Meet Ace January

 

We were lucky to catch up with Ace January recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ace , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I cultivate my work ethic from within. It’s a combination of personal drive, self-discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. This started when I was younger, mowing lawns. I recall thinking to myself, “This is not what I am meant to do. I have more to offer and achieve. I must work harder to get where I want to be.”

Over time I started setting personal goals, learning from failures, and constantly striving for improvement. I find satisfaction in a job well done, which motivates me to put in the effort.

I believe that everyone has the potential for a strong work ethic. It’s about tapping into your inner drive and aligning your actions with your values. For me, it’s been a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As the founder and CEO of Ace January Productions (AJP), I’ve had the privilege of shaping a company that has been a pillar in the audio-visual industry in Los Angeles, CA since January 2019. Our focus on corporate meetings, events, conferences, live-streaming, and hybrid events has allowed us to deliver innovative solutions that elevate client experiences for their events.

One of the most rewarding aspects of running AJP is the autonomy and creative freedom it affords me. As my own boss, I’m able to directly influence the direction of the company, from strategic decisions to hands-on project management.

I’m immensely proud of the strong reputation AJP has cultivated over the past 15 years. Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has resulted in a loyal customer base, with many returning clients. I feel very lucky to have produced so many successful events that clients are continuously happy and often spread the word to their friends and acquaintances.

Our recent move to a larger warehouse is a significant milestone. This expanded space will enable AJP to enhance our operations, accommodate larger-scale events, and explore new opportunities to serve our clients even better.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My journey has been significantly influenced by three essential qualities: a proactive and outgoing nature, a strong sense of timeliness, and a steadfast commitment to follow through.

My advice to those who are early in their journey and looking to improve on these skills is as follows.

To become a better people person, be friendly, be genuine, smile, and actively listen when people are speaking to you. If you feel you are more of an introvert, take a public speaking class or something of that nature to help you break out of your shell.

To be punctual, your number one rule should be “being on time is late”. Plan to be early for all your meetings and events. Plan for traffic, as we live in LA and it is inevitable. If this is something you really struggle with, try playing tricks on yourself, like setting the time in your calendar for 15 minutes earlier than it is, or setting your clocks ahead.

To be more reliable and be known for following through, ALWAYS do what you say and say what you mean. Don’t over-promise and under-deliver. Don’t make excuses, if you must work extra to deliver on your promise, it’s worth the time and effort. Be reliable and someone people know they can count on.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

One particular challenge I’ve faced over the past few years is finding AV technicians who are well-versed in all aspects of the AV industry. When I hire, most applicants have experience primarily working in a studio producing sound engineering. While this skill set is valuable, it doesn’t fully align with the specific AV requirements of corporate events that Ace January Productions provides. Or the applicant only has experience as an Audio Tech. Despite clearly outlining the desired qualifications in job postings, many applicants overlook the mandatory criteria listed.

I’m hopeful that in the new year, I’ll be able to recruit AV technicians who possess experience in corporate events and are proficient in audio, video, and lighting.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Rachael Galloway – Photographer
Artie Smith (AJP’s lead AV tech with Ace in 1 photo)

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