Leadership Team

John Frederick

AV Solutions Manager

I started my career in the AV industry in the early nineties with my first "real" job.  Over the years, the industry has changed dramatically, seemingly in tandem with the evolution of my company, from Business Methods Inc., to Toshiba Business Solutions, to the current AV Solutions.  When I started, state of the art was a 150+ lb projector that took hours to setup and calibrate and cost over $20,000, a far cry from today's technology.

I've always enjoyed the dynamic nature of the business.  I can honestly say that every day brings a different and unique challenge.  Our clients have varying comfort levels using technology, and we strive to match the equipment and systems to meet those needs, be it a smart classroom for first graders, a sophisticated auditorium, or a videoconferencing suite.

Mickey Ames

Audio-Video Design & Sales

Bob Kimmel

Terry Kirchoff

“I started working at this company in 1974. Until 1988 I sold our copying products and through that experience got a good sense of how our culture is so service-to-the-end user oriented.

I like to say that I enjoy working for this company because I don't have to run and hide from any promises I have made as a sales engineer: my back is covered by our tech support and administrative teams. I provide service after the sale so our customers get the best return on investment on the systems they purchase.

My personality as an introvert means I'm less likely to talk a lot, more likely to ask questions and listen to what a prospective customer wants. I'm a serious sort of person... but I sure enjoy a good laugh.”

Garry Krause

My AV career started somewhere around the age of 10 when I would disassemble anything electronic. I would reconfigure acquired parts to create my own sound systems in our house and even in my parent's cars. As I got older my creations became more complex. I would create my own speakers and test with enclosure sizes, shapes, materials, and acoustical contents. My actual working career and AV career were separate until I was introduced by my friend Bob, to Tim and John at Business Methods in 1998. Since I've been here I've had a lot of fun working with our team, and my customers, to provide the best AV systems on the planet!!

I am a lifelong resident of North Tonawanda and live with my wife Mary, our son Adam and Charlie the "Little Dog". Check out www.garrykrause.com for Buffalo area project pictures and some of my favorite links.

Jeff Thompson

"Before coming to AV Solutions in August 2008, I worked at Monroe Community College where, for 11 years, I managed computer learning centers and oversaw the technology installed in classrooms and event/meeting spaces.

I have also been an adjunct faculty member at MCC since 1998. I have taught traditional college-aged students, returning adult students, and faculty how to use technology in the classroom as well as courses in customer service and interpersonal communications. Lucky for my students, I was trained by a company in Florida—run by a mouse—in the area of customer service and patience.

And fortunate for my current and future clients, my experiences have helped me understand and appreciate being a customer and a customer service provider. I love my current position with AV Solutions as it allows me to work in areas that I know and love—education and technology—and interact with people on a daily basis."

Karl Paisley

Syracuse Branch Manager and Project Leader

Karl has 28 years of experience in the electronics industry. He has found the ability to successfully adapt technology and translate “techno-speak” to hundreds of customers over the years.

Removing the mystique of technology and creating unique and functional solutions for even the most demanding clients has brought him success throughout his career. A trained musician and computer geek, Karl brings his Midwestern influence of common sense to an industry that often avoids earthly logic and reason.

Pam Adamski

Sue Cilano

“I have been with AV Solutions for seven years and up until May, I was the only female in an all male division.

The saying ‘just one of the guys’ took on a whole new meaning for me. As the purchasing manager, I get to shop all day long (unfortunately, it is for AV hardware and not shoes). The best part of working for AV Solutions is our team. I could not ask for a better group of people to work with.

In my spare time I like to cook and work with stained glass. I have two cats who, if were asked, would tell you they are dogs trapped in a cats’ body.”

John Voelkl

“I am currently serving a life sentence in the AV industry. Before working for AV Solutions I worked as a touring concert sound provider providing audio services for a diverse group of artists and musical styles, everyone from ABBA to ZZ Top.

One day I took a call from a potential customer at my former place of employment. That customer was John Clawson, the Elvis Presley of AV. My life changed forever. I worked as a sub contractor for a month. I was offered a position with AV Solutions and the rest is history.

As the Technical Service Manager I am responsible for ensuring that our installation projects are completed on time and meet or exceed our client’s expectations. I am also responsible for providing a program of ongoing technical training for our technicians, allowing us to provide world class service after the sale.”