David Kaplan is a founding partner and Senior Partner at BlueConnect Partners. David’s work at the executive level has spanned the complete commercial cycle of the high technology industry, with a particular focus on channel strategy and market entry across consumer technology and custom integration, a channel he is recognized as helping pioneer. His background includes deep expertise in purchasing, merchandising, and new product introduction, developed over decades in the industry. Based in Seattle, David currently serves on CTA‘s Audio and Smart Home Division boards, received CTA’s 2019 Smart Home Leadership Award, and shares his perspective on distribution, networking, and product development as a guest on industry podcasts such as Genius Talk.
David worked his way through college selling stereo equipment and began attending CES while still a student. He co-founded a manufacturer’s rep firm, and the firm won roughly a dozen sales, rep, and most improved territory awards in under four years. David then joined his largest customer, Magnolia A/V, and later served as Vice President of Infinity Home Audio at Harman, an executive at Terk Technology, and a leader at Huppin’s/OneCall, before running a consumer electronics buying group and eventually co-founding what is now BlueConnect Partners in 2019. He studied at The Evergreen State College.
David combines deep industry knowledge with a collaborative approach, working alongside clients rather than simply directing from the outside. He brings integrity to every engagement, treating client relationships as partnerships built on trust rather than transactions. Having worked the manufacturer, distribution, retail, and buying group sides of the business, David brings a unique, all sides of the desk perspective to each engagement, helping clients see around corners that a single vantage point might miss.
David moved to the Seattle area at age two and has called it home ever since. His passions outside of work center on family, community, and music, and he is never happier than at a ballpark cheering on the Mariners or in a jazz or blues club. David is a member and former president of the Magnolia Community Council, and previously served as a regional board member and vice chair for the Anti-Defamation League.
Contact: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidkaplan7