By Laurie Schreiber

Click here to see article from MaineBiz, published December 11, 2024.

An audio-visual supplier in Brunswick has found a way to help customers understand today’s dizzying array of interactive digital devices.

Atlantic AV built a 5,000-square-foot “Control4 Certified Showroom” designed to provide a hands-on opportunity to explore integrated systems that harmonize lighting, audio, video, security and more.

Atlantic AV said the recent certification as a Control4 Showroom is Maine’s first.

“We put a big push on getting this up and running,” said Ryan Thurston, Atlantic AV’s CEO.

Control4, headquartered in Draper, Utah, is a home and business automation company offering “smart” systems with connected devices, according to its website.

Atlantic AV specializes in designing and installing custom home technology, including audio, video, lighting, automation, and security systems.

The showroom highlights Control4 technology and is designed to offer “an interactive, immersive way” to explore advanced, integrated technology.

Ryan Thurston, Atlantic AV’s CEO, started in the industry about 44 years ago, at age 18.

Eventually he bought Atlantic AV, which started with two people and now has 11. It’s been based at Brunswick Landing for the last five years.

The company’s service area includes Maine and New Hampshire, with additional clients beyond. Employees include service providers, installers and project managers who travel to their clientele. After-sales service is a growing segment of the industry, Thurston noted.

The build-out took about 18 months.

“It was a serious investment on our part” of about $350,000 worth of products purchased to set up the showroom, said Thurston.

The showroom has become a big selling point for the company.

“Over the last year, we’re looking at about a 35% increase in revenue compared to the prior year,” said Thurston.

The build-out included technology such as a home theater, media room, high-end audio equipment, automated lighting and shades, distributed video, a phone network and security and surveillance.

Generally, he said, the industry has moved away from brick-and-mortar showrooms, leaving many customers to suss out products online or through review forums.

“This has added a lot of value, for people to be able to come in here and see and experience the technology first-hand,” he said.