Category: Invisible Fence

Invisible Fence® Brand Announces National Dealer Recognition Awards

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 4, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Determined, focused, hard working and dedicated – these are all characteristics of this year’s Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer Recognition Award recipients.  The awards honor dealers from around the country for their excellence in a variety of critical business areas including, marketing, sales and customer service. 

“All of our dealers put in a great deal of time and effort each day to help make our company a successful leader in the pet safety industry, and we are happy to recognize those leading the way,” said Lori Sharp, Invisible Fence Brand Manager.  “Each of these award winners has proven to be invaluable members of the Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer Network and we feel fortunate to have them on our team.” 

This year’s National Dealer of the Year recipient in the Mega Dealer division is no stranger to the award.  For the past four years, Tony Hettinger with Invisible Fence of Upstate New York has owned this title.  “Tony has done an unbelievable job, growing his business in a market that has consistently produced the highest sales penetration performance for Invisible Fence® Brand in the country,” said Sharp.  A consummate professional, Hettinger manages both the broader sales and installation activities while also focusing on the smaller, finer points of customer service that lead to extremely high levels of customer satisfaction. 

The other two deserving finalists in this category were Jim White, Invisible Fence of the Carolinas and Bradlee Arvin, Shelley Bennett & Bennett Associates of Invisible Fence Brand of Central Indiana. 

Top honors in the Super Dealer division went to Michael Dugan with Invisible Fence of Buffalo Niagara, located in Williamsville, N.Y.  To counteract a tough economy, Dugan made a number of changes that significantly impacted his dealership last year.  “We took a look at our processes and programs and decided to make a number of changes and improvements,” said Dugan.  “Fortunately we had an extremely successful year due in large part to the changes we made.”  Other finalists in the Super Dealer division were Jim White, Invisible Fence of Raleigh and Joyce Brennan and Kathy Orzey, Invisible Fence of Dundee-McHenry County. 

The Sprinter Cup division recognizes the achievements of the dealers located in smaller markets.  This year’s winner, Brodie Bergeson, resides in Montana, overseeing Invisible Fence of the Big Sky.  His Montana markets include Bozeman and Billings, where he doubled his sales in 2009.  “Even though he is in a small market, Brodie is just as tenacious and focused as our largest dealer in our largest market, said Sharp.  “This drive and determination is what has made him and his dealership the leader of our smaller market dealers.”  The two additional finalists in this division were Tim and Ann Schoenfelder, Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley and Juli Stroka, Canine Solutions by Invisible Fence Brand. 

Michael Sundbye of Invisible Fence of Northern Kentucky was named this year’s Rookie Dealer of the Year.  Sundbye may be in his first year as a dealer, but he is no rookie when it comes to Invisible Fence® Brand, having been a part of the team since 2002.  “Michael has done an outstanding job in the short time he has been a dealer,” said Sharp.  “We couldn’t be more pleased with the success he has demonstrated in his first year and look forward to many more.”  The other finalist in the Rookie Dealer division was Tom Kurrack, Invisible Fence of Central Florida. 

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Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

Local Small Business Receives National Accolade

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 2, 2010

IF LogoKnoxville, Tenn. – Recognition is not always reserved for the largest and loudest businesses.  One local business was recently recognized on a national level for their work and success in the pet safety industry.  Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley was one of three finalists selected for National Dealer of the Year in the Sprinter Cup division by Invisible Fence Brand at their National Dealer of the Year Awards.  This division recognizes the achievements of the dealers located in smaller markets across the country. 

In just their second year, Tim and Ann Schoenfelder, owners of Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley have experienced a great deal of success despite the economy and tough business climate.  Although only in their second year as owners, the Schoenfelders are no strangers to the pet industry, possessing a wealth of previous experience. 

“We take a tremendous amount of pride in ensuring the safety and happiness of pets at home,” said Tim Schoenfelder.  “We are involved first-hand in the development of customized solutions for each and every customer, ensuring their complete satisfaction.” 

While the company has focused strongly on growing and continuing to succeed, Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley has also become very active in the local community.  They continue to work with local animal shelters, veterinarians and the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley on raising awareness around pet safety and reasonable solutions that are available. 

Another important community initiative the company is involved with is the donation of pet oxygen masks to local fire departments.  Just recently Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley donated masks to the Maryville Fire Department with the hopes of providing oxygen masks for pets to as many departments as possible in the future. 

