The Collins Group
Founded as CVS Systems by brothers Jerry and Joe Collins in Marion, Indiana, as one of the first satellite TV retailers in the Midwest.
Relocated into a larger facility as a satellite TV and parts distributor.
Developed the award-winning Ultimate Sales Training Seminar for Retailers. Added three branch offices over the next two years.
Earned recognition for "Top Sales Excellence" from manufacturers and "Technical Service Excellence and Support" from the Satellite Dealers Association.
Added two more branch offices.
John Collins (future President) began employment as warehouse team member then Sales Account Rep. Grew to over 50 employees.
Added another branch and relocated to the present facility (former Hanks Grocery Store).
Began distributing Primestar and became the nation’s "Top Primestar Distributor".
Founders Jerry and Joe Collins retire. Joe’s son Tom Collins is promoted to President and Jerry’s son John Collins is promoted to Executive Vice President
Converted its entire customer base over to DirecTV after it buys out Primestar. Becomes "Top Distributor” for DirecTV.
Ceased relationship with DirecTV to become DISH distributor.
Industry’s first to become approved to teach SBCA-certified installation. Launched CVS Wholesale Flags division just weeks before the tragedy of 9/11 and is proud to sell and distribute US flags, flagpoles and accessories to our great nation's VFWs, American Legions and other civic institutions.
Became the Preferred Midwest distributor for XM Satellite Radio and an important player in XM becoming America's #1 satellite radio service.
Celebrated its 25th anniversary with the Vantastic Van Giveaway Contest, presenting to one lucky retailer a $28,000 2005 Ford cargo van complete with DISH graphics and customized for installer needs.
CVS Wholesale Flags changed its name to CVSFlags.com
Became distributor of Sony HDTVs and consumer electronics.
30th Anniversary
Became distributor for RingCentral, the nations #1 cloud-based business phone system.
Opened American Wireless Entertainment, the industry’s first ever retail store and training facility, as a test site for new marketing initiatives and a hands-on training center for our Retailers. The Grand Opening included a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor and other community leaders.
August: Launched DISH DAZE, an exclusive promotional event conceived to help generate DISH sales for Retailers. Prizes given away during the next 3 annual events included two $5000 Home Theater packages, two trips to Hawaii, and two new Smart cars.
September: Jerry Collins became sole owner of Collins Distribution, un-retires and returns to daily operations as Chairman. After 15 years serving as Executive Vice President, John Collins is named President. CFO since 1999, Doug Carl is appointed to Executive VP/CFO.
Construction of a 10,000 sq ft. warehouse addition to the existing facility was completed
Became distributor of Samsung HDTVs and consumer electronics.
CVS Systems changed in name only to Collins Distribution.
CVSFlags.com changed in name only to CollinsFlags.com.
A new parent company called The Collins Group was established.
Collins Distribution became a distributor for Milwaukee Tools
American Wireless Enternment changed in name only to Collins Wireless and became DNS-approved as a DISH Authorized Contractor
Another warehouse expansion is completed, this time 14,400 sq ft is added.
Began construction of Collins Plaza, a 6-store Retail Strip Center.
By year end Collins Real Estate LLC and Collins Mobile LLC were launched.