One of the pillars of ADJ’s success over the company’s 35+ year history has always been its people. This diverse group – spread across the world and with a wide variety of skills and experience – are all passionate about designing, manufacturing, selling, and supporting the best mid-market entertainment lighting, LED video, and effects equipment possible. Each installment in this series of short interviews shines a spotlight on one individual from the team, giving an insight into who they are, what they do, and how they care for ADJ customers on a daily basis. This time we meet longtime ADJ team member and current Area Sales Manager, Tom Freret.
How long have you been a part of the ADJ team?
I’ve worked directly for ADJ for about 17 years. However, I’ve sold ADJ – in different capacities – as long as I have been in this business. When I first started in retail, Chuck Davies [ADJ’s owner and founder] used to drop off our four light spinners himself. I have known Chuck, Toby [ADJ’s President] Brad [ADJ’s Key Account Manager] and Alfred [ADJ’s US Director of Sales] for a very long time!
What is your job title?
Regional Sales Manager for AZ, CO, NM, UT, WA, OR, MT and ID.
What is your job function that allows you to show you care for our customers?
We have a lot of freedom here to help our customers the best way we can. A big part of my responsibility to ADJ and the people I serve, my customers, is to help them grow. Whether is it getting a better ROI on their rental/production gear, helping them offer video for installs, or helping them find profitable solutions. At the end of the day, my job is to work with my customers to put more food on their table. I am supported in this by many great colleagues across various departments, including our warehouse, QC, repair, finance and internal sales teams.
What do you like most about your job?
Hearing stories of successful shows or installs, from concept to successful completion. Not only the physical results but sharing my customers’ satisfaction and pride in the outcome.
What hobbies / interests do you have outside work?
I have lot! I road bike and mountain bike regularly. I also love to visit the beach locally and have fun traveling to, and exploring new, places.
What is something you’ve done or accomplished that people might not know about you?
I used to race BMX bikes as a kid and have about 125 trophies in boxes in the garage. I also make great chocolate chip pancakes!
