"The secret of achievement is to hold a picture of a successful outcome in mind." - Henry David Thoreau
•Three-Way Diverter Valves
Forty years ago our first big success was introducing three-way diverter valves, invented by a small company that ultimately became an industry giant. At the time, contractors were using brass gate valves to create a functional mystery that most homeowners couldn't operate. At first plumbers had a hard time grasping the concept of three-way valves. We executed a strategy of promotion and education, teaching the trade about the product, highlighting it's features and benefits. Three-Way Diverter Valves are now the industry standard.
•Multi-Speed Pumps
Our next success was marketing multi-speed pumps. The industry had always been focused on large horsepower, inefficient, power hungry pumps to move water. We had the vision to see the future and understood there was a better way. We worked with an open-minded manufacturer and developed a sales strategy to inform and educate contractors and consumers. Multi-speed pumps are now standard and are actually required by Federal regulations in many applications!
•Cartridge Filtration
In the early days of the swimming pool industry, water was filtered through huge vessels filled with sand (the very first ones had sand and gravel.) We seized the opportunity to work with a manufacturer who produced industrial cartridge filters and applied the technology to swimming pools. "Cartridge filters will never work on swimming pools." If we heard that once, we heard it a thousand times! Nevertheless we had the foresight to initiate a sales, marketing and education strategy because we knew better. Cartridge filters are now the norm in the industry.
•Electric Robotic Pool Cleaners
Building on our past successes in the pool business, we accepted the formidable challenge of introducing electronic pool cleaners. The objections we had to overcome in a closed-minded industry were numerous. But we persevered. Through dedicated sales efforts, creative marketing and technical training we made it happen: Electric Robotic Cleaners are now the industry standard. The manufacturer we worked with was ultimately purchased by a giant corporation for major money.
•Electronic Pool/Spa Controls
We shared the insights of a brilliant electrical engineer from Garden Grove, California who invented the first electronic controllers for pools, spas and pool/spa combinations. At the time, cell phones were "car phones" with their curly antennas mounted in the center of the car's roof. The popular video game was "Pong." Home computers were Commodore 64s. Imagine the challenge involved in selling electronics to someone whose background was digging holes with a backhoe and pouring concrete! We set up intensive educational programs through the industry trade association. We implemented a program of on-site training. We marketed the product category, making it mainstream. We helped the manufacturer grow to industry prominence, and helped make it so profitable, that the company was eventually acquired by a giant corporation.
•Salt-Based Chlorine Generators
"No one has ever asked me for one." In the beginning we heard that objection from dealers, contractors and distributors at least a thousand times! Sales were next to zero. We instituted an extensive program consisting of sales support, technical education and comprehensive job site training. Our experience and diligence grew sales for the product line into millions of dollars, helping create a remarkably profitable and successful manufacturer.
And these are just a few of our past highlights. Hazel Sales Group is currently creating additional success stories!
Forty years ago our first big success was introducing three-way diverter valves, invented by a small company that ultimately became an industry giant. At the time, contractors were using brass gate valves to create a functional mystery that most homeowners couldn't operate. At first plumbers had a hard time grasping the concept of three-way valves. We executed a strategy of promotion and education, teaching the trade about the product, highlighting it's features and benefits. Three-Way Diverter Valves are now the industry standard.
•Multi-Speed Pumps
Our next success was marketing multi-speed pumps. The industry had always been focused on large horsepower, inefficient, power hungry pumps to move water. We had the vision to see the future and understood there was a better way. We worked with an open-minded manufacturer and developed a sales strategy to inform and educate contractors and consumers. Multi-speed pumps are now standard and are actually required by Federal regulations in many applications!
•Cartridge Filtration
In the early days of the swimming pool industry, water was filtered through huge vessels filled with sand (the very first ones had sand and gravel.) We seized the opportunity to work with a manufacturer who produced industrial cartridge filters and applied the technology to swimming pools. "Cartridge filters will never work on swimming pools." If we heard that once, we heard it a thousand times! Nevertheless we had the foresight to initiate a sales, marketing and education strategy because we knew better. Cartridge filters are now the norm in the industry.
•Electric Robotic Pool Cleaners
Building on our past successes in the pool business, we accepted the formidable challenge of introducing electronic pool cleaners. The objections we had to overcome in a closed-minded industry were numerous. But we persevered. Through dedicated sales efforts, creative marketing and technical training we made it happen: Electric Robotic Cleaners are now the industry standard. The manufacturer we worked with was ultimately purchased by a giant corporation for major money.
•Electronic Pool/Spa Controls
We shared the insights of a brilliant electrical engineer from Garden Grove, California who invented the first electronic controllers for pools, spas and pool/spa combinations. At the time, cell phones were "car phones" with their curly antennas mounted in the center of the car's roof. The popular video game was "Pong." Home computers were Commodore 64s. Imagine the challenge involved in selling electronics to someone whose background was digging holes with a backhoe and pouring concrete! We set up intensive educational programs through the industry trade association. We implemented a program of on-site training. We marketed the product category, making it mainstream. We helped the manufacturer grow to industry prominence, and helped make it so profitable, that the company was eventually acquired by a giant corporation.
•Salt-Based Chlorine Generators
"No one has ever asked me for one." In the beginning we heard that objection from dealers, contractors and distributors at least a thousand times! Sales were next to zero. We instituted an extensive program consisting of sales support, technical education and comprehensive job site training. Our experience and diligence grew sales for the product line into millions of dollars, helping create a remarkably profitable and successful manufacturer.
And these are just a few of our past highlights. Hazel Sales Group is currently creating additional success stories!