Custom Channels has been acquired by tech entrepreneur Joe Comer and longtime VP Kurt Oleson. With this transition, the company is preparing to roll out a major new offering aimed at AV integrators and digital signage partners. This new no-code solution, set to debut at InfoComm 2025, will allow technology providers to easily bundle licensed background music into their platforms without extra hardware or software development—unlocking new recurring revenue streams.
The new leadership sees a growing need for licensed, brand-aligned music in commercial spaces, especially as unlicensed music use draws more legal scrutiny. Custom Channels will continue its commitment to curated, compliant music solutions while expanding into partner-driven integrations. Their upcoming launch represents a shift toward AV-friendly tools that are simple to deploy and built for scale, designed specifically with integrators and CMS providers in mind.
Custom Channels, a leading business music streaming service founded in 2000, has been sold by co-founders John Bradley and Dave Rahn to tech entrepreneur Joe Comer and current VP of Operations Kurt Oleson. This comes ahead of InfoComm 2025, where the new owners will introduce a custom-designed business music solution for digital signage integrators and content management platform providers to bundle with their solutions.
“We’re honored to build upon the 25 year foundation of success created by John Bradley and Dave Rahn with the introduction of the first Custom Channels solution for AV integrators at InfoComm 2025,” said CEO Joe Comer. “John and Dave built a very successful business by offering a more tailored and expertly curated music experience, designed specifically for businesses, and we intend to build upon their success with a third-party offering that will create a major new recurring revenue stream for our partners.”
According to Comer, the acquisition of the company comes at a critical time in the evolution of the business music industry. “The unlicensed use of copyrighted music by businesses is coming under increased scrutiny at a time when more and more businesses are turning to music services to create a compelling aura for their brand within their business environment,” Comer said. “We believe the market demand for the services Custom Channels offers will grow exponentially as a result because businesses want a turnkey solution that manages every aspect of the service.”
At InfoComm 2025, Custom Channels will launch something totally new for digital signage providers and technology partners. Custom Channels Head of Partnerships Mark Willett found strong interest among several pre-launch digital signage and CMS partners.
“We will debut a no-code business music solution that empowers digital signage integrators and content management providers to offer licensed background music — with zero hardware and no development work required,” said Willett. “It will be what this industry has been waiting for — an easy way to add music, generate new revenue, and stay fully compliant. No code, no hardware, no limits!”
Custom Channels is a leading provider of business music streaming services for restaurants, retailers, dental offices, hotels and resorts. The company offers a range of services from pre-curated playlists to fully custom solutions. They also provide licensing for U.S. and Canadian businesses, ensuring legal use of the music.
“In essence, we fill a specific and growing market need by offering a legally compliant music streaming solution for businesses that is far more customized and comprehensive than consumer-focused platforms,” Comer noted. “We prioritize larger, more varied playlists with minimal repetition and careful screening for offensive content. We also offer a dedicated music expert to design and curate a sound that aligns with every customer’s brand, providing more control and less tinkering.”