What is your new position, and what does it entail?
My new position is director of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) and Remanufacturing at d&b audiotechnik. The position entails operationalizing, communicating and drawing awareness to d&b’s new CPO initiative. As part of the program, customers are given the chance to purchase pre-owned, remanufactured d&b systems. CPO systems come with new energy-saving amplification and electronics, accessories, service, finance options and the same support advantages as when purchasing a new system. This new program is a small but powerful way of delivering premium audio while helping to reduce consumption of raw materials.
How has your background prepared you for your new role?
I have over 30 years of experience in senior management roles in the AV industry. Since the beginning of my career, I have accompanied and designed the commercial market launch of new media technologies and products. This wealth of experience was extremely valuable when developing this new sustainable business model for d&b.
What new marketing initiatives are we likely to see from the company?
As with every product that is manufactured by d&b, all CPO products go through a rigorous quality-control process including a through exterior, mechanical and acoustic check. The exterior check includes a full system inspection to confirm there is no damage, then all foam and seals are replaced and the exterior is repainted with the original d&b top coat. In the mechanical inspection, we check pins, rigging, links, wheels, latches, frames and chains for any damage, with everything tested and replaced where necessary. Finally, the CPO program product goes through the same rigorous frequency and impedance checks as new systems, and is subject to a listening test for performance qualities. CPO systems also come with a two-year warranty, and a five-year factory warranty to all new parts.
What are your short- and long-term goals?
Our short-term goal is to make our partners and customers aware of our CPO initiative and its benefits. Not only can these systems significantly reduce our carbon footprint and the consumption of raw materials, but they can also save customers money and extend the product’s life even further.
Our long-term goal is, of course, to make a lasting, positive impact on our environment. At d&b, we’re really conscious of the impact that the entertainment industry in particular has on the environment. Our customers, partners and artists alike recognize just how important is it that we protect the planet and operate in a sustainable way. Everyone has a part to play in “greening” the entertainment industry, and while the industry as a whole has a long way to go to be more sustainable, it is reassuring to see leaders in the entertainment industry beginning to voice their concerns.
What is the greatest challenge you face?
When you look at the overall ecological impact of our industry, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the huge task that lies ahead. We cannot let the enormity of the challenge deter us. While the challenge can seem difficult, it is important that we continue to find ways and take the necessary steps to reduce our carbon footprint. We still have a long way to go to ensure that touring and festivals are more environmentally friendly, but we should remember that small steps can have a big impact.
There is a misconception from the organizational and the customer side that sustainability means expense, but our studies concluded that remanufacturing not only significantly reduces ecological footprint, but it also makes products economically very attractive!
d&b audiotechnik • www.dbaudio.com