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Bandit Lites 40 at 40: Michael T. Strickland

Job Title: Chairman of the Board

Michael T. Strickland, chairman of Bandit Lites Inc., is a well-known face to many in the lighting industry. Starting Bandit Lites at age 12 in his hometown of Kingsport, TN, Strickland now has offices in Knoxville, Nashville, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Celebrating 40 years in 2008, Michael Strickland has had the privilege of working with clients such as The Beach Boys, Alice Cooper, Jimmy Buffett, Martina McBride, The Moody Blues, Garth Brooks, Smashing Pumpkins, and far too many more outstanding artists to list on one page. Below are a few questions we asked the man behind the company to get to know him a little better.

Q: You started working at age 12. What inspired you to get involved in this industry at such a young age?

A: I went with my sister to see a rock show and fell in love with live music. I had no talent at all but really wanted to be in the business. I had been in Community Theater since age five and knew that lighting existed. I thought I could introduce lighting to these rock shows (as they had none in 1968) and that would be my ticket in! I was correct!

Q: Bandit has continued to grow and succeed over the last 40 years, a huge fete in entertainment lighting. What is the secret?

A: First and foremost, great people! Without the phenomenal staff, Bandit Lites would not exist. Beyond that, those people have to work with opportunity, luck and dedication. We have been the luckiest people in the business, had many tremendous opportunities and are the most dedicated people you will ever find. We work tirelessly to make Quality Job number one and it pays off in spades. As our logo says, 40 Years of Excellence!

Q: Where do you see the company headed in the next 10 years?

A: More of the same, we will continue to strive to be the best in the industry and never let up. Our clients' vision is our mission. As the equipment changes and we go away from what is now considered state-of-the-art towards LEDs, plasma lamps, content manipulation and other yet to be invented items, the game changes completely. This is a paradigm shift rather than an evolution. Eight years from today, everything we all own will most likely be obsolete. It is an exciting time and we at Bandit welcome the challenge.

Q: Who has inspired and influenced your work?

A: I have been inspired by every artist I have ever seen in one way or another. I have

learned from every competitor, every tech, every person I have come into contact with in the last 40 years. I am a student of business, life and lighting. I get up every morning eager to learn something new, and I always succeed at that. I learn from my parents, my wife, my children and my co-workers. Most of all, I learn from my mistakes! The law of entropy is very true. Everything is in motion - you are either going forward or backward, but nothing sits still!

Q: What advice do you have for someone getting into this business?

A: Humility, humility and humility. This business if full of talented people with little or no humility and they are not the most fun to work with. It is a pleasure when I get to work with some of the great world-class people in the business that are humble and treat you like a human being. If a young person can master that then they will go as far as they desire. They must also be aware that, as I stated before, it takes the rare combination of opportunity, luck and dedication to succeed. It requires a mountain of dedication to achieve success at the highest of levels. Success is not for the faint at heart, but rather for the warriors willing to pay the price. Aim high, work relentlessly and be humble. If you do that my friend, you will soar with eagles.

Q: Do you have any final thoughts?

A: I would like to say thank you to the hundreds of dedicated people that have made up this family we call Bandit Lites. Without such a great team, none of us would have gone as far as we have. I wish to thank friends, family, clients and staff for making this all possible. All of us at Bandit promise to keep the bar high and never let the industry or our clients down. It has been a long strange trip, but we have just begun!

www.banditlites.com

Mitch Clark Leaves Tomcat USA

Tomcat USA Inc. has announced the departure of Mitch Clark, founder and president of the company.

"On behalf of Tomcat and its employees, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all the work that Mitch has done during the last three decades to make TOMCAT one of the premier companies in the entertainment business and a market leader in aluminum and specialty structures," said Stefano Rosellini of GM Staging Systems Americas. "I would also like to thank him for the outstanding contribution given to the team during the transition that today has made Tomcat an integral part of the Vitec Group.

"While we are certain that Mitch will be missed, we are also very excited about the legacy that he is leaving behind. Mitch is leaving Tomcat with a strong and committed management team that is completely dedicated to build on strong foundations and bring the company to the next level. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers and stakeholders for the successful partnership we have enjoyed for the last 20 years."

Philip Black Appointed Director of Sales and Marketing

Philip Black has been promoted to the position of director of sales & marketing for the Staging Connections Group. Most recently Philip was Staging Connections' director of venues and prior to that director of strategic relationships, and was responsible for managing the team that secured the Atlantis Palm Jumeriah venue services contract in the UAE. He also led the bid teams responsible for securing long-term Group partnership deals with leading five star hotels including Starwood, Hyatt, Tabcorp and Crown.