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For more information on Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley, contact Tim Schoenfelder at (865) 588-2999 or tennesseevalley@invisiblefence.com. 

ABOUT INVISIBLE FENCE® BRAND
Invisible Fence® Brand is the original electronic fence pet containment system trusted for over three decades and has safely contained over 1 million pets. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Invisible Fence Brand is sold nationwide by professional dealers who offer Safe Dog® and Perfect Start™ Pet training and custom installation resulting in the best performance of the system and creating an environment of both safety and freedom for pets. For more information, visit www.invisiblefence.com. 

Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

UK acquisition adds hi-tech cat doors to PetSafe product line

Posted by Shane Rhyne – October 28, 2009

PetSafeKnoxville, TN – PetSafe, the industry leader in pet safety and lifestyle product solutions, announces today the acquisition of the Pet Porte Smart Flap, from Microchip Cat Flaps Ltd., a British electronic pet door company.

“The technology of the Pet Porte microchip door is the best on the market,” says Willie Wallace, Vice President of Sales and New Product Development. “By adding it to our product line, we can bring the product to the larger audience it deserves.”

The Pet Porte door takes advantage of the increasingly common use of microchips in pets by scanning for the specific chip identification in the family cat or small dog. By setting the door to respond to a specific microchip, the pet owner can keep unwanted neighborhood pets and other creatures from gaining entry to the home.Pet Porte

“We see wonderful potential for this product on the international market,” says Brad van der Veen, Director of International Sales. “Because of existing regulations on transporting pets across borders, approximately 70% of European pets have microchips. Connecting the existing chip to the technology to operate the door provides a great convenience and safety factor for pet owners.”

Among the other technological innovations included in the design of the Pet Porte is a night mode setting allowing owners to prevent their cat from leaving the house after a designated time while still allowing the cat to enter the house if it is already outside.

“This acquisition shows how we try to expand our company with an eye to specifically helping our customers grow their pet product businesses,” says van der Veen.

About PetSafe®

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: www.petsafe.net.

Effort Launched to make Knoxville, Knox County “Pet Friendliest Community in America”

Posted by Katie Allison Granju – July 22, 2009

Knoxville, Tenn.—A new effort is being launched to make Knoxville and Knox County the most pet friendly community in America. This impressive partnership brings together the City of Knoxville, Knox County, Young Williams Animal Center, the University of Tennessee, PetSafe, the Knoxville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation. The coalition has already set up a website, www.PetFriendliestCommunity.com, where people can get information and follow the effort.

“Ultimately being the most pet friendly community in America can offer great benefits to our citizens and it can also have a significant positive impact on local tourism,” said Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale.

Phoebe“We deal with pet owners all across America every day,” said Randy Boyd, President of Knoxville-based Radio Systems Corporation, makers of the PetSafe brand. “We understand pets truly are part of the family. In fact, more than 30 percent of Americans travel with their pets and seek pet friendly activities and accommodations when planning vacations.”

This Pet Friendliest effort seeks to foster a culture of pet friendliness taken to the next level throughout our community by focusing specifically on the following: major expansion of pet activities and events, pet-focused tourism, and more pet-friendly park acres and businesses. Boyd said, “We are staking our claim that we are the most pet friendly community in America. I know others will challenge our claim, but we will have to defend it. To do so, we have to ask ourselves what someone in the most pet friendly community in America would do and then do it.”

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam said, “People love their pets and we are very supportive of this initiative that increases the number of pet friendly activities and locations in our community.”

Successful efforts of the Pet Friendly Community Committee have included the February Mardi Growl Parade hosted by the City of Knoxville and Young Williams Animal Center; the establishment of two community dog parks and planning for at least five more; and the identification of almost 3,000 pet-friendly hotel rooms in the community.

The potential impact is huge. Studies show that more than 63% of American households, more than 71-million in all, own a pet. It can make a difference for tourism.

“We’re a family oriented destination,” said KTSC President Gloria Ray. “There’s no question that making our community more pet-friendly can help us appeal to more people.”

But the effort is about more than just making sure people and their pets are welcome. It’s also about controlling the pet population. Young-Williams Animal Center recently celebrated the 10,000th spay/neuter surgery on the Spay Shuttle, but realizes the needs to do even more. In fact an additional spay/neuter facility as well as a pet adoption center is being set up on Kingston Pike in the Bearden area. Construction is underway now.

