A Little Philosophy
The philosophy of the organization is simple: hire excellent people, empower them, be willing to take risks, and follow the CANI (Constant And Never-ending Improvement) philosophy. Our mission statement reflects our philosophy. We focus less around product and more around the potential of the organization based on its strengths. We believe our strength lies in the quality of how we deliver our products.

DWS maintains a staff of highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals. Our low turnover rate reflects this. The company places a high premium on communication and strongly promotes personal and professional growth for all its employees. We encourage constant improvement and learning through attendance at customized seminars such as the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, The 5th Discipline, company events, and various team-building programs such as ropes courses and personal goal setting workshops. DWS also provides a comprehensive benefits program and has never missed a year of paying out a share of its profits to employees. The company is also listed in Dun and Bradstreet and continues to enjoy a spotless credit history.

Foundation: Selection Video (1985)
DWS Inc. started doing business as Selection Video and was organized in 1985 by brothers Derrick and Randy Senior, then of Montreal. At the time, the video rental business was undergoing explosive growth throughout the urban and suburban markets across North America. The Seniors had started their careers in 1982 as owners of one of Montreal's largest video clubs and soon realized that C-stores where a natural for a mini version of a video club. The Seniors created a turnkey franchise program that was quickly embraced by 60 satellite locations in and around Montreal. They established Selection Video in 1985 to service this growing market. While business was brisk in Montreal, the demand for C-store Video solutions in the New England states was unparalleled.

The Seniors (both US citizens and marketing graduates of Concordia University) relocated their business from Montreal to the states and set up shop in St. Albans, Vermont. Derrick Senior (President) brought extensive marketing experience and video business knowledge to the enterprise while Randy (Vice President) contributed skills based on his considerable operations, service, and administrative experience. Both Seniors had previously worked together and their ability to quickly organize, understand, and adapt to new opportunities had already been well honed, successfully in previous businesses. At this time, Ric Lashway, just graduated from college joined the two-man company as a route salesperson. Ric’s commitment to the business and determination helped the Seniors propel the new company forward. The business was organized as an S-Corporation in 1988 and relocated to its current 15,000 square foot company-owned office /warehouse complex in South Burlington in 1989.

The company quickly became the leading video “rack jobber” in the northeast servicing 450 locations. Selection Video, a division of DWS Inc., continues to provide full, turnkey video rental systems exclusively to C-stores from Caribou, Maine to Springfield, Ohio and seven states in between. Selection Video supplies everything from rental-ready new releases to control systems, racking, merchandising, and movie rotations. SV actually designs many of its own items such as custom racking.