Fall 2008 issue of Horizons

knowledge. commitment. value. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

Young. “We want our equipment totally programmed and 100 percent install-ready when we go to the home.”

HTSA also represents a half-billion dollars in buying power, so The Sound Room and other members can compete against national retailers. “The 60 HTSA members are the dominant retailers in home theatre and technology in their respective cities. Working together, we’re able to negotiate the same deals as the Big Box retailers,” observes Young. “Also through HTSA, we’re able to lead the way on new product launches. If the technology is out there, you can find it at one of our stores. Just recently, we added McIntosh Labs products, the premiere audio-video component line.” Young also utilizes the strong HTSA network of dealers to service customers in remote locations. The Sound Room will handle installations within a 250-square-mile area. “If we have a customer who has a second home or remote installation, we can be confident in calling on one of our HTSA colleagues. They have our same high standards and carry the same caliber equipment as we do. Likewise, we handle any St. Louis area installations for them.”

Young believes his 46-person team is at the heart of his success. “We have 26 technicians and programmers, 100 percent of whom are certified by the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association as ESTs, Electronic Service Technicians. These are the people who design, build, install and service our equipment. They go through a 52-week rigorous training and certification that challenges them to keep their skills honed. They don’t leave anything to chance.” Implementing new technologies and constant training is an integral part of The Sound Room’s successful business model. Young and his colleagues travel to several shows and conventions during the year sponsored by the Technology Committee of Home Theatre Specialists of America, a 60-member organization of the top independent specialty retailers in the country. He also can be found at the Consumer Electronics show, where the latest in home entertainment technology is unveiled each January.

28 ◆ fall 2008 issue