Commercial Integrator’s #AVLivingLegends series is back! As we close out this week, we honor Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group executive director Chris Whitley as a true industry legend.
Whitley is a well-known and highly respected member of the pro AV family, whose contributions trace back to October 2000, when he began as founder and CEO of the organization then known as USAV Group (now Edge). More recently, he’s begun Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group, a fast-growing network of bright, entrepreneurial integration businesses and partnership-minded vendors. The group’s inaugural Catalyst event, which took place this past October, was a big success.
Chris Whitley of Ellipsys Offers Reflective Interview
In this interview, Whitley reflects on how he found his way to the AV industry, calling it “the greatest stumble” of his career. Moreover, he shares fond recollections of being mentored by industry luminaries like Dave Bright. Then, he recounts one of his most memorable moments as an AV professional, transporting us to a sales training event where the systems weren’t working. Finally, he shares some parting pearls of wisdom.
Enjoy this candid conversation with Chris Whitley of Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group, a true #AVLivingLegends standout.
And if you’d like to read even more coverage relating to our #AVLivingLegends, check out our hub page. It includes direct links to every living legend!
Commercial Integrator: What motivated you to join the commercial AV industry?
Chris Whitley: I wish that I had a great story about my love for technology, a passion for music or some of the typical reasons people mention; but honestly, I stumbled into the industry. Before making what I consider to be “the greatest stumble” of my career, I worked as a CPA in the mergers and acquisitions due diligence advisory services group at Ernst & Young, gaining experience across multiple industries and in every facet of business operations.
After leaving Ernst & Young, I took on a global role as the CFO of Fluor Corporation’s Mining & Metals Operating Company, a $2 billion division at the time. There, I experienced large-scale construction, logistics, procurement, international challenges and much more. I look back on my time at Fluor fondly, but I still felt something was missing.
Despite all the incredible experiences and opportunities that I had, my entrepreneurial spirit was restless. I wanted to build something and use my knowledge to help companies grow. As it turns out, I was in the right place at the right time when consulting for an integration company in Denver. After numerous business meetings, ping-pong games, napkin sketches and, yes, a few cocktails, we launched an idea in the fall of 2000 to build something new in the industry: a buying group.
Commercial Integrator: What has kept you motivated and engaged in the decades that followed?
Chris Whitley: First, it’s the community and the great people in our industry. Although technology makes our industry exciting, it’s truly the people and the community that make it special. I’ve been fortunate to work with many amazing individuals who have helped me grow.
Also, the ongoing challenges that integration companies face every day keep me driven. Our goal is to help members overcome those challenges and improve their operations, and that goal is constantly evolving.
Over the last 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with brilliant people to address the various challenges of leading a group. The fun, friendships, experiences and accomplishments of the past motivate me as I look forward to facing new challenges with our group and our community.
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?
Chris Whitley: I didn’t have a single mentor early in my career. Instead, I was fortunate to work with many talented people who contributed to my success. I learned from each one of them, and their guidance shaped my path. In our industry specifically, I want to acknowledge Dave Bright, the former president and CEO of Kramer Electronics USA. He was one of the first people I met in the industry, and we spent multiple hours on an audio-only call discussing our buying group’s strategy, approach and goals. He didn’t know me beforehand; yet, he invested his time, showed interest and offered critical feedback. He genuinely wanted to help. I deeply valued his passion for helping people, advancing our industry and developing authentic relationships. It wasn’t just the information he shared but also the philosophy he embodied that mattered most in building a successful group.
Likewise, I am passionate about helping companies and individuals. I stress the importance of getting plugged into the industry to advance one’s career. There are numerous organizations that offer opportunities to connect and participate. Our industry thrives on learning and sharing, and the best way to learn is by collaborating with your peers.
Commercial Integrator: What’s the most memorable story/anecdote of your career in commercial AV?
Chris Whitley: It’s hard to pick just one! But one that might surprise those who know me involves setting up an AV system. Our group was about to start an event featuring sales training with Bob Lobascio, whom I met for the first time shortly before our set up. Set up included a push-to-talk mic and voting system. Typical setup chaos ensued: The system wasn’t working properly; tech support was unavailable; and the diagram included in the system travel case was less than helpful. We had 20 minutes before the meeting was set to start when Bob suggested making an adjustment and skipping the system, but I insisted it would work, while doubting at the time we would pull it off. We realized that the provided setup diagram was reversed! We reconnected everything, including 50 daisy-chained mics, to the head end. The training started on time, and it was a success. It might not be monumental, but it’s a memorable experience that Bob and I often laugh about. It’s always about the experience!
Commercial Integrator: What has been your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Chris Whitley: Although there are certainly accomplishments that could be listed, it’s the respect and relationships I have within the industry that I’m most proud of. Achievements mean little without the relationships and the respect of the many brilliant people I’ve worked with along the way.
Commercial Integrator: What has been your biggest professional regret to date?
Chris Whitley: The easy answer is to say I have no regrets, which is largely true. It has been an amazing journey, and I’m excited for what’s next. Occasionally, though, I do have a small regret about not pursuing a career with the FBI — something I considered before getting into the industry. But then, I think about the friends, the community and the passion for cool technology, and that regret fades away quickly.
Commercial Integrator: What’s the best advice or pearl of wisdom you either received during your career or came to realize on your own?
Chris Whitley: There are many! But the two that resonate most are “Be yourself” and “Never give up.” In a world in which we often worry about crafting the perfect message or proposal, it’s easier to be authentic when you’re true to yourself. Nothing is more valuable than an authentic relationship. An old friend once asked me, “Do you know who the hardest person to beat is?” Here is the answer: “The person who never gives up.” Be yourself and never give up.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #AVLivingLegends series like Chris Whitley of Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group was? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, at [email protected].
