Pro Sound News September 2017
60SECONDS
Jim Sides
Eklektric
Q: What is your new position, and what does it entail?
A: I am the founder and CEO of Eklektric, a firm that offers companies the opportunity to establish important relationships locally, nationally and globally, which were previously out of their reach. I created Eklektric because throughout my 30-plus years in the pro audio and live sound industries, I saw a great need for companies to have assistance in establishing distribution, sales channels, business develop- ment, reorganization and expansion both domestically and globally. Smaller companies in particular, which represent an important part of the future of our industry, often need expert assistance on an ad hoc basis—i.e. expert help in specific areas for a short period of time. So we are providing them the guidance to expand their markets on a consulting basis as a cost-effective solution.
Q: How has your background prepared you for your new role?
A: I’ve been a musician from the time I was in high school, attended college as a music major and became a professional drummer and percussionist. Even as a performer, I was always interested in pro audio and equipment. Starting off as a founding member of Apogee Sound in 1986, subsequently I’ve held a number of senior executive positions in the audio and live sound industries, including president and EVP of Sales & Marketing at Nexo USA, managing director and CEO of Meyer Sound Germany and business development director EXP for the Cinema Market for Meyer Sound in the U.S. Afterwards, I co-founded VUE Audiotechnik in 2012. All my experiences as a musician as well as working with manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Asia have given me the unique perspective to understand what many companies need to grow their business.
Q: What new marketing initiatives are we likely to see from the company?
A: We are always expanding the range of services we offer clients—from
sales and distribution, and financial business solutions, to events and market- ing programs. In the future, Eklektric will broaden its reach into other areas— such as logistics and tradeshow support—to continue to provide our clients with a full complement of services to benefit their companies.
Q: What are your short- and long-term goals?
A: In the short term, we want to spread the word that Eklektric is here to assist companies in the audio and live sound industries that need help taking the next step in their growth. Long term, we want to reach out to clients in other technology-related markets and offer the same benefits and services for those developing companies as well.
Q: What is the greatest challenge that you face?
A: In a word: change. Taking businesses to the next level is all about being able to welcome changes. So our challenge is to help all of our customers embrace the positive changes that come with growth, and see the future of their business with a new outlook for success.
PSN September 2017 “60 Seconds” PDF