Our founder Stanley Lager believed in the importance of long-term relationships—a belief that continues to guide us today. In an industry marked by constant change and acquisitions, the Lager family has proudly maintained Dale’s independence. Backed by our dedicated and experienced team, we remain committed to the same values of service and support that Stanley established more than 70 years ago.
- Michael, Valerie, and Ross Lager
Our Founder
The history of Dale Pro Audio begins largely with its founder, Stanley Lager. A native of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, he grew up in the electronics industry; his father ran a radio parts business in Lower Manhattan. It was here where he learned the trade and formed some of the habits that would lead to a lifetime of success.
Humble Beginnings
Back home from service overseas in World War II, Stanley returned to the business, forging lifelong friendships with manufacturers and reps alike. In 1956, armed with one shelf of goods and $12,000, he started Dale Electronics as an outlet for radio and television parts. The store's location was at 319 West 14th Street, in the Meatpacking District. Along the way, he discovered another burgeoning product category around town: professional audio...
Building A Reputation
Dale Electronics, in addition to its solid parts sales, became known as "the place to go" for the growing needs of audio installers throughout New York. Stanley’s efforts led the company to be highly regarded amongst the pioneers of this world, such as Bogen, Shure, and Electro-Voice. In fact, Harman Pro's founders were both close friends of his.
A Family Affair
Having outgrown Dale’s original home, the store moves to a new space in New York’s Flatiron District in 1980. The 2nd generation of Lagers take on prominent roles in the company when Valerie joins in 1986 and Michael in 1988.
An Industry Leader
With the advent of new technologies emerging throughout the professional audio world, Dale underwent a large metamorphosis. The decade saw Dale Electronics become Dale Pro Audio, entering markets such as broadcast, recording studios, and more. The company expanded its team of Sales Professionals to follow suit, each one specializing in certain areas.
Move to 22 West 19th
2004 saw Dale move into its third location, a 20,000 square foot location just around the corner at 22 West 19th Street. The location featured state-of-the-art demo rooms and an event space, cementing the company's success in offering expert service to its ever-increasing diverse clientele. It also introduced an e-commerce site for the first time in 2007.
Welcome To Jamaica!
Sadly, in 2014 Dale founder Stanley Lager passes away at the age of 92. That same year and following the success of Dale’s expansion into e-commerce, Dale moves to our current facility in Queens—which is three times the size of the 19th street location.
Three Generations Strong
In addition to persevering through a global pandemic, Dale welcomes the 3rd generation of the Lager family when Stanley’s grandson Ross joins the company full-time to help bring focus to continuing efforts to modernize operations.
Meet The Family
Michael Lager
Co-Owner, President & CEO
Since joining Dale in 1988, Michael has been instrumental in Dale’s evolution from a radio and TV parts dealer to the full-service audio solutions provider it is today.
Valerie Lager
Co-Owner, Vice President
For nearly 40 years, Valerie has directed Dale’s day-to-day operations, guiding the company with family-rooted values and preserving her father’s legacy at every step.
Ross Lager
Operations Manager
As the third-generation Lager, Ross joined Dale Pro Audio in 2021 to modernize operations while honoring the core values his grandfather established decades ago.
Relationships Start With People
Our team isn't just any group of salespeople. Most of us are audio professionals, musicians, producers, and engineers who use the solutions we sell and support.
We're staffed with knowledgeable, experienced salespeople who have been in the business for decades. Our dedicated technical staff can solve pre- and post-sale questions and challenges. Our administrative and fulfilment teams make sure we deliver a great experience every day. We even have a live person answering the phones during our business hours - what a concept!
Valerie Lager
Second Generation Owner
We're staffed with knowledgeable, experienced salespeople who have been in the business for decades. Our dedicated technical staff can solve pre- and post-sale questions and challenges. Our administrative and fulfilment teams make sure we deliver a great experience every day. We even have a live person answering the phones during our business hours - what a concept!
Valerie Lager
Second Generation Owner
Leadership
Al Spinelli
VP, Sales & Operations
Al brings decades of pro audio experience, having held leadership roles on both the reseller and manufacturer sides of the industry.
When not texting, fielding a call, or replying to an email (occasionally all at the same time), you can find Al in his professional studio or underneath his 1967 Pontiac Firebird.
Sales Team
Tim Finnegan
Specialty: Recording and Broadcast
With over four decades in the industry, Tim has seen audio production evolve firsthand—there’s little he doesn’t know about recording gear and pro audio solutions.
If you’re on Long Island, you can catch Tim drumming with his classic rock cover band Illusion: A Tribute To Women Who Rock.
Dan Francia
Specialty: Recording and Live Sound
An NYU audio program graduate, Dan is deeply connected to the NY/NJ live and studio scene. He’s toured as both a performer and tech, and runs his own home project studio.
Fun fact: the next generation Francia is already a budding musician—at age 2!
Alex Guerra
Specialty: Recording and Live Sound
Alex is Dale’s go-to Pro Tools expert and a trusted authority on all things recording. For over a decade, he’s supported clients working behind the scenes on some of the world’s biggest live tours.
