QSC's Joe Pham to Call it a Career... with Cindy Davis Securing an Exclusive Interview
Hey there, let's mosey through an illuminating chat with the outgoing big-shot in the AV biz, Joe Pham, who recently retired as QSC's CEO after an astounding 21-year tenure. So, Joe, congrats on your retirement and thanks for this wicked ride! What led you to call it a day, and what's the deal with the timing?
Joe Pham: Hey there, thanks for the kind words! It's been a blast, and I'm extremely proud of what we've accomplished at QSC. After two decades, the time felt right both professionally and personally. QSC is in a superb position, especially after the Acuity acquisition, and I've full confidence in the crackerjack team we've assembled. This decision wasn't made lightly, but I believe it's time to pass the reins to the next set of leaders who'll guide QSC into the future.
I'm stoked to announce that Jatan Shah will be leading the team as President of QSC. I couldn't dream up a better leader for QSC's future. Jatan's been instrumental in our success for yonks, and I've had the privilege of witnessing his amazing talent, impact, and unwavering dedication to the company.
So, on a personal note, I'm super excited to spend more time with my family. It's gonna be a big year for us, with each family member reaching a significant milestone. I can't afford to miss those priceless moments. It feels kinda surreal to be stepping away, seeing as I've been working since I was seven as a paper boy. There'll certainly be an adjustment period, but I'm genuinely thrilled about QSC's bright future and embarking on this new chapter of life with my fam.
Cindy Davis: From AV's humble beginnings to the digital, integrated powerhouse it is today, there's been some massive changes since you hopped on board. What are some key transformations in the AV industry you've observed throughout your career?
Joe Pham: Man, it's been something else. Back in the day, AV was extremely hardware-centric and somewhat fragmented. We'd have discrete boxes for audio, video, and control, each doing its own job. Over the past two decades, we've witnessed an incredible convergence of AV and IT. Everything moved from analog to digital, and then from standalone systems to networked, software-driven platforms. Now, it ain't about individual boxes; it's about immersive, integrated experiences. Instead of simple projectors and mixers, we're dealing with complex AV ecosystems that can be monitored, managed, and even updated remotely in the cloud. One of the biggest shifts I've noticed is this platform approach - our Q-SYS platform, for instance, was built as a software-first, networked ecosystem. That was a gutsy move when we started, but it set the tone for where the industry was heading.*
Cindy Davis: As a key player in these changes, what do you reckon lies ahead for the AV industry? What trends should we be keeping a keen eye on?
Joe Pham: I'm bloody optimistic about where the industry is headed! Let me spill some tea on what I think we'll see in the near future. AI and machine learning are gonna be game-changers. I think we'll talk about AI in a bit more detail later, but just know it'll be groundbreaking for the AV industry. Beyond AI, we'll continue to see the shift towards cloud-based and hybrid solutions, thanks to the pandemic. I bet we'll refine those experiences to be even more seamless and engaging. Another trend that excites me is the idea of data - AV systems generate a massive amount of data that we haven't fully tapped into, but that data can be gold in enhancing human connection and improving outcomes. Smart, responsive spaces? Yeah, baby! We'll also witness tighter integration of AV with other building technologies - think lighting and environmental controls. And don't get me started on the rise of platform ecosystems and open APIs. That'll lead to a whole lot of innovation that we couldn't have dreamed of before. Lastly, nothing's gonna change if us AV pros can't keep up with the rapid pace of innovation while staying profitable. The days of just installing hardware are over - today's successful integrators gotta be consultants, software whizzes, and business advisors all at once. We're heading into a bold new era where AV ain't just supporting the experience - it is the experience, and it's increasingly intelligent and adaptive.
Cindy Davis: You've mentioned AI a few times, and I've heard it's a hot topic everywhere these days. What's your take on AI's impact on the AV industry? How will AI change the way we design or use AV solutions?
Joe Pham: AI is a bloody game-changer. In my keynote at InfoComm 2024, titled "Everything Has Changed," I touched on how technology has evolved over time and how AI fits into that landscape. In a nutshell, I believe AV is uniquely positioned to capitalize on AI's capabilities to improve outcomes. Let me give you an example: AI-driven audio processing can perform tasks like advanced noise cancellation and isolate specific voices in a crowded room more effectively than traditional DSP. AI-infused video and control systems can automatically adjust settings based on their surroundings, like a camera that automatically reframes when a presenter moves. In the future, AI might give us insights into how people use spaces and systems, leading to more personalized, adaptive experiences. We'll see more intelligent and dynamic AV environments, improving human connection and enhancing experiences. But remember: AV pros should embrace AI, but never let it distract us from focusing on the core value of connecting people through immersive experiences.
- The digital signage industry is poised for significant growth as more businesses adopt networked, software-driven platforms, moving away from standalone systems.
- In the AV industry, features such as AI and machine learning will play a crucial role in the future, transforming the way AV solutions are designed and used, offering more personalized, adaptive, and immersive experiences.
- The AV industry's financial outlook remains promising, with trends like cloud-based and hybrid solutions becoming increasingly prevalent, as well as the rise of platform ecosystems and open APIs fostering innovation and driving profitability.
