Each week, I am highlighting on some of the incredible people who are in the Audio Video Industry. As this blog is mostly about AV insiders, today we are profiling Tim Albright.

 

Here is a brief intro about him.
Tim Albright is the founder of AVNation and is the driving force behind the AVNation network. He carries the InfoComm CTS, a B.S. from Greenville College and is pursuing an M.S. in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. When not steering the AVNation ship, Tim has spent his career designing systems for churches both large and small, Fortune 500 companies, and education facilities.

Please drop your questions in the comments below and i will make sure that he sees them.

1.Describe your journey in the AV industry? How did it start?

I’ve been involved in AV for over 25 years. My first job was assistant lighting director at my church. From there I have learned audio, control/automation, design, and consulting. But it all started with a little lighting system.

2.What do you think are the challenges facing a new person who wants to join the industry.

The main challenges facing a newcomer is finding out about AV. It’s not a well known industry. A number of us stumble upon it. Another challenge is learning all there is to know and finding the niche that fits us. There is so much to learn in the industry and so much is siloed; control, audio design/acoustics, video, design. It can be a struggle to find where you shine.

3.What are the positives of working in this industry

This industry is exciting. It changes on a weekly basis. The innovators in this space push the boundaries and make really cool systems. Every time you go to a concert, or enter a conference space that just works and wows you, that is what makes AV great. Plus the people are awesome. With few exceptions, the people I have encountered are some of the best professionals I have ever worked with.

 

4.What in your opinion would you change in the industry? What are the negatives that are prevalent ?

One thing I would change is the old guard club. What I mean by that is I would get more 20’s and 30’s involved in the various companies’ decision making. These workers have great ideas and are full of passion. Another aspect I would change is getting more women involved at all levels. If you walk into most shops in this industry you’ll find a majority of guys. I’d love to see more female techs, programmers, and design/consultants. In addition I’d get us fully into the IT space and wave a wand and we’d all work together seamlessly.

5.Describe your ideal client? What do you wish clients to know before hiring you.

My ideal client has changed as my jobs have changed. I guess in general my ideal client would be someone who knew what was possible and what wasn’t. As I run AVNation full time now, do speaking and writing, as well as some consulting, they would be someone who understood the power of media, social, and getting your message out into the general public.

6.If you were going to start over, what would you do differently ?

Personally I would start with control. I never was the best programmer in the world but I love that aspect of the industry. I would have taken computer science courses earlier and learned various languages and concepts before getting involved in programming.

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7.Describe a typical work day for you. What are your daily disciplines?

I get up around 5:30 local time, answer email, interact on social media, and look at my schedule for the day. There are two hours dedicated to sales calls in general, at least an hour a day on writing, and then about 2 -3 hours consulting or doing some small programming projects.

8.Describe the apps and gear that you use daily which makes you more productive?

I love Slack. It’s a great tool for large or small groups to get stuff done without endless email threads. Hootsuite is my preferred social media interface as it allows me to see and interact with multiple social media streams at once. Google Inbox also filters and arranges email in order of importance. Then there is my trusted notebook. About a year ago I started using a Moleskin lined notebook for my daily schedule and to-do list. It’s a great way for me to keep organized and write notes.
For more information about Tim Albright, please find a few links.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tdalbright
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avnationtv/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-albright-698aaa7

AV Nation
https://www.avnation.tv/

Please drop your questions in the comments below and i will make sure that he sees them.

Next week we will be featuring another AV Insider so please stay tuned. 

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