Women in the AV industry have long been trailblazers, breaking barriers, driving innovation and shaping the future of technology and integration. Their vision, leadership and expertise have left an enduring mark, inspiring progress across the field. This International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator is proud to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a light on some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
Here, we spotlight Heather Sidorowicz. A chance encounter with a surround sound demo at a family home show sparked a passion for AV that led to a career for the current owner of Southtown Audio Video (SAV). Despite daily challenges, the career remains rewarding, driven by opportunities to grow and a love for the dynamic and evolving nature of AV work. Influential mentors, from industry leaders to a supportive husband, have guided success, while career highlights include appearing on the cover of Commercial Integrator, working on the Buffalo Bills Stadium and steering SAV to 40 years of success. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Heather Sidorowicz, Owner & President of SAV
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Heather Sidorowicz: By mistake — at a family home show, I experienced a shoot-em-up surround sound demo and thought, they don’t even realize this is violent. That moment led me to Southtown Audio Video, and ten years later, I bought the company.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Sidorowicz: Of course — every single day. But I’m grateful that my job is never boring. Whether it’s landing the next big project or navigating the unique strengths of my team, every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Sidorowicz: John Sciacca, who pushed me to write my first article. Jeremy Glowacki, for publishing my work for years. My husband, who has always believed in me and encouraged me to take risks — to jump. And every client who gave SAV the chance to prove we were the best.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Sidorowicz: Each year brings new milestones. Being on the cover of Commercial Integrator was a career highlight! This year, contributing to the new Buffalo Bills Stadium project is nothing short of epic. Leading Southtown Audio Video through 40 years of success — especially during its rapid growth over the past five years— has been incredibly rewarding.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Sidorowicz: It’s never boring and always evolving. I love that we make meetings more productive, event centers sound better, and help others learn more effectively. I love the energy, the people possibilities.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Sidorowicz: More perspective, less bias. Stop treating gender diversity as a box to check and start recognizing that having more women in the industry brings broader perspectives. Men and women see the world differently, and together, we can create the best solutions for our clients.
I also hope we start thinking about what’s possible again. Since the pandemic, I haven’t seen InfoComm fully recapture that spirit of innovation — of pushing boundaries and imagining what’s next. It’s time to think beyond the little black box and start redefining what AV can do.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #HerAVStory series like Heather Sidorowicz was? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, at [email protected].
