Aamp Of America™ Founder And Chief Executive Officer Micah Ansley Assumes New Position As Chairman Of The Board Of Directors
Former Chief Operating Officer Ron Freeman brings almost thirty years of industry experience to new job as AAMP’s CEO.
Clearwater, Fl., November, 2007 - AAMP of America™, innovators in world-class electronics design, development, and distribution, announced today that Micah Ansley has stepped down after twenty years as the company’s founder, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ansley will remain with the company as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ron Freeman will become AAMP’s new CEO.
Starting as a regional distributor in 1987, AAMP of America quickly opened additional facilities in Missouri and Nevada. With a strict focus on customer service, the company produced huge sales in the early 1990’s, reaching number thirty-three on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing, privately-held companies in 1992 and again in 1993.
Just as significant, in 1990 AAMP introduced its Stinger line and began manufacturing its own high-performance car audio accessories for the specialist market. It also developed its own brand of radio replacement dash kits, Best Kits and Harnesses™—leveraging its experience as the largest major kit distributor in the U.S.
“Our salespeople understood kits better than anybody, including the manufacturers,” said Ansley. “So making our own kits was a natural transition for us. Our goal was the same then as it is today: less SKU’s, more coverage, shorter install time, and a better-looking completed install. Today, we’re the go-to company when it comes to kit selection and service.”
Also in the mid-1990’s, AAMP purchased the first OEM Integration company, Peripheral Electronics®, to begin developing products that interfaced aftermarket and other components with factory systems. Again growth was strong, a trend that continues today with over 750 current solutions that include interfaces for iPod and MP3 players, game systems and Bluetooth phones.
AAMP eventually added its Sound Quest™ brand of high-quality and inexpensive wiring, power management and lighting products, as well as AAMP Home® for the custom home installer. With double-digit growth over the past year, AAMP Home is already establishing itself as the premier provider of commodity items and accessories for the custom home entertainment market.
“We’ve been around for two decades,” said Ansley, “and we’re still growing. One of the biggest keys to our success is the seventeen year average tenure of our sales staff. That’s unheard of in our industry—in any industry—and it’s definitely given us an edge. Our philosophy at AAMP is simple: provide the best products at the best prices with the best customer service.”
“Though the industry has changed dramatically in recent years, AAMP has never been better positioned for the future,” Ansley added. “Stinger’s completely redesigned PRO and HPM lines, as well as its brand-new literature and merchandising solutions, join revolutionary new OEM Integration solutions from Peripheral. The 2008 AAMP and AAMP Home catalogs are also available, with the Peripheral and Stinger catalogs coming soon. In addition, we’ve got aggressive new programs with special pricing for dealers.”
A twenty-eight year veteran of the industry, Freeman takes over as AAMP’s CEO after spending sixteen years with the company as a buyer, Vice President of Operations (VPO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO). During his time as COO, Freeman oversaw the daily operations of all of AAMP’s Peripheral Electronics, Stinger, Best Kits and Harnesses, Sound Quest and AAMP Home brands.
Ansley indicated it was more than Freeman’s experience that made him the natural choice for AAMP’s new CEO. “His passion for the industry, his intimate familiarity with our customers, his keen insight into every aspect of our business—that’s what Ron has that no one else does,” said Ansley. “His leadership is critical as we continue to develop winning strategies that put our customers first.”
Ansley also extended his sincere thanks for the opportunity to serve the industry as AAMP’s President and CEO for the last twenty years—and his excitement about his new role as Chairman of the Board.
“I’m proud of what AAMP has accomplished,” said Ansley, “and grateful to our many customers for their loyalty, support and friendship. I look forward to our future initiatives, and to the challenges ahead as we continue to search for new ways to bring value to our customers.”