Today at this year’s GIE+EXPO, Stihl highlighted their iCademy program and announced a special competition for participants in the program to benefit from their involvement.
The iCademy web-based learning program provides customized training for all registered Stihl dealer owners and their employees. The program started in 2006 and has since gained 38,000 registered users. As they near their one millionth test, they have offered the opportunity through the “Train2Gain” Sweepstakes for the millionth successful test taker to be awarded two complimentary round trip coach airline tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S. The owner of that employee’s Stihl dealership is also a winner and will be presented with a new 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab 4X4 truck. In addition, both the dealer and employee winner, accompanied by guests of their choice, will be awarded a trip to the Stihl Inc. headquarters in Virginia Beach, where they will be treated to a tour of the manufacturing plant, meet Stihl representatives and be recognized for their achievements.
More than 38,000 registered users take advantage of a wide array of Stihl’s free interactive training modules and videos. The site provides education on topics ranging from Stihl products, merchandising, customer service, troubleshooting and repairs, to selling skills, public relations and business management.
Fred Whyte, president of Stihl Inc., believes iCademy works well with the unique two-step distribution strategy the company employs. “Because we only sell through servicing dealers, their success is our success. The iCademy program delivers the product and business knowledge they need in a way that is accessible and easy for them to use,” said Whyte.
With more than 50 training modules and a host of videos currently on the iCademy site, and with frequent additions of new and updated materials, Stihl offers its dealers a first-class training resource to keep them on the leading edge.
