In 1985, Ronald Reagan was president of the United States, “Back to the Future” was the year’s top grossing film and people couldn’t get enough of Bruce Springsteen. The year also marked the start of Ambiance Systems, which today is the largest integration company in upstate New York.
After graduating from Clarkson University in 1987, Marc Leidig took a job at the business; at that time it was a stereo store in Saratoga Springs. He believed it would be an ideal way to make some money during the summer while he figured out what he wanted to do with his life.
Twenty years later, Leidig is still working at Ambiance Systems. Only these days, he's the president.
Now located in Clifton Park, Ambiance Systems has 13 employees and specializes in home theaters, structured data networks, lighting control, climate control and systems integration as well as custom projects like an award-winning aquarium system featuring an 800-gallon tank stocked with bass. The company serves both the residential and commercial needs of clients located in Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, the Adirondacks and locally.
After buying out the company's founding partner a few years back, Leidig now owns the firm with his wife, Jennifer. Leidig said that back when he started at Ambiance Systems he had no idea where the ever changing industry would lead him.
“I kinda fell into this,” he said. “It wasn’t really much of an industry back then, but our business has grown pretty rapidly over the years. The whole marketplace has.”
In 1990, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) had its first trade show. Leidig estimated 300 people attended. Last year, he said more than 28,000 people went.
As the first company of its type to be established in upstate New York, Ambiance Systems has long been considered a pioneer. The company's work has appeared in well known publications including Home & Garden, Home Theater Magazine, Architectural Digest, Robb Report and The New York Times.
Just a few months ago, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) named Ambiance Systems the 2007 national Mark of Excellence Award Winner for Systems Integrator of the Year. The award, which recognizes the best integration firm in the electronic industry, is given to a company based on their success, leadership, technical skills and the quality of their installations.
“We’re really proud of that,” Leidig said. “Our staff and team work very hard. It’s a great honor.”
CEA Senior Manager Patrice Scheyer said there were more than 100 entries submitted for the coveted award this year.
“Each award category had a four-member judging team of systems integrators, manufacturers, members of the trade press and/or industry consultants to score and determine the TechHome Mark of Excellence Awards Finalists and Winners,” she said.
In 2006, Ambiance Systems won CEA’s Best Home Theater Award, Best Ultimate Integrated Home Award, and Best Innovation Award. Leidig believes their customer service and experience sets them apart from other businesses in the young industry. Over the years, electronics have gotten a lot more complicated and customers' options have become much more varied, but he said Ambiance Systems’ focus on personal attention remains the same.
“We can install your basic whole home audio system, custom program the temperature of your hot tub, create a home energy-saving lighting and climate control system for your home, or integrate your entire home’s electronic amenities…basically whatever you need we can do for you,” Leidig said.
Ambiance Systems is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as by appointment. For more information, call 373-0770 or visit www.ambiancesystems.com.
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