Our History

Serving the Pro Audio, Video and Lighting Industry for Nearly 45 Years

Exterior view of Full Compass Systems office buildingFull Compass Systems, is a family-owned business with nearly 200 employees and has been recognized as one of the largest woman-owned businesses in the state of Wisconsin.

We grew out of a professional recording studio that began operations in 1971 in Madison. Our founder, Jonathan Lipp, provided commercial services to both local and regional clients. In 1977, he founded and incorporated Full Compass Systems to provide audio equipment for a wider professional market; he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. In 1979, his wife Susan joined the company as President and now serves as the Chairman of the Board. Her background in marketing and personnel management, as well as her familiarity with theatrical production, complemented Jonathan’s technical expertise. Our company grew rapidly over the following years, developing into a strong nationwide distribution business.

Today, Full Compass is a national leader in professional audio, professional video, A/V, lighting, and musical instrument sales and consultation. The company offers over 800 top equipment brands and provides consulting services for professional audio, video and lighting installations. Additionally, Full Compass has a fully equipped Service Department that is an authorized repair center for most of the major brands we sell. An integrated Parts Department completes the Service department, giving Full Compass the ability to fix both in-warranty and out-of-warranty products, including vintage equipment.

Growing in the Right Direction

In 1993, after 16 years at our original location in Madison, we relocated to a larger facility in nearby Middleton, where we remained for 14 years. In 2008, we embarked on our largest expansion effort to date, designing and building our own state-of-the art 140,000 sq. ft. facility. The new building was completed in 2009 and includes an 80,000 sq. ft. warehouse, which doubled our capacity and allowed us to stock a wider variety of products to fit our customer’s growing needs. The facility also features two fully equipped production studios and an audio and video technology museum that is open to the public.

Giving back to the community has always been a Lipp family and Full Compass tradition. We are actively involved in many civic organizations and provide generous philanthropic contributions that are integral to our approach to business. Some of the organizations that have been supported over the years include Susan G. Komen, Dane County Humane Society, Second Harvest Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Funding has been raised through a variety of company activities, including cookouts, bake sales and employee contests.

Over the decades, many changes have occurred in the technologies, products and markets that are at the core of our business. But some things never change: our dedication to provide a wide selection of premium merchandise, at attractive prices, with uncompromising personal service. These attributes continue to be constant keys to our, and your, success.