ListenUp
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics retail, Systems integration |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Founder | Walton Stinson, Mary Kay Stinson, Steven Weiner |
| Headquarters | Denver , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Audio and video equipment |
Overview
ListenUp operates as an independent retailer specializing in audio and video equipment, as well as a systems integration firm. Established in Denver, Colorado, in 1972 by Knox College alumni Walton Stinson, Mary Kay Stinson, and Steven Weiner, the company has grown to become a notable player in the consumer electronics sector.
Early Contributions and Innovations
During the early 1980s, ListenUp played a pivotal role in introducing the compact disc (CD) format to the United States market. The initial commercial CD players were unveiled at Sony’s booth during the 1982 Japan Audio Fair, where both Stinson and Weiner attended. They returned with discs and technical details that helped facilitate the CD’s entry into the US. Upon his return, Stinson was even questioned by customs officials regarding the “shiny discs” he carried.
With limited resources for traditional advertising, Stinson and Weiner innovatively arranged live concert broadcasts from Denver’s Ebbets Field nightclub for two local radio stations. In exchange for on-air mentions featuring “Sound by ListenUp,” they gained valuable exposure. Ebbets Field was recognized as Denver's leading music venue during the 1970s and was honored as Club of the Year by Billboard (magazine) in 1975 and 1976. Between 1973 and 1977, ListenUp produced broadcasts and recordings of performances at this venue. Their efforts culminated in a four-CD collection titled “Live from Ebbets Field,” showcasing artists such as Taj Mahal (musician), Dan Fogelberg, Joan Armatrading, Doc Watson, Peter Frampton, Muddy Waters, Willie Nelson, and Little Feat.
Further Endeavors
From 1979 to 1988, ListenUp was responsible for designing the audio system and managing live broadcasts and recordings at the Rainbow Music Hall, a concert hall managed by Barry Fey and Chuck Morris.
Market Position and Recognition
By 2019, ListenUp ranked as the tenth largest specialty dealer in the US consumer electronics market. It commanded a 12% share of consumer electronics sales among the top 100 consumer-direct businesses alongside industry leaders like Apple Inc., Bose Corporation, and Video & Audio Center.
Co-founder Walton Stinson received significant acclaim in 2009 when he was inducted into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame as one of two honored audio engineers that year. The Consumer Technology Association describes this accolade as recognizing innovators whose dedication has delivered technologies, products, and services worldwide that enhance quality of life while promoting safety and wellbeing.