We’re not satisfied with the status quo, nor are our customers. Our goal is to move beyond where AV integrators have traditionally lived – focusing more on outcomes and moving your businesses forward.   For customers across industries and geographies, FORTÉ delivers next-generation visual collaboration solutions built with a people-first approach.    The employee-owners of FORTÉ leverage unrivaled technical experience, talent, and commitment in delivering customized AV solutions that empower you to seize opportunities and imagine new possibilities. Founded in 1974 by Joe Stoebner, FORTÉ has grown from one office location in North Dakota to 42 locations in the United States and four locations in Europe. FORTÉ is also the only employee-owned communications and collaboration company with more than 1,500 employees as of August 2025. The company serves customers in all 50 states and, as the Regional Business Unit of GPA, FORTÉ assists multinational enterprises, providing design, delivery and installation services in 170 cities around the world. FORTÉ's unique approach with its customers includes providing subject matter expertise in enterprise audiovisual solutions, unified collaboration solutions, Microsoft services, digital media, mission critical solutions, and broadcast solutions. In addition, FORTÉ delivers a complete suite of managed services to ensure every solution remains up-to-date and functioning as it should. In 2024, FORTÉ announced the addition of its Velocity Logisitics Center in Dallas, Texas. This center enables FORTÉ to develop and deploy pre-engineered meeting room solutions anywhere in the United States within days, not months. An industry first!

I’m a has-been geek turned manager, turned executive, turned (hopefully) into leader.  I love technology and even more I love people.  So what I find really interesting is the intersection of people and technology…and in so many ways, that’s my definition of AV.

With over 20 years of experience in the AV and ELV industries, I specialize in AV system design, installation, management, and integration across diverse sectors, including corporate, education, sports, healthcare, hospitality, and government. My career began in 2003 with the AV team at a 5-star hotel in Lebanon, where I developed a passion for AV systems. I hold certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI, as well as CTS-D and CTS-I from AVIXA, blending technical expertise with strong project leadership. I have extensive experience deploying technologies from leading manufacturers such as Crestron, Extron, Biamp, and many others, while managing vendors and ensuring seamless integration. Currently, I am part of BLINQ, a division of IMAR Trading and Contracting in Qatar, where I serve as the ELV Projects Manager, focusing on ELV systems and immersive AV solutions. I am committed to continuous learning, staying ahead of industry trends, and mentoring emerging professionals to elevate the AV field

As AVIXA's manager of editorial content, I bring to the role fifteen years of marketing experience and ten working predominantly in editorial and video content. I've spent many years in the entertainment industry working for Nickelodeon, Lucasfilm, Disney, and even a small theater in the heart of Florence, Italy. I love great stories and finding the right way to tell them. I am also a stop-motion animation aficionado who makes puppets and writes books. And if you have a food-related AV story, I'd love to hear it!

A marketing professional and 20-year AV industry veteran, I am a proud CTS holder and enthusiastic #AVfoodie who is passionate about innovative technologies, design, and all things AV. I look forward to connecting with you here on Xchange and invite you to join me on LinkedIn as well.  To reach me, please message me on LinkedIn, as I am unable to reply to conversations here. 

We’re the Hub for All People and Things AV We are the community for the creative professionals who use technology to create integrated experiences. AVIXA is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry.

Hi! I help connect people to AV education, standards and more resources from AVIXA. I am an expert in finding resources to help you meet your training and certification prep needs to help you reach your goals.