Starting his career in the law, Philip joined Staging Connections in 2001 in a technical capacity and through the Company's rigorous venues based training programs he progressed to the roles of technical event manager, venue sales executive and venue services manager before being appointed national venue business development manager. While working hands on in venues, Philip supervised the event staging for many large shows as in-house manager at Star City Hotel and Casino.

Philip's intimate knowledge of the hospitality industry and his many years of experience in venue services in a technical and management capacity has enabled Staging Connections to expand its venue outsourcing model. Today the model is in operation in 80+ five star venues in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, China and Dubai.

As group director of sales and marketing Philip will link all sales and marketing activities and work closely with and leverage the expertise within Staging Connections' local and regional operations into each and every event. He will also continue to work with and support Staging Connections' local and international venues teams as they continue to rollout the venue services model.

"I am delighted to take on the role of director sales and marketing for Staging Connections. I will continue to manage Staging Connections' venues services operations and I am looking forward to linking our sales and marketing activities to drive efficiency and better value for our business and our customers."

Bandit Lites 40 at 40: Jim Guinn

Global Director Of Computer Resources

Jim Guinn is the Global Director of Computer Resources at Bandit Lites. He is responsible for all company computers, servers, email, network devices and phone systems for all the Bandit Lites' worldwide offices. With Bandit since 2001, Guinn attributes his employment to good timing. Bandit Lites was in need of a full time person to get their PCs, servers and software upgraded to the 21st century and was looking for a new employer. Here are a few questions we asked to get to know him a little better.

Q: How has your job changed or evolved over the years?

A: My job has changed a bit over the past couple of years with the newer ArtNet devices and consoles coming onto the scene. I find myself helping out road crew more than I used to, teaching them about Ethernet cable, network switches, TCP/IP protocols and interconnecting these devices with the consoles and video servers.

Q: From your point of view, what are the biggest changes facing the entertainment technology industry at the moment?

A: The biggest changes include ArtNet networking, PC Based Consoles and Roadworthy PC's & Video Servers. Right now, a road person needs to know DMX & ArtNet protocols. As things evolve towards more Ethernet devices, it's going to be more important to know how to manage the traffic on these ethernet cables and to build a solid redundant network for each tour.

Q: What is a favorite memory from working at Bandit Lites?

A: A favorite memory is upgrading our patented MotoData motion control system from a 16-bit application to a 32-bit application to work better with the latest computers and to add more safety & functionality. I was on-site at Sony studios in California for five days for a tour rehearsal that was using the system for the first time. I had to make a few changes to the software and during the down time, I was able to walk around the back lot of Sony studios and see a few TV programs in production at that time.

Q: In your opinion, what is the most significant technologica advancement since you started working in the entertainment industry, and why?

A: Video Servers. It's amazing to see what people are doing with different media content and the ability to manipulate it with live video on a screen or LED wall.

Q: What is the best part of working for Bandit Lites?

A: The people. I work with a lot of talented and motivated people who want to do what's best for our clients. There is nothing better than working with people who like what they do and are glad to come to work everyday.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face in your job?

A: The biggest challenges are keeping up with the latest technology and staying on top of Bandit Lites' constant growth of people and resources. Seems like every few years we get a new building or we add a lot of new people. As a result, I have to plan for constant upgrades to our network, server farms and storage needs for all the new email, AutoCAD plots, tour books, inventory databases or media files that we accumulate. When I started, Bandit had four servers and about 40 Gigs worth of data company-wide. It's been almost eight years later and today we have over 35 servers, many of which are virtualized, and we use about 18 Terabytes of Data worldwide with a larger UK office opening up in 2009.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into this industry?

A: Come in with a good work ethic and attitude. Bandit has some of the hardest working people in the world with years of knowledge. Be sure to come in with a willingness to learn as much as you can about the industry and listen to folks who have been here a while.

www.banditlites.com

Bandit Lites 40 at 40: Peter Heffernan

President and Chief Operating Officer

Peter Heffernan was recently appointed president and chief operating officer of Bandit Lites. In his current position, Heffernan spends the majority of his time in business-related tasks such as taxes, insurance and overseeing all operations at Bandit Lites. Before taking on his new role, Heffernan was involved in everything from being a lighting technician to designing shows for Blackfoot and others. Here are a few questions we asked to get to know him a little better.

Q: How did you get involved in this industry? With Bandit?

A: I was on the concert committee at UT and had used Bandit several times. I did an Elvis Presley show, got a degree in communications and decided I wanted to go on the road for six months to see what it was like. I contacted Michael [Strickland].The first gig I did, I brought T-shirts to a Kenny Rogers concert. I ended up driving a truck for Kenny and the rest is history. I haven't gotten back to the broadcast business yet.

