Jim Carlson is the former President and CEO of American Audio Visual Center, Inc., a Scottsdale Arizona based audio visual company that specialized in rental of av equipment and multimedia production at hotels and convention centers. Starting his own business in 1993, spotlighted in Inc. 500 Magazine’s list of fastest growing privately held companies and eventually growing annual revenue to over $125 million dollars and selling the business to the largest audio visual service provider in the industry. His company coined and trademarked tagline “The Extreme Customer Service Company” and was known for bringing a creative and differentiating his approach from others in the hospitality and events business. Jim’s customers included some of world’s most well-known corporate, hotel and resort brands and ownerships.

Jim Carlson weathered downturns in the economy including the tragedy of 911 and its effect on the convention, travel and hospitality business, losing over a million dollars in revenue on September 11th, 2001. This is a story of survival, loyalty and a family like culture that has allowed Jim the title of successful entrepreneur, business leader and mentor. He attributes his successful moments in life to the people around him, the teams, his employees.

Fast forward…

The new chapter includes both Carlson AV where he now operates a team in three big New York area hotels and has partnered with his long term colleague and employee, Duane Tornquist, SVP of Creative Tech and Chief Marketing Officer of American AVC to form Artists of the Industry.

Taking what they did best, creating loyalty from people, teams and customers and bringing new B2B technologies to market, Artists of the Industry is Jim’s new passion along with his love for the game of golf.

We hope you enjoy this episode that finds business partner and Host of the Artists of the Industry Podcast, Duane Tornquist interviewing his longtime friend Jim Carlson about his career, life as an entrepreneur, the loyalty of others, dedication to his people and what’s next.