“The efforts of this committee have given us a great opportunity to showcase what is good about this community and all that it does to help animals and pets. We are thrilled to be a part of the movement,” said Tim Adams from Young Williams Animal Center.

The business community is also stepping up and beginning to embrace the idea of being pet friendly. In fact, the website will feature an index of businesses who welcome pets and such businesses will be offered stickers to identify themselves. The Mast General Store downtown is a prime example. “Helping with small breed rescue, working with the Humane Society, and fundraising for the downtown dog park, Mast General loves to help out in these areas in any and every way we can,” said General Manager Mike Johnson. “We fully support the pet friendly initiative and are proud to be a part of it.”

“A great quality of life is an important factor in attracting and keeping businesses and skilled employees,” said Rhonda Rice, Executive Vice President of the Knoxville Chamber. “Certainly, a pet-friendly community adds to the accolades and quality of life that makes Knoxville attractive.”

”Well over half of the households in the U.S. have at least one pet. They bring us comfort, entertainment, laughter, and unconditional acceptance and love in an unsure world” says Dr. John New, Professor, UT College of Veterinary Medicine. “The Pet Friendliest effort is encouraging these benefits to be expanded to public spaces and the workplace, as well as private households.”

At PetSafe, employees are welcome to bring their pets to work. “It makes for a great work environment and I would encourage others to consider it as well,” said Boyd. “Our company may be focused on pet products, but I believe a policy like this can work for virtually any business.”

Media Contact
Mike Cohen
(865) 584- 0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

Invisible Fence Brand expands product line to accommodate smaller pets

Posted by Katie Allison Granju – July 17, 2009

Knoxville, Tenn – Invisible Fence® Brand announces the launch of the new MicroLite™ Computer Collar® in an effort to keep more pets, no matter how small they may be, safe at home.

For more than 35 years, Invisible Fence Brand has provided pet owners trusted technology and proven training procedures.

“It’s all about peace of mind,” says Willie Wallace, IFB’s Vice President of Product Development. “And the MicroLite Computer Collar is going to give that gift to owners of dogs of any size as well as cats.”

Microlite_Collar_4a539460b27e3_175x175

The MicroLite collar is 30% smaller and lighter than traditional containment collars, weighing in at only one ounce. “It breaks the mold. No more bulky, drab looking training collars,” says Wallace. The MicroLite Computer Collar will also appeal to your pet’s individual style with a variety of sleek, colorful MicroSkinz™ and collar designs perfect for even the most sophisticated pet.

Invisible Fence Brand collars, including the MicroLite, alert pets with a warning tone when he or she approaches the edge of the safe area. Invisible Fence Brand pairs the technology with pet training; the protocols that help the pet obey this signal and stay in the yard.

According to the American Kennel Club, the popularity of small dogs and cats has steadily risen over the past decade. “That’s just one of the trends we’re seeing when it comes to pet ownership,” says Wallace. “We also know that pets are truly members of the family now and their parents want to keep them safe, healthy and happy.”

Not all pets are the same, nor is the property they call home. “That’s why we offer the various collars and take great care to customize each solution to meet the specific needs of each pet and their family,” says Wallace.

Unlike traditional fencing, Invisible Fence Brand systems can also section off a pool, garden or other landscaping while maintaining the beauty and integrity of your property. An Invisible Fence boundary goes practically anywhere – through hilly rocky terrain, wooded areas or even under water – all at a fraction of the cost of traditional fencing.

The systems are not just for outside. Invisible Fence Brand In-Home® Solutions are popular for pets and the MicroLite Computer Collar is compatible with that system as well.

“Our indoor units make certain rooms or areas off limits to their pets,” says Wallace. “Many people like to make sure their pet won’t come into the dining room while entertaining…or they may have another room they want pet-free. Our systems can easily make that possible, says Wallace.”

Research and development of new, innovative, and better products remains one of Invisible Fence Brand’s key focuses and core competencies. The MicroLite Computer Collar is now available for purchase. Find a local Invisible Fence® Brand dealer, by visiting the company’s website at www.InvisibleFence.com, or by calling 1-800-578-DOGS (3647).

