About AVE - Audio / Video & Acoustical Experts
Our History
Audio Video Electronics (AVE) was started in a garage in 1993, before opening as a TV/Radio repair shop in downtown Hopkins in 1994. There a young Stefan Svärd interned while working on his degree in Audio Engineering, and learned the business of selling and installing A/V equipment. Then in 1999 Stefan purchased AVE and began selling and installing sound systems. After bumping into Stefan several times in the local market, Kevin Crow joined AVE as Vice President in 2002, bringing extensive knowledge in corporate AV video projection and production. From there AVE has become one of the area's best integrated design and installation companies specializing in room acoustics, sound, video and stage lighting systems. Today AVE continues to prosper and grow, owing its long term success to a dedicated team of fourteen individuals.
Our Mission
Through skilled and highly-trained professionals, design, provide and install innovative state-of-the-art audio, video & lighting solutions with unparalleled integrity, support and reliability.
Our Leadership
STEFAN SVÄRD
President
Stefan Svärd is the leader of Audio Video Electronics who took over Audio Video Electronics (AVE) in 2000, a budding new enterprise. Since then, Stefan has steered AVE into the Minnesota FAST 50 category by the Minnesota’s Business Journal in October 2008.
Stefan’s AV experience and work ethic make him excellent at keeping the company on a customer-comes-first course. His efforts to grow his talented team of innovative visionaries and technical specialists are in earnest. He knows exactly what specialty talents add value, and promotes a cross-pollination culture—offering well-rounded knowledge experts on every project. He leaves project execution to his capable staff, but will oversee projects from the view of a quality inspector in the spirit of team collaborator.
Honor-degreed audio engineer from Ridgewater College and nearly 18 years in AV makes Stefan an authority in audio and acoustics.
His energies are fueled by regular interaction with customers and mentoring staff. Community is also important to Stefan who finds time to give his time.
He is also a leading voice in the conversation on socialization of multimedia, exploring how the emergence of next-gen AV technologies can be easily translated into traditional, non-residential environments.
KEVIN CROW
Vice President Sales & Marketing
Throughout his 18-year career, Kevin’s experience in AV integration and production has earned him a reputation as a strong thought leader in the industry.
Kevin is the driving force behind AVE’s unique qualities. And his AV knowledge is only a part of the equation. He's a team player. He thinks anything's possible. He's ferociously strategic. He's focused. He'll wade through anything to get to a goal.
His philosophical approach speaks to AVE’s consistent focus, “We design balanced, easy to use systems that make the most impact, and we don’t quit until we have exceeded expectations.”
In establishing an environment where the company’s committed, capable team is empowered to perform exceptional work, Kevin is confident in making promises he can keep. The formula is simple. Maintain superior design solutions that are delivered on schedule, beyond expectations, and provide undeniable success for AVE customers.
Kevin received a marketing communications degree from Hennepin Community College, and has cultivated his technical knowledge through studies at the Extron Institute School of A/V Technologies, SYN-AUD-CON and the International Communications Industry’s Association where he received his CTS certification. Kevin keeps networked with the industry as a member of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA).
Our Staff
The employees at AVE are what ensure the high level of quality service to our customers. Meet the people who make it happen.