Please click here to view the online article

RVeNews: ARI excited to join Channel Blade in serving the RV industry

MILWAUKEE -- Mike Tenpas, ARI vice president of global marketing and sales, told RVeNEWS he is excited about the acquisition of Channel Blade Technologies because the RV industry is one of the markets ARI has wanted to pursue for some time.

"We've always seen tremendous potential within the RV industry, but have been reluctant to enter the market because Channel Blade had such a strong presence in the website development segment," said Tenpas. "So, instead of competing, we decided it would be better for both companies if we were to work together."

ARI has been a provider of electronic parts catalogs and marketing services to dealers, distributors and manufacturers since 1981. ARI currently serves approximately 85 manufacturers and 180 distributors worldwide. Additionally, ARI provides electronic parts catalogs, dealer websites and professional marketing services to more than 24,000 dealers in about a dozen markets including outdoor power, power sports, marine, appliances, agricultural equipment, automotive and truck aftermarket parts.

"Although we have been around for almost 30 years, most people in the RV industry may not know who we are," said Tenpas. "But we have a very long track record and have created a great deal of synergy through our acquisitions of companies like Channel Blade."

With Channel Blade now part of the ARI family, the company will work on developing several new productivity enhancing tools for RV dealers. One of the projects they are excited about is their PartSmart software that allows service technicians and parts managers to access make and model information for just about any RV or marine product and then drill down to view schematic drawings and gather specific part information.

Another key area ARI intends to pursue is in the development of dealer websites. "We have a reputation for helping dealers use e-commerce to move parts, accessories and smaller whole goods. That experience will allow us to help put more RVs on the highway and boats in the water," said Tenpas.

Although the firm may include technology to sell RVs online, Tenpas said they'll let the market pull them where they need to be. "At this time, we know RV dealers have a strong interest in selling more parts and smaller goods online," he explained. "We'll likely incorporate some larger products over time, because we intend to be seen as leaders in the RV industry, just as we are seen as leaders in the other industries we serve."

Channel Blade's key managers will remain active in the company following the merger. Chuck Lewis, Channel Blade's founder and president, will oversee ARI's entry into the RV and marine markets. His role will be to develop a strategic focus and work with key customers to design new software and technology.

Jon Lintvet, Channel Blade's CEO, will lead the integration efforts and coordinate a special projects group to bring e-commerce solutions to the RV industry.

"What makes the acquisition complementary for both companies is ARI's history and reputation for innovation," said Lewis. "ARI is already involved in several complementary markets that give them the ability to really leverage their technology to support RV and marine dealers. While Channel Blade was heavily invested in technology, e-commerce, warranty and parts, our partnership with ARI will make our products even stronger."

The first step in the new partnership will be to bring e-commerce capability to existing Channel Blade customers, said Tenpas. The company will also continue to invest in Channel Blade's Footstep's lead management system, but enhance it as well with features like eXcelerate Pro websites that help drive prospects from the Internet into a dealer's showroom.

Lewis said the company's first big splash into the market will take place in October during the RV Dealers Association convention and expo in Las Vegas. "We're planning to have a significant presence at that show when we roll out our new integrations and announce several big promotions."

For more information, call 877.242.5233 or visit www.channelblade.com.a