Who: Matt Clouser, president/owner
What: Full-service production company specializing in audio/visual installations and live productions
Where: Atlanta, GA.
Founded: 1993
First gig: “Setting up the lights (PAR cans) for a local club. I was paid $25 dollars a night.”
Latest gig: “We recently had a successful show with the Caribbean Diplomatic Community in D.C.”
Current clients include: Clear Channel, Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Personal best?: “Simon, my three-year-old. He is my biggest achievement in life!”
I knew I wanted to do this when … “I saw that chasing my rock star dream meant a lot of hungry nights!”
Career low point: “I was on show site really up-selling the company to the client, when the video screen goes black and all the mics go out! I was so embarrassed, but the client was a good sport and gave us another chance … eventually.”
Career high point: “Being awarded the in-house contract for the Georgia Aquarium. It is the largest aquarium in the world, and it was like being a part of history in the making.”
Current favorite toy: “The High End Systems Axon and DL.2 are very cool. The more you ‘play’ around with it the more you find out you can do with it.”
The coolest thing about my job: “It’s like being a kid in a toy store and getting paid to play with the coolest toys.”
If I could go back in time and tell my younger self one thing, it would be: “I was so young when I started Active that no matter what a 34-year-old me said, the 20-year-old me probably would not have listened!”
People might be surprised to know: “I am an extreme sport fanatic. If the average person is afraid to try it I’m all about it!”
Degrees of separation: Senior account executive Jason Shadix served as creative services director for Freeman Decorating Atlanta (division of The Freeman Companies); PR/marketing manager Clydette R. Morton worked for the CBS affiliate in Atlanta for five years as studio manager and audio engineer.
If and when I go on vacation, you’ll find me … “On a beach showing my son how to ride his first wave.”
After a particularly trying yet successful gig, I treat myself to … “A two-hour massage and a sushi dinner. After I’m all relaxed I plan a fun day with Simon, which usually requires a two-hour massage and sushi dinner afterwards!”
Motto/Favorite Quote: “You’re only as good as your last event.”
