CustomerLink Systems Appoints Walt Samuelson as President and Chief Executive Officer

    ROSEVILLE, Calif.--Oct. 23, 2001--Today, CustomerLink Systems, a leader in delivering high quality Customer Retention and Loyalty services to the automotive service and repair industry, announced the appointment of Walt Samuelson as President and Chief Executive Officer.
    Since 1994, Samuelson has been a key executive with ALLDATA LLC, an AutoZone company, and for the last three years their Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. ALLDATA is the market leader in providing electronic diagnostic, repair, and estimating information to the automotive service industry supporting independent repair shops, chains and franchises, dealerships, educational institutions, libraries and government agencies
    As EVP/COO, Samuelson participated in the company's most explosive growth period in subscribers, revenues and profits. In his most recent role at ALLDATA, Samuelson was directly responsible for all aspects of the company's operations including a field and telesales force covering the U.S. and Canada, product development operations in the U.S. and India, an industry-leading customer service group that became as effective in the sale and retention of customers as the product itself, and the company's revenue and profit.
    In addition to seven years in the aftermarket with ALLDATA, Samuelson brings to CustomerLink Systems product, business development, and sales and marketing experience from Xerox Corporation, and customer service and customer relationship management expertise from Quintus Corporation (now owned by Avaya).
    "We feel Walt is perfect for the role of CEO at CustomerLink and we couldn't be happier about his decision to join our company," states Mark Hockridge, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of CustomerLink Systems. Hockridge continues, "Walt's proven business development leadership, success with a business model close to CustomerLink's, and his automotive aftermarket experience are exactly what we need to accelerate our growth."
    "CustomerLink Systems has a solid business model. They provide high value-add business solutions to a market ready to capitalize on improved customer interaction. Shops and dealerships using CustomerLink Systems' products and services have documented proof that moving occasional customers to `loyal' customers is highly profitable," states Walt Samuelson. Samuelson continues, "The enthusiasm of the CustomerLink employees for what they can provide the automotive aftermarket is contagious. I am looking forward to the role I can play in accelerating the company's growth through market share capture and expanded products, services and approaches for gaining and retaining loyal customers."

    About CustomerLink Systems, Inc.

    CustomerLink Systems, Inc. is a leader in delivering Customer Retention and Loyalty services to the automotive service and repair industry. CustomerLink's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system automatically reminds the vehicle owner of future service intervals, providing coupons, promotions, surveys, and thank you letters on behalf of their service provider. CustomerLink services allow the automotive repair facilities to increase customer count, grow a loyal customer base, and generate increased profits without spending incremental time or effort because CustomerLink performs these services for the shops. CustomerLink puts time back in the service providers' life and increased profits in their business.