Go to a large venue like a casino or an arena and there is a good chance you will hear or see a bit of TeL Systems' handiwork.
The Ann Arbor-based firm specializes in advanced video, audio and communication technology. It recently installed the new state-of-the-art sound system in the University of Michigan's Crisler Arena.
The company started 43 years ago under the name of Thalner Electronic Labs. It now employs 34 people and an intern. That includes adding two additional staffers in the past year.
TeL Systems made a decision to migrate away from mainly automotive-based work a few years ago and diversify its client base. Now it counts the University of Michigan as one of its bigger customers - and is glad it can during these turbulent times.
"From the day we were founded to today, the university is a very important part of what we do," says Karl Couyoumjian, president of TeL Systems.
The company expects to hire a few more people in 2009, but Couyoumjian is guarded in his optimism considering what is going on with the automakers and the economy as a whole.
"If the right person with the right skill set comes by we'll make room," Couyoumjian says.
Source: Karl Couyoumjian, president of TeL Systems
Writer: Jon Zemke
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