About E.S.S.

E.S.S. Nashville is a proven leader in the drive-thru communications industry.

Since our founding in 1969 and subsequent growth, we have provided superior installations, support and service after the sale to a large and loyal base of customers. The breadth of our experience and commitment to excellence have earned us our reputation as one of the nations finest.

Our Core Values

E.S.S. has been family owned and operated since its founding in 1969. We work hard to treat our customers in the same way that we wish to be treated in business. Our customers are people – not account numbers. We answer the phone in person – you don’t have to speak to a machine. Honesty – that’s our angle. We look out for your best interests. If on that rare occasion we happen to make a mistake, we will work both hard and expeditiously to make it right. Three generations on, we continue to operate with that same set of core family values.

We have a professional and knowledgeable crew working here together at E.S.S. We are in constant communication with each other and always make sure all of our customers are getting the specific help they need.

Welcome to E.S.S. Nashville. Your source for drive-thru equipment & systems installation

Our Partners

We work with some of the best in the business. Professional services delivered on time.

Beneficial Customer Relations

At E.S.S. our highest priority is a satisfied customer. You are important to us, and you can expect us to go the extra mile for your business. Superior customer service is the hallmark of E.S.S. We are proud to serve you and work hard to earn and maintain your business.

Contact Us for our unique brand of superior assistance. You will quickly see that here at E.S.S. Nashville, we are always at your service.

Keep scrolling down to discover a detailed history of E.S.S. as a company and fixture of the Nashville community.

Company Timeline

A brief history of E.S.S.
Sound Engineering is Founded
1969

The Company History of E.S.S. Inc. began in 1969 with the name Sound Engineering. Sound Engineering was founded by Alex Taylor as a division of EBM Inc. (Electric Business Machines). Sound Engineering was founded to sell the newly released 3M Sound Products line. This consisted of special tape players that were used to provide background music services to area businesses. Alex Taylor appointed his son-in-law, Lutz Braun, to run the new division. Sound Engineering also provided the sound systems to broadcast the music within the businesses. Soon, the 3M product line was expanded to include intercom systems for use in the very first drive-thru restaurants and convenience stores. These industries depended on quick repair service whenever it was needed, so Sound Engineering embarked on its QSR adventures. Throughout the 1970s, Sound Engineering persevered in spite of aggressive competition and earned a reputation for quality installations and repair services. They received considerable professional acclaim from 3M as year after year, Sound Engineering met or exceeded sales expectations.

Sound Engineering becomes E.S.S
1984

In 1983, EBM was sold, and so Sound Engineering needed to become independent. On January 13th, 1984, Sound Engineering became Engineered Sound Systems (since Sound Engineering was already taken). This moniker was later shortened to E.S.S., Inc. As the years went by and technology evolved, E.S.S. moved from the old tape machines to music services delivered via satellite. They continued to be quite successful, especially when Pam Braun joined the company as a salesperson. Pam remained with the company into the early 90s.

Ann Braun Joins the E.S.S. Team
1995

In March of 1995, Ann Braun (daughter of Lutz & Pam) joined the company. This was originally intended to be a temporary arrangement, but it didn’t turn out that way. Ann began by helping in the office answering the phone and processing invoices. Her responsibilities grew to include payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable. At the same time, she began to work in sales for the company. She brought in new product lines to diversify the business and add to the customer base. Sales grew dramatically. As the business grew, more employees came in and assumed some of Ann’s responsibilities so that she could focus more on sales and administration. By the end of 2002, the succession plan was clearly in place. Lutz Braun retired and Ann took over as of January 1st, 2003. In early 2004, ESS established a second office in Memphis Tennessee.

Ann Braun Takes the Helm at E.S.S.
2003

By the end of 2002, the succession plan was clearly in place. Lutz Braun retired and Ann took over as of January 1st, 2003. In early 2004, ESS established a second office in Memphis Tennessee.

In more recent years, ESS has grown into a company with customers from coast to coast and many large chain accounts. The company is considered to a leader in the drive-thru communications and background music industry. In the field of drive-thru communications, ESS is particularly respected and has built a large ship-in repair business that continues to expand as new customers discover and enjoy the benefits of the high levels of customer service the company provides. ESS sells and rents two-way radios to businesses of all kinds, and the same high level of customer service is provided to those customers as well.

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