Williams AV is celebrating 50 years of leadership in assistive communication within the Pro AV sector.
In 1976, Jerry Williams received a simple question from his pastor: “Could you help the members of our congregation who are having trouble hearing during the service?” That question marked the beginning of a five-decade journey that has helped shape the future of assistive communication in the Pro AV market.
Founded in 1976 by Gerald “Jerry” Williams, the company—originally called Williams Sound—began in the basement of his Minneapolis home, driven by curiosity, hands-on problem-solving and the belief that clear communication matters. That early spirit of ingenuity laid the foundation for what is now Williams AV, a global provider of professional assistive communication solutions.
Helping people hear was never just a tagline—it was Jerry’s mission. Fifty years later, that mission still guides how we innovate, who we serve and how we think about audio accessibility, said Brad Kautzer, President and CEO.
A legacy built on technology and purpose
Williams Sound’s earliest products—AM handheld receivers designed for houses of worship—helped establish the company as a pioneer in assistive listening. Churches became its first core market, marking the beginning of decades of leadership in accessible audio.
In 1981, the company introduced the Pocketalker®, a handheld personal amplification device that quickly became the industry standard. Today, Pocketalker is used worldwide by individuals and medical institutions to support clearer communication in healthcare, home and personal settings, more than four decades after its launch.
Over time, Williams AV evolved alongside the audiovisual industry, expanding its focus from assistive listening into a comprehensive portfolio of professional audio solutions for education, houses of worship, corporate environments, government facilities, performing arts venues and large public spaces.
Its technologies have progressed from early analog systems to advanced wireless, networked and broadcast audio platforms designed to offer scalability, flexibility and seamless integration into modern AV ecosystems.
Expanding the definition of assistive communication
Today, Williams AV is recognized not only for assistive listening, but also for its broader approach to assistive communication in commercial spaces, supporting applications such as language interpretation, guided tours, intercom, audio description, classroom audio and personal device–based listening experiences.
Strategic acquisitions have been key to this evolution. The acquisition of Pointmaker in 2019 expanded the company’s capabilities in visual communication, while the 2024 acquisition of TeachLogic strengthened its presence in education, underscoring the importance of clear audio for learning and engagement.
Our success has always come from listening closely to customers, partners and the environments they serve. Every product we create is rooted in the belief that clear audio isn’t a luxury—it’s essential, noted Per Persson, Vice President of International Sales and Product Management.
A global Pro AV partner network
Williams AV solutions are sold in more than 60 countries through a global network of representatives, distributors and integrators. These partners do far more than sell products: they work alongside venues to understand real-world challenges, design the right solutions and ensure enhanced audio experiences that meet performance expectations and global accessibility requirements.
“From the very beginning, Jerry built this company around creating products that genuinely help people, standing behind them with exceptional service and earning trust by solving real problems”, said Tony Braun, Vice President of North American Sales & Marketing. “That mindset still defines how we work with our channel partners today. They share our mission, know their markets deeply, and are the reason our solutions are implemented successfully in the field”.
That shared commitment—rooted in trust, expertise and long-term collaboration—continues to shape how Williams AV works with the Pro AV community today.
Our story has always been about people: the engineers who drive innovation, the partners who recommend, sell and deploy our solutions, and the venues that rely on them to deliver a high-quality listening experience. Looking ahead, we’re excited about what the next 50 years will bring, added Kautzer.
Throughout 2026, Williams AV will mark its 50th anniversary through partner initiatives that celebrate its legacy while highlighting the technologies and collaborations shaping the future of assistive communication in the Pro AV market.
