Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Ingersoll.
Hi Aaron, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Aaron Ingersoll and I am the owner of First Class Productions and First Class Event Planning. We are based out of Waxahachie, TX, where I live with my wife and dog. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something with music. At first, it was to design performance halls and concert venues. That changed to designing the sound systems for the buildings someone else designed. Finally, while working for a few different companies, the vision was made clear that I was supposed to start a company and provide sound, lighting, and video systems for concerts, festivals, conventions and more. I had a desire to do what I wanted to do, how I wanted to do it, and I wanted to be the boss. In the past 6 years the company has existed, I have learned that it is not about being the boss; it is about surrounding myself with the best people I can find to do the task at hand and trusting them to help make it all happen. Throughout the past six years, I have had so many ups and downs. There have been health issues, family issues, and even growth issues. I have had equipment stolen and friendships broken. However, I have also made new friends and I have strengthened relationships. I have not let any of the downs overpower the ups. I have had family support since the beginning and I have gotten stronger in my faith because everything that has happened, is currently happening, or will happen has already been planned.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Friends have come and gone, supporters have come and gone. For several years, it was just me doing the planning and coordination. Luckily I had a good team when it came time to do the events, but the loading and unloading was just me a lot of the time, or me and a friend. Now, there are several people that I can rely on to do what it takes from start to finish. About two months ago now, I had a good amount of equipment get stolen out of a truck that was about to head to a job site. That was a pretty big setback but we are pushing forward. However, no struggle in this industry can compare to the struggle of Covid. We were shut down for months. We had only a short time to pivot our entire strategy from live events to Zoom meetings and virtual events. We did it but it wasn’t easy. The first big live event we did coming out of the shutdown was last December and I will never forget the feeling of doing that event. It felt like the first event all over again.
As you know, we’re big fans of First Class Productions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a full-service live event production company. We handle most aspects of live (and virtual) events, from sound, lighting and video to stages, rentals, ticketing, and so much more. We just love what we do. It doesn’t really set us apart from our competitors, but when we get to a job site, no matter what kind of week my crew has had or how tired they are, they are happy to be there and you can tell from how they work and the quality of their work. We pride ourselves in every job we do, from the smallest of backyard parties to the bigger festivals. We are not scared of any events and we have a team of people from all over North Texas and around the state that are there to help us if there is anything we need.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
That it is okay to ask for help. It is okay if I do not know every answer. There is not a person that I know that knows 100% of our industry, and even they have to ask for guidance from time to time.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@firstclasspro.net
- Website: www.firstclasspro.net
- Instagram: FirstClassProDFW
- Facebook: FirstClassProDFW
Image Credits:
Stephen Lizarraga
