Tampa Bay, FL) – It was with great regret that the iSimple family learned of the loss of one of its own, Eric Kord, on the afternoon of October 12, 2011. Eric had been the key accounts manager for iSimple since 2008 and was responsible for representing the brand to such retailers as FYE, Micro Center and Pep Boys, to name a few.
During his extensive career, Eric’s outgoing demeanor and infectious laugh made him many friends in the consumer electronics and 12-volt industries, and he will be sorely missed. Eric is survived by his son, Stephen Kord, daughter, Stephanie Kord, and his companion of 25-years, Joan St. Martin. Eric’s body was cremated and, per his wishes, his ashes are to be scattered in the Gulf of Mexico.
Any who wish to send condolences or pay respects to the family may contact John Gulla at [email protected].
Eric Kord had a long and thriving career as a salesman and account representative in the consumer electronics and 12-volt fields. His relationship with iSimple parent company AAMP of America goes back to the company’s earliest days. As a salesman for Winntenna, Eric was one of first vendors to sell to Micah Ansley, original CEO of AAMP of America.
He then went on to represent several high-profile companies, such as Jetsound, Sansui, Nakamichi, Delta Warrantees and Zantec before finding his way to iSimple. As the iSimple key accounts rep, he worked closely with the company’s internal sales, marketing and product development teams to satisfy the needs of mass retail and large chain accounts.
According to Sergio DeOliveira, VP of sales for AAMP of America, “I’ve known Eric for many years, and I can say that he was – without a doubt – one of the most professional, knowledgeable, ethical and dedicated account executives I have had the pleasure of working with. He was a legend in our industry, and will be missed at AAMP of America and elsewhere.”
John Gulla, a longtime friend and colleague of Eric’s, said the following, “Eric was the guy that brought me into the mobile electronics industry back when he was the Sansui rep for Florida and Puerto Rico. He was also the one that recommended I see Micah Ansley about a new 12-volt accessories company called AAMP of America – the company I’m still with today. He was a mentor and a friend, and he will be deeply missed.”
AAMP of America CEO, Ron Freeman, said of Eric, “He was a very insightful, outgoing and utterly professional person, and an invaluable part of the AAMP of America family. Eric was the face of iSimple to many of its customers, and his expertise and enthusiasm contributed greatly to the overall success of the brand. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan, Steven and Stephanie in their time of loss, as are those of the many friends Eric made in the industry.”
