We are a locally-based, family-owned business. Charles Balthrope invested in the original San Antonio Muzak background music franchise in 1946. In 1957, he purchased the franchise from the other investors. In 1953, he also began Sound Distributors, Inc. a company specializing in the sale, installation and servicing of professional sound and church systems. His son, William (Bill) D. Balthrope, joined the two businesses in 1961 and purchased both companies in 1968. In 1970 Muzak purchased the Corpus Christi, Texas franchise, the Austin, Texas franchise in 1983 and the El Paso, Texas franchise in 1988. San Antonio serves as the regional headquarters for all operations.