In my biweekly blog series, I am highlighting some of the incredible people who work for the Audio Video Industry. In this post, we are profiling Mark Delguidice. Here is a brief introduction. 

Mark Delguidice, CTS is Business Development Director at MediaCentric Integration.

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

I started studying audio engineering at Columbia college, I worked doing live sound in a club,
eventually worked in Rental and Staging at many hotels,conventions, events, eventually being a manager of a large hotel AV Office then I met a small Av Integrator who needed a foreman / PM, and then I was in Installations. That was ’92.

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

There are so many different positions, types of opportunities, one has to try whatever entry level job you find, and begin to understand what skills you have, want to learn, and what you enjoy. I enjoyed all the roles I had, yet, found Installations the most fun and interesting to me. And, it paid well.

I would also recommend joining AVIXA Councils, groups in NSCA, etc., where you can meet others and learn a lot. AVIXA has a Young Professionals in AV Council, great place to start. The biggest challenge is education yourself to be valuable as possible, and there isn’t any clear one way to do so yet, although it;s getting better, all the Industry organizations are working to make more classes and info available.

3.What are the positives of working in this industry?

The many creative and dynamic people you meet, the variety of equipment and places you may work and encounter.
It’s a thrill to complete a system [or event set up, etc.] see it all turnon, lights up, and there you are! Also, we have a tradition of everyone learning from and teaching each other, the experienced folks pass on what they were taught, etc., and that is a great thing, most of us truly enjoy helping each other. I sure do.

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

I think the field Technicians deserve more input, and recognition. They are the ones on the Front lines, working at client’s locations, and are not really acknowledged much in articles, awards, etc. I can’t even think of an Indur=stry award or recognition program to be quite honest.

[RELATED] : If you have missed any of my previous interviews, please click here.

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

I have been a pioneer in providing skilled trained AV Install labor, since 1994, and so my clients [traditionally] have been AV Integrator VAR’s.

I still am squarely in that market, as the Business Development Director at MediaCentric, We work with and support AV integrators across the Industry.

My favorite clients are those that provide us solid comprehensive drawings, information, and work with us in a genuine trust relationship. They care about their clients, and their partner resources, and, are honest and transparent working with us, so we can effectively give their clients the best results possible.
Now days, with AV really being about Service, transparency and maintinaning f=good relationships is vital. Those who don’t communicate, work with you, tend to have a lot more problems and issues. It’s complicated construction, things can go wrong or change day to day, so, communication and flexibility is key.

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

Take legal and financial classes. Running a small company is very challenging, and it helps to have some good knowledge of those things. As far as from a Tech’s perspective, get into taking classes, webinars, anything you can to learn and grow your expertise. That knowledge will empower you to succeed.

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

Years ago, it was cleaning my toolkits, truck, preparing for onsite work. Now, after many years, it’s jumping on the computer, phone, connecting with new clients,maintaining relationships with our many partners and legacy clients, and, going to Industry events and conventions. I get paid to communicate and represent, it’s exciting and fun really. So, from Social Media, to meeting with clients, all my disciplines are based on those interactions. Lots of Linked In!

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

Well, Linked in , FaceBook, are my two main platforms, then AVIXA Virtual meetings, I meet, and such, I don’t tweet or use instagram, but also use Zoom amd GoTo Meetings, Ring Central, a lot as well. i think we all are migrating more and more to those doing daily business.

9. How do you stay relevant in this industry?

Get involved. Join groups, participate in webinars, ask questions, reach out to others like you – attend events and conferences, be visible. Volunteer on Councils, Committees, and Mentor others – you’d be surprised how much you may know, and how much you may learn by sharing that. Also, people recognize that activity, and it does create recognition and value. Play Hard! Show Up! Be counted!

To know much more, please connect on Linkedin. 

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