Sound Products - What's New

Company wired for sound

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell
Reprinted with permission from
College Boulevard News
May 4 — May 10, 1999

We’ve all had it happen before. We’re sitting in a restaurant or a waiting room and we hear a song that takes us back to that special occasion like our first date in high school.

"Music is a powerful motivator," said Robbin Reynolds, president of Sound Products. "What we try to do is help people use the power of music to benefit their business."

Sound Products is a satellite music and sound system distributor based in Lenexa, and started by Reynolds, a KU graduate, and her father.

"The technology of providing music for businesses has changed so much over the years," she said. "It first started with cumbersome tapes and then went to radio frequency. It’s now all on satellite, and that’s where the challenge comes in."

Reynolds said the most challenging aspect is making sure Sound Products stays in tune with the technology in the field.

"We’re able to do this by aligning with vendors who have strong strategic plans and by keeping apprised of the market place."

Sound Products’ chosen satellite music provider is Digital Music Express. Unlike other professional music services, DMX technology is digital, allowing the customer to select from more than 90 different formats that play songs by original artists. The DMX satellite system delivers digital quality that provides a better sound, and the customers rarely experience static or fading.

Reynolds said playing the correct type of music can improve employee morale, reduce monotony and create a relaxed setting. Perceptive retailers have known the importance of music in increasing customer purchases for quite some time.

"Throwing five CDs in a disc changer and pushing ‘random’ does not provide the kind of music and image that you want for your business," Reynolds said.

With more than 90 music channels professionally programmed for a commercial setting, any type of business will find the proper music with digital satellite.

When Hallmark wanted a custom-designed music package for its Hallmark showcase stores, Sound Products developed a schedule of appropriate channels. The music was preprogrammed to change at specific times of the day. Store employees never have to worry about changing the music throughout the day, and the music always matches the stores’ desired image and energy level.

Sound Products first takes its clients through a process that helps define the proper music based on image, client base and demographics. It then creates a music package that reflects the clients’ current needs. Technicians then install a receiver and sound equipment and a satellite is placed on the building.

Reynolds said Sound Products has more than 1,500 customers in all types of businesses.

"We have small businesses with one location as well as businesses that are national chains. Each customer is very important to us," she said.

The company also offers a wide variety of other services including commercial grade sound systems, in-store merchandising, telephone on-hold messaging, drive-through intercom systems and custom CDs.

Telephone on-hold messaging and drive-through restaurant intercoms are two other major components of Sound Products.

"If you go to a drive-through and you can understand them, then it is us. If you can’t understand what they are saying, then they need us," Reynolds said with a smile.

A newer segment to the business is video programming. This allows companies to order satellite programming such as CNN or the stock reports. Despite a 40% growth rate over the last three years, Reynolds is steadfast about continuing the tradition of excellent service and staying connected with her clients.

"Always stay focused on the core product and let other people do what they specialize in," she said.


		© 2002 Sound Products Inc.