EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL HAMILTON
- Published , by Tom Devine
What is your Name and your roll at AVPro Global Holdings?
I am Michael Hamilton (though my Witness Protection Program status may now be compromised) and I am the Technical Writer.
Whats you favorite Color?
Smokey Mauve Pearl (at least it will be when the car I had ordered in March finally arrives).
Whats your favorite food?
Without a doubt, sashimi.
What do you like about working at AVPro?
The creative freedom allowed with the position I am in. It is liberating to arrive unassumingly at the office each morning to discover the day unfolds only in the manner with which I render it.
From your point of view, how is AVPro different from other places you worked?
I have known many AVPro employees from my long-time association with the ISF, so in one respect it feels like working with family. I’ve worked in structured environments like the NHL (19 years), in Hollywood as a professional calibrator (3 years, until Covid shut the industry down), and for close to five decades in specialty A/V retail/integration in ownership, management, sales, and purchasing positions. I had witnessed the AVPro culture from a short distance, always admiring Jeff’s ever-present can-do approach to any situation, while admiring Matt’s stewardship growing Murideo and AVPro into the juggernauts they’ve become. I’m humble and fortunate to be able to contribute in my small way to the continued success of AVPro.
What has been your best “moment” since working with AVPro?
Collectively, meeting and working with industry veteran Nick DeMaria has indeed been very special, as he never fails with an answer to questions I may have related to automation interfacing with our products. Working alongside Jason Dustal, whom I’ve known for nearly 7 years now, vis-à-vis Joel Silver and the ISF, is itself a reward, able to discuss all things ISF and our times on the road and the myriad of stories we’ve accumulated. Best moment, though? The fishing charter 55 miles into the Gulf…first time ever!
You work out of AVPro South in St. Pete, what’s the best way to handle the humidity in Florida?
It has been kept secret from me…but it seems to keep my guitars happy compared to Arizona’s mythical “dry heat” (122 degrees during monsoon season is not for the faint of heart).
If you had it your way, what is one thing you would change with the professional audio video world?
Though a few remain, it is unfortunate the marketplace has seen a demise of the local retail specialist shop. The place you could go to on a Saturday afternoon to audition and dream of your next upgrade. Many integration companies have fill this void with remarkably well-done showrooms however, the entire zeitgeist of the “golden age of hifi” era has dissolved, unlikely to ever return.
What is your favorite Consumer Electronic?
A day in the not-too-distant future, I hope once again to be regularly listening to Magnepan speakers via a Prima Luna tube integrated amp.
Word on the street is you like F1 racing, What are some of your predictions for the rest of the season?
Mercedes seems to have made the necessary changes to their package with cars appearing rid of the “porpoising” that plagued them worse amongst the teams when the new spec cars were launched this year. They still retain their tremendous reliability and may supplant Ferrari as the only threat to Red Bull Racing, with Ferrari continuing to face problems despite a promising start. I see Verstappen repeating as World Champion for 2022, with Sainz passing LeClerc for second place in the driver’s championship.
