Founder and President Phil Joseph was the kind of kid who liked to take things apart, especially stereos. Phil had a love of both music and TV growing up, and actually majored in Mass Communication in college hoping to go into television production. While in college, Phil worked for a local electronics retailer and began going out to clients homes to hook up the new equipment they had purchased. This launched the idea that eventually became AVT.

After 10 years of experience in the field, Phil's love of electronics morphed into a love of business. The ensuing years since has made Phil a very unique leader. "I am probably one of the dumbest guys in the room when it comes to the inner-workings of technology," says Phil. "I don't even program my own iPhone...why should I when I have all these smart "kids" working for me?"

This departure of our leader from the nuts and bolts of technology has helped AVT in two very distinct ways: First, it has allowed Phil to focus on the proper business practices of running a company rather than be an enthusiast trying to make a living out of their hobby. Second, and even more importantly, it has made Phil more like his clients than probably any other technology company owner out there. The fact that Phil doesn't love "fooling around with technology," but rather simply enjoys the latest technology has to offer puts him in touch with our average clients, who live busy lives and just want things to work.

Clients often say if they talked to other companies before talking with Phil, they've gotten overwhelmed by geek-speak and leave the meeting more confused than when it started. Phil may not know how to program a network or his iPhone, but he sure understands the frustrations and challenges of the end user and is attentive and empathetic to their needs. Phil likes to say, "AVT is now a company with one old guy (me) and a bunch of smart kids." 🙂