“We knew many of the companies that we were relying on would be out of the handset business or out of business all together within three years,” said Matt Jackson, President. Five years ago, it was “now or never” for the founders of Wireless Accessories Unlimited [WAU], a Fort Worth, Texas-based wholesale distributor and manufacturer of mobile accessories. In 2002, with 30+ years combined experience in Wireless, Jackson and his partners decided it was time to establish a firm grip on their future.
Matt Jackson, Rick Dolph, and Scott Mays established WAU when they saw dramatic changes in the wholesale handset industry. The partnership formed because of a developing need for reasonably priced, superior-quality wireless accessories. In response, WAU’s robust product line features premium products such as high-end Bluetooth headsets, lambskin leather-fitted cases, batteries that are held to higher than OEM standards and chargers that match the industry’s standards. Quality has been uncompromised since inception, which contributes greatly to the WAU’s success.
“This has always been an ever-changing industry with new phones coming out every quarter. But we are in a unique period with PDA’s, iPods, and cellular phones all coming together with fast-improving technology...the opportunities for new and exciting accessories for these hybrid phones are limitless”, says Jackson.
WAU also provides marketing and merchandising opportunities, which include product launch kits, private label packaging, plan-o-grams and point of purchase display signs. Their website, http://www.waunlimited.com, features an online catalogue as well.
The company, despite it not being recognized as one of the “big boys” in the industry, according to Jackson, remains competitive because of how they respond to the market. “We react very quickly,” he says. In 2005, for example, WAU sold two-way radio batteries and experienced tremendous growth in that division as a result of their response to a unique customer need. Staying competitive requires WAU to continually scan and search the industry for information. “Of course we use the standard trade publications, but we also rely on our customers.” And relying on customer information comes with experience.
Because of management’s industry knowledge, the company is able to offer many value added services. Features such as stock balancing, previous vendor integration and inventory liquidation options, Jackson says “we provide incredible relief to our clients. Because of DFI (Deduct From Invoice), co-op, market development fund programs and (VIR) Volume Incentive Rebates, many of our clients refer to us as their ‘highest value vendor’.”
With representative locations across the United States, WAU declares that they are “not just parts, [but] partners.” The company relies on a dedicated sales and support team that makes sure customer service is not compromised. They are committed to accurate order processing and billing, same-day shipping and timely responses.
WAU’s customer base represents thousands of retail locations throughout the United States, including regional and national service providers as well as alternative distribution channels. They house a retail packaging and production facility that utilizes state-of-the-art coding and private labeling. All of these service and product offerings, however, would not be possible without their talent.
WAU’s employees are their “keys to success”, Jackson asserts. “I am a firm believer that our people are the company”. Management purposely creates a fun, high-energy atmosphere and that “translates to happy customers”. Hiring the right people and helping people succeed at what they do has lead WAU to a sustainable development pattern. The company has shown triple digit growth over the last four years and “is perfectly positioned to take the next step,” he adds.
WAU’s executive team is equipped to manage its future with Matt Jackson as President (pictured top left). He’s had a successful track record in sales since 1996 in the wireless distribution channel and plays a key role in the day-to-day managing of the business. His Vice President, Rick Dolph, (pictured top right) moved from the sales and marketing side of the wireless industry to the distribution early in his career. He manages the company’s product procurement, inventory and logistics. Scott Mays, Vice President of Business Development, (center) has brought a loyal client following to WAU. Mays built the East Coast sales office, which is experiencing “excellent success”.
Kostas Hatzikoutelis joined the team two years ago and brought nearly 20 years experience in wireless accessory distribution and is an established product and sales trainer. Carriers have all increased retail accessory revenues due to his sales and product training seminars; he is located in the East Coast sales office.
Jackson summarizes his business model simply, “We have never tried to re-invent the wheel at WAU; this is Business 101 and it works well when done well.”