CREDIT: Ted Jacob, Calgary Herald Ross Sisson specializes in state-of-the-art sound systems at his Absolute Audio/Video store in Bowness.

Five years ago, I wrote that Ross Sisson -- with the help of his wife Sharon -- was opening a small shop along Bowness Road across the street from the Bowness Hotel. The street front that had been home to three independent businesses actually wrapped around an old house that was not in the greatest shape. It took Sisson 10 months to fix it up, which included shoring up the squeaky floors.

Since then, Absolute Audio/Video has achieved a great reputation with music lovers, employs an experienced staff of four and has $2 million of jobs lined up.

Sisson began his career as a house builder in Red Deer but his love of music made him aware of the opportunities to provide good sound to homeowners.

He moved to Calgary and worked with other audio shops before launching out on his own to establish a retail shop and audio/video and automation consulting firm. His success attracted others who are just as passionate about music.

Neil Dorin is a bass guitarist with a music degree from North Texas University, who is the only Residential Level 3 programmer in Alberta and who designs the software for whole-house automation and control systems.

The shop is divided into rooms that show off its wide range of high-end audio and video equipment and includes speakers, turntables, home theatre, televisions and videos, electronics and accessories.

Sisson explained the Crestron all-house control system: From a touch screen or hand-held remote, you are able to control lights, TV, radio, climate, access the web and operate blinds in each room as well as arm and disarm security. And it can be accessed via an iPhone. Imagine driving the highway as you approach the weekend cottage in Canmore and being able to turn the TV on and light the fireplace so it's ready for your arrival.

I was also surprised to hear about the increase in sales of turntables. At Absolute the units range from $500 to $20,000, resulting in healthy sales in record cleaning machines.

Most of Sisson's business is in consulting with homeowners and designing and programming complete systems with simplified controls.