The National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) will present its 2016 Per Haugen Lifetime Achievement Award to James Beckham during the 18th annual Business and Leadership Conference in Dallas this week.
The Per Haugen award goes to an individual who shows dedication to philanthropy and social responsibility; business practices with high ethics, values, integrity and honesty; active leadership in the financial well-being of his/her company and NSCA; and strong values in every aspect of his/her life.
Previous winners of the award include Jack Toerner, Bob Coffeen and Gary Venable Sr.
“We’re privileged to be able to pay tribute to yet another individual who has been so influential in moving our industry forward, including his roles on the NSCA Board of Directors and Executive Committee,” says NSCA executive director Chuck Wilson.
Beckham was involved with Audio-Video Corp. (now A-V Corp.) from 1976 to 2015. He became president in 2001 after purchasing controlling interest in the firm. A-V Corp. services more than 2,500 regular sound, fire alarm, security, video surveillance, and access control accounts.
Since December 2015, Beckham has been focused on growing two of his other electronics companies and moving into new headquarters for his electronics and other businesses. Beckham installed the data, VoIP phones, fire alarm, and security for the new headquarters himself.
But Beckham’s involvement at A-V Corp. is just the beginning of his industry contributions. He has sold and installed Muzak, business telephone systems, security, fire alarm, AV, corrections door control, pocket pagers, pro audio, fiber optics, telephone/data cabling and a wide range of wireless devices.
“Being exposed to this many different electronic systems has presented opportunities to invest in or start businesses in related fields,” according to the NSCA press release. “As a result, Beckham has also owned background music, telephone interconnect, security, retail computer store and pocket pager businesses.
“He’s an inventor when necessary, taking time to create a vandal-proof intercom master unit for the Texas prison system when he couldn’t find one to meet customer requirements,” according to the announcement.
Beckham has a master’s degree in music theory and composition, has spent 38 years as a symphony percussionist, was the former principal percussionist for the Amarillo Symphony, has implemented percussion programs at three U.S. universities and volunteers for several church, civic and industry association committees.
“It is an absolute honor to be chosen as the 2016 recipient of the NSCA Lifetime Achievement Award,” says Beckham. “I enjoy learning from and sharing techniques with other business leaders in our industry so we can make the next job go more smoothly and boost profits and client satisfaction; NSCA has been a big part of this opportunity to exchange information with peers.
“Much of my success has come from thinking far outside the box and not being limited by conventional wisdom that says, ‘That won’t work!'” he says in the announcement.
NSCA will give Beckham his award Saturday at the BLC.
