CE Pro 100 firm Just One Touch/Video and Audio Center was recently honored for its longevity and its service to the Los Angeles-area community.
The company, which recently celebrated its 41st year in business, received a commendation from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the entire L.A. City Council. The certificate reads in part:
“On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, we would like to congratulate and celebrate Video and Audio Center on its 41st Anniversary. Under the leadership of its founders, Joseph and Mayer Akhtarzad, Video and Audio Center has remained at the forefront of innovation in consumer electronics, technology and custom integration and installation. Video and Audio Center’s dedication to serving the residents of the City of Los Angeles was most recently displayed through the essential services provided to community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The ornate certificate, which presented on September 9, 2021, continues, saying, “As a ‘made in LA’ success story, Video and Audio Center gave back to the community by providing technological support in a time when it mattered most. Internationally recognized as an industry launch pad for new technologies, Video and Audio Cneter seeks to continually improve the customer experience by researching and adopting innovative solutions. The City of Los Angeles congratulates Video and Audio Center for its spectacular accomplishments over the past 41 years, and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavors!”
“As a ‘made in LA’ success story, Video and Audio Center gave back to the community by providing technological support in a time when it mattered most.”
— Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
According to Chief Technologist Tom Campbell, Just One Touch/Video and Audio Center did not take the designation as an essential business during the pandemic lightly. President Joseph Akhtarzard recognized the importance of the situation and was determined to assist the community.
“Joseph suspected there would be a high demand for entertainment and business-related technology during the pandemic so the company,” says Campbell. “He opened two more warehouses and ordered everything he could get… we overstocked to meet the demand.”
Those moves proved to be prescient, as the demand for custom installation services “skyrocketed,” according to Campbell, not just for home office solutions but for home entertainment as people were locked down in their homes.
“It’s critical to be part of the community and that is one of our successes,” adds Campbell. “What we do goes well beyond just making a sale. It is vital for any retailer to be involved in community. Look at Fry’s, look at Circuit City … they are gone. You need to evolve and grow.”
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