Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) Initiatives

• To address electronic waste, FORTÉ follows strict recycling protocols. The company partners with certified e-waste recyclers to ensure that outdated AV equipment is processed responsibly. Additionally, we promote a circular economy by refurbishing and repurposing equipment where possible, thereby extending product lifecycles and reducing waste.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility: FORTÉ proactively participates with those states in the U.S. where Extended Producer Responsibility legislation exists to report on company efforts to recycle, compost, reduce waste, reuse and return rates, and postconsumer recycled content usage.
  • In 2024, FORTÉ began measuring its consolidated recycling effort and will report on these results in future updates.

• We source materials and products from suppliers who adhere to sustainable practices. The company evaluates suppliers based on their environmental impact and encourages them to adopt greener practices. FORTÉ also seeks to work with vendors who are committed to reducing their own environmental footprints. The company supports the industry trade association, AVIXA, and its sustainability practices. In addition:
• Metrics Related to Recycling and Sustainability:
  • To reduce unnecessary waste and preserve valuable resources, we initiated proactive measurement of recycling across our 42 locations in CY 2025.
  • We proactively engage with technology partners who adhere to defined sustainability efforts related to the reduction of packaging materials, consolidation of shipping and transportation and reduction in carbon footprint through efficiencies.
• We recognize e-waste is a global problem and when improperly managed these materials pollute our land, water and the air we breathe. Today, less than 20% of global e-waste gets recycled. We understand that recycling end-of-life devices helps conserve resources and energy, boosts local and global economies, creates jobs and builds community. That’s why we work with our customers to plan for and manage e-waste when decommissioning technology. In CY 2024, FORTÉ partnered with CheckSammy, which provides same-day, nationwide bulk waste removal, along with strategic recycling and landfill programs. This partnership enables us to cost-effectively manage e-waste. We will report on the company’s continued e-waste efforts in January 2026.

• FORTÉ engages with local communities through various initiatives. The company supports education and STEM programs, particularly those related to technology and audiovisual systems, by providing resources, mentorship, and sponsorships. We also participate in local volunteer activities and charitable events, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility.
• Monetary donations and countless volunteer hours are contributed across FORTÉ’s 42 office locations to assist organizations such as True Friends Camp Eden Wood, the Food Bank of the Rockies, Sim Women Colorado, Toys for Tots and Wreaths Across America.

• FORTÉ upholds high standards of transparency in its client interactions. The company maintains open communication channels, provides clear and accurate information about its products and services, and prioritizes client satisfaction. We also seek feedback from clients to continuously improve our offerings and promptly address concerns.
• We gather customer satisfaction data through a multi-question survey in which clients rate their experience with the company using a 10-point scale. The average customer satisfaction rate reported in 2024 was 9.214. In addition, the company’s net promoter score in 2024 was 59.77.

The governance structure at FORTÉ includes an experienced board of directors responsible for overseeing corporate strategy and risk management. The board is composed of members with expertise in various fields, including finance, technology, legal, and sustainability. Regular board meetings and committees ensure effective oversight of ESG initiatives and corporate performance. Currently, the board includes:

FORTÉ is committed to transparency in its reporting practices. The company formally initiated its ESG priorities in 2024 and will provide annual updates on its ESG performance. These reports will include detailed information on environmental impact, social initiatives, and governance practices, reflecting the company's dedication to accountability and continuous improvement.

The 1,500-plus employee-owners of FORTÉ leverage unrivaled technical experience, talent, and commitment in delivering customized AV solutions that empower you to seize opportunities and imagine new possibilities.

Through the company’s unique Employee Stock Ownership structure, each full-time employee becomes fully vested in FORTÉ company shares after completing five years of service. This ESOP process ensures that employees hold each other accountable to our core values of integrity, elevation, curiosity, oneness, and stewardship.