At Solutionz, Inc., we proudly spotlight the remarkable women making a difference in the AV technology industry. While the audiovisual field has historically been male-dominated, women have increasingly played a pivotal role in its recent growth and success. With AVIXA forecasting the pro AV sector to surpass $400 billion by 2028, this is an exciting time for women looking to innovate and help shape the industry's future.
Growth and opportunity are central to our culture at Solutionz. We are dedicated to recognizing and supporting talent within our organization, ensuring that individuals are empowered to advance and thrive in their careers. One standout leader is Shelby Barnard, a Project Manager whose journey reflects the power of passion and perseverance in the audiovisual industry.
Beginning her professional career as a documentation coordinator for AV projects, Shelby has progressed to the role of Project Manager, highlighting the exciting growth opportunities within the AV tech industry. To learn more about Shelby’s experiences, we sat down with her to discuss the challenges she has navigated and the successes she has achieved along the way.
Q&A with Shelby Barnard
1. Can you tell us about your journey from being a documentation coordinator to a project manager?
My journey began as a documentation coordinator for AV project paperwork, where I gained valuable insights into the industry. While my role primarily focused on preparing documentation and ensuring clients had the necessary user guides, I was eager to expand my skills. I had the opportunity to train as a service coordinator, which enriched my understanding of support services.
Motivated to advance in my career, I proposed the creation of a "Project Coordinator" role to our leadership team, believing it would enhance efficiency in our AV operations. I took ownership of this position, which has since been adopted across other Solutionz offices. This experience allowed me to develop my skills further and eventually transition into project management. Today, I manage projects across the higher education and government sectors. The ever-evolving nature of AV technology keeps the field exciting and full of opportunities for continuous learning.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while transitioning from your various roles, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing new responsibilities with my ongoing professional development tested my resilience and adaptability. I had to step up my communication skills, especially in client-facing situations, which helped me gain confidence in both myself and my team. Interacting with clients can be challenging, but I approached these moments as opportunities for growth. This experience has influenced my leadership style, emphasizing ownership and accountability in everything I do.
Bryce Bolling, President of the West Region at Solutionz, shared his thoughts on Shelby’s swift progress:
“Shelby stepped into the Project Manager role and has taken on the challenge with full effort. Project Managers often face high demands, balancing financial success with exceptional customer service. Shelby has exceeded those expectations, and watching her progress is exciting.”
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in the AV industry, and what keeps you motivated?
I started in the AV industry because I was intrigued by the continuous evolution of technology and how it changes how we work and learn. In the end, the impact of my work is what keeps me going. My projects in higher education are particularly meaningful. It’s truly heartwarming to know I’ve influenced incoming college students stepping into a world of advanced tech. Providing students and educators with the tools they need for success drives me, along with finding other ways to help our community function better.
A client at Loyola Marymount University shared:
“Shelby is doing a great job. I feel like she has really leveled up our experience with Solutionz, and I appreciate the attention and care she gives to our projects.”
4. How has your experience in operations and fieldwork shaped your approach to project management?
Working in the field taught me a lot about problem-solving and effective communication. Observing how small details can derail tasks has underscored the need for thorough preparation and constant communication. Overlooking these steps can lead to stress and a lack of trust within the project team. This operational knowledge allows me to lead with confidence, ensuring every project is well-coordinated and all team members are aligned before they even step on-site.
5. Can you share a project that you’re most proud of and why it stands out?
One of my proudest moments was during a challenging installation where a custom-built system didn’t fit the space. When we arrived on-site, it became clear that the system wouldn’t work. I quickly collaborated with the manufacturer to redesign the system placement, ensuring it functioned effectively despite the layout changes. In the end, the solution exceeded the original design. This experience taught me the importance of problem-solving under pressure and maintaining flexibility, showing how intentional and open-minded teamwork can transform a potentially disastrous situation into a success.
6. How do you stay current with the latest AV industry trends, and how do you apply that knowledge to your work?
Staying updated is about knowing your role in the bigger picture. While I’m not a designer or engineer, I have a solid grasp of the work they need to accomplish to keep our operations running smoothly. I stay informed about industry trends by continuously refining my project management practices and adapting to technological changes. If there’s something I don’t understand, I don’t hesitate to ask. Although the technical landscape evolves rapidly, strong communication and a clear understanding of my team members’ roles allow me to maintain accountability, ensuring we stay on track and meet our deadlines.
7. What leadership and collaboration lessons have you learned in your time as a project manager?
I’ve learned that addressing conflicts early is crucial. You can’t let issues linger even for a day—knowing who you can rely on to get things done is important. Empowering my team, recognizing their contributions, and giving them space when needed are key aspects of my leadership approach. Balancing support and accountability ensures my team feels motivated and respected.
8. What advice would you give to women starting their careers in AV?
Don’t be afraid to take on challenges, ask questions, and put yourself out there! Embrace every opportunity because sometimes the most intimidating ones are the most fruitful. Success in AV is about continuous learning and seizing opportunities as they come. With the right mindset, you can not only find success in AV but also shape the future of the industry.
Being a woman in the AV industry can sometimes feel intimidating, but I’ve learned to navigate those challenges with confidence. The way I look at it… the only person in my way is me. I focus on proving my leadership through competence and dedication, rather than letting age or gender define me. I’m proud to say that taking the time to build trust and demonstrate my skills has earned me the respect of my colleagues.
9. What are your future goals in the AV industry, and how do you see your role evolving?
I envision myself continuing to grow within operations and exploring new challenges in the AV industry. It’s exciting to think about my career development and what I’ll be doing in ten years! My passion lies in learning about new tech solutions and applying them to real-world situations. I aim to deepen my understanding of AV operations and focus on effective problem-solving while supporting my team. With so many possibilities on the horizon, I’m eager to see where my enthusiasm for AV technology will lead me.
10. What’s it like working at Solutionz, Inc.?
Working at Solutionz has been a transformative experience. Starting in data entry, I proactively took on new responsibilities and proposed changes, leading to roles in project coordination and, eventually project management. Solutionz values initiative and offers ample room for growth and support. It's not just about delivering projects—it’s about building strong relationships and trust with your team and clients, which is necessary in this field.
One of the standout aspects of working here is the recognition that every department plays an important role in our success. From operations teams and skilled techs to efficient purchasing and warehouse systems, each and every part of the company makes a difference in our overall performance. Solutionz provides plenty of opportunities for advancement, which has been key to my personal and professional development.
Ready to Make Your Mark in AV Tech?
At Solutionz, Inc., we are always looking for passionate individuals ready to break the mold and drive innovation in AV technology. If you’re inspired by Shelby Barnard’s journey and eager to explore opportunities in this dynamic field, we invite you to connect with us. Discover how you can contribute to shaping the future of AV technology and join a team that values initiative and growth.
