This blog is part of our signature “Customer Spotlight” series, highlighting the work, accomplishments and personalities behind some of our most forward-thinking av production and equipment rental customers.
In 2007 Jesse Durlin started putting on shows, but it wasn’t until 2008 that he incorporated OPAV, formerly Orlando Productions. Like most entrepreneurs he started his av production and equipment rental business from his garage, but in just a few years he doubled the size of the company. Almost ten years later, the company has received recognition as an Inc 5000 company two years in a row- a prestigious distinction awarded to the fastest growing companies in the United States. OPAV has 35 full-time employees in their headquarters in Orlando and hundreds of part-time, freelance employees across the country.
“We demand to be different- for us to differentiate from our competitors in this space, is how we project our voice through the crowd, the noise.” Said Brandon Berry, OPAV’s General Manager. “Jesse started this business with a passion to do good and incredible technical expertise, and so it is our duty to be an extension of this same passion, in everything we do here.”
The growth of the av production and equipment rental company can be attributed to many things — mainly their vision, creativity, and commitment to their clients and their team. OPAV’s Show In A Box quickly grew into their Flat-Rate AV division, a unique business model giving customers a consistent rate and av production and equipment rental packages for conferences and seminars. OPAV delivers 100-500 events every year through this model.
“We wanted to give our clients a competitive price they can afford, it also allows them to budget cash flow for the price they know they’re going to get,” said Brandon.
They run the full gamut of events at OPAV, from large corporate events, to touring, concerts, & festivals, and even house of worship events. This diversity uniquely positions OPAV to deliver a wide range of v production and equipment rental services to their clients.
They’re also big proponents of giving back to the community in any way they can. They were highly involved in helping organize The Orlando United Day on the anniversary of Pulse, partnering with Edgefactory, The Walt Disney Company, and other local companies to provide a fitting tribute. In addition they are involved with many local charity events throughout the year — such as the Metro Business Association PRIDE Gala, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Runway For Hope, and many others.
Reputable av production and equipment rental
OPAV is known for working with some notable clients. Most recently, they partnered with Delaware North and Buzz Aldrin’s ShareSpace Foundation for the Apollo 11 Anniversary Gala on the 48th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission. The foundation is committed to driving education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) by providing unique and inspirational learning tools to school children and teachers across the nation, and world.
They rely on Flex inventory and rental management to help them manage the large volume of events and rentals.
“Flex saves us time and money, by allowing us to promptly estimate events for clients, and keeps us current on our inventory, allowing us to know what we can cross rent to others,” said Berry. The av production and equipment rental company has been a Flex customer since 2012 and really weren’t using any other equipment rental software to manage their inventory or rental processes, “we started using it and gradually really started getting into it.”
“We are never complacent. We are always innovating. We are creatives, professionals, masters of our crafts. We find the way– no matter what” said Brandon, “…Even in how we treat our clients and employees, we make them feel like they’re a part of our family.”
OPAV likes to celebrate that unity as a family, by hosting events throughout the year such as Gear & Beer, where they discuss the up-and-coming products, designs, and trends in the audiovisual industry; Their annual Memorial Day Cookout open to all friends & family members; And their epic Christmas Party, which last year drew over 600 guests from across the country.
“There is always an epic story to share,” added Brandon.