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About Invisible Fence

Invisible Fence® Brand is the original electronic fence containment system sold nationwide by professional dealers who offer custom installation and certified Perfect Start™ Pet Training to create an environment of safety and freedom for pets. For more information, visit www.InvisibleFence.com

Media Contact

Mike Cohen

mcohen@ackermannpr.com

865.584-0550

More…

Radio Systems’ Randy Boyd named CEO of the Year by Business Tennessee Magazine

Posted by Mike Cohen – July 16, 2009

Knoxville, Tenn – The founder and President/CEO of Radio Systems has been named Business Tennessee Magazine’s CEO of the Year.

Radio Systems produces and markets a wide variety of pet products, including the PetSafe family of brands and Invisible Fence.  Sport Dog is also a Radio System product.

Boyd founded the company mostly on a dream and quickly built it into a successful business. It went from a $10 million dollar a year company to a $100 million dollar a year company in ten years. Boyd hopes to use the same math and have a $1 billion dollar company within another ten years.

According to the article, analysts seem optimistic and note that pet products are one of the few retail growth areas. But Boyd acknowledges it won’t be easy. Quoting from the Business Tennessee article: “We’ve got a path to get there, but it’s going to be a challenge—there are a lot of things on our road map, and there’s a probability that some of them won’t happen,” he says. “But we also believe that the biggest idea we’ve ever had, we haven’t thought of yet.”

Technology will continue to play a role, with new products planned that include GPS capabilities and “smart” technology that will make it even easier for people to build better relationships with their pets.

Boyd is also deeply involved in the Knoxville community and is helping create “dog parks” across the county.

For more information about the Radio Systems brands, visit www.PetSafe.net or call 865-218-1568.

Media Contact

Mike Cohen

865-584-0550

mcohen@ackermannpr.com

New Invisible Fence Brand Collar Lighter Than Ever

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 27, 2009

Knoxville, TN - Invisible Fence Brand announces the launch of the new MicroLite Computer Collar in an effort to keep more pets, no matter how small they may be, safe at home.  For more than 35 years, Invisible Fence Brand has provided pet owners trusted technology and proven training procedures.  “It’s all about peace of mind,” says Willie Wallace, IFB’s Vice President of Product Development.  “And the MicroLite Computer Collar is going to give that gift to owners of dogs of any size as well as cats.”

The MicroLite collar is 30% smaller and lighter than traditional containment collars, weighing in at only one ounce.  “It breaks the mold.  No more bulky, drab looking training collars,” says Wallace.   The MicroLite Computer Collar will also appeal to your pet’s individual style with a variety of sleek, colorful MicroSkinz and collar designs perfect for even the most sophisticated pet. 

Invisible Fence Brand collars, including the MicroLite, alert pets with a warning tone when he or she approaches the edge of the safe area. Invisible Fence Brand pairs the technology with pet training; the protocols that help the pet obey this signal and stay in the yard.

According to the American Kennel Club, the popularity of small dogs and cats has steadily risen over the past decade. “That’s just one of the trends we’re seeing when it comes to pet ownership,” says Wallace.  “We also know that pets are truly members of the family now and their parents want to keep them safe, healthy and happy.” 

Not all pets are the same, nor is the property they call home. “That’s why we offer the various collars and take great care to customize each solution to meet the specific needs of each pet and their family,” says Wallace. 

Unlike traditional fencing, Invisible Fence Brand systems can also section off a pool, garden or other landscaping while maintaining the beauty and integrity of your property. An Invisible Fence boundary goes practically anywhere – through hilly rocky terrain, wooded areas or even under water – all at a fraction of the cost of traditional fencing.

The systems are not just for outside.  Invisible Fence Brand In-Home Solutions are popular for pets and the MicroLite Computer Collar is compatible with that system as well. 

“Our indoor units make certain rooms or areas off limits to their pets,” says Wallace. “Many people like to make sure their pet won’t come into the dining room while entertaining…or they may have another room they want pet-free. Our systems can easily make that possible, says Wallace.”

Research and development of new, innovative, and better products remains one of Invisible Fence Brand’s key focuses and core competencies. The MicroLite Computer Collar is now available for purchase.  Find a local Invisible Fence Brand dealer, by visiting the company’s website at www.InvisibleFence.com, or by calling 1-800-578-DOGS (3647).

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About Invisible Fence
Invisible Fence Brand is the original electronic fence containment system sold nationwide by professional dealers who offer custom installation and certified Perfect Start Pet Training to create an environment of safety and freedom for pets. For more information, visit www.InvisibleFence.com