After 42 years operating one of Connecticut’s leading retail audio and custom installation companies, co-founder Ralph Cortigiano of Take 5 Audio is retiring this year.
Cortigiano founded Take 5 Audio in New Haven, Conn., back in 1977 with his partners Frank Gargano and Franklin Farrell. Since 1998, Bill Cecchini has been his business partner. Take 5 Audio is being sold to an audiophile client with a wide and varied business experience, Dr. Dean Yimoyines. He plans to incorporate Take 5 Audio into one of his existing businesses, Middlebury Furniture & Home Design, which has a 52,000-square-foot location in Middlebury, Conn.
Take 5 Audio’s 3,600-square-foot New Haven store closed on December 14 and the new location inside the Middlebury store will have a grand opening in early 2020.
“After 42 terrific years with Take 5 Audio, it is time for me to retire. I couldn’t have imagined a more pleasurable or fulfilling career. I am most fortunate to have worked in an industry that was my earliest interest, and my greatest passion. I will now spend my time with Alice, my beautiful wife of 45 years, our children, and grandchildren – and my other non-musical hobbies. I look forward to all of it,” says Cortigiano.
“I offer my gratitude and thanks to all of you, our loyal customers – now friends – most of whom have been with us since we opened in 1977. That you have allowed me to care for my family through a job that I love is especially rewarding. I’ve learned a lot about music, music systems, and people – all equally important to me,” he adds.
Both of Take 5 Audio’s long-time sales and installation managers – Bob Carissimi and Mirek Frankiewicz – are staying on with the company to ensure that clients continue to receive practical, expert advice, and correct, efficient installation and service. Both Carissimi and Frankiewicz have 20+ years of experience in the industry.
In a heartfelt message to customers, Cortigiano thanked multiple people who have helped the company thrive and survive over the years.
“Thank you boys and girls – you made it fun, worthwhile, and most of all, memorable. I won’t forget,” he notes.
