Scottsdale, AZ—David Lorsch, the former CEO and DBL Distributing founder, passed away suddenly at the age of 62. Lorsch formed DBL Distributing in 1989 to bring a West Coast distribution company to the independent retail, commercial AV and custom electronics channels.
Lorsch sold the Scottsdale, Arizona-based company to Ingram Micro in 2007 for $96 million. At the time of the sale, the company had more than 26,000 customers and a 1,200-page catalog. Six months after the sale to Ingram Micro, Lorsch resigned his position with DBL.
DBL Distributing Founder
Lorsch started DBL as a catalog distributor because he saw a gap in the electronics distribution market targeting the industry west of St. Louis. Eventually serving the entire nation, the company expanded beyond targeting just audio and video retailers. It added digital photography, mobile phones, commercial AV gear and custom installation equipment.
In addition, the company grew to serve more than 30,000 retail customers nationwide. It also boasted a line card of more than 17,000 products from 400 manufacturers.
“David, the founder and CEO of DBL Distributing, was an entrepreneur and visionary who wanted to change how retailers bought and sold accessories,” commented Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). “DBL Distributing changed the perception of accessories from a poor stepchild of the consumer electronics industry into a retailer’s primary profit center.
“David, and his wife, Cindy, created an amazing company, DBL Distributing, which they made hugely successful and sold. Along the way, they gave back to the industry through CTA voluntary activities and donations. We will miss David’s passion, friendship and humor and we offer Cindy and his family our sincerest condolences,” added Shapiro. 
A long-time advocate of the consumer technology industry, Lorsch volunteered his time to advance the industry. At the time of his passing, he served on CTA’s Accessories Division and on the Small Business Council. In addition, he served on CTA’s Board of Industry Leaders from 2006 to 2008.
What’s more, in recognition of his longtime services to the consumer technology industry, CTA inducted Lorsch into the CT Hall of Fame in 2016.
Lorsch is survived by his wife, Cindy, and son, Scott.
