Ex-Levitz employees launch retailer software resource
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, April 7, 2002
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Two former Levitz employees have formed their own company to provide integrated software to big-ticket retailers.
DeAnne Wright and Jorge A. Aquino launched ProTech Retail Solutions, saying they can provide retailers with proven software that stores can use without needing to buy servers and networking equipment, or hire IT professionals.
The company will show at the April High Point market on the sixth floor of Furniture Plaza.
Wright worked for 13 years in Levitz stores and 12 years in management information systems at what was once the nation's No. 1 furniture retailer. Aquino has a similar background, and the two formed a partnership to translate what they learned at Levitz into their own business.
"I was in the business, in the warehouse, on the sales floor, and I know what (retailers are) talking about when they tell me the problem," said Wright. "Then you have to understand the software, so you can help them effectively use it."
ProTech has a staff of nine. "All of those people have years of experience — not just on the tech side but they have store knowledge. We know how to put tech and business together," said Aquino.
The company can either sell the software for use within a retailer's own MIS division, or ProTech can put the software on hardware that is hosted by a third party source, according to Wright. She said that a third party host can provide the security, the networks and the infrastructure necessary for an efficient operation, and can offer a much cheaper option for retailers.
Aquino said the ProTech approach "allows the retailer to focus on their core business and wash their hands of the IT headache."
Wright said the company is focusing on big-ticket retailers, large and small. "The retailer can be as big as a Heilig-Meyers was or as small as a two- or three-store operation, and we can support and find a way to price it so that it's reasonable for any type of business," she said.
The software includes point-of-sale, warehouse management, merchandising, automated replenishment, full customer history and a robust database.
ProTech is the second retail technology company spawned at Levitz. Years ago, former Levitz executive Sid Levitz developed software that led to the founding of GERS in San Diego.
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