Commercial Integrator + Security Sales April 2024 - 41

This aligns with and underscores a longtime
NSCA mission to, as LeBlanc puts
it, " ...help close that generation gap by
training future company leaders. " CI plans
to attend the event, which takes place in
November at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
NSCA leadership then presented the
Per Haugen Lifetime Achievement Award
to Ingolf de Jong, CEO and president at
GENCOMM, a longtime leader within
NSCA. With his wife, Wendy, in attendance,
de Jong got emotional as he
reflected on his lifetime of service to the
integration community. " I absolutely love
this industry, " he said. de Jong's work on
behalf of NSCA has included serving as
president of the NSCA board of directors
and having a continuing role on the NSCA
Education Foundation board of directors.
Outstanding Leaders, Culture
Another speaker, Steve Thomas, focused
on the qualities and characteristics that
make for effective leaders and outstanding
company culture. As Thomas put
it, " Better people make better organizations.
Better people make better
leaders. " Among his top tips were creating
" fanatical psychological and emotional
safety, " meaning giving team members
confidence that they won't be shamed
or humiliated for putting forth ideas or
making mistakes. Thomas also urged
building " unmistakable chemistry, " which
refers to building genuine connections
with people. Relationships are automatic,
he said, but real connection takes work.
Thomas also urged leaders to obsess over
improvement, creating an environment
in which everyone coaches everyone.
And he said it's imperative to commit to a
compelling " win. " That means finding the
bigger, more intrinsic thing at play - not
dollars - and aligning the entire organization
behind it. Thomas' presentation was
my favorite from the entire event.
The Political Climate
Next up, Wilson took the stage with
former congressman Rick Lazio (R-N.Y.)
for a breakdown of how uncertainty in
Washington, D.C., might affect integration
businesses. Wilson underscored
NSCA's efforts to fight harmful legislation,
NSCA Community Celebrates
Chuck Wilson's Contributions
Chuck Wilson (far left) receives an honorary Hawkeyes jersey.
Wilson is a mega-fan of all things Iowa sports.
At BLC 2024, NSCA's CEO, Chuck Wilson, announced that he'll retire from the CEO role
this spring so he can devote his full attention to related passions, such as charitable and
philanthropic work on behalf of school safety and nurturing the next generation of AV
professionals. In addition, Wilson will take on a strategic role supporting the NSCA team
and executive director Tom LeBlanc. Tributes to and celebrations of Wilson took place
throughout BLC, as industry members sought to thank him for playing a foundational
role in our industry's growth and maturation.
Three legendary industry figures took the stage during an opening night dinner
and reception to reflect on their multi-decade relationships with Wilson: Andy Musci,
director of business development, A-V Services, Inc.; Ron Pusey, formerly vice president
of Corbett Technology Solutions, Inc.; and Ray Bailey, president of Lone Star Communications,
Inc.
Musci reflected, " I served on the board of NSCA for a dozen years, and, with Chuck's
leadership, I think we accomplished some pretty great things. We couldn't have done it
without Chuck and his team. " He continued, " I so appreciate the time I got to spend on
the board, working with Chuck and his team and all the other board members, whom
I've become great friends with over these many years. " He said that BLC 2024 blew him
away, and he credited Wilson with being pivotal in making NSCA and all its initiatives
everything that they are today.
" [Chuck's] dedication to our industry is far more than many in this room will likely
ever know, " Pusey stated. He effortlessly rattled off a long list of NSCA's achievements
and called them, " ...examples of the triumphs that Chuck has led for all of us because
of his dedication and passion for this industry. " Pusey reflected on the personal side, as
well, talking about his 30-plus-year friendship with Wilson and saying how blessed he is
to know him. He concluded by declaring, " Your membership, your leadership [and] your
dedication to this industry are only surpassed by your humility, brother. "
According to Bailey, " In the world of commercial integration, Chuck is the name
that resonates with strength, wisdom and dedication. His commitment to excellence
and fairness has not only propelled companies to greater heights but also is a beacon
of hope during those most challenging of times. " He added, " Chuck has stood as the
unwavering rock in this industry, a testament to what it means to serve with integrity
and passion. " Bailey concluded, " His heart and soul has been poured into this association,
and it's fortified the foundation and inspired countless individuals to strive for
more greatness. "
Commercial Integrator sincerely thanks Chuck Wilson for his decades of tireless service
for the growth, betterment and enduring future of the AV integration industry and the
professionals who work in it.
April 2024 | Commercial Integrator+Security Sales & Integration
41
DAN FERRISI

Commercial Integrator + Security Sales April 2024

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