AE Systems Sound, Video &
Communications 900 High Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
757.393.2005
fax 757.393.2001
toll free 800.207.7686
1231 Colonial Fort Drive
Montvale, VA 24122
540.947-5100
fax 540.947-5800
toll free 800.510.3188
www.ae-systems.com
History of AE Systems
Randy Vaughan founded Ambassador Enterprises, Inc. in 1969. He had recently
graduated from The University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial
Engineering and a solid love of music he had nurtured by playing in bands
for many years. Vaughan took a position teaching physics and algebra in
Norfolk, Virginia and continued to play music at night. He began the first
Ambassador operation during this time. It was as an entertainment and
promotional agency. Working with club owners
and performance facility managers, Vaughan began to see the need for permanent
quality sound reinforcement everywhere he went. At this time, a friend
and fellow musician who saw a need for a really good retail music store
to cater to professional musicians approached him. Vaughan and his friend
pooled their talents and resources to form Ambassador Music. It became
the most successful pro music store in Hampton Roads.
Vaughan began studying sound system engineering in 1971. He was one of
the first graduates of Syn-Aud-Con - a leading source for all there is
to know on the subject. In continuing his education, Vaughan has lead
the way at Ambassador in taking every course available in areas of importance
in the design and engineering of communication systems. In fact, Vaughan
instituted a company-wide policy of educational support for all employees
from the beginning.
In 1974, Ambassador
Music was divided in a friendly split between the partners. Vaughan
concentrated on professional
sound design, and his partner
continued the retail music operation. By 1975, Ambassador Sound was designing
and installing sound systems for clubs, churches, hotels, theaters,
amusement
parks and retail facilities. When "Disco" took over the entertainment
world in the late 1970's, Ambassador became one of the companies most
in demand to supply sound and lighting to the trendiest clubs around
the
world. Trading under the name "Disco Scene," Ambassador designers
and technicians traveled to Japan, Africa, Belgium, Bermuda, Iceland,
Australia, Mexico, Hong Kong, the Caribbean and almost every state in
the United States. The Disco phenomenon came to an end in the 1980's,
but Ambassador was firmly entrenched in the business of sound reinforcement
around the world.
Ambassador's reputation for quality, creativity and service carried the
company into a broader market base in the 1990's. Education technology,
healthcare, and fire and security have been natural additions to a communications
company that is constantly growing. Ambassador is a premier company on
the leading edge of technology in the communications industry. Schools,
coliseums, concert halls, churches, hospitals, correctional facilities,
court rooms, airports, council chambers, major hotels and conference centers
have the Ambassador signature of quality in their installations.
Ambassador Enterprises, Inc. celebrated
its 30th Anniversary in 1999. Today the company has office and warehouse
facilities in Portsmouth and
Roanoke, Virginia. With a continuing focus
on staff education and quality work, the people at AE Systems look
forward
to the years ahead as rewarding in both financial and personal gratification.
Renewed attention to the commitment of "quality and people first" is
the direction for the next decade.