Sound Ideas

“Stylistically, the panels fit well with our décor,” says Barnett, who was one of the first customers to purchase the product from Beachwood-based soundproofing company Audimute Inc. “We approached other companies, but they made it look too industrial or commercial.”

Audimute started manufacturing the acoustic imaging panels in August, after hearing interest from customers for such a product. The company, which has been in the soundproofing-products business for three years, can now put family pictures, company products, artwork or other specialized images on soundproofing panels.

Audimute’s beginnings can be traced back to 1995 when president and drummer Mitch Zlotnik started to search for ways to quiet the room where he practiced music. Zlotnik — who plays for a band called One Wish that has opened for artists such as Kenny G, George Benson and Luther Vandross — was previously the director of marketing for Cleveland-based Medic Drug Stores, a discount chain co-owned by his father. When Medic gave in to intense market competition and was bought out in 2005 by Walgreens, Zlotnik turned his hobby into his job.

In the past three years, Audimute has become profitable, growing to 12 employees.

The new panels, made mostly of organic cotton instead of the foam, fiberglass or mineral wool used in many similar panels, cost between $200 and $400. They are targeted for use in restaurants, retail stores, conference rooms and homes. Recently, a bank ordered a large specialized panel for its ceiling that looks like the sky and has accompanying light fixtures.

“A panel in the right shapes, lights, colors and images is critical, because it makes it invisible,” Zlotnik says.

 

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Entrepreneur Profile:

Age: 41

Setting the tone at work: Zlotnik keeps his drum set in the lobby.

Inspiration: His late sister was an artist. She inspired him to create panels that resemble art.

Advice for entrepreneurs: Use a vertical methodology. If you are going to innovate, do it as close to your core product as you can.

Find him: Playing with his band One Wish at festivals throughout Cleveland (such as the Great American Rib Cook-off)

Hobby: Plays squash three times a week