Key things to know:
- PCD, the Santa Rosa, Calif.-based AV integration firm, named Hal Truax as its new President as John Rudolph retires after nearly three decades with the company.
- Rudolph joined PCD in 1999 and helped transform it into a full-service audiovisual systems integrator.
- The move caps a multiyear succession plan built to keep continuity for employees, customers and partners.
- Truax brings more than 30 years of AV integration experience and joined PCD as vice president in early 2025.
- PCD has seen strong growth over the past 18 months, expanding its engineering and sales teams.
Who Is Taking Over as President of PCD?
Commercial Integrator’s #AVLivingLegends #57 Hal Truax is taking over as President of PCD, stepping into the role as longtime leader John Rudolph retires after nearly three decades with the Northern California AV integration firm.
Truax joined PCD as vice president in early 2025 and quickly became a driving force behind the company’s continued expansion. With more than 30 years of experience in professional audiovisual integration, executive leadership, business development and strategic growth, he brings a combination of technical expertise and customer-first leadership that aligns with PCD’s culture. His promotion follows months of collaboration alongside Rudolph, structured to create a smooth transition for both employees and clients.
Why Is John Rudolph Retiring Now?
John Rudolph is retiring now because he believes PCD is thriving and the timing is right to hand leadership to a successor he trusts completely. Over the past year and a half, the company has experienced significant growth, expanded its engineering and sales teams and strengthened its position as a leading AV systems integrator in Northern California. Rudolph views the transition as the result of years of team-building and planning rather than a sudden decision.
“One of the greatest privileges of leadership is knowing when it’s time to let the next generation lead. This transition didn’t happen overnight, it’s the result of years of building an incredible team and planning for the future,” Rudolph says. “Henry gave me the opportunity to help grow this company, Bill helped create the operational foundation that allowed us to scale, and Hal has been instrumental in preparing PCD for what’s next. That’s exactly how great companies endure.”
Rudolph plans to spend more time with his family, his vineyard and to take on a few more gigs with his band, while remaining available to the team when needed. “PCD is thriving. We have an incredible team, outstanding customers, and tremendous momentum,” he says. “Hal has been instrumental in that success from day one, and I know the company couldn’t be in better hands. PCD has been part of my life for nearly three decades, and I’ll always be cheering them on.”
How Did PCD Grow Into a Full-Service AV Integrator?
PCD grew into a full-service AV integrator through a series of leadership contributions that built on one another over more than four decades. Henry Beaumont founded the company in 1980, and PCD built its early reputation delivering school sound systems and commercial cable television distribution solutions throughout Northern California.
When Rudolph joined in 1999, he helped transform the firm into a full-service audiovisual systems integrator, expanding into education, government, hospitality, performing arts, corporate and commercial markets while strengthening its reputation for engineering excellence and trusted customer relationships.
What Role Did Bill Graham Play in PCD’s Success?
Bill Graham played a pivotal role in building the operational infrastructure that enabled PCD’s growth before retiring earlier this year. As a longtime operations leader, Graham developed the policies and processes that allowed the company to scale. That work forms part of a layered foundation: established by Beaumont, expanded under Rudolph’s leadership and strengthened through Graham’s operational expertise. Together, those contributions position PCD for its next chapter under Truax.
What Does the Transition Mean for Employees and Customers?
The transition is designed to preserve continuity for employees, customers and partners while positioning PCD for continued growth. The succession plan unfolded over months of collaboration between Rudolph and Truax, creating a deliberate handoff rather than an abrupt change at the top. Truax says the company’s core values and mission will carry forward.
“John has built something truly special,” Truax says. “His leadership has never been about simply growing a business, it has been about building relationships, earning trust, and creating a culture where people genuinely care about delivering exceptional results. I’m honored by the confidence he’s placed in me and excited to build on that legacy.”
What’s Next for PCD Under Hal Truax?
PCD’s mission will stay the same under Truax, with a continued focus on solving complex technology challenges and building long-term client relationships. Truax has emphasized that the culture Rudolph established will remain intact as the company moves forward.
“Our mission remains the same: helping our clients solve complex technology challenges while delivering an experience that makes them lifelong partners,” Truax says. “John’s impact on PCD extends far beyond the projects we’ve completed. He created a company culture centered around integrity, accountability and taking care of people. Those values aren’t changing. If anything, we’re building upon them.”
