Working the Mix: What AV Careers Can You Learn from a Drummer

At AVNation, we believe the most valuable voices in AV aren’t always the loudest—or the most traditional. That’s why we love conversations like the one between Jennifer Weaver and Patrick Shore on AV Career Mastermind. Patrick’s story is a perfect reminder that this industry thrives on people with curiosity, creative drive, and a willingness to learn on the fly.

To listen to the full episode of AV Career Mastermind click here

From Entertainment Tech to Universal Studios

Patrick Shore didn’t start out in AV. He started as a musician and a grad student in Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology program. But a field trip to the West Coast introduced him to themed entertainment, and eventually landed him a spot at Electrosonic.

Over eight years, Patrick worked his way into proposal engineering, collaborating with sales and operations teams to scope out projects for Universal Studios, Google, and Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi. From reviewing drawings and BoMs to helping estimate labor and chase quotes, Patrick learned the hard (and human) side of getting big AV jobs across the finish line.

AV Careers Are More Than Their Resumes

One of the most important takeaways from Patrick’s story is how much AV talent exists beyond bullet points.

Yes, he knows how to read drawings. Yes, he can manage accounts. But he’s also a lifelong drummer who records and mixes tracks, a pizza pop-up chef, and a content creator blending cooking with music on YouTube. This isn’t a gimmick—it’s a perfect example of how creativity in AV shows up in unexpected ways.

And that creativity is what sets great AV pros apart. Not just technical skills, but flexibility, storytelling, and collaboration.

What Patrick wants next isn’t about climbing the ladder—it’s about being the kind of account manager clients trust. Whether it’s a corporate briefing center or a ride at Universal Studios, he wants to help people succeed with tech that works.

He knows how to say “That’s not us” without walking away. That’s someone who understands that relationships drive this business as much as signal paths and rack elevations.

What the Industry Can Learn

As integrators, manufacturers, and end users all compete for a shrinking pool of AV talent, stories like Patrick’s are a reminder: not every great hire comes with a CTS.

Sometimes they come with a drum kit, a knack for editing video, and a track record of learning on the job.

So the next time you’re hiring, look past the resume. The right person might already be mixing the perfect blend of tech, creativity, and client care—you just haven’t talked to them yet.

AV Career Mastermind is part of AVNation’s commitment to highlighting the people shaping the future of AV. Listen to the full episode featuring Patrick Shore [link to episode].