You know a company is in it for the long haul when it has been at the same address for over 40 years. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, TeL Systems has specialized in the design, installation, and maintenance of custom video and audio systems since 1965. With the office now triple its original size, the company has evolved along with its clients, solidifying a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in an industry that has been quite volatile in recent decades. TeL Systems has also made a name for itself in post-sale technical support, providing quick-turnaround equipment repair through its fully staffed service department.

The company was originally founded as Thalner Electronic Labs by Robert Thalner in 1965, and when Thalner retired in 1991 the company adopted an Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) as a retirement program. Seventeen years later, employee-owned TeL Systems is still thriving, though many of their early competitors are no longer around. Says company president Karl Couyoumjian, “We have a terrific group of self-motivated people who understand that they’re working both for the company and for themselves. They don’t think of the company as ‘you guys’—they know we’re all in this together.” Because employees are vested in the company, they also tend to stick around so they can reap the benefits of their collaborative success.

TeL Systems draws its clients from the educational, corporate, and broadcast production markets and has installations throughout Michigan and Northern Ohio. They’re currently designing and installing a number of large-scale audio systems for arenas and stadiums, including the University of Michigan’s Crisler Arena and Michigan Stadium. In fact, the university has been a client for more than 40 years. Two decades ago, for example, TeL Systems helped the University’s Athletic Department switch their slow-motion game analysis from film to video technology, making the department one of first in the country to do so.

These days, TeL Systems is also increasingly involved in video-on-demand work and fiber-optic networking, and they often team with clients on design/build projects, assisting in all project phases from consultation and design to installation and training. In addition, a couple of the company’s staff are working toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)®-Accredited Professional (AP) certification. Notes Couyoumjian, “We’re combining our knowledge of environmental design, integrated climate control and lighting systems, and AV technology to implement the best green building solutions with the least environmental impact.”

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the company’s focus on the highest levels of technology expertise. For one thing, they strongly value their PSNI affiliation. According to Couyoumjian, “The ability to share business ideas and information with other AV integrators is invaluable. We always come away from PSNI meetings with our batteries recharged.” For another, they’ve achieved the highest certification (gold level) in InfoComm International’s Certified AudioVisual Solutions Provider (CAVSP) Program. Now in their 43rd year of business, TeL Systems remains committed to providing state-of-the-art technological solutions—and the high level of service that their customers have come to expect—for many, many years to come.