In a recent interview on Women in Motion, Heather Bailey, the driving force behind Audio Visual Services (AVS), shares her journey and the unique value her company brings to live corporate events. From humble beginnings in Hawaii to nationwide recognition, AVS exemplifies the power of blending advanced technology with heartfelt service.
Providing Cutting-Edge Solutions
At AVS, Heather and her team specialize in providing comprehensive technology solutions for live corporate events. They cater to major retailers, financial institutions, insurance companies, technology providers, and organizations like WBEC. Hired by event planners, producers, and agencies, AVS handles all technical aspects, ensuring seamless execution.
AVS offers a wide range of equipment and support, including LED screens and video walls for meeting rooms, projection and large screen surfaces, stage lighting, moving lights, ambient lighting, and top-of-the-line PA systems for clear audio. They also provide the technical support needed to operate all this technology.
A Journey Rooted in Aloha
Heather’s journey began 25 years ago in the scenic town of Keauhou on the Big Island of Hawaii. Deeply rooted in Hawaiian heritage, Keauhou embodies the spirit of aloha—love, peace, compassion, and mutual respect. This ethos laid the foundation for AVS’s company culture.
Starting small, Heather built relationships with local businesses, event planners, and organizations. As word spread, AVS expanded to other Hawaiian Islands, gaining a reputation for reliability, quality, and exceptional service. In 2006, the company took a significant leap, extending its services to the mainland, transforming from a local business to a nationwide company.
A Blend of Skills and Customer-Centric Approach
Heather’s background in communications, hospitality, and sales has been instrumental in shaping AVS. She studied communications at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and worked for esteemed companies like The Ritz-Carlton and Nordstrom. These experiences instilled in her the importance of customer service, quality management, and active listening.
AVS’s culture is deeply customer centric. Heather emphasizes the need for her team to embody the aloha spirit, listen to clients, adapt to their needs, and mesh with their personalities. This approach ensures a cohesive and enjoyable experience for clients, fostering long-lasting relationships.
Tips for Building a Customer-Centric Team
Heather believes in hiring individuals who naturally possess a service-oriented mindset. She looks for traits like positivity, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine desire to help others. During the interview process, she asks questions to identify these qualities, ensuring new hires align with AVS’s customer-centric values.
Solving Clients’ Needs with Innovative Technology
Clients come to AVS with diverse needs, from product launches to motivational meetings. Heather and her team provide technology that allows clients’ messages to shine. They offer options like LED screens and video walls with fine pixel pitch for stunning visuals, top-of-the-line audio systems like D&B for clear and precise sound, and lighting solutions to add drama and enhance the event experience.
AVS’s goal is to let the client’s message take center stage, providing the support needed to make every event a success.
Success Stories and Client Praise
AVS receives praise for its ability to bring teams together and create memorable experiences. Heather shares that technology is just one part of the equation; it’s teamwork and camaraderie that truly make events special. Overcoming obstacles together and delivering excellent service leaves a lasting impression on clients, encouraging them to return to AVS for future events.
Expanding Horizons
While AVS’s sweet spot is corporate meetings for Fortune 100 companies, they also handle smaller community events. About 50% of their business is in Hawaii, with the other half spread across the continental U.S. This balance allows AVS to bring their unique blend of technology and aloha spirit to diverse locations.
Emotional Connections and Lasting Impressions
Heather believes in the power of creating emotional connections. Drawing from Maya Angelou’s wisdom, she emphasizes that people remember how you make them feel. AVS strives to leave clients with a sense of warmth, compassion, and community, embodying the aloha spirit wherever they go.
Connecting with AVS
To learn more about AVS and their services, visit their Mainland-based website at avservs.com or their Hawaii-specific site at audiovisualhawaii.com. Heather Bailey and her team are dedicated to transforming corporate events with technology and the spirit of aloha, making every event a memorable success.
To listen to Heather’s full journey, tune in to Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/avs-audio-visual-services/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
