So much has changed since 2010 when American Express first launched Small Business Saturday and the Small Business Administration began co-sponsoring the day in 2011.
Entire generations have grown up and gone on to college since then. Artificial Intelligence was just beginning to blossom with IBM Watson and Siri’s voice-powered AI. Dara AV launched in 2008 as your premier local commercial audiovisual firm and had already started gaining industry recognition for serving best-in-class clients around New York area by 2011.
Audio visual technology, for that matter, was advancing rapidly with 1080P high-definition images, LED screens, digital signage, and the gradual adoption of AV over IP that’s become industry standard today.
But one thing hasn’t changed since then: More than ever, Americans need small businesses to keep our local economies strong.
Why Support Small Business? Because It Matters
In between Black Friday (which is starting earlier and earlier) and Cyber-Monday sales (which have merged into BFCM in the retail and e-commerce world), it’s easy to forget Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday celebrates its 15th anniversary this year on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Once again, the SBA and Amex urge consumers to “Shop Small.”
Here at Dara AV, we echo those sentiments. We urge you to set some money aside after you’ve taken advantage of all the big sales this holiday season to shop local businesses, too.
Staten Island, the Jersey Shore, and countless towns on Long Island have thriving Main Street areas with mom-and-pop stores, great locally-owned bars and restaurants, boutique clothing stores. It’s important to keep local vibes strong to maintain the distinct personalities and economies of these areas.
Don’t forget our regional malls, which also house unique small businesses.
There was a time when malls were virtually dying across the Northeast, but we’re starting to see a shift. As places like Staten Island Mall embrace the concept of a family destination, with entertainment, restaurants, and stores you won’t find anywhere else, their parking lots are once again packed on weekends.
Small Business Service Providers: The Local Difference
Shopping small doesn’t only refer to the products you buy or where you eat.
When you choose a contractor or an AV consultant, shop locally. Small businesses care about you.
When you value quality and you want the job done right the first time, backed by an iron-clad service contract and a solid handshake, you want to deal with local business owners.
Price vs. Value
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has said, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
Shopping small businesses sometimes costs more. The wholesale prices small business owners pay for inventory often means we have to set higher prices or take a loss. Sometimes we’re willing to do that if it means keeping a customer.
The mark-up on something like an LED-TV isn’t big. An audio visual consultant must deliver higher value through expert system design and installation, turnkey integrated AV systems, and attention to detail where it matters. Our ongoing service contracts and the fact we are there when you need us sets us apart.
We’re not looking to make tremendous margins on sound systems. Yet, if you compare prices, you will probably find someone cheaper. Or someone who will skimp on quality when it matters so they can win your bid.
At Dara AV, our goal is to create loyal customers who are happy with our work. If you don’t want audio visual systems you can take pride in, we are probably not the company for you.
When you’re shopping around for someone to design and install technology systems in your restaurant, sports bar, house of worship, retail or hospitality venue, don’t compare line-item prices. Consider the value you’ll get from making the right choice.
Depending on your business goals, seamless AV technology can create an immersive experience for your customers, improve communications with better video conferencing, or send a clear message about your brand through digital signage systems.
Why Dara AV Is Different
When you switch sources on screen, you shouldn’t have to wait five seconds for the picture to show up. The transition should be nearly seamless. Likewise, the components in your AV systems should all work together seamlessly.
By using products certified to work together, and drawing on our past experiences to spec the correct components for any job, we create entertainment experiences with AV systems that just work. You don’t have to think about it. One touch on your mobile device and it’s done.
We’ll train you in using the equipment before we leave so you know exactly how to operate it. Ever need help? We’re just a quick phone call away.
It drives us crazy when we see an equipment rack that looks like a bowl of multicolored spaghetti. Wire management is our friend. Wires should be neatly arranged and organized. We don’t want to see wires hanging from the source to the screen.
If you don’t care about that – if you only care that your HDTV screen has a picture – we’re not the company for you. But if you want to work with an AV contractor that will provide a neat, clean installation where all the components work together seamlessly, and will leave your job site looking even better than when we started the job, that’s when you turn to Dara AV. That’s the difference.
Are You A Perfectionist About Your Business, Too?
We’ve always been perfectionists. Back when we were installing systems at the clubs where owner Jak Daragjati DJ’ed, we could never leave any job less than perfect.
No matter how big we grow, we’ll remain committed to the smallest details.
We aren’t the cheapest company on the block. We spend time on our audiovisual designs so that you’ll have something unique. If you’re a perfectionist who worries about every detail in your venue, we’re the audio visual consultant you’ve been looking for.
FAQs
Why should I choose a local AV integrator over a national provider?
Choosing local AV integrators ensures personalized service, faster response times, and a deep understanding of regional regulations and customer needs. Dara AV, based in Staten Island, delivers customized AV solutions backed by local expertise.
How does Dara AV ensure high-quality system design?
We follow a proven process: site assessment, custom system design, professional installation, user training, and ongoing support.
Is it more expensive to work with a small AV company?
Local AV integrators are not necessarily more costly than the nationally known commercial AV firms. Pricing varies for every project. You can reach out to Dara AV in Staten Island for a quote. We don’t cut corners to lower costs, but we deliver incredible value on every jobsite.
What types of businesses does Dara AV serve?
Dara AV specializes in audio video systems for commercial clients: restaurants, bars, retail stores, corporate offices, houses of worship, educational institutions, and hospitality venues in NY and NJ.
How can AV technology enhance my customer experience?
Smart audio visual systems can create immersive environments, improve communication with video conferencing, and strengthen brand presence through digital signage, boosting engagement and satisfaction.