Q: Once you started with Bandit, how did you progress to where you are today?

A: I ended up being the lighting designer for the rock group, Blackfoot. We toured with all sorts of people, from Iron Maiden to Scorpions to AC/DC. From there I progressed to being a production manager for a band called Quiet Riot for about two-three years and then I came back to the office to start a sales initiative. Of course, from there, as Bandit grew, all sorts of things came up. As I tell everybody, you never know what you'll be doing at Bandit. I ended up getting into purchasing and from there came accounting and then operations, to a little bit of everything - which is what I do now.

Q: You've been with Bandit for 30 years now. Most people tend to change careers

several times in their lifetime, let alone stay with the same company. What about Bandit has kept you here all of these years?

A.:When I started at Bandit, the average person had two to three jobs in their lifetime. At this time, I think it's something like 14 or 15. One of the things that is very intriguing about getting people on board at Bandit is that they may not understand that it's not a job you have for a couple of years. We set it up so that it's a career path. The fact of the matter is, watching a company like Bandit and how it has grown and been successful and the fact that we bring people on and want them to have a family life and want them to succeed personally, is probably the main reason I've stayed with Bandit all this time.

www.banditlites.com

Element Labs Appoints Worldwide Sales Vice President

Element Labs, Inc. has announced that it has appointed Marc Van Eekeren (pictured) as vice president of worldwide sales. The appointment forms part of Element Labs' continued growth and consolidation strategy. With the appointment of Van Eekeren, who brings to the table extensive international expertise in the use of LED in the architectural market, the company builds on its strong suit in the entertainment industry to aggressively persue the worldwide arhictectural and fixed installation markets.

Van Eekeren brings to Element Labs over 25 years of international experience in key commercial roles in both Europe and North America. Prior to joining Element Labs, Van Eekeren spent a substantial part of his career at Barco's Media & Entertainment division, which he joined in 2001, in effect witnessing the emergence of LED technology as a commercially viable large-screen display solution. Marc quickly rose through the ranks at Barco to take on the position of vice president sales for Barco Media North America. In this role, he was responsible for sales of large screen display solutions to all fixed installation markets including sports, retail, corporate branding, and advertising.

A strong business planner and strategic thinker with excellent technical insight, Van Eekeren has built a track record as a dedicated sales leader with a strong work ethic who grows turnover and increases revenue beyond expectations. He also brings to the table a strong understanding of some of Element Labs key focus markets for further expansion - the architectural and fixed installation sectors. Van Eekeren will therefore focus on leading the Element Labs sales team, developing the architectural and fixed installation markets and providing vital market feedback for the further development of Element Labs product strategies.

Barbara Nelson, CEO for Element Labs, welcomed the addition of Van Eekeren stating: "Element Labs is currently dramatically expanding its reach and scale, building on its longstanding reputation in the entertainment industry to pursue the international fixed installation market. We're targetting this market very aggressively, with major investments on both a product level, which will see us launch a revolutionary new technology platform soon, as well as an on an HR level, which sees us bring some of the industry's top profiles into the company, and Van Eekeren is one of them. He posesses years of experience in the markets on which we will be focusing and is well-known in the corporate branding and out-of-home communication industries. Additionally he brings to the table the necessary drive, motivation, and the ablilty to achieve and lead impressive growth. Attracting industry experts such as Van Eekeren will help Element Labs to continue on its path of expansion and international growth."

Van Eekeren will be based in Element Labs' headquarters in Santa Clara, California.

Bandit Lites 40 at 40: Shawn Beaulieu

Job Title: Lighting Director/Programmer

Shawn Beaulieu started in the lighting industry working for a small company while in high school by sweeping out the warehouse and helping out with "grunt" work at their corporate events. Beaulieu joined Bandit Lites 10 years ago this October. Now an experienced lighting director, Beaulieu has toured with music superstars such as Alice Cooper, The Moody Blues and Ben Harper among others.

Q: How has your job changed or evolved over the years?

A: To this day, my job is constantly changing. It all depends on what needs to be done to make the company operate. From fixing moving lights, touring to taking out the office trash at the end of the day, it's all part of the big picture and all of it is important.

Q: From your point of view, what is the biggest challenge facing the entertainment technology industry?

A: The biggest challenge currently facing this industry is the ability to provide the services to clients at a competitive price. Everyday we hear of rising fuel costs and an uncertain economy. Being able to present finished products to the public at a price they are comfortable paying in a time where unemployment is rising and household budgets are drowning is a big challenge.

Q: What is the best part of working for Bandit Lites?

A: The best part of working for Bandit is that it doesn't feel much like work. You get up in the morning, leave your house and family and go to your second family (when you're not on the road). The support within the company is amazing, not only through good times but bad times as well.

