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40 AT 40: JR Sander
Job Title: General Manager, Knoxville Location
JR Sander started working for Bandit Lites in 1992 as the Knoxville warehouse manager. In that position, he spent most of his time building shows and moving equipment between the Knoxville and Nashville locations. He also helped develop what is now known as the ‘Bandit Standard'. Sixteen years later, JR Sander is the General Manager at the Knoxville facility. He oversees production, acts as lighting inventory control manager, he is the special events coordinator and the production team leader.
Here are a few questions we asked to get to know him a little better.
Q: Why and/or how did you get involved in this industry?
A: While in the 5th grade in Western Kansas, I started playing drums in my own garage band. Twelve years later, while I was headed to California to be a Rock Star, I got a call from a promoter friend to drive a truck and set up a stage at the Checker Dome in St. Louis for the Bob Seger Band. I changed my travel plans. After that, I traveled around the country doing staging for Van Halen, Styx, Rush, Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, AC/DC and many more. That was before arenas had in-house staging. I moved to Knoxville in 1982 during the World's Fair and worked for a staging company for 10 years. Then in 1992, I made the move to work for Bandit Lites in Knoxville as the warehouse manager. I wanted off the road and had the opportunity to work for one of the largest lighting companies in the world. It has proven to be the best move of my life.
Q: What is a favorite memory from working at Bandit Lites?
A: A few reasons I'm proud to work for Bandit include being a part of the Bandit family, Christmas parties, family outings and group seminars, working for a company that cares about their employees and the camaraderie between the Bandit teams and offices.
Q: What is the best part of working for Bandit Lites?
A: The best part is the people/employees. We have the most knowledgeable people in the industry. I feel we have the most educated production team in the world. There is nothing we can't do.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into this industry?
A: The best advice is to keep a positive "can do" attitude. Work hard to gain experience. Expect to pay your dues. It's the only way to learn. Do the right thing, even when no one else is around.
Q: Who has inspired and/or influenced your work?
A: Working alongside Michael Strickland, chairman of Bandit Lites and watching him run the company has inspired me. He has always run a tight ship. He is the first one at work and the last one to leave. His passion and desire for the lighting entertainment business is outstanding. I have been blessed to work for such an icon in the business.
1st September 2008
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