Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM AUGUST 2018 60 T he next generation of leaders in the independent appliance and furniture dealer industry recently wrapped up a three-day intensive seminar designed to give them a boost in their careers. The annual BrandSource Young Professionals University was held in Tahoe, California, June 11-14. Young professionals from BrandSource member businesses around the country attended the event, which brought in more than 20 speakers who spoke to the group about a wide variety of topics. "This year's Young Professionals University brought together some of the best and brightest up-and-coming leaders in our industry," said Jennifer Baldwin, director of marketing and member communications for AVB, Inc. "The educational sessions were well-received and we know we're going to see great things from these young people in the years to come." Educational topics included inventory financing, with a presentation by Alicia Torres of Wells Fargo, and the benefits of a warranty service, in a presentation by Michael Costanza, VP of business development at Square Trade, a leading provider in the device protection industry and a sponsor of the 2018 YPU. The group also discussed managing turnover, building a talent bench and creative ways to engage customers. The keynote speaker was inspiration coach Shannon McKain, who captivated the audience with a presentation on the differences in values and motivations of each generation and how they work together—beginning with Baby Boomers, all the way to the newest Generation Z – and how their unique needs and strengths can work together to create a strong work environment. Attendees also heard from several BrandSource represen- tatives who brought them up to date on the latest advances within the group's benefits. Jarred Roy, Brandsource general manager of sales, led a session called "The Five Forces Workshop" about the importance of sales and how to do things differently to stand out in the industry. John White, CMO of AVB Inc., gave an overview of Brand- Source and AVB Inc. and what's happening in the industry. The event veered into ultra-high-tech with a presentation by Google's Andrew Leonard, who discussed artificial intelli- gence and the Google Hardware program, and how those technologies are likely to affect BrandSource members in the future. A Young Professional himself, Samuel McVay from Charley's Appliance in Kansas led a dynamic session about advertising, giving participants an opportunity to collaborate on their own ideas for a commercial. McVay has become a favorite speaker at BrandSource events and always leaves his audience energized and informed. B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S BRANDSOURCE PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS UNIVERSITY RO

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