Q: Please list a band or artist that you would like to work with and why?

A: I would like to work with Taj Mahal or Bonnie Raitt, simply because they provide enjoyable, good music.

Q: Who has inspired and/or influenced your work?

A: What inspires me? Everyone I know gives me inspiration. All my past experiences and all the things I am experiencing, the places I have been as well as the places and things I want to do or go to. Inspiration comes from all points in life, the good and the bad and all the emotions that go with it.

www,banditlites.com

J. R. Clancy Adds International Sales Manager

J. R. Clancy, Inc. has hired Charles B. Shatzkin (pictured) as international sales manager. The creation of this position is part of the company's plan to increase overseas sales of its products.

Shatzkin brings more than 25 years' experience in marketing, sales and public relations to Clancy, as well as his vast expertise in all facets of technical theatre. A working lighting designer with credits including Syracuse Civic Theater and Syracuse Children's Theater, Shatzkin served as team leader on the renovation of the J.H. Mulroy Civic Center in Syracuse, NY, which involved the total replacement of sound, lighting, stage lift and rigging systems. 

As a marketing professional, Shatzkin led the sales and marketing team for Tickets.com, a $14 million company that offers online ticketing software throughout North America and beyond. Shatzkin served as vice president of software sales, consistently exceeding sales goals and launching two new platforms, including a new distributed sales channel. He also served as national sales director for Tickets.com, and as national director of sales and marketing for Alliance Software, a developer of off-the-shelf and customized business software solutions for the entertainment space.

"We're very pleased that Charlie is joining us," said Tom Young, vice president of marketing and sales for J. R. Clancy. "With his long experience in theatre and international sales work, he is a perfect fit for us. Charlie will be a terrific asset as we build on our already strong presence outside of the United States."

Shatzkin holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Marketing, both from Syracuse University.

Bandit Lites 40 at 40: Rick Munroe

Job Title: Lighting Technician

Rick Munroe started working for Bandit Lites just as the company was moving from the Dutchtown location to Sycamore Dr. (Bandit Lites' current headquarters). Initially there were no plans for Munroe to be on the road. He became a project manger for special events, working on shows, tv shoots and collaborating with Richard Willis on marketing projects. Eventually Munroe got back into touring and now he is involved with Lord of the Dance and Jimmy Buffett, among other artists.

Q: What is your title? Please describe your job responsibilities.

A: I'm a lighting technician. I set up, maintain, disassemble, and pack lighting packages.

Q: How did you get involved in this industry?

A:I had an interest in theatre productions from an early age so after high school, I attended a three-month course at the R.I. School for the Gifted in Fine Arts in 1969 on the Rhode Island College campus. Immediately upon completion of the course I found a job in the prop department for Trinity Square Repertory Co. for the production of Old Glory. I spent the next summer and fall seasons in Stowe, Vermont. It was during that time that I learned how to operate a lighting board and the basics of design. I then moved to New York City and began freelance work immediately for Technical Assistance Group. My first tour was with the American Dance Co.  A guy named Clark Thornton gave me the opportunity to tour in the round musical tent circuit in 1972 and I was board op on the off-Broadway production of National Lampoon, Lemmings.

I met Michael [Strickland] in the 1974, I believe, when I came through Johnson City with Kiss as their LD. We kept in touch over the years especially as I came to Knoxville on a regular basis as a promoter rep with Sunshine Promotions. Many years later I called Michael to see what he was up to and he told me if I found myself in Knoxville again, I would be welcomed into his company. I started working for Bandit in 1997.

Q: What is a favorite memory from working at Bandit Lites?

A: One of my favorite memories is when we did a show at Fenway Park with Jimmy Buffett. My grandfather took me to my first baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston when I was five years old. Since then I have always dreamed of being on that field. Well finally, in 2004, it happened. It was very exciting and fun to be part of that experience.

Q: In your opinion, what is the most significant technological advancement since you started working in the entertainment industry, and why?

A: I've been in this business since the summer of 1970. Much of the technology wasn't around yet. We didn't even have multi-cable, every light had a single cable and lighting boards were mechanical. The changes have been staggering and way beyond the crude developments we made while dragging this industry into the 21st century.

Q: What has inspired and influenced your work?

A: The biggest influence on my work at Bandit has been everyone who works there. When I first starting working there I saw how all the different aspects of our business are put together- electronics, building, packaging, travel, marketing, and computer technology. I was very impressed as I heard people from each department discuss procedures, needs, pros and cons of applications, and how they intended to fix whatever might go wrong. I have had the pleasure of working with people who enjoy what they do and do it very well. 

www.banditlites.com

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.

www.banditlites.com

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