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 Kurt Oleson, the current VP of operations.
The news 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.
Joe Comer, CEO, said: “We’re honoured 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.
“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’ new owners says they will launch something 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.
Willett said: “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. 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 US. and Canadian businesses, ensuring legal use of the music.
Comer noted: “In essence, we fill a specific and growing market need by offering a legally compliant music streaming solution for businesses that is far more customised and comprehensive than consumer-focused platforms. We prioritise 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.”
