AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- PTN (Photo Trade News), the business
news publication for the imaging channel, announced today that Jerry Sullivan,
owner of Precision Camera & Video, a photo specialty store serving the Austin,
Texas area since 1976, has been named PTN's 2008 Dealer of the Year. The
honor is bestowed annually to one retailer that stands out among his or her
peers and offers an innovative approach to doing business.
"Jerry has built Precision Camera & Video on the premise of serving the
photographic community by providing not only equipment, but expertise that is
rooted in the promise of providing the best in customer service and quality
workmanship," says editor Diane Berkenfeld. "He is a stand out as PTN's
Dealer of the Year for 2008."
Sullivan's is the great American success story. His love affair with
photography began nearly half a century ago when his father gave him an old
Graflex Anniversary 4x5 camera. He would eventually go on to graduate from
the University of Texas at Austin, choosing to return to the field of
photography as a camera repair technician after graduation. He credits
several mentors with his success including Master Repair Technician Bob Bacon.
In 1976, he opened a modest Precision Camera Repair working out of his home.
"I basically wholesaled my services to local camera stores, started
advertising a little, working out of a spare bedroom of my home," says
Sullivan.
During that time, he worked nights with Bacon, "to pick up some extra
money, and most importantly -- training at the feet of the master. He taught
me there is dignity in working with your hands. If you put your heart and head
into your work then you may not be wealthy, but you are rich with integrity
and honesty," says Sullivan.
It is that same philosophy of hard work and dedication to a job that
persists at Precision Camera & Video today. Ten years after beginning his
business from his home, he would have his first $1,000,000 year, eventually
adding a one-hour photo lab, cameras and equipment, expanding from 750 square
feet to more than 10,000 square feet, which includes the corporate office,
repair service center and warehouse.
"The business has exploded with the arrival of digital photography. In
addition to all the newest digital cameras, we now sell computers and huge
printers," says Sullivan. "In 2005, we remodeled the former darkroom area of
our store to make room for a great new Digital Photo Lounge. Here one can have
a cup of coffee, edit, and instantly print your favorite pictures from your
media card or CD."
Sullivan acknowledges the company's success is due in great part to his
loyal customers, friends and employees over the years. "Without all of you, I
could never have had such a wonderful time doing what I love."
Sullivan will be presented with his award on March 4, 2009 at the PMA
Trade Show and Convention during PTN's Dealer of the Year reception to be held
in his honor. The December issue of PTN will include a feature story about
Sullivan and Precision Camera & Video.
PTN is the business news publication for the imaging channel, providing
in-depth news coverage, new product information, market analysis and
educational features. The magazine reaches 14,300 imaging industry retailers
and lab owners through the photo specialty, minilab, drug store, consumer
electronic and mass merchant channels. Established in 1936, PTN is the only
BPA audited news publication for the imaging retailer, delivering the most
editorial on emerging product categories and demographic retail marketing
trends. With established credentials and industry expertise, PTN has built a
quality reputation in the trade by providing turnkey editorial solutions and
advertorial opportunities for major industry suppliers. For more information,
log onto http://www.imaginginfo.com.
PTN is published by Cygnus Business Media, an internationally-recognized
business-to-business media company with a diverse portfolio of products
reaching more than 5 million professionals annually. Cygnus Publishing, which
includes print, interactive and custom marketing services, and Cygnus
Expositions, provide comprehensive, integrated advertising and marketing
programs for Cygnus' valued customers and clients. The company's products help
you enhance brand identity, generate sales leads, build product awareness,
generate sales and strengthen customer/client relationships. For more
information on how Cygnus Business Media can help you achieve your advertising
and marketing objectives, visit http://www.cygnusb2b.com.
