2025 SCN Hall of Fame Inductee: Heather Sidorowicz's Achievements Recognized
Southtown Audio Video, nestled in upstate New York near Buffalo, stomped its way into the annals of history in 2024, commemorating two monumental achievements - its 40th year in business and a decade-long stint under the guidance of its current owner, Heather Sidorowicz. Sidorowicz, despite her theatrical background, found a strange sort of affinity with the world of AV, a connection that has proved golden for the company.
Although AV flows through her veins (her father founded the store), running an AV integration shop wasn't necessarily a given for Sidorowicz. "I was a theater major," she admitted, highlighting the unexpected convergence of her acting past and AV present. "There is a thread between being an actress and training people to connect."
Shortly after college, Sidorowicz got bitten by the AV bug and joined Southtown Audio Video (SAV). She recalled a cinematic, albeit unconventional, introduction to the world of AV - a surround sound demo at a home show where they played a violent film amidst children. That moment sparked a fire within her, inspiring her to challenge convention and reshape the industry.
Under Sidorowicz's leadership, Southtown dived headfirst into the commercial integration sector. In 2014, she acquired SAV outright, paving the way for the company's remarkable growth. At the time, Buffalo was poised on the cusp of a renaissance, with buildings going up and business opportunities abounding. Sidorowicz, confident in her approach, seized the moment and doubled the company's size by 2015.
Since then, Southtown Audio Video has soared, propelled by its innovative and exceptional projects. One such project was a half-million-dollar affair at the University at Buffalo, featuring a 163-inch DVLED wall integrated with a Crestron NVX system and Sony AI camera.
As for what's next, Southtown Audio Video is on the verge of expansion, having purchased additional property. Large projects are planned, including a stadium venture set to launch them into 2026.
While details about these endeavors remain scarce, it's clear that Southtown Audio Video is far from resting on its laurels. The company's remarkable journey serves as a testament to Sidorowicz's innovative spirit and the untapped potential of the AV industry.
In the wake of Southtown Audio Video's exceptional growth, Heather Sidorowicz, its dynamic owner, has set her sights on the future, planning ambitious projects to further establish the company's impact in the AV industry. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as DVLED walls integrated with Crestron NVX systems and Sony AI cameras, Southtown Audio Video continues to push industry boundaries, underscoring its commitment to innovation and finance. As the company prepares to venture into the realm of stadium projects, it seems there is no limit to what this trailblazing establishment can achieve in the realm of business and technology.
