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I recently had the pleasure of having lunch with Mike O’Rouke. Those of you who are in the audio business may know him as the creator of OAP Audio. During his high school years, he ran audio for his friends’ local bands around Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from college with a degree in business, he decided to marry his love of audio with his business degree and started OPA Audio in 1975. Mike was the creator of some of the best audio cabinets in the industry. One of our National Party Bands® – Simply Irresistible® – uses the famous folded horn bass speakers.

Today, Mike owns Peachstate Audio and specializes in audio, lighting and video for theaters, churches, clubs and live concerts.

I asked him how he has been able to succeed in today’s marketplace with all the competition. Mike said, “I consider myself the helpful hardware man of the audio/video business. I enjoy helping my clients with the right solution. My staff and I sell expertise. We also carry the best products on the market today. Our objective is to help the client with what they need to achieve their goals.”

Last year, Peachstate opened their state-of-the-art facility in Suwanee, Georgia, just outside Atlanta. “We are holding monthly education seminars with the top audio/visual/lighting companies in the country free to our customers, along with a good ‘ol southern bar–b-que lunch (along with Mike’s award winning sauce). With today’s technology moving faster than ever, we are here to serve our clients by keeping them informed. It’s an exciting time to be in this business.” I asked when he plans on retiring and he says, “Why would I retire? I’m having too much fun!”

Last year, Party On The Moon® was having issues with our wireless microphone system. We were performing all across the country, and we would sometimes get interference. We had tried everything. So, I decided to give Mike a call. After I explained the problem, he said, “Give me a day or two to talk with some of my colleagues.” He called me back and said, “I may have your solution. There is a new product out – let me send it to you. Try it out and let me know what you think. You’ll be my first customer to try it.” Well, it worked and we have recommended the product to others.

That’s a great example of the service Mike and his staff provides their customers. Many in the industry consider him the guru of audio. If there’s a problem we can’t solve, or we think there’s a better way to do something, we call Mike. It’s obvious talking with Mike how much passion he has for people and the industry. He talks about the latest gear with the excitement of a kid.

Mike’s story is a great reminder to all of us that if we follow our passion and put serving the client first (mixed with a little fun), we’ll do just fine. You can contact Mike at mike@peachstateaudio.com and visit his website at www.peachstateaudio.com.

Dennis

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