Up Close and Personal with Sandy Benson

Photography by Donna Huffman

andy Benson, owner of Custom Audio Video, has achieved what some might consider the American dream. She is her own boss. Her accomplishments are incredible. They have been measured in revenues, numbers of employees, and even awards. For all her delicate femininity and porcelain prettiness, she has proved to be a tough businesswomen who has made her company an enormous success. She has tested herself in a man’s arena and won.

Sandy’s strong and progressive attitude is inspirational and her fun loving sense of humor is refreshing. We were delighted to get up close and personal with such a fine and genuine Bluffton lady.

Where were you born and raised?
Fairview, Pennsylvania

Tell us about your family
I have two teenage sons-Bryan and James.

How long have you been living in the Lowcountry?
I moved here in 1993.

Tell us about Custom Audio Video.
Custom Audio Video was established in 1996. CAV was developed as a premier location for experiencing custom electronic options for the home. CAV’s showroom is a combination of audio, video, lighting, “Smart Home” technology, and custom mill work. It is a unique and beautifully hand-crafted setting where you can totally experience audio/ video and custom home technology at its finest. CAV carries everything from modestly priced quality systems to some the finest audio, video, and integration technology systems available anywhere in the world. CAV currently staffs thirty employees.

You are an inspiration to other professional female business women. Have you found it difficult producing as a female in an otherwise male dominted profession?
Thanks for the compliment. I think females will always battle the age old phenomena of a “male dominated society,” but I think if women stay strong and true to themselves the battle becomes less difficult and in many cases I have found men to actually be supportive of a female counterpart.

Because you are the queen of audio and video I must ask what is your favorite style of music and your favorite movie?
I don’t actually have one favorite style of music. I like country, classic rock and even 20 on 20. My favorite movie is “While You Were Seeping” with Sandra Bullock. I can watch it over and over again. She’s a great actress and it was just a good movie.

What is the last book you read?
The last book I read was actually quite awhile ago. It was the biography of Michael Caine. I was intrigued with the highs, lows and again highs of his career. Now I read mostly short stories and tons of magazines.

Who has had the most influence in your life?
That’s a tough question. I have had quite a few difficult situations in the last few years. My tremendous faith in God and many different people helped me. I have been supported by a great group of friends, employees and business associates through the good and the bad times, but amazingly enough at the ripe old age of 47, I have finally realized what a huge influence both my mom and dad have been to me. Their strength, their commitment and their love for me and my boys ALWAYS, but especially through some very difficult years. They have taught me perserverance, how to treat others with respect and kindness, and survival even during the hard times. Also, I have someone very special in my life who continually pushes me to be better and keep it real. He makes me reach for the stars! For all these people in my life, I am truly blessed.

What has been your favorite vacation?
My favorite vacation was June 06 traveling to Europe (Germany, France and Italy) with my dad and 2 boys. I get goose bumbs when I think about traveling back to Salerno and the Isle of Capri in Italy.

If you could invite four people dead or alive to a dinner party, who would they be?
John F. Kennedy for his suave, charismatic personality and unbelievable leadership skills at such a young age. Princess Diana for her graceful, soft spoken, philanthropist personality. Elton John for his amazing voice and lyrics...I have always wished I could sing. And finally Hillary Clinton who is an amazingly strong, intelligent woman.

Do you have any pet peeves?
Long lines at restaurants, excessively long traffic jams on the thru-way and last but not least when the air conditioning goes out at the gym....

You’ve been in Bluffton a long time. What do you think about the changes?
The changes in Bluffton have been overwhelming. The growth is tremendous and obviously as a business person I am ecstatic about the growth and influx of the diverse population it brings.

Why did you decide to start your business in Bluffton?
Long story short, it was my husband’s vision that brought us to Hilton Head and then start the business in Bluffton. He was a very talented, very insightful man with a great vision obviously. He passed away in September 2001, but the design
of our store was entirely his vision.

What are the things you love about Bluffton?
I love Bluffton for it’s small town ambience, but its big city hustle, bustle. I think everyone that lives here tries to keep things hopping and up to date and exciting. I am very lucky to be part of this community.