where, together, we’re working to provide our custom integrators with access to the products and programs that they need to outperform in the markets they serve.”
