Vanco International shared that owner Brad Corbin has passed away at 78. He joined Vanco as President in 1999 and acquired the company in 2007.

Vanco’s origins lie in delivering audio, video and electronic accessories directly by van to midwestern dealers and distributors. The company said that Corbin was committed to personal service, as well as a passion for audiovisual technology and experiences.

In 2000, Corbin secured a place for Vanco as an Ace Hardware Vendor. Vanco said that he deeply valued the relationships he built through Ace and leveraged them to help grow the company and build a product portfolio that matched the needs of the global industry.

Under Corbin’s leadership, Vanco was one of the first companies to introduce HDMI cables into the U.S. market. In 2017, Corbin led Vanco’s acquisition of Beale Street, expanding Vanco’s offerings to include internationally-recognized premium audio products.

The company said that Corbin laid the foundation for the introduction of Evolution, Vanco’s curated line of professional AV distribution products, and PulseAudio, the company’s audio accessories line.

In 2018, Brad passed day-to-day leadership of Vanco to his son, Mark Corbin. He remained actively involved in the company as CEO until his passing.

Corbin is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Corbin, his son Matthew Corbin and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Corbin, as well as his son Mark Corbin, daughter-in-law Lindsey Corbin and grandchildren Chloe, Ava and Hayden Corbin.

Vanco said that Corbin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many partners and customers whose lives he touched throughout his career.

“My father’s commitment to the audiovisual industry was lifelong. He built the culture of service, innovation, and ambition that drives Vanco today,” said Mark Corbin, president of Vanco International. “He was a model leader at Vanco and an even better father and grandfather. I will always be grateful for the legacy he built.”