Audio Advice, Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics retail |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Leon Shaw |
| Headquarters | Raleigh, North Carolina , United States |
Area served | United States (Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina) |
Key people | Scott Newnam (President and CEO), Leon Shaw (Board Chairman) |
| Products | Home and portable audio, home theater systems, smart home technologies |
| Website | audioadvice |
Audio Advice, Inc. is a specialized retailer in the United States dedicated to consumer electronics, emphasizing home and portable audio, home theater setups, and smart home technologies. The company operates through retail outlets and offers custom system integration services, with locations situated in Raleigh, North Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Origins
Established in 1978 by entrepreneur Leon Shaw, an economics alumnus from Wake Forest University, Audio Advice opened its inaugural store within Raleigh’s Brentwood Square shopping center. Prior to founding the business, Shaw gained valuable experience working with Sam Goody.
Premium audio segment
By 1979, the business had grown to include a showroom specializing in high-end audio equipment featuring brands such as Acoustat, Conrad Johnson, Mirage, Series 20, and Denon. In 1981, the company moved to Ridgewood Shopping Center and became an authorized retailer for Audio Research products.
Advancements in digital audio and video
In 1984, Shaw took full ownership of Audio Advice. During the mid-1980s, the company incorporated CD players into its offerings. As a dealer for Lexicon, Audio Advice was among the first in the Research Triangle region to introduce complete Dolby Surround Sound systems starting in 1988. The following year, a dedicated salesperson was hired to focus on expanding whole house audio system sales.
Expansion into home entertainment and automation
The relocation to Haverty Square Shopping Center occurred in 1991 as Audio Advice broadened its scope to include home automation and lighting control solutions. Between 1991 and 1995, Shaw served on the board of the Professional Audio Retailers Association. Randy Cribb became a co-owner in 1994.
In 1997, Audio Advice distinguished itself as the first dealer in the Triangle area to provide Lutron lighting control systems and installed the region’s first high-end home theater showcased in the Home Builders Association Parade of Homes, receiving recognition for best special feature. The next year saw the introduction of Phast whole house automation alongside Crestron remote theater control systems, securing a leadership position in smart home integration within its market.
Development and enlargement
The year 2000 marked Audio Advice’s move to a purpose-built 15,000 square foot showroom on Glenwood Avenue featuring premium audio listening rooms, home theater demonstrations, and integrated home automation displays.
In 2004, founder Leon Shaw was acknowledged as a "vital influencer" in the home entertainment sector by Custom Retailer magazine. That same year, following the acquisition of NOW Audio/Video by national chain Tweeter, Audio Advice became the longest-standing locally owned audio/video specialty retailer in the Triangle area.
December 2005 saw the debut of Audio Advice’s Music Matters event highlighting high-performance audio alongside industry leaders from Stereophile, Wilson Audio, Bowers & Wilkins, and Classé.
Shaw joined the Home Theater Specialists of America board in 2006. The company expanded its reach further in 2007 by acquiring Premier Security, integrating home security solutions and launching a home networking division. Additionally, a satellite showroom was established at Kitchen & Bath Galleries on Glenwood Avenue.
New leadership and investment
In 2007, Scott Newnam became an investor and assumed the role of president and CEO, while Leon Shaw transitioned to board chairman. Newnam, an alumnus of Davidson College and Harvard Business School, had previously guided GoldPocket Interactive from its inception until its sale in 2005. During his tenure, GoldPocket garnered numerous accolades for innovation within the digital media sector.
Growth, accolades, and advancements
The year 2008 saw Audio Advice expand through the acquisition of the Raleigh division of Innovative Systems. That same year, TWICE magazine honored the company as the Best Audio Video Specialty Retailer on a national level.
November 2008 marked the 30th anniversary of the Music Matters event, which featured leading industry professionals and highlighted cutting-edge audio technology such as Zenph Studios' re-performance system.
In early 2009, Audio Advice established a Metrolina office near Charlotte and launched a dedicated demonstration room for the B&W Group. The company received several local honors from Metro magazine, recognizing it as the top home media and security system retailer. Later that year, a new showroom was unveiled in Pineville, North Carolina.
From 2009 to 2010, Leon Shaw held positions as vice president and then president of Home Technology Specialists of America, joining its board in 2011. In 2010, Audio Advice was featured in the Triangle Business Journal and won the Retail Excellence Award presented by Dealerscope magazine.
Expansion continued in 2011 with the acquisition of ZoboTV based in Charlotte. For six consecutive years, readers of Metro voted Audio Advice the Triangle area's Best Place to Purchase a Home Media System. CEO Scott Newnam was also recognized by Dealerscope magazine in their "Forty Under Forty" list, highlighting influential figures under 40 in home technology.
In 2012, Newnam earned recognition from Custom Retailer as one of the Young Turks of Custom Electronics for spearheading the development of Audio Advice’s proprietary Signature Series automation platform, praised for its reliability and superior performance.
Advancing into online retail
By 2015, Audio Advice incorporated e-commerce expertise to create an online shopping experience that mirrored their physical stores. This strategic initiative established them as one of the fastest-growing audio e-commerce platforms in the United States, expanding their inventory to include consumer brands alongside specialty categories such as headphones, turntables, and related accessories.
Awards and recognition
Audio Advice has been honored with numerous prestigious industry awards over the years:
- Audio Video International Magazine: "Best of 30 Hi-Fi Retailer of the Year" (1993), "Top Ten Custom Installation Company" (1998), "Top Ten Retailer of the Year" (2002), and "Manufacturers Elite Award, Retailer of the Year" (2001, 2003).
- CEPro Magazine: Named among "America's Best Installers" (2000, 2001) and listed in "Top 25 Custom Retailers" (2002, 2003).
- HOME BOOK Design Excellence Awards: Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors for North Carolina Region Home Theater Design (2002).
- TWICE Magazine: Awarded Excellence in Retailing for Best Audio Video Specialty Retailer nationwide (2008).
- Dealerscope Magazine: Recipient of the National Retail Excellence Award (2010).
Media articles
Audio Advice has received considerable attention in various business and industry outlets, including Triangle Business Journal, BusinessLeader Charlotte, SoundstageAV.com, Custom Retailer, TWICE, News & Observer, CEPro.com, Metro Magazine, and Dealerscope Magazine. The coverage spans from 2002 to 2012, focusing on key topics such as strategic acquisitions, leadership growth, expansion in the market, and accolades for outstanding retail performance.