Meet The Team
CALEB DICK
Account Manager
Caleb has over 9 years experience working in the audio-visual industry. He blends practical, hands on experience with professional training with audio, video, lighting, and acoustics. His experiences include live event production, design, audio engineer, and account management. He has long-term clients who know his unwavering commitment to their vision is foundational.
Caleb’s education background includes a Bachelor’s in Music Tech from Briercrest College in Caronport, Saskatchewan, and a Biblical Studies certificate from Ecola Bible College. Industry training includes System Design from Syn-Aud-Con, and SmaartLive system analysis from Rational Acoustics.
JOHN BARRIE
Account Manager
John has over 10 years of experience working in the audio-visual industry. He can help you implement solutions that are affordable and reliable by utilizing hands on experience and professional training in high performance audio, acoustics, video, communications and lighting systems. John has a great sense of what it takes to help your vision become a reality.
A sound artist at heart, John has been performing and engineering live music for nearly 2 decades. Project and account management, technical direction and creative development converge in a dozen years of recording and mixing projects. John has a true passion for excellence, and his sound guidance will keep you moving forward.
Project Management & Operations
GRANT KLUEMPKE
Project Manager
As project manager, Grant oversees installation and acts as a conduit between all integrated partners interested in a smooth installation process—contractors, architects, clients, equipment manufacturers, installation techs and design engineers.
Blending his passion for music and business started in the studio and live sound world, eventually coming to formation in the AV industry. Grant’s experience includes various roles as Lead Technician, Service Department Manager and Regional Sales.
Grant received an AAS degree in Recording Technology from McNally Smith College of Music and his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from St. Cloud State University. In addition, he holds both the CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) and EAVA (Extron Audio Video Associate) certifications.
TEDD ENGER
Project Manager
Tedd is an installation supervisor who will be overseeing installation and acts as a conduit between all integrated partners interested in a smooth installation process—contractors, architects, clients, equipment manufacturers, installation techs and design engineers.
Specifically, Tedd will be managing the following:
- Reading and interpreting wiring diagrams, schematics and blueprints
- Pulling of electronic cabling
- Wiring and installation of hardware
- Operation of cable and hardware test equipment
- Ensuring compliance of customer safety programs
- Customer training
- Troubleshooting, service and maintenance
With five years at AVE, Tedd has a strong understanding of team leadership and an appreciation for impactful lighting, sound, video and control. With a unique start in the music business, Tedd applies these technology principles that work for AVE client projects.
Tedd received formal technical training in audio/video systems, DSP programming, lighting and rigging. His background installing home theatre systems gives Tedd the specialized trade tools he uses when making the final touches of an install.
Tedd is a licensed as a Power Limited Technician and is taking courses in Electronic Systems through NSCA.
TONY GEHRKE
Electronic System Technician
Tony is an electronic systems technician responsible for installation and wiring of equipment and acoustics materials. Installing sophisticated AV systems that creates the visual and audio performance it was intended, while meeting public and user safety and appealing display is a challenge Tony invites.
He came to AVE as a recent AAS grad from Ridgewater College, and knows well the latest science in audio hardware and electronic systems. Seamless integration is the order of the day for Tony. Tony will be involved with ensuring equipment is compatible with a specific interior visual design and that the magic of connectivity is invisible to others. Tony also takes extra steps to meet safety requirements specific to the client policy and code.
JON KRUEGER
Electronic System Technician
Jon’s start in the audio business began ten years under dashboards, car seats and car trunks as an installer of car stereos. His knowledge of audio equipment and desire to expand his experience brought him to AVE eight years ago.
Today in his role as installation director, customers, project managers and installation technicians rely on Jon’s Midas touch on the critical, installation stage of a project. He directs smooth installations, making sense of complex CAD schematics and knowledge of equipment integration.
Installation safety is the focus for Jon and installation technicians he manages to adhere to safety programs of the home theatres, worship facilities and entertainment halls.
Jon’s educational background includes certifications in Level 1 EST and Basic MECP.
Design & Engineering
JOE LORENCE
Design Engineer
As Design Engineer, Joe is the hub of AVE’s design and installation process. With 10 years of experience, starting out in church A/V and music, Joe brings particular expertise to the table when designing for the complicated needs of today’s clients. His background as an Installation Technician ensures that AVE’s systems are engineered to be both efficient and attractive to install, as well as usable for both novice and highly technical end-users. As a musician, Joe has a special sense for the particular needs of on-stage performers and speakers, as well as the challenges of fitting a client’s needs within a given budget.
His passion for every detail means that every system we supply is both well-research and documented to ensure a long-term value for every client, corporate and non-profit.
Joe’s educational background is in Engineering and Studio Art from Bethel University in St. Paul Minnesota, and he holds numerous certifications in programming from Extron, Lectrosonics, and other leading industry manufacturers.
Accounting & Administration
VICKIE LIND
Controller
Vickie has over 20 years experience directing accounting, finances, human resources and office management in several different industries. Vickie started within a large non-profit corporation working in an environment of professionalism and accountability, but changed focus to work with emerging businesses as they develop and grow. Vickie manages the day-to-day operations of accounting, billing and payroll; in addition to planning the long term financial goals for AVE.
Vickie’s educational background is in Business Management and Financing Independent Business from Metropolitan State University and she has had the privilege of working with the Small Business Management Center at the University of St. Thomas
ASHLEY GRITTNER
Sales Support Administrator
Ashley has over 7 years of office management/administration experience with a proven record of accomplishment in the areas of customer relations, marketing and communications, project management, and general office operations. As the Sales Support Administrator, Ashley manages customer and sales data, as well as acts as the liaison between Design and Operations.
Ashley graduated from Metropolitan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.