With a modest corporate and field staff, SMP set out to build a nationwide merchandising service organization, and they did just that. The objective was simple: provide a high-end, customized merchandising program in the consumer electronic channel across the top 40 U.S. markets.

For those who don’t know, merchandising provides in-store product support for manufacturers or retailers requiring additional product attention. Merchandising includes placing products on the sales floor, displaying marketing materials (such as posters, standees, channel strips), demos, audits and more.

SMP opened for business on September 2, 1997, under the leadership of its current President and Managing Partner, Cheri Wells. The results have exceeded everyone’s expectations. “We opened the business without any capital but with deposits from six initial clients,” Cheri Wells, President/Partner, explained. “Not looking to make a profit, we just wanted to provide quality services at retail and build a name for ourselves. In six short months, SMP became a profitable business, and we happily refunded all of our initial clients’ deposits!”

Creating an environment where employees are excited to work is a major focus at SMP. The company’s slogan “Our product is our people” has been the catalyst of SMP’s success; “Creating a fun, relaxed workplace has always been my goal.” noted Cheri Wells. “I host Sunday tailgate parties, offer on-site fitness classes at lunch and provide a game lounge that includes Xbox gaming, ping pong competitions and basketball.”

SMP employees have competed in the Ventura Corp. games for three straight years and regularly participate in a local bowling league to foster team building and fun.

The decision to operate SMP in Ventura was simple; great location, temperate climate, genuine people and reasonable real estate all allowed SMP to call Ventura home. SMP currently resides at 5600 Everglades, Unit A and is proud to have their operation established in Ventura, California.

Ventura is such an important aspect of the company that they wanted to bring some of the cities scenes into their workspace. The office decor includes palm trees, surfboard ceiling fans, and multiple murals of local Ventura landmarks.

Cheri Wells resides in Ventura and was an initial donor to the Ventura Aquatic Center where she regularly takes water aerobics classes.

As SMP matured, the need to develop best-in-class processes, equipment and reporting became the priority for the organization. Cheri stated, “We wanted to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of the next generation of clients and product categories.”

Over the past 10 years, SMP has worked with some of the industry’s best and brightest companies and retailers, including H&R Block, American Greetings, Sony, Disney Interactive and The New Release Company. The company provides a wide range of services, such as in-store product placement, mystery shops, event marketing, augmented sales support, training, execution of marketing materials and promoting manufacturer brand awareness.

SMP now has over 2000 merchandising representatives nationwide who actively provide services in over 30,000 unique retail locations in the grocery, drug, consumer electronics, offi ce and mass merchant industries.

Even more impressive than the growth is the passion, commitment to excellence and overall enthusiasm every SMP employee imparts in their work every day! 10 Years Long…..10 Years Strong!