Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
Lots of news pouring out of Montreal-based BroadSign last week with, especially, that Maarten Dollevoet, a longtime employee of BroadSign, has been named regional manager of sales for Europe, and that Daniel Parisien, co-founder, vice-president marketing and strategy – and probably the best known face of the company in North America, if not globally – has decided to leave BroadSign, effective March 20.
Maarten Dollevoet
In addition, we understand that the company will be launching a new product at #dse2015 which, we understand, is a further development from an existing product – and that several new products are in development, all aligned with BroadSign’s current solutions.
And the company categorically denies a rumour that the company has lost half its technical development staff. The group is headed by Bryan Mongeau, vice-president technology.
“In fact,” says Burr Smith, chairman and CEO, “we have increased it from 36 to 46 people and are so busy that we’ve also had to hire some outside help. And, in fact, no key people have left the company in a year.”
In Europe, Dollevoet will be heading a sales staff of four people plus a service person by year end.
“Maarten has been the face of BroadSign in Europe for quite a while now,” says Skip Beloff, vice-president of sales at BroadSign. “His dedication and relentless drive to growing our footprint set a wonderful example for those who are currently in and will be joining our expanding team.”
Daniel Parisien
But the biggest news has to be Parisien’s leaving.
“I’ve just turned 35, I’m single, and I just feel like it’s time for a change,” says Parisien. “I’m 90% sure that I’ll try something, maybe build something, outside of the world of digital signage. I hadn’t originally planned to be in digital signage but it turned into something I’m passionate about, a love affair. But now I’d really like to try something different. This is a chance to test myself, to build something that’s mine.”
Parisien says that he’s staying with the company until after #dse2015 and to help with the transition of duties. (At the show, in addition to its booth, BroadSign will also be giving demos of several features on the show floor – something it hasn’t done in years. Those who view a quick demo will be entered into a draw to win a Microsoft Surface.)
While his position will remain open, Parisien says that Stephanie Gutnik, marketing and business development manager, is totally up to speed and will be the go-to person in marketing for the company.
Smith says that this year, the company is planning on further expansion both vertically into new, as yet undefined markets, and also geographically, including the Asian market.
“We’re in a good, key position, and the money is there.” (Smith is also president of Jedfam Group LLC, BroadSign’s main shareholder.)
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