The award-winning Stihl iCademy Web-based learning program, which provides customized training for all registered Stihl dealer owners and their employees, is closing in on its one millionth test recorded. To celebrate this milestone, the company is presenting the Stihl iCademy Challenge “Train2Gain” Sweepstakes for Stihl dealers.
The registered iCademy dealer employee who successfully completes the one millionth test will receive 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.
With the iCademy training program, Stihl Inc. sets the standard in the Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) industry for Web-based learning programs. More than 38,000 registered users take advantage of a wide array of 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.
“The quality of the customer experience at their Stihl dealer is every bit as important as the quality of our products,” said Nikolas Stihl, grandson of the founder of Stihl and now chairman of the advisory board of Stihl Holding AG & Co. KG. iCademy provides Stihl dealers with the training tools necessary to help them deliver outstanding customer and technical service to end users.