Over Forty six years ago, Gord Hammond introduced car audio to Canada. Long before the days of high-tech systems, Hammond saw potential in the modest two-channel car audio and opened Audio Warehouse in Regina, now one of the most elite audio dealers in the province.

"OUR BUSINESS IS 100% SASKATCHEWAN OWNED AND OPERATED"

“As a pioneer, Hammond recognized the industry and brought a portion of it to this country, which was first within six months of anybody else. He was actually quoted by a lot of American magazines,” says Brian Melby, one of three partners, including Blair Case and Don Rae, who own Audio Warehouse. Case attributes their success to a strong foundation and customer service. “Our business is 100 per cent Saskatchewan owned and operated.

Brian Melby, Don Rae and myself are born and raised in this province, so we have strong roots and loyalty to Saskatchewan,” says Case. “Anytime we do work or any kind of construction, we always make sure we employ Saskatchewan people.” Audio Warehouse currently employs about 90 people, a number that Case has seen increase greatly. “Some of these employees have been here for 35 years,” comments Melby. “People stick with us. Over half have been here for 15 years.”

"OVER HALF OF OUR EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN WITH US FOR 15 YEARS..."

After car audio, Audio Warehouse broke into software and pre-recorded music and Case says he has seen their business cover a lot of ground since. “We have a Communications Department now, which includes cellular phones, cordless phones and fax machines. We are one of the larger SaskTel dealers in the province,” he says.

Their Communications Department isn’t the only one that’s growing! Case has seen basic car stereo equipment develop into car video, security and remote starters. As well, adds Rae, “We now have everything from a very diverse video program in terms of TVs, DVD players, digital cameras and satellites. “Another very big part of our business is what we call Custom Home Business, for people who are renovating or are building a new house. We can go in and wire the house and do in-wall speakers and incorporate drop-down screens, projectors and touch pads.”

Staying ahead of the competition is a major key in Audio Warehouse’s success. “We’re market leaders when it comes to new products and ideas,” explains Melby. “We’re not afraid to try new things that we believe will benefit the people of Saskatchewan.” In fact, Audio Warehouse was the first business in Regina to introduce DVDs and the first in the province with Plasma TVs. “We’re innovative. Even though we’re 40 years old, we haven’t gotten complacent,” says Case. Delivery of any purchase is always free, and so is the excellent service. Rae explains: “We’ll set it up and show you how to run it. If you’re not happy with it, return it and we’ll exchange it. And if we can’t make you happy, we’ll refund your money.” It’s the simple ‘customers first’ attitude that has kept Audio Warehouse so busy for 40 years and encourages new buyers to stop in.“We attribute our success to the quality of our people,” says Case. “We have the best people in the business, period. We attract individuals who have a passion for this industry and want to make this a career.”

"IT'S THE SIMPLE 'CUSTOMERS FIRST' ATTITUDE THAT HAS KEPT AUDIO WAREHOUSE SO BUSY FOR OVER 46 YEARS"

Case also points out that Audio Warehouse are the only ones in the province to have their own on-premise Service Department. The great staff at Audio Warehouse wouldn’t be so eager to please if they didn’t believe in the products they worked with. Price is important, of course, but, as Rae points out, “the majority of our business is repeat clientele, and you only get that by looking after your customers.”

Audio Warehouse carries major brand names such as Panasonic, Yamaha and Sony, to name a few. In fact, to better serve their loyal customers, Audio Warehouse has four stores throughout the province. Beyond the original Regina location, there are now stores in Saskatoon, which opened in 1989; Yorkton, which opened in 1994 and the newest location, Prince Albert, which opened in 1999.

In addition to the business, Audio Warehouse supports a lot of local organizations and charities within the province, and even nationally. “Over the last 15 years or more, we’ve raised in excess of a quarter of a million dollars combined for the Salvation Army in Regina and the Canadian Diabetes Association in Saskatoon,” says Case proudly. In fact, Audio Warehouse was recently recognized at the Canadian Diabetes Association National Conference. And, Rae adds laughing, “through thick and thin, we’ve been ardent supporters of the Riders.”

School programs, after graduation programs as well as several charity golf tournaments also benefit from Audio Warehouse’s selfless attitude. “We believe in giving back to the communities we do business in. We don’t do business here and then siphon all the profits to some headquarters in Toronto or Vancouver. The money we make stays in this province,” says Melby. It’s that loyalty and strong roots that have been Audio Warehouse the success it has become, and will remain to be. “We’re proud of it. Proud of our longevity.”

Longevity indeed — Case has been a partner with Audio Warehouse for 23 years — Don Rae for 30 years and Brian Melby for 35 years. And all can boast that they were born and raised Saskatchewan. Forty years in business is not an easy milestone to reach. Melby points out there are only a few businesses in their industry in Western Canada that could make that statement. “I can think of 50 businesses off the top of my head in this industry who have not survived.” Case is quick to add, “we’ll continue to grow and expand only because of the support from people we get in Saskatchewan. We try to spread our success around to those who supported us.”