An Interview with Noah Stokes of AVT

Mason Kirby: Thanks for joining me today. How did you get involved with AVT, and what’s the nature of AVT’s business?

Noah Stokes: Our business model includes doing all of the high and low voltage work on a project. This starts with the design and includes the running of the wires, providing the equipment, the installation, and all the way through to the programming and final instruction.

Our approach is designed to handle the complexity of the low voltage industry, where different components often don’t work well together. By being the sole entity managing all subsystems, we can select systems that integrate well and deliver a cohesive environment with a high success rate.

Mason: Here we are knee-deep in June 2009. How are you able to differentiate your services or product from the competitors?

Noah: We aim to simplify the process for our clients, architects, and builders by being a single point of contact for multiple responsibilities. This reduces time and coordination efforts, which we believe results in a more cost-effective and well-managed project.

Mason: So you essentially have an integrated service delivery model. How do you manage internally and externally those different pipelines?

Noah: We work very hand in hand. Our AV and electrical businesses are distinct yet interconnected, and we operate under a unified umbrella, attending the same staff and project meetings. Our ideal scenario involves early engagement during the design phase, so the client can make educated decisions about system design. As for the electrical aspect, it’s more straightforward.

Mason: Tell me a little bit about how your company approaches the preliminary design of AV systems?

Noah: We developed a software called the Visualizer, which is a 22′ touchscreen that displays a virtual 3-D environment. It helps clients understand the user interface and how different elements in their home interact with each other.

We also have the Approximator, which allows clients to select from pre-designed systems with prices and other details. They can design two systems side by side and compare prices and other features. We found this tool to be very useful in simplifying the process for everyone.

Mason: So essentially you have a tool that allows you to do a preliminary design with real dollars and cents updated in real time. Looking forward to 5 years, what’s the landscape look like for an integrated cabling/infrastructure company like yours?

Noah: I foresee a trend towards using smartphones, particularly iPhones, to control home systems. It’s an appealing option as it reduces the need for installing multiple touch panels in a home. In the future, these systems will become less expensive, easier to use, and more inclusive, bringing what used to be a luxury within reach of more people. There are no limits to where this can go and how much it can simplify our lives. I’ll be updating our blog, www.blog.avtinfo.com, with more industry trends and developments.