New York City’s Most Trusted Audio Video Company

Anthony Cotignola has been with Audio Video Systems for more than twenty years and serves as Chief Operating Officer. Throughout his tenure, he has grown alongside the company and played a key role in shaping AVS into a leader in the integration industry.

Immersed in technology from a young age, Anthony has always viewed it as a language that came naturally to him. His hands-on background includes electrical work, security systems, and advanced home integration, providing a strong technical foundation that continues to inform his leadership and sales approach. Over the years, he has held nearly every role at AVS, including Technician, Project Manager, Sales, Director of Operations, Vice President, and COO—giving him a comprehensive, ground-up understanding of the business.

At AVS, Anthony remains actively involved in sales while also focusing on operational excellence, process improvement, and project execution. He works closely with clients and internal teams to ensure solutions are thoughtfully designed, clearly communicated, and executed to a high standard. His passion for innovation is rooted in creating systems that are simple, reliable, and meaningful, while building a company that is both people-driven and operationally sound.

Outside of work, Anthony is a dedicated sports fan and an active travel baseball coach, where he enjoys mentoring young athletes and sharing his love for the game.

Edward Pepitone has been with Audio Video Systems for seventeen years and leads the company’s technology strategy as Chief Information Officer. His passion for computers began early, building his first PC at age fourteen, and has shaped a lifelong career in IT.

Before joining AVS, Edward served as Assistant Vice President of Infrastructure and Technology at Reliable Group. He currently holds an active CCNA certification and previously held both the CCDA and CCNA Security certifications before Cisco retired them in 2020.

At AVS, Edward focuses on driving efficiency, modernizing systems, and leveraging innovative technologies to support the company’s continued growth. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, and watching hockey.

James McAuliffe has been with Audio Video Systems for five years and serves as Director of Sales & Marketing. Prior to joining AVS, James worked at Crestron, where he developed a strong foundation in control systems, product strategy, and the broader custom integration ecosystem.

At AVS, James leads the sales and marketing teams with a focus on growth, brand alignment, and delivering consistent value to clients and partners. His background on the manufacturing side of the industry provides a unique perspective that helps bridge technology, messaging, and market strategy.

Outside of work, James is a kept man and embraces life with humor, confidence, and an appreciation for the good things. He has two dogs, who between them have a combined three teeth.

Adam has been with Audio Video Systems for over seventeen years and serves as Director of Operations for the Westchester office, where he also manages projects in that area. With a strong background in technology integration and project coordination, Adam brings a thoughtful and organized approach to both office operations and complex residential projects.

At AVS, Adam oversees all project execution out of the Westchester office, guiding projects from planning through completion while ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. Known for clear communication and attention to detail, he works closely with clients, trade partners, and internal teams to deliver reliable, well-executed solutions.

Outside of work, Adam enjoys spending time with family, staying active, and keeping up with emerging technology trends.

Erik is the IT Director at AVS, bringing 10 years of experience supporting client networks and the daily operations of the IT department. He is committed to delivering consistent, high-quality network solutions regardless of project size, while continually seeking new technologies and installation practices to enhance reliability and performance.

Jesse Berardi has been with Audio Video Systems for seven years and serves as Director of Design and Engineering. With over two decades of industry experience, Jesse brings deep expertise across both technology integration and construction, helping define solutions that keep AVS at the forefront of the industry.

At AVS, Jesse leads the teams responsible for producing all project documentation, including wiring schematics, elevations, and specifications. In this critical role, he translates the vision established by Sales into clear, actionable plans for Project Managers, the Production team, and Technicians. He also evaluates and tests emerging technologies to ensure they meet AVS’s standards and exceed client expectations.

Outside of work, Jesse enjoys serving at his church, spending time at the racetrack, and taking on construction projects at home.

Chris Armenta is a senior technology advisor at AVS, known for his work within the design, construction, and residential technology industries. With over a decade of experience, he translates complex residential technology solutions for the architecture, interior design, and building communities.

A Colorado native, Chris is a former member of the Board of Directors for the ASID Rocky Mountain Chapter and the Home Builders' Association. He remains very active within the design community here in NYC, including involvement with AIA, IDS, NKBA, ICAA, HBRA, and LiBi.

Nick Baratoff has been with Audio Video Systems for over nineteen years and brings more than thirty years of experience in the integration industry. Throughout his career, he has developed a deep understanding of both the technical and relationship-driven aspects of the business, allowing him to approach sales with insight, strategy, and perspective.

Nick’s extensive background provides him with strong institutional knowledge that helps guide clients through complex decisions with clarity and confidence. He serves as a dedicated client advocate, ensuring that AVS’s solutions are thoughtfully aligned with client needs and consistently deliver maximum long-term value.

Outside of work, Nick values the relationships he has built over decades in the industry and takes pride in representing AVS with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to doing what’s right for the client.

David Freda is a seasoned technical sales professional with more than forty years of experience in custom electronics, control subsystems, and high-end system design. Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership roles, including Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, within leading custom-installation firms.

David has engineered and delivered sophisticated technology solutions for hundreds of multi-million-dollar estates, bringing a rare depth of technical knowledge to every project. He blends this expertise with a consultative sales approach, ensuring that each system is thoughtfully designed, technically sound, and flawlessly executed. His work is driven by a passion for design, engineering excellence, and building long-term client partnerships.

Outside of work, David enjoys music, travel, and gardening.

Jimmie Guarino brings over 30 years of experience in the audio-video industry. He began his career as a hands-on technician, performing field installations and developing a deep, practical understanding of system integration from the ground up.

Over the years, Jimmie has continued to grow within AVS, consulting on complex projects and ultimately returning full-time as a Project Manager. His strong technical foundation and leadership skills have made him a trusted lead on high-end residential and commercial projects.

As a Project Manager, Jimmie works closely with clients, builders, architects, designers, and contractors to ensure every installation is executed efficiently and to the highest standards. He is known for his attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and for building long-standing relationships that contribute to successful outcomes.

Outside of work, Jimmie is married with two daughters. He enjoys traveling with his family and spending summers boating and enjoying life on the water.