About Us
It all began when Mark Midyett decided to open an audio-video retail store so consumers would have a middle ground between fending for themselves at a “big box” store or going to an audiophile boutique. Mark’s background as the President and Senior Engineer of DFA (Don Fillers & Associates) gave him ample experience designing and installing the custom electronic systems in some of the nicest residences in the region, but he had never worked in a retail store. Enter Tom Leavy. Tom had been a retail manager overseeing two locations for a regional outdoor store chain. Between Mark’s expertise and Tom’s dedication to custom service, @home audio-video had the foundation necessary to get started.
As we worked on fully developing our business plan and core philosophy, recurring themes emerged. We wanted to sell only quality products that Mark had identified from years of experience installing audio-video and home theater systems. We also felt it was very important to have a comfortable sales process that allowed the customer to develop a feel for the different price ranges of components and systems because every client has a different balance of desires and budget. And finally, but most importantly, we wanted to provide exceptional service and installation to clients with a focus on existing homes rather than new construction.
To accomplish these aspects of our plan, we began talking to manufacturers in order to develop preferred relationships with them that benefit our clients. We designed a store layout centered, not on a wall of televisions and components, but rather on living room and home theater systems. This way, our customers can envision how a system might actually look and sound in their home. When a customer walks in, they literally walk into our living room. We also realized that providing exceptional service and installation begins with exceptional and highly skilled technicians. While assembling a technical staff would normally be a challenge for a startup, we had the fortune of using the experienced DFA technical staff.
After 3 years in business as a stand-alone company, @home audio-video merged operations with DFA. Now our clients have virtually unlimited resources at their disposal. While our typical client is really just looking for something simple (like a new television) we have worked on every type of residential electronic system that you have ever seen or even read about in a magazine. If you want it, not only can we do it, but we have done it—many times.
Step Inside
- Home Theater
- Living Room
- Multi-Room Audio