A week with Travis Brocato (Bounce)

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NLFX Pro

Well-Known DJ
Jan 6, 2007
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www.nlfxpro.com
I spent the last week in the Houston area working on a church install there. It was new construction, and a design/build system. We engineered the system for them (sound, lighting and video) and were now installing it. Travis and I have enjoyed a professional relationship and a friendship, but have never had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together. Well, this week changed all that. He lives about 2 hours from the job, so we decided it was a good chance to share some professional knowledge with each other, and moreover enjoy each other's company. Not only did we work and eat together, we shared a hotel room.

As we worked through the job, some unexpected challenges, long hours and an uncomfortabley warm (for us Minnesotans anyway) jobsite I got to see his work ethic, technical skill, and overall fortitude up close and personal. And speaking of personal, while rooming together he had a family event of great importance (not my place to discuss though) arise, and we were up until 2am on that deal. They say a friend is someone who knows who you REALLY are and likes you anyway. As I learned all about Travis, and he all about me, I have come to the conclusion that I'm not sure I can call him a friend anymore. I feel like he's more of a brother.

He's extremely bright, hard working, dedicated to his customers (we argued about who has better customer service, each believing the other is superior), kind, polite, driven, and just about a dozen other things I could add. It is a pleasure to know him, a pleasure to be called a friend, and I believe this board is fortunate to have him. :)

Ben

PS - Pictures coming as soon as I get around to uploading them.
 
Next time y'all come to Houston let me know. Y'all jes might get an invite over for dinner!
 
NLFX Pro said:
.................... dedicated to his customers (we argued about who has better customer service, each believing the other is superior), ..........
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did you talk about shipping options? :sqlaugh: :sqwink:
 
NLFX Pro said:
I spent the last week in the Houston area working on a church install there... Travis and I have enjoyed a professional relationship and a friendship, but have never had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together. Not only did we work and eat together, we shared a hotel room.

As we worked through the job, long hours and an uncomfortabley warm jobsite, I got to see his...

Pictures coming as soon as I get around to uploading them.
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Fixed that for ya Ben -- brings new meaning to the term "get a room"... :sqerr:

:sqlaugh: :rofl: :sqwink:
 
Thanks, Ben.

Guess all them pups will get fed for another week or two. :D
 
Ben, It was a FUN job. I enjoyed all the talks, you were very transparent on me with alot of stuff. I appreciate the honesty, and the real world advice. Although I had a good background in the stuff I did this week, I did learn some nifty tricks and tips, new technology, as well as better construction methods and practices that will surely help me along.

You took me under your wing this week, made me one of your guys, and is generally a fun guy to hang out with. (Flash to Photo of Buffalo Wild Wings). Since I'm the oldest in my family, you are my older brother. :) I look up to you, and admire your accomplishments, I just hope somehow I can have even just half of the success as you within the various aspects of my company.

Thanks again for letting me shadow on the install, I can't wait to do it again.
 
NLFX Pro said:
Travis out at dinner with the Wing Kings (NLFX Installers) at Buffalo Wild Wings.
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The years have not been kind to the Village People, having been reduced to posing for anyone who wants them to wear cute hats. :rofl:
 
I've had the pleasure of working with both Travis and Ben on seperate occasions, and am impressed by the knowledge, professionalism, and passion for the job of both. Ben has probably forgot more than I will ever know, and Travis has a bright future ahead of him.

Plus, they're a lot of fun to be around
 
For those who think that installing pro audio is just a nerdy job with no physical labor, I submit this photo... NLFX crewmembers Caleb (Electrician of 8 years) and Troy (Full Sail graduate with years of studio experience... now subjected to this torture). They're both very bright guys... but this picture was taken after a 15 hour day on the jobsite.

Travis and I had the good sense not to let anybody photograph us looking like this. LOL.
 

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Anyone who presumes there to be little to no physical labor to installs is blowing smoke and has never worked on a jobsite.

In a different thread from Travis I mentioned an install I worked on in my younger days. The boss and I had to install a sound system on a large charter boat that took 400 drunk, partying people for cruises on the Chesapeake Bay.

The entire job had to be done overnight so as not to interfere with the boat owner's schedule. We got to the dock at 7:00 PM and didn't leave 'til after 9:00 the next morning.

We installed and ran cables for over 20 speakers ranging in size from 8" wall mounts to big honkin' University Sound horns. Running all that wiring was the hardest part.. and it's a filthy job as well. In our case, not much climbing was involved. But climbing is a requirement for many if not most install jobs.

It's work for younger people, trust me on this one. :)
 
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