As a native of the Dominican Republic (fluent in Spanish and Portuguese) Alex enjoys regular visits back in the DR to spend time with friends and family.
David Prentice
Specialty: Recording and Post Production
David is a seasoned pro in audio and media, with deep expertise supporting post-production and sound-for-picture clients.
He is Chairman Emeritus for the AES-NY Section (2006-2007).
Joe Prout
Specialty: Broadcast, Remote Audio, RF
Joe has been building and nurturing decades-long relationships with many of Dale’s top national broadcast clients for over 30 years.
If you want to get on Joe’s good side, just ask him about the love of his life - his canine bestie, Roxie.
Luis Rivera
Specialty: Install, Worship, Live Sound
Luis brings deep experience in installed audio, partnering with contractors on projects across a wide range of commercial spaces.
He has an unmatched level of expertise in sound for worship applications. He is also fluent in Spanish.
Milton Rivera
Specialty: Parts and Accessories
Milton's knowledge of parts for professional audio applications knows no limits. Go ahead, test him!
He has over four decades of experience in parts sales for a variety of companies. He is fluent in Spanish.
Dan Ross
Specialty: Studio, Live Sound, Broadcast
Dan’s audio expertise spans studio, stage, and immersive installations. He also has an impressive track record in field audio capture.
Dan’s vinyl record collection likely exceeds the rest of Dale’s staff—combined!
Darryl Terry
Specialty: Install, Worship, Live Sound
Known as Terry, Dale’s longest-tenured account manager, brings decades of experience in the audio installation, contractor, and house of worship markets.
When not at Dale, he engineers and supplies tech support for several ministries and non-profits.
Marketing and Technology
Eric Eldredge
Director of Marketing
Eric is a seasoned audio professional with strong relationships across Dale’s extensive network of manufacturing partners.
As a producer and electronic musician, Eric has numerous releases on the market and more software plugins than he can count.
Joel Guilbert
Technology Development Manager
Joel is Dale’s technical ace—known for his deep expertise in audio, emerging technologies, and formats. His problem-solving skills and system design abilities are second to none.
Joel is also Dale’s resident culinary wizard.
Operations and Support
Jennifer Araya
Customer Service
Jennifer has been with Dale for over 25 years, supporting the team with top-notch service and answers to all questions.
Somehow, she also finds time to care for two energetic children and a big dog!
Jerel Black
Reception / Customer Service
Jerel has been the "voice of Dale Pro Audio" for over 20 years, providing a first point of contact to customers on the phone.
He is a passionate music lover of all genres with an encyclopedic knowledge of disco and dance music.
Kim Courcelle
Customer Service
Kim has been with Dale for over 25 years.
She effortlessly handles all forms of sales support, customer service, vendor relations, and much more.
Jenn Fogarazzo
Data Coordinator
For the last decade, Jenn has masterfully handled Dale's extensive catalog of leading items and our hardware/software infrastructure.
She has a background in IT and graphic design, among other talents.
Ellen Goodman
Purchasing
Ellen brings a wealth of experience to Dale Pro Audio, spanning sales, purchasing, and customer service.
We're pretty sure that if there were types of glue that hold companies together, hers would be considered industrial-grade!
Brian Henry
Warehouse Operations
Brian has been part of Dale's team for over two decades. He makes sure our large amounts of daily shipments are sent on their way with the best of care.
He's also been known to be a Mr. Fixit around here at times...
Andre Marion
Customer Service
Andre has a long background in sales and support of musical instruments, professional audio gear, and retail management.
He is also a trained piano player and experienced guitarist.
Marisol Mojica
Accounts Payable
Marisol has managed finances for a variety of organizations throughout her career, ranging from tech companies to art galleries.
She is also the proud parent of an FDNY firefighter.
Victor Ortega
Operations and Marketing
Victor is an Institute of Audio Research (IAR) graduate.
His audio credits range from performances by Debbie Harry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Sugar Hill Gang, to meetings and conferences at Columbia University.
Rose Renna
Customer Service
Rose has several decades of experience with customer service, office management, procurement, and financial duties.
Her problem-solving skills have made her somewhat of a folk hero around these parts...
Kennesha Richards
Customer Service
Kennesha is a graduate of York College in New York City.
She excels at getting our team all of the info they need for their day-to-day sales tasks while at the same time handling a baby boy.
David Rodriguez
Warehouse Operations
David has several years of experience in the pro audio install and event production world.
He is also a bass player and performing musician away from Dale.
Dave Thomas
Warehouse Manager
Dave has been at Dale Pro Audio for over 25 years, managing our expansive warehouse of top audio products.
In addition, he is a bassist and our resident authority on the band Rush and the New York Rangers.
Nina Weiss
Purchasing Manager
Nina's 30+ years at Dale Pro Audio are part of a long career of purchasing roles in the audio and technology space.
Did you know she's fluent in Italian?
