How did you get connected with Ideal?
I first met with the IDEAL team four years ago. I was visiting the IAAPA show in the USA on behalf of my previous employer SUZOHAPP. At that time SUZOHAPP was looking to find a systems company to represent in Europe. The IDEAL team was very friendly and professional and left an excellent impression.
I’m extremely proud to represent such a knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated team of people who literally live and breathe our products and who are constantly striving to provide robust and workable solutions for our customers.
What are your goals for International expansion?
I am very excited about our global opportunities. IDEAL has been in business for 37 years and has a great track record in the USA. That means a great deal and it gives a positive feeling to potential new customers who can see that our system is not only tried and tested but has unique benefits as well.
Our strategy is to build up a global distribution network. Apart from the UK and Ireland where we sell directly, we are right now actively seeking companies to support us.
To quote a cliché…Rome wasn’t built in a day, however with a great team back at base, a great suite of products and the commitment from the company to expanding our market presence, we are certainly headed in the right direction.
What are some accomplishments you’ve already made?
Our first installation outside the USA is at King’s Bastion Leisure Centre in Gibraltar. John Azzopardi is the Managing Director there, please let me share his comments with you: “Market feedback showed us that installing a cashless system can increase our revenue by up to 15% on a permanent basis. All these benefits convinced us to take this step and invest in IDEAL.
IDEAL is future-proof. We are already planning our next steps to make the most out of opportunities it offers us, including introducing a loyalty programme and enabling our customers to top up their cards online. We truly believe that our customers will see the benefits of cashless play. We have already received positive feedback from parents who appreciate the option of putting a set amount on a card for their children to enjoy.”
Outside of the USA we are starting to establish the company name, the brand and just how comprehensive our product offering is and we are working on a number of exciting projects at the moment so watch this space……………
How have your experiences at the tradeshows gone?
Outside of the USA, we have been present at the AALARA conference in Australia, the InterFun Expo in Leeds, UK and most recently at the IAAPA Expo Asia in Shanghai.
Our experience so far has been very positive.
Visitors to our stand really appreciated the fact that our system covers all requirements – as our company logo says – ONE system that does it all. As John in Gibraltar said, our system is future-proof. Furthermore, we have an excellent track record – as I said previously – we have been selling systems successfully for 37 years now.