Brandsource 2026 Summit: Going “All In” For Dealer Success

The 2026 BrandSource Summit in Nashville celebrated the theme of “All In,” underscoring the importance of utilizing the buying group’s wide range of retail tools and services to remain competitive in today’s retail environment.

The annual event brought together the five affiliate groups of umbrella organization AVB: BrandSource, ProSource, MEGA Group (Canada) and the two NECO chapters, NEAG and Intercounty.

It also marked the final State of the Union address by outgoing CEO Jim Ristow, who will hand the leadership reins to Chief Marketing Officer John White and COO Dave Meekings on April 2. White and Ristow will become co-CEOs, and Ristow will assume a coaching and mentoring role as executive chairman.

All In: Commitment, Accountability, Execution

Ristow framed the Summit around “All In” — a mindset of leveraging all the marketing and operational support in BrandSource’s toolchest. He encouraged attendees to invest in marketing, digital growth, and staff development, noting that the market never slows and competitors never wait.

Ristow emphasized that the definition of “all in” evolves: 20 years ago, success meant circular ads, in-store merchandising, and traditional customer outreach. Today, digital marketing, e-commerce, and smart home technologies define the competitive edge. The Brandsource network equips members with tools, training, and vendor connections to meet these shifting demands.

Lessons in Leadership

Ristow also shared his personal journey, reflecting on over 27 years with AVB, Brandsource and ProSource, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, delegation, and team-building. He illustrated how leadership transitions, including the incoming co-CEOs, ensure continuity while empowering a new generation of leaders.

Key takeaways for retailers and distributors include:

• Embrace change: Continuously evaluate your business practices and adapt to customer expectations.
• Leverage networks: Groups like Brandsource, ProSource, and affiliated networks provide buying power, marketing support, and peer learning opportunities.
• Invest in people: Developing leadership within your team fuels long-term growth and operational excellence.
• Stay visible: Consistent marketing, both in-store and online, ensures customer engagement and competitive positioning.

Inspiration in Action

Another highlight of the event was the recognition of the 2026 Dealer of the Year award recipients, whose stories exemplify growth, innovation, and community impact.
Celebrating Dealer Excellence

Across the U.S., independent dealers shared journeys spanning generations, illustrating the power of strategic partnerships and network support:

• Dick Van Dyke Appliance World, Central Illinois, Greater Midwest Region – Nearly 50 years since starting in a garage, Dick Van Dyke Appliance World has grown into multiple showroom locations.
• Grove’s TV and Appliance Center, Greater Midwest – Expanding from radios and washers in 1935 to a 5,000-square-foot warehouse, owner Dan Grove credits Brandsource’s networking and resources for business guidance.
• Shore Appliance, Inter County Region – Founded in 2011 by Jerry Vece and his daughter Tara, now has five locations and 50+ staff.
• Angola Appliance, Mid America Region – Melissa Metrov emphasizes BrandSource’s buying power, marketing, and training programs for small independent stores.
• CAM Appliances, New England Region – Siblings John, Cassie, and Kevin Braulton grew the business to three locations with 80+ team members.
• Riesters Appliances, North Atlantic Region – BJ Riester expanded his family business with support from BrandSource’s merchandising, marketing, and financing programs.
• Bemis Appliance, Northwest Region – Ron Bemis’ family-owned business leveraged BrandSource programs to grow operations and maintain a competitive advantage.
• Dell’s Home Appliances, Rocky Mountain Region – Rick and Marissa Dell added mattresses to their inventory while relying on Brandsource websites and digital tools.
• Frazier’s Appliance & Refrigeration, South Atlantic Region – Denny Frazier transformed the family business with expanded brands and a focus on growth.
• Kings Furniture & Appliance, Southeast Region – Howard King leveraged BrandSource’s digital marketing and buying programs to revitalize operations.
• North Canton TV & Appliance, Tri-State Region – Barry and Laurie Lindy recovered from a 2024 fire with support from Brandsource and peer dealers.
• Bills Appliance Connection, Maytag Region – Erin leads the second generation of this three-location business, emphasizing dealer networking and vendor relationships.
• Russell’s Appliance & Electronics, Great Plains Region – Father-son team Ron and Steve Russell credit Brandsource for their competitive edge.
• Busen’s Appliance, Michigan Region – Four generations strong, Tim Busen highlights training, national buying power, and promotions as key growth tools.
• Appliance Village, North Central Region – Tod Bellrichard attributes growth and survival to BrandSource’s support.
• Direct Appliance, Pacific Rim Region – Kris and Samuel Garrett emphasize multi-brand strategy, digital tools, and training resources.
• John Plyler Home Center, Southwest Region – The family business evolved from plumbing to appliances with BrandSource guidance.

These award-winning dealers exemplify the best in independent retail by showing a commitment to customer experience, operational excellence, continuous adaptation and their fellow BrandSource members.

The BrandSource Summit combined practical lessons with motivational moments, from stories of overcoming adversity to fun exercises like the “All In Cam,” reinforcing dedication to business and community. Award recipients and attendees alike left with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable strategies to grow their operations.

As Ristow concluded: “Service still matters, trust still matters, and expertise still wins. All it takes is going all in — committing every day to be better, together.”
BrandSource’s 2026 Summit reinforced the core principle that independent dealers can compete, thrive, and innovate when armed with the right tools, mindset, and network support.

See also: Jim Ristow Named AVB Executive Chair