The one hour scheduled live broadcast was extended to one hour and 45 minutes because the interaction from sales people, management, and others participating from their homes and offices was “so great and continuous,” according to Ruth King, HVAC Channel manager.

“This is the first time that we've been able to bring together over 100 people simultaneously from across the United States to share in a learning process cost effectively", said Steve Vannoy, Sears training coordinator for the program.”

Tom Piscitelli led the program from the HVACChannel.tv studios in Atlanta, GA. Participating from Sears in Chicago were Kevin Callahan, vice president of sales and business development, and Charlie Piranian, national director of HVAC sales. Todd Shuman participated from Honeywell in Minneapolis, MN.

Sears regional sales managers, district sales managers, and sales associates learned more about Honeywell products and how to sell them. They “bombarded” Piscitelli, Callahan, and Shuman with call-in and chat-in questions throughout the 105 minute presentation as well as challenged their peers in other regions of the country with sales goals.

"Participants had incredible flexibility,” said King. “They watched the programs live, called in or chatted in with questions, and now can review the program at their leisure. In addition, for the very few sales associates who missed the live program, they can watch it later, even at 3 a.m. "We're excited to work with Sears and Honeywell and we look forward to helping more of their sales associates and management use this very cost effective and convenient medium for learning.

“The HVAC Channel makes life easier for contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers. With public and private programs available for contractors and manufacturers, everyone can improve revenues, increase profits, and decrease costs.”

Publication date: 10/21/2002