Behind the U.S. border info desk at the new International Terminal at YYC Calgary International Airport. Image courtesy of Calgary Airport Authority.
Applied Electronics a 60-Year Leader in Broadcast and Audio Visual Technology by Rennay Craats
T
he past 60 years has seen an explosion of technological developments in every area of business affecting every industry and changing the ways in which we do things. Applied Electronics’ significant role in this explosion was thanks to Michael Stechly’s fascination with technology. “He got his inspiration when he saw his first television set in the barber shop at the end of the street, and he decided right then and there that that was what he was going to do with himself,” says Paul Stechly, Michael’s son and current president of Applied Electronics. Michael studied to become an electronics technologist and after five years working for others he started his own company in 1958, Applied Business Systems (renamed Applied Electronics Limited in 1961), in Toronto, Ontario. He operated this fledgling business with a secretary as the only other employee, but his drive, knowledge and ability to foster incredible relationships soon saw the company flourish. As the Canadian broadcast industry grew, so did Applied Electronics. Michael Stechly built a reputation for quality, service and integrity, making his company a leader in the television-
Carrying on their father’s legacy: Paul Stechly, President, with John Stechly and Susan Stechly, Vice Presidents of Applied Electronics Limited.
broadcasting industry before successfully expanding into and quickly gaining prominence in the audiovisual industry. By the time of Michael Stechly’s death in 1985, he had diversified and expanded his business into four markets across the country – the head office in Toronto and regional offices in Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. He had built his dream into
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