Biography of Michael Sigourney: Founder and CEO of AVTECH Software -Entrepreneur
Story of Michael Sigourney:
Early Ambitions and Business Roots
Michael Sigourney’s path in the business world began in the
late 1970s when he enrolled in the University of Cincinnati's Carl H. Lindner
College of Business. There, he studied Business Management and Marketing,
actively participating in Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity.
His education laid the groundwork for his future ventures, especially in
understanding how to manage and promote innovative products.
Marketing Days in the 1980s
Throughout the 1980s, Michael thrived as a marketing
director and consultant for several successful software companies. These roles
provided him deep insights into the technology sector and gave him the
confidence and vision to start his own business. By the end of the decade, he
was ready to create something that would address real gaps in the market.
The Birth of AVTECH Software
In 1988, Michael founded AVTECH Software from his apartment
in Irvine, California. Initially, the company focused on developing software to
monitor mini-computers, a growing need at the time. As the idea of networks
began evolving, AVTECH shifted gears to focus on network-wide monitoring,
helping organizations better manage their systems.
A Game-Changer: Environmental Monitoring
As he worked closely with IT environments, Michael noticed
that equipment failures often resulted from environmental conditions—like
temperature, humidity, and power issues—not just software problems. This
realization pushed AVTECH in a new direction: environmental monitoring for
computer rooms and data centers. In 1998, AVTECH released its first “Room
Alert” product line.
Room Alert Takes Off
The Room Alert products became essential tools for IT
managers, helping them monitor everything from flooding to heat levels. Over
time, AVTECH added new sensors and made its monitors more powerful and
user-friendly. The product line saw multiple upgrades in hardware and software
over two decades, proving vital to business continuity across industries.
A Strategic Move Across the Country
In 1993, Michael relocated AVTECH from California to
Newport, Rhode Island, to be closer to European and Middle Eastern markets.
This move helped reduce operational costs and opened up new business
opportunities. Thanks to this shift, AVTECH's international presence began to
expand, and soon, Room Alert products were in demand across continents.
Embracing the Internet Age
With the rise of the World Wide Web and Windows-based
systems in the late 1990s, AVTECH adapted quickly. Michael led the company away
from OpenVMS-based systems to more modern, accessible software solutions. This
decision was crucial in keeping AVTECH relevant and future-ready in a rapidly
changing tech landscape.
Biography of Michael Sigourney: Founder and CEO of AVTECH Software -Entrepreneur#startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#AVTECH Software story
Investing in a
Home: Cutler Mill
As the company grew, Michael made another bold move by
purchasing and restoring an old mill building in Warren, Rhode Island. Named
Cutler Mill, the new headquarters was designed with employees' comfort in mind.
Each office had a window, and desks were strategically placed to avoid screen
glare. Even colors were carefully chosen based on psychological studies to
boost mood and energy.
Weathering the Storms
Michael’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. In the early days,
financial strain was common. Sometimes, he had to sleep in the office and eat
budget meals just to keep the company afloat. Late product releases, tight
marketing budgets, and delayed customer payments all challenged AVTECH—but
Michael always found creative solutions to keep things moving.
Global Reach and Recognition
Despite its modest beginnings, AVTECH's impact became
global. Room Alert products are now used in 187 out of 196 countries. In 2018,
the U.S. Small Business Administration honored AVTECH with the “Exporter of the
Year” award. Today, its customer base spans every industry—from defense to
energy—and even includes deployments in outer space.
Evolving Roles and Leadership
After serving as CEO for more than three decades, Michael
transitioned to Chairman in 2023, and then to Founder & Evangelist in 2024.
These roles allow him to focus on vision and advocacy while a strong leadership
team runs daily operations. AVTECH continues to grow, fueled by innovation and
guided by the values he instilled.
A Life of Travel and Inspiration
Michael now spends over 160 days each year traveling to meet
clients, speak at events, and collaborate with global partners. He learns about
emerging needs and trends in facility monitoring, always exploring ways Room
Alert can evolve to meet those demands. His passion for making a difference
remains as strong as ever.
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Looking back, Michael takes pride in the team he's built and
the mission AVTECH has pursued. By solving critical problems for organizations
worldwide, he’s helped prevent equipment failures, saved billions in losses,
and protected people and property. His legacy is not only in Room Alert’s
success, but in the lives and businesses it has helped protect.
Timeline of Michael Sigourney’s Journey
- 1978–1982:
Business Management & Marketing at University of Cincinnati
- 1980s:
Marketing director/consultant at top software firms
- 1988:
Founded AVTECH Software in Irvine, California
- 1993:
Relocated AVTECH to Newport, Rhode Island
- 1998:
Launched first Room Alert product
- 2000s–2020s:
Expanded product lines, adapted to new tech, restored Cutler Mill HQ
- 2018:
AVTECH wins “Exporter of the Year” by the U.S. SBA
- 2023:
Became Chairman of AVTECH
- 2024–Present:
Serves as Founder & Evangelist
