Full Compass Systems
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Jonathan Lipp, Susan Lipp |
| Headquarters | Madison , United States |
Area served | United States (rental services limited to Wisconsin) |
Key people | Susan Lipp (President) |
| Products | Professional audio, video, lighting equipment, musical instruments, computer systems integration, equipment rentals |
Number of employees | 200 |
Full Compass Systems is a U.S.-based retailer specializing in professional audio, video, lighting equipment, and musical instruments. The company distributes over 100,000 items from 800 different manufacturers and functions as an authorized service and parts center for numerous brands. Additional offerings include computer systems integration and equipment rentals, with rental services available exclusively within Wisconsin. Established in 1977 by Jonathan and Susan Lipp, Full Compass is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.
Overview
Full Compass ranks among the largest woman-owned enterprises in the state of Wisconsin. Its corporate headquarters encompass 140,000 square feet, serving dual purposes as both a retail outlet and the central distribution hub for shipped orders. Adjacent to this is an 80,000-square-foot warehouse facility. The complex also features two operational production studios, a publicly accessible technology museum, and the "Backstage Bistro," staffed full-time to provide catering services for employees and guests.
The workforce consists of roughly 200 employees, with approximately one-third dedicated sales professionals possessing advanced training.
Early years
Full Compass Systems originated as a professional sound studio in Madison, Wisconsin, founded by Jonathan and Susan Lipp in 1971. In 1977, Jonathan formally incorporated Full Compass Systems, Ltd. to expand its reach in supplying professional sound equipment. The following year, Susan—bringing experience in marketing, personnel management, and theatrical production—joined the company full-time and assumed the role of president.
1980 to 2000
In 1979, the company inaugurated its initial retail outlet in Madison, Wisconsin, staffed by four employees and specializing in lighting and audio products.[1] By the close of the 1980s, the business had broadened its inventory to include video and theatrical gear, representing more than 350 manufacturers. Throughout the 1990s, Full Compass introduced its first color catalog.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name To support substantial expansion, in 1995 the company relocated to a 72,000 square foot facility featuring a 42,000 square foot warehouse located in Middleton.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The year 1998 saw the establishment of the Computer Integration division alongside the launch of Compass Xpress, a service designed to assist customers outside regular hours.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
2000 to Present
In response to evolving trends within the retail sector favoring eCommerce,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Full Compass commenced product sales on eBay.com in 2003 and followed with Amazon.com in 2004. The company introduced its proprietary eCommerce platform in 2006.[1] By 2008, existing Middleton premises were inadequate for inventory needs, prompting the design and construction of a new 140,000 square foot headquarters, which was occupied starting July 1, 2009.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Currently, Full Compass employs roughly 200 full-time personnel.[2] The organization publishes biannual catalogs corresponding to Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name