A/V company plugs in to a new market

Bill Bagwell, left, and Chad Shell, shown last month. (Photo courtesy of Bill Bagwell)

After more than 20 years in the Richmond audio/video industry, Bill Bagwell knows his way around a home theater system. Now he’s bringing that expertise to Cavalier country.

Bagwell, who co-owns Seamless Integration, a local residential and commercial audio/visual company, this month acquired Stereo Types in Charlottesville.

“We have some big projects coming up in Charlottesville, and the owner of Stereo Types had been planning to retire,” Bagwell said. “The timing worked out well.”

As part of the deal, the Seamless Integration name will be phased out in favor of the Stereo Types brand, Bagwell said.

He would not disclose the terms of the acquisition but said it was partially financed with equity in his firm and with a loan from StellarOne Bank.

Both firms sell and install speakers, screens and other electronics for commercial and residential customers. Bagwell co-owns the company with partner Chad Shell.

Stereo Types opened in Charlottesville in 1976.

Bagwell plans to renovate the 3,200-square-foot building next door and move Stereo Types into it. He said the upgraded space would provide a better showroom for the company’s products.

Bagwell has worked at his family’s company, Audio Express, since 1987. He and Shell branched off and purchased Home Cinema Central about two years ago. They changed the name of the firm to Seamless Integration.

Things have changed over the years, Bagwell said.

“In the ’80’s, you could buy a piece of gear or some speakers and hook them up by yourself,” he said. “As technology progressed, it’s gotten more labor intensive. And that’s been good for our business.”

He said he plans to re-launch the Stereo Types website and wants to generate excitement among younger customers.

“We want to do that while still maintaining our existing clientele,” Bagwell said. “We’ll do that by selling products for iPods and other smaller pieces.”