Just as entertainment is changing, so has our service. We formed our company in 1997 as Computer Smarts. Initially, we helped ultra-high-net-worth individuals with their tech challenges, whatever they might be. Our business grew as our clients experienced how we simplify complexity, especially for good entertainment service solutions when traveling.
Top-of-the-Line Entertainment Service for High-Performing People
In 2019, we refined our services to focus exclusively on inflight entertainment and changed our name to Video Valet. Basically, our team of dedicated pros stays in the know, so you don’t have to. Our value proposition is simple: custom-curated entertainment content delivered through concierge service.
Get to Know Us
Eric Cohen
President
Eric’s ’90s job as “computer guy to the stars” opened the door to several game-show appearances. When that didn’t pay the bills, he double downed on his company, Computer Smarts. He started spreading the gospel of Apple’s simple, reliable products to clients suffering from nasty computer-virus issues. Clients delighted hearing the “You’ve got mail!” alerts on their Macs, then the innovations of Palm Pilots, Wii bowling and, finally, the iPhone. One by one clients (slowly) threw away their BlackBerry Android phones. With the iPad, Computer Smarts seized new possibilities in entertainment and education. It helped simplify the process of migrating data and eliminating TTT (Toddler Travel Trauma). In 2013, Eric and his team helped pilots and ops departments discard their paper maps, creating the FAA-approved, Part 135 electronic flight bag (EFB) using iPads. He then focused his passion for simplifying technology to give jet owners and their families the ultimate in-flight entertainment experience. Each additional raving customer convinced Eric he was on the right path. In 2019, Computer Smarts transitioned to Video Valet – a new service for a new era.
Amy McIntosh
Vice President
Amy grew up with a police officer and a nurse as parents. This may explain how she always knows how to protect and serve clients and what to do when they are experiencing “technology ouchies.” More than 10 years of managing insurance claims taught Amy a thing or two about navigating a negative experience. Unable to find a job blending her love of great television and movies, her dedication to customer experience, and uncanny ability to become BFFs with flight crews, Amy created one. In her role with Video Valet, Amy makes sure nothing is left to chance. Her eagerness to help and egoless approachability bolster flight crews’ efforts to deliver a seamless inflight entertainment experience. Her ability to curate content rivals Netflix’s “since you liked this, you’ll like that” algorithm. Now entering her eighth year managing Video Valet’s team of content curators, Amy has served a dizzying array of Hollywood’s A-list talent. Her lifelong role as the friend you can trust your secrets to prepared her for the discretion needed to excel in the world of private aviation. Her natural love of family and and children enable her to personalize any experience – from “Thomas the Train” to Tarantino. Amy is always up to speed on the latest releases but tight-lipped with spoilers as she turns regular flights into riveting, “Have we arrived already?” screen time.
Buck Snyder
Director of Engineering
Buck began working with Eric when he was only 15, working in the office upstairs from Eric’s. His interest in technology, combined with his mother’s need for a reasonably priced IT person for her business, had him earning his keep early in life. Eric immediately recognized and put Buck’s “Doogie Howser-esque” skills to work, first as an intern, then as a full-fledge technician. Buck was still attending high school when he became the preferred technician for Hollywood’s power elite. What Buck lacked in the ability to grow facial hair was more than made up for by his technical wizardry and ability to relate with technophobes. Buck went on to earn a computer science degree from UC Santa Barbara while continuing to work with Eric and developing his own online business (Buck made a lot of people regret not listening to him when he explained the potential of investing in bitcoin.) His far-flung interests extend to micro brewing, cars, travel and motorbikes, and his creative problem-solving skills help Video Valet develop the tools needed to execute our one-of-a-kind service.
Zia Hashmi
Director of Information Technology
In a company that prides itself on customer relations, Zia finds a way to become everyone’s favorite problem-solver. As a 10-year veteran of Video Valet (starting when we were Computer Smarts), Zia uses his background in technology to put smiles on even the most difficult client. His understanding of trends in hardware and software and his ability to forecast potential opportunities and challenges keep Video Valet ahead of the curve. While Zia holds a bachelor of science degree in information technology, he is the first to point out that entertainment curation is not the project you would want to just turn over to even the most talented “IT guy.” Zia transitions between our resident IT guru to serving customers’ need for convenience and simplicity. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Hollywood legend or one of the biggest names in sports, Zia uses his valued position on the Video Valet team to ensure we deliver the highest levels of customer support.
Michelle Akda
Director of Customer Service
Hollywood stars aren’t the only ones discovered in upscale LA restaurants. We found Michelle working in one of the City of Angels’ premiere see-and-be-seen eateries. She’d been there for more than a decade, honing her ability to provide outstanding customer service while exhibiting grace under fire. Once she saw how those skills could support Video Valet’s value proposition, she brought her contagious positivity and legendary efficiency to our team. Michelle also brings an inexplicable ability to navigate the 405, 101 and 10 freeways that baffle customers and colleagues. Her dedication to details and genuine put-the-customer-first approach, bolster Video Valet’s unique service offering and help make it unlike any other.