Full Compass Systems

Full Compass is one of the largest woman-owned businesses in Wisconsin.^[2] It has a 140,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters, which serves as a retail store and distribution center for all shipped merchandise, and an 80,000 sq. ft. warehouse.^[3] The facility also has two working production studios, a public technology museum, and the "Backstage Bistro," with a full-time kitchen staff that caters to employees and visitors.^[1]

The company has approximately 200 employees, and about one-third are highly-trained sales professionals.

Full Compass Systems was founded as a professional sound studio in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1971 by Johnathan and Susan Lipp. Jonathan incorporated Full Compass Systems, Ltd. In 1977 to provide professional sound equipment to a wider market.^[3] In 1978, Susan, who had previous marketing, personnel management, and theatrical production experience, joined the company full-time and became president.^[4]

The company opened its first retail store in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1979 with a staff of four, offering lighting and audio equipment.^[5] By the end of the 1980s, the company expanded its product line to video and theatrical equipment, distributing over 350 manufacturers. During the 1990s, Full Compass offered its first color catalog.^[6] In 1995, to accommodate its enormous growth, the company expanded into a 72,000 sq. ft. building with a 42,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Middleton, Wisconsin.^[7] In 1998, the company formed its Computer Integration department and opened its Compass Xpress division to serve customers in off-hours.^[8]

To address the retail industry's shift to eCommerce,^[9] Full Compass began selling products on eBay.com in 2003 and Amazon.com in 2004. The company launched its own eCommerce site in 2006.^[5] By 2008, the company's Middleton facility was too small for its required inventory. Full Compass designed and built its current 140,000 sq. ft. headquarters, taking occupancy on July 1, 2009.^[10]

Full Compass has a full-time staff of approximately 200.^[3] The company releases semi-annual catalogs in Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter.^[11]