About
Mills Technologies provides state of the art smart home solutions and entertainment systems throughout the Chicagoland area. A third-generation family-run business, Mills has been providing consumer electronics solutions for over 80 years.
Mills is a Home Technology Association Certified Luxury Provider and is also a member of the Consumer Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).
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Decades as Chicago's Technology Experts
Mills Recording Company was founded in 1939 and specialized in wire recording and playback machines. It began as a recording studio and at times served singers such as Andy Williams and Bing Crosby. During World War II, the studio recorded many patriotic messages for radio broadcast.
For five decades the firm operated retail electronics stores on Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Chicago. In addition to advising clients on high-end electronics, Mills also offered professional recording and rental services to business and government agencies. Reflecting a reputation as Chicago’s consumer technology experts, Mills was featured annually on Siskel & Ebert’s Holiday Gift Guide selection program to educate viewers of new home technology trends.
In 1994, Mills Custom Audio/Video was formed, focusing exclusively on the custom install business to best serve our customers. We boast over two centuries of combined industry experience. Mills provides much more than audio and video solutions - we provide integrated technologies for our clients, including data and WiFi, motorized shades, lighting control and other Smart Home solutions. In early 2018, we rebranded ourselves as Mills Technologies because we feel it better represents all of the solutions and services that we provide to our clients. As we always have, Mills continues to provide our residential and commercial clients with turnkey technology solutions, including design, installation and integration, service and ongoing system maintenance.
Photo from 1961 by Laird A. Scott
Management Team
Bryan Mills
President and Sales Manager
Bryan represents the third generation of the Mills family involved in the consumer and commercial technology industries. Bryan started his career in product design, focusing on the integration of form and function in everyday items, including roles at design firm IDEO and the R&D group of a diversified manufacturer. He has held management and operations roles in a Fortune 500 company, working on projects varying from the commercialization of hybrid vehicle platforms to strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions. As a Director at a national retailer, Bryan consulted to small business owners on customer experience, operations and growth strategies. Looking for an opportunity to leverage his technical background and small business operations skills, Bryan joined Mills in 2009 to take over as president of the company.
Given his background, Bryan works closely with clients to observe behaviors and generate meaningful design requirements for technology systems. During his time with Mills, Bryan has focused on system standardization to provide exceptionally reliable and intuitive solutions for clients, and over the past 7 years has doubled the size of the company. He was recently the recipient of a “Profile of Excellence Award” by CEPro Magazine.
Bryan has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University with a concentration in Design. He is a certified Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Registered Outreach Instructor. He resides with his family on the North Shore, where he enjoys coaching youth soccer and commuting to work via bicycle.
Brendan Tidwell-Cullen, CTS
Chief Operating Officer
Brendan Tidwell Cullen, CTS, joined Mills Custom in early 2011. He brings 10 years of experience in audiovisual design and engineering in a wide array of projects, including hospitality, education, commercial, high-end residential and performance venues.
Prior to joining Mills Custom, Brendan worked for a large commercial technology systems designer, audiovisual systems integrator, rental and staging technician, and theatrical sound designer. His current responsibilities include technologies systems design.
Brendan has a BS in Communications from Northwestern University, with a major in Theatre and a certificate in Sound Design. He holds a CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) certification from InfoComm International and is a certified Crestron Digital Media Designer. He resides in Chicago, and enjoys cheering on Northwestern Athletics with his family through good seasons and bad.
Marty Lukasik
Operations Manager
Marty Lukasik joined the Mills team in early 2016. She brings with her 30+ years of experience in operations management. Marty began in retail customer service, but has spent the majority of her career in the consumer electronics industry working in manufacturing representative firms, specializing in operations management and customer service.
Marty’s responsibilities include operational software implementation and management along with streamlining processes. She handles purchasing, billing and inventory management.
Marty resides in the far north suburbs, she enjoys gardening and the outdoors as well as spending time with her husband and three grown daughters.
Sarah Brewster
Marketing Manager
Sarah joined the Mills team in late 2016. She brings 17 years of experience in marketing and business development.
Prior to joining Mills Custom, Sarah worked for a large commercial technology consulting firm. Her primary role is focused on helping to grow the Mills business by enhancing communications with clients and partners, and taking the lead on all marketing activities.
Sarah has a BA in Psychology from Wayne State University and currently resides in the southwest suburbs. She enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her family.
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Award-Winning Smart Home & Entertainment Systems
A third-generation family-run business, we've served Chicago for over 75 years, evolving from radio to consumer electronics to smart home technology. Mills Technologies provides our residential and commercial clients with turnkey technology solutions, including design, installation and integration, and ongoing system maintenance.
Trusted Throughout Chicago
Complete Technology Solutions
Audio/Video
Media Rooms
Smart Home Systems
Whole Home Audio
Commercial Automation
Lighting Control
Phone Systems
Energy Management
