Mohegan Lake’s Joe Guilderson Receives APEX Small Business Award

Joe Guilderson, of Mohegan Lake, has been working to deliver superior service to his clients since 2005. Once an account executive and now the owner and president of Corporate Audio Visual Services—a company that provides audiovisual equipment and event production services—Guilderson’s firm is serving as an example of a small business thriving in Westchester County.

He received in November 2011, the APEX Small Business Award, which was given by the Westchester County Association at a prestigious dinner attended by 600 local business leaders.

Guilderson’s company was recognized for its continued growth in a challenging economy, its constant innovation within the industry and its commitment to the community.

"It was very exciting to be recognized for the work that we do," Guilderson said. "We set out to become part of the fabric of the community, serving both large corporations and non-profits—and that is what we are accomplishing."

The company began in 1985 in New York to address the needs of corporations that were unsatisfied with the high prices and service they received from the in-house audiovisual staff in Manhattan hotels. It has grown steadily—with revenue increasing by 21 percent within two years of Guilderson taking the helm.

Based in Elmsford, the firm now serves clients in Westchester, New York and beyond into New England, providing cutting-edge audio, video, lighting and staging solutions for conferences and special events, in addition to selling equipment, designing and installing permanent audiovisual systems, as well as providing maintenance and repair.

Guliderson spoke with Patch about the secrets of his success:

Patch: In receiving the APEX award, what do you think made your business stand out among small businesses in Westchester?

Joe Guilderson: For one, we are leaders in our industry and extremely focused on results and success for our clients. We are the only company in our field that measures our success on an event-by-event basis. With our involvement, clients are able to deliver effective presentations, efficiently train their employees, build excitement for their product, and raise money for their causes. We are continually evolving and growing—by offering new products and services.

Also, we are very involved in our local community, supporting many of Westchester’s non-profit organizations and playing an active role in helping them generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for their respective causes.

Patch: How do you feel about the business climate in Westchester for 2012?

JG: I think that there are a number of challenges that exist right now for all businesses, but I think Westchester is making good strides to try and attract business opportunities to the community. In our world, I do see things improving and we are expecting to have a good year.

Patch: Some advice for other small business owners looking to grow?

JG: My advice is to focus on growing your sales, on keeping overhead and costs down, and on treating your staff and team well. I also think you always need to keep challenging yourself—don’t just settle for what everyone else is doing, but push to be the best and differentiate yourself. Be open to ideas, listen to your clients, and it may lead you down another road.

Patch: Your feelings about living in Northern Westchester?

JG: My family and I enjoy living in Mohegan Lake. The location is good and we have a very close and active neighborhood. We participate in our school system, Cub Scouts, various sports and activities and so it’s really been a great fit for us.

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