Best of Edmond

Wired Up

For those who have considered turning their hobby into a business, take a look at Steve Brown and David Truitt, of Great Choice Audio Video. “We have the greatest job in the world, which is making a living at our favorite hobby,” says Brown.
“We felt there was a need for a personalized custom design, dealer, and installation team here in the Edmond area,” says Truitt. “Selecting the correct products, setting them up, and programming them to operate properly aren’t the easiest tasks for the average consumer. Our goal is to make the entire system operate seamlessly.”

The pair has been in the AV business since 1984 and they’ve learned all about equipment options and have gained knowledge in consumer needs. They felt the timing was right to open a business because consumer’s options are currently limited.

According to Brown, high-volume ‘box stores’ can treat customers like a number, with a lack of personal customer service. However, he feels high-end specialty stores are so pricey, they only cater to a small percentage of the population.

Brown advises against online shopping when it comes to electronics because some manufacturers may not honor warranties on Internet purchases. The equipment can also be difficult to set up and operate properly without professional help. Brown says, “Customers are better off when they leave the design and installation to a professional. They’ll get much more enjoyment out of their equipment.”

“We have the flexibility we need in order to be able to take care of our clients. We love to give them the personal attention they deserve,” says Truitt.

“We’ve seen other companies fail, due to them forgetting why they started their business in the first place,” says Truitt. The duo strives to keep this from happening to their business by making customer service a top priority. Brown and Truitt give their clients their personal phone numbers so they can be reached at any time.

The business partners often run into former clients in public, eager to say thanks. “They’re always happy to see us. Being a small company, we have the uncanny ability to recall their name, the job we did, their kids’ names, you name it,” says Brown. “It’s really a fun-filled relationship we have with our clients!”

To learn more about Great Choice Audio and Video and to view completed projects, visit www.greatchoiceav.com. 

Local Spin

When climbing your way to the top, you generally start at the bottom, working your way up one rung at a time.
Ronnie Peacock is no exception.

Peacock began his career in the tire and automotive industry over 30 years ago. He joined Big O Tires back in 1985 as a tire installer and worked his way up to General Manager over 11 stores in three states. When the franchise owner decided to retire in 2006, Peacock and his wife, Ashlea, purchased the Edmond location, near 9th St. and Broadway.

“Our business is somewhat unique in that we are Edmond owned and operated, but part of a national chain that allows warranty coverage virtually coast to coast,” Peacock said.

To stay competitive, Peacock shops his competitor’s websites on a weekly basis and posts their lowest prices on his sales counter for customers to see. “Low price guarantee is a popular catch phrase these days, but our competitors almost always have to come down to match our prices.”

Peacock also works hard to keep the store clean and comfortable with a nicely decorated waiting area and restrooms. “We’ve had several ladies ask if we could come decorate their restroom at home,” he said.

According to Peacock, the hardest challenge his business has faced is the struggling economy. Fortunately, tires are a necessity driven business and Peacock says he tries to make it as painless as possible by offering something for everyone, from the lowest possible price, to the highest quality and value.

No matter how tough the economy gets, Peacock enjoys many of the perks being a business owner has to offer, like the ability to give back to the community. “Over our three years of ownership, we have donated and sponsored thousands of dollars to Edmond and Deer Creek schools, local charities and non-profit organizations,” he said.

“We also enjoy having ‘family members’ rather than employees,” he says. “We celebrate birthdays with Ashlea cooking their favorite meal, and have a big Christmas party every year to show our love and appreciation for the people who work so hard for us.”

Peacock started at the bottom of the tire industry and worked his way up through the ranks. He truly enjoys what he does and it’s apparent in all his business dealings.

Call Big O Tires at 348-2440 or visit them at 904 S. Broadway in Edmond.