Commercial Integrator is proud to continue the #AVLivingLegends series, this week inducting Jim Mergens, CTS, vice president of global sales at ClearOne as #71.
Mergens’ journey into the commercial AV industry began with an unexpected spark — helping his father paint chroma green walls at a TV studio. That early exposure to technology and mentorship from young engineers set the stage for a lifelong passion. Decades later, Mergens remains captivated by the ever-evolving AV landscape, where each project brings new challenges, relationships and opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Throughout his career, Mergens has embraced the power of mentorship, both as a mentee and a mentor. Guided by leaders who invested in his growth, he has made it a priority to pay it forward by supporting and inspiring others. For Mergens, mentorship is about more than guidance — it’s about building a legacy of leadership and fostering success in others. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his attention to detail, exemplified by his memorable mantra: “If somebody breaks a shoelace, I want to know what color it was — and I will replace it before the end of the day.”
From leading transformative AV projects for Dow Chemical and General Motors to earning the title of AV Living Legend #71, Mergens’ career is filled with accomplishments that highlight his dedication to teamwork, trust and innovation. His advice to aspiring professionals? Be honest, consistent, and exceed expectations. With a career spanning every corner of the AV ecosystem, Mergens’ insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone in the industry.
Dive into the full Q&A with Jim Mergens of ClearOne, to uncover more about his journey, his philosophy and the wisdom he’s gained along the way.
You can also check out our hub page to see all of our past #AVLivingLegends honorees.
Commercial Integrator: What motivated you to join the commercial AV industry?
Jim Mergens: My father was a Fire Captain, but he also ran a small wood shop at a television studio. As a kid, I helped him paint chroma green walls — never imagining those moments would spark a lifelong fascination with technology. That early exposure introduced me to younger engineers who were generous with their time and helped me learn the ropes. Their patience and willingness to share knowledge made a lasting impact that brought me to where I am today.
Commercial Integrator: What has kept you motivated and engaged in the decades that followed?
Mergens: The constant evolution of the AV industry and the opportunity to be part of something that transforms how people communicate and collaborate. Every project brings a new challenge, a new relationship and a new chance to make an impact. Beyond the technology, it’s the people — partners, customers and colleagues — who make this work fulfilling. Building long-term relationships and watching ideas turn into real-world success stories is what keeps me energized and engaged, year after year.
Commercial Integrator: Reflect on your role as both a mentee early in your career and as a mentor later in your career. Who helped shape the trajectory of your professional life? How have you tried to help shape others’ careers?
Mergens: Everyday I’m extremely fortunate to work with an endless list of All-Stars (each of you know who you are, because I frequently remind you) — people whose talent, dedication and teamwork consistently made me look better than I really am. Leaders who didn’t just teach me the business — they invested in me. As I’ve progressed, I’ve made it a priority to pay that forward. Mentorship is about more than guidance, it’s learning from each other, and letting someone find their own way as well. Whether it’s helping a teammate or encouraging someone to push forward, I try to be accessible, honest and supportive. Seeing others succeed — especially when you’ve had a hand in it- is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. It’s not just about building a team; it’s about building a legacy of leadership, a living example.
Commercial Integrator: What’s the most memorable story/anecdote of your career in commercial AV?
Mergens: I remember telling a teammate, “If somebody breaks a shoelace, I want to know what color it was—and I will replace it before the end of the day.” That wasn’t just a joke; it was a mindset. Being committed to anticipating needs before they were spoken, solving problems before they surfaced, and delivering service that felt almost invisible because it was so seamless. That level of attention to detail became a standard. It’s a proper cornerstone to build a reputation on!
Commercial Integrator: What has been your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Mergens: The honor of an AV Living Legend withstanding, one of the most memorable chapters of my career came during a period when I helped lead a team that was deeply involved with both Dow Chemical and General Motors — two organizations with incredibly high standards and complex AV needs. These weren’t just projects; they were long-term partnerships built on trust, precision and relentless attention to detail.
At Dow, we helped modernize their global conferencing, enabling real-time collaboration across continents. At GM, we supported executive-level AV environments where every second of uptime mattered. In both cases, the stakes were high, and the expectations were even higher — but the results were transformative.
Those experiences taught me that in commercial AV, success isn’t just about technology — it’s about teamwork, trust, responsiveness, and the willingness to go the extra mile, even for a shoelace.
Commercial Integrator: What has been your biggest professional regret to date?
Mergens: Honestly, I don’t have any professional regrets. This industry has been my life’s work, and I’m incredibly proud of the path I’ve taken. I jokingly say, “InfoComm is my high school reunion as I’ve known most of you my entire adult life”! I’m the first to say thank you to this industry for letting me be involved. It’s been a privilege, and I’m proud of every step along the way.
Commercial Integrator: What’s the best advice or pearl of wisdom you either received during your career or came to realize on your own?
Mergens: Be honest, be clear and be yourself. Value the people around you and give them the credit they deserve — no one succeeds without a strong team. Be consistent, fair, dependable and organized. And above all, carry yourself with integrity — be your word, and wish someone well every day. Remember, work ethic is what helps define you. If you’re asked to do $100 worth of work, do $150, and you will be welcome back for a long time to come.
With an entire career that spans every corner of the commercial AV ecosystem — starting as an end user, then moving into integration and ultimately into manufacturing leadership. I’ve truly “eaten out of every bowl of dog food,” and that experience has shaped me into a well-rounded advocate for everyone involved in the AV equation.
This perspective has allowed me to lead with empathy, anticipate challenges from all sides, and build solutions that serve not just the bottom line, but the people behind the technology. Helping bridge those worlds and championing technology across roles and organizations is something I’m incredibly proud of.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #AVLivingLegends series? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi, [email protected].
