Today we’d like to introduce you to David Lopez.
David, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After graduating from Torrance High School in 1985, I briefly went to El Camino College for fire science because of my active and cognitive lifestyle. I was so discouraged in the first week of classes from hearing the statistics of how hard to make it as a fireman that I left Fire Science and shifted my attention towards computers. It was an up and coming trade at the time. (You can say that again!) I ended up going to a trade school in LA and became a certified computer technician. I found employment immediately upon graduation and at 19 years old, I became a Unix mainframe hardware and software field technician for the stock market industry. With hard work and ambition, my career soared from there. I promoted through the ranks of that company quickly and in 1995, I ventured into audio visual and videoconferencing integration. By 2000, I was 14 years into my career and well versed in computer hardware, software, networking, audiovisual, videoconferencing and leadership. I felt it was time to go out on my own, which had been a desire that grew through the 90’s. When the world didn’t come to an end at “Y2K”, I went out on my own in May 2000, venturing into professional services for the AV integration industry. I was able to apply all of my computer hardware/software/networking skills to AV integration and slowly built up the company by the grace of God, to what is now 17 years old and 40+ employees in Southern CA, Northern CA, and Arizona. Every year I analyze and move towards how I can continue growing MediaCentric into a national presence.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning one’s own company, having employees, being an employer in California, as well as a licensed contractor in technology integration is an extremely complex business. I have had my fair share of challenges throughout the entire 17 year journey, but the successes far outweigh the challenges. That’s what keeps an entrepreneur or any business going. I have been so blessed to have refined a team of employees over the years that together, we accomplish some amazing things. Also, my partnership with my church, Integrity Christian Center, and Pastors supporting each other in prayer and deeds is a massive asset. My Pastor teaches such practical applications of life and I apply them to my character, my family, and my business that success is the natural fruit of it all.
MediaCentric Integration – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
MediaCentric Integration is a B2B full service, Audiovisual and Videoconferencing professional installation and commissioning contractor, licensed in and serving both California and Arizona; with the ability to deploy nationally. With over 40 experienced engineers and technicians on staff, MediaCentric is capable of handling complex, enterprise, turn-key AV/IT projects, as well as conventional installations and maintenance. After 17 years in business, MediaCentric continues to evolve into the highly competent AV/IT services company it is today, supporting systems integrators and manufacturers across the US. We have a reputation of completing projects with the care, attention to detail and pride that anyone would want installing their systems. We have installed solutions in some of the most prestigious corporate, govt and education environments around as well as small to medium sized businesses. From single room scenarios to hundreds of rooms over many months, we perform some of the coolest projects around. We have an incredible team of individuals at MediaCentric and our strong family and work ethic is part of the DNA of our culture. Employees often commend and appreciate being part of it.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
It’s extremely difficult to point to one proudest moment in my 31 year career, so I am going to say that my proudest accomplishment is how many careers I have had the pleasure of touching or mentoring since MediaCentric’s inception. Whether these technicians are still with me now or have moved on to other opportunities, there are countless people I have had the privilege of training and mentoring. This includes 3 of my 4 children. Two, work with me full time now in the business and the third, part time. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and love how that passion and success has inspired others in their careers.
Contact Info:
- Address: 20610 Manhattan Place, Suite 128,
Torrance, CA 90501 - Website: http://www.media-centric.com/
- Phone: (310) 325-7900
- Email: [email protected]
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