0 0 0 0 0 signage for applications including public , retail , and residential spaces . “ So everything from an AV perspective , that ’ s where we play now ,” Giffard says .
Solotech is now a one-stop shop for virtually any application that involves lighting , sound , video , and related infrastructure and , additionally , the provision of security systems for clients across the board .
Integration has long been part of Solotech ’ s offerings , Giffard says , “ But in the last 10 years , as more sports venues are built , more AV components are included in shopping centres , hotels , and residential developments , we ’ ve grown our integration division .”
At this point , integration accounts for approximately 40 per cent of Solotech ’ s overall revenue , but sales and rentals – given their expertise and purchasing power – are also integral to Solotech ’ s growth overall , and to the integration division ’ s ongoing success . In every case , Solotech “ evaluates and understands the customer ’ s need , finds the right product , network , application , and ensures we ’ re able to use it to the end of its capabilities to fulfill our client ’ s needs on the integration side .” So , too , do the company ’ s complementing divisions .
Now , Solotech offers 360-degree services : lighting , AV , videoconferencing , video encoding , digital signage , paging , intelligent transportation systems , and more , plus integration , installation , custom fabrication , maintenance , and service for applications in the broadcast , corporate , cultural , educational , government , health , hospitality , retail , sporting , and transport sectors .
“ We ’ ve moved into the growing video side of the business ,” Giffard adds about the company ’ s recent developments , and given that lighting and video are increasingly intertwined , that deepens penetration into the lighting market .
While they continue to expand globally , their Montreal headquarters is key in ensuring continuity in terms of resources and staff . And , although Solotech has purchased various companies over time to deepen their presence in specific sectors , currently the focus is on purchasing equipment and being a part of the R & D process of that gear . “ We ’ re not just buying gear off the shelf . We do have our own LED screens , brand new and made by SACO in Montreal – the S6 , S12 , and S28 – but we ’ re not building them , we ’ re part of their development , so that gives us an edge on that side .”
It ’ s a culture of shared innovation , which benefits Solotech and its clients regardless of the market sector they play in . Again , Tremblay poses a question : “ What about the gear that we haven ’ t heard of – what we believe will be trending in a year , or two , or more from now ? We ’ re also working on that .”
Providing what their clients have come to expect is fine , he says , but it ’ s critical to look down the pipe to anticipate , see , and develop the systems , equipment , and technologies that will be the future game changers for both their traditional clients and the growing range of sectors that depend on technologies that , previously , were the purview of large-scale performances , events , and facilities . “ The question ,” Tremblay offers , “ is how can we create value ?”
While a company can survive and even thrive by staying the course , offering more – by looking forward and relentlessly innovating – is a preferable model . Innovation was key to the products with which Tremblay worked in the gaming industry , and the same holds true in this job . Shared innovation is key going forward .
“ I would say that most of our clients are pushing the envelope , so we have to challenge ourselves ,” says the CEO , and that ’ s integral to Solotech ’ s growth in every area . “ It ’ s not about how much it costs ; it ’ s a question of perception . Artists want to be different . They want to push the envelope .”
Doing so with existing products is fine , but unless you consider what may be – in terms of products and services that are either becoming relevant now , or test the imagination in terms of VR , AR , and real-time interactions on multiple platforms – you will not progress . Solotech is determined to progress .
Solotech has been involved in projects running the gamut of applications , including the biggest entertainment brands and artists in the world .
“ As you know , Solotech was doing many A-list tours for a number of years ,” Chouinard says . “ Cirque du Soleil and Celine , obviously , but we ’ re now working with Bruno Mars , Paul McCartney , and The Rolling Stones . We ’ ve also upgraded on major corporate events with the likes of Amazon , Ali Baba , and Walmart .”
Many of the company ’ s recent purchases came through its American corporation , Chouinard adds . “ So we ’ re becoming more of a global touring company . We ’ re on tour now with Lady Gaga . We ’ re just finishing the world tour with The Weeknd , and so now we have a lot more of those major acts all over the globe .”
The consistent growth and success , Chouinard says , isn ’ t just based on resources , but on the level of creativity and quality behind any delivered job , which is a product of Solotech ’ s talented team . While they ’ ve expanded into other markets , the work done within the company and with close collaborators – particularly in terms of R & D – is integral to fulfilling clients ’ needs and allowing those clients to push the boundaries of what ’ s possible for their own patrons , clients , and stakeholders .
“ We ’ re just seeking really good , talented people for our staff . That ’ s the most important thing ,” Chouinard offers . The company ’ s growth in scale and revenue – including the 100 per cent increase in
32 • PROFESSIONAL SOUND