Lewis CaliburnVanco International owner Brad Corbin has passed away at the age of 78.
Brad studied engineering at Georgia Tech, joining Vanco as President in 1999 and acquiring the company in 2007, spearheading its transition from a regional distributor to a trusted global provider of professional audiovisual equipment.
Vanco’s origins lie in delivering audio, video and electronic accessories directly by van to midwestern dealers and distributors. Brad embraced this commitment to personal service, as well as a genuine passion for audiovisual technology and experiences.
Brad was instrumental in the development of Vanco’s global sales network. In 2000, when Vanco was still a relatively small regional company, he secured a place for Vanco as an Ace Hardware Vendor. Brad deeply valued the relationships he built through Ace, leveraging them to grow the company and build a product portfolio that was responsive to global industry needs.
Brad helped guide the company through decades of growth and industry change. Under his leadership, Vanco was one of the first companies to introduce HDMI cables into the U.S. market. He 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 2017, Brad led Vanco’s acquisition of Beale Street, expanding Vanco’s offerings to include internationally-recognised premium audio products. Thanks to Brad’s stewardship, Vanco transformed into an award-winning AV distribution and audio solutions manufacturer serving customers around the world.
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.
“My father’s commitment to the audiovisual industry was lifelong. He built the culture of service, innovation, and ambition that drives Vanco today,” says 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.”
Brad loved fishing and golfing near his home on Amelia Island, FL, as well as spending time with his family. He reveled in being a grandfather and will be remembered for his sense of humor, larger-than-life personality, and expansive heart. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Corbin; his son Matthew and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Corbin; and son Mark Corbin, daughter-in-law Lindsey Corbin, and grandchildren Chloe, Ava, and Hayden Corbin.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many partners and customers whose lives he touched throughout his career.