Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Portier.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Sound Ideas began more than 35 years ago with a simple love for sound. Founder Doug Thompson started the company in the 1980s as a small recording studio in his garage, helping churches and local musicians bring their audio projects to life. What began as a passion project quickly grew into a trusted name, built almost entirely on word-of-mouth referrals and a reputation for doing things the right way.
As the demand for live production grew, so did the company. Sound Ideas slowly transformed from a garage recording studio into a full-service audio visual production company, supporting corporate events, conferences, and galas across Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and throughout Texas. Throughout every stage of growth, the heart of the business remained the same: family values, integrity, and a commitment to personal, relationship-driven service.
I joined Sound Ideas more than 20 years ago, learning the business from the ground up and eventually stepping into leadership as Vice President. Today, I’m proud to help carry forward the legacy my dad started, paired with the fresh energy, innovation, and strategic growth that define this new era of Sound Ideas. Alongside Tony Williams, VP of Production Services, we lead a team of specialists who genuinely love what they do and pour passion, heart, and technical expertise into every event.
In recent years, Sound Ideas has embraced change- rebranding, investing in new technology, and stepping into marketing for the first time after three decades of quiet success. The result has been remarkable growth, recognition across the industry, and even being named FOH Magazine’s Hometown Hero: Best Sound Company in the Southwest.
Despite that momentum, we remain grounded in the values Doug built the company on:
Integrity first. People first. Clients first.
As AV consultant Tom Stimson recently described us, we’re “the youngest-at-heart old company in DFW.” We carry 35 years of experience with the energy and creativity of a team just getting started.
From major conferences to intimate gatherings, we don’t just provide audio, lighting, and video, we create meaningful experiences. We take pride in having grown from a garage-studio dream into a thriving Texas AV production company with a bright, exciting future. And we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When COVID hit, Sound Ideas went from a full calendar to every single event canceling in a matter of days. Our entire industry froze overnight, and many of our friends who had relied on live events for years were forced into new careers. Instead of shutting down, we pivoted. We transformed our warehouse into a virtual event studio for fundraising galas, corporate meetings, and livestreamed events. One client’s yearly fundraiser even raised more that year than ever before. During a time of isolation- people were thrilled to attend events virtually.
That shift kept our team working and made us a valuable partner for clients suddenly responsible for producing virtual events for the first time. And when live events returned, they came back bigger, bolder, and more hybrid than ever. Our COVID experience kept us relevant, resilient, and ready to support clients in a completely changed events landscape.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As Vice President and Account Executive at Sound Ideas, I’m the one who works directly with most of our clients, guiding them through the entire experience and making sure they always feel supported. Client relationships are truly the heart of what I do. We want Sound Ideas to be known as a leader in customer service in our industry, and I take a lot of pride in being friendly and deeply connected to our local community.
I’ve been here for more than 20 years- back when it was literally just Doug and me, so this company is a huge part of my life. I’ve watched it grow from a small operation into the team we have today, and I’m incredibly proud of the heart we’ve poured into it. Every person on our team cares about every single event, whether it’s a small meeting or a thousand-person gala, right down to the last seat in the ballroom.
What matters most to me is that our clients feel valued, understood, and taken care of. Sound Ideas has always been a family business, and I want every person who works with us to feel that same warmth, passion, and personal touch.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way came directly from watching my dad, Doug, build this company from nothing. He has always believed in doing things the right way. even if it takes more time, more steps, or more effort than anyone expected. That mindset shaped everything about how I approach my work.
His example taught me that taking the extra time to do things right isn’t just about quality- it’s about trust. It’s about treating clients with respect, being honest, following through, and earning that trust the hard way. That lesson has guided me through every stage of leadership at Sound Ideas, and it’s become a core part of how we run this company today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soundideastx.com/
- Instagram: sound_ideas_production_group
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/soundideastx
- LinkedIn: ashley-portier-327b76148
- Other: https://linkedin.com/company/sipg
Image Credits
Jenna Rockett and Robby Hirst
