As many readers may (or may not know), ICP Solar is the licensee of the Coleman brand for solar energy panels.
Recently, I had the pleasure and honor of attending Coleman’s annual marketing summit at which they presented the status quo to their entire sales team and then plans for next year including the licensees.
I must say that this is a different company from that which I met just a few years ago. At that time, it appeared that the licensees were the ones driving the brand and that the management’s interest lay at simply banking off hundred years of name recognition and the advertising done by the licensees. Well boy have things changed! What I saw was just so energizing it made me think that the time had come to step up and invest ourselves in a fresh new offering for Coleman Solar, including a new website that will launch very soon.
I am very cognisant of the fact that with a fresh energy abuzz, its imperative that ICP Solar also steps up and invests in the branding. The strategic fit between “The Outdoor Company” and renewable energy is just too sensible to “coast” along on. It’s interesting how this company, under new ownership (Jarden bought Coleman last year), feels like a NEW company. I am very excited at what they are doing and I believe so will consumers worldwide be (Japan, Europe, AsiaPac are growing markets for this brand) when they see what Coleman has in store for them across many categories of camping and outdoor living products.
Well done Gary K. You’ve made a lot happen in just one year and it looks like 2007 is going to be one whirlwind of a year. Congratulations. We are proud to be a part of your corporate family.
Sass
PS. One of the interesting points for readers, and one not lost on those who are involved in the “quality” discussions now abuzz, is that Coleman does not permit their name to be placed on just any item. Each product must be tested in lab and by regular users to ensure it delivers on the promise. So being picked to be their solar licensee has a lot more meaning than simply a name tag on a label. It means you must have as much confidence in the licensed product as in one made by Coleman themselves. That is their promise to their customers, and our promise to them.