Event Professionals: Learn About Travel & Logistics Management for Live Events
Putting on any event involves logistics management — getting things to and from the event is an important part of the success of your live event. To kick off the new year, we’d like to share a little bit about our jack of all trades, Bandi Arp, one of our team who makes our travel and logistics management job easier. Bandi joined the Wired Production Group crew in the summer of 2016. He was originally hired at 16th Avenue Music as a warehouse associate and truck driver. With a background in audio engineering, live event production and trucking, we knew immediately that he would be a good fit for our company. His resume, work ethic, skill set and positive attitude blew us away!
Before joining the Wired Production Group team, Bandi spent eight years in Cedar Rapids as a senior audio engineer for a local television station, then another six years as a freelance live sound engineer around the state. When he came aboard our live event production crew, he jumped right in as a key player on the audio team and worked really well with our warehouse staff. He got into a rhythm immediately and learned that he can assist in just about every department we’ve got as he knows just enough about each department to be a big help when things get crazy. His knowledge and willingness to learn new things blow our minds every day. He is always patient, calm and looking for solutions to make all of our lives easier.
Bandi had also spent many years with his family on the road trucking as well. He is extremely knowledgeable about trucking laws and load requirements all across the country. It is always his top priority to make sure that our trucks and techs can travel to and from shows and events safely. In mid-October to early November 2018 alone, he traveled with our trucks and techs to 13 states for our shows! That equates to more than 5,000 miles. We seriously could NEVER have done these shows without him. His willingness to take the lead on our travels is admirable. He never complains about an early morning drive time or a late night load out. We appreciate his efforts more than he will ever know.
While he is one of the hardest workers we know, outside of work Bandi is “the cool uncle.” He loves spending time fishing and going on new adventures with his nephews. He also has three cats, Cherry, Penny and Sonny, and enjoys relaxing with them at home. You know — when he actually takes a day off!
If we could figure out a way to clone Bandi, we definitely would. We need more of him in the world — both in the event production industry and just in general. Bandi, you are one cool cat and we thank you for being such an important part of our Wired Production Group team, meow and always!
Here’s what others have to say about Bandi…
“Bandi is one of the nicest guys you will meet. He is always ready to help in any way he can. Even sometimes says yes too much and doesn’t have time for himself. I’m glad I get to work with him. He really is bearded and beautiful.” – Jesse Snyder, Lighting Designer
“He’s always there when you need him. It doesn’t take much to make him happy as long as we keep the kitchen stocked with hot chocolate. He gets our gear and techs where they need to be safely. He is the ultimate Superman to his family at home and his family here at WPG.” – Kim Klein, Office Manager
“What can I say about Bandi? He’s friendly, he’s caring, he’s got a big heart, and he makes you laugh.” – Amanda Pierce, Client Account Manager
“Bandi is the ultimate team player. If you need help with anything, he will gladly pitch in without hesitation. Plus, he is a driving beast!” – Josh Leinen, Audio Engineer
“His beard is just as soft and fuzzy as his heart.” – Ian Miller, Audio Engineer
“Milemaster! One of the nicest guys you would want to meet.” – Bruce Bingman, Client Account Manager
“Super nice guy and he really was very helpful at helping me get a Class B license.” – Mike Mennen, Sr. Production Manager
“The chameleon of the shop, wears many hats and loves cats…trucking and fleet maintenance are his specialty! But he can also load a truck and twirl a knob when needed! He’s a horrible dancer and fun to be around!” – Billy Peifer, Operations Manager
“‘Breaker- Breaker – This is Bandi.’ Has a nice ring to it! Thanks for all you do ensuring gear gets to our shows on time. Keep on truckin’!” – Doug Netolicky, VP of Business Development
“Bandi delivers an ideal mix of compassion and uncompromising loyalty on the job. There is no request with which Bandi does not fully comply and he’s always happy to help, no matter what role he’s given. Whether in the field as a tech, loading trucks in the warehouse and maintaining our fleet, or driving our semi trucks all around the country, Bandi puts forth an effort to be an exemplary representation of the WPG company culture. I appreciate his easy demeanor and willingness to be a team player every day.” – Aaron Wells, COO
“Bandi is a jack of all trades. From driving the big rigs, running camera at a concert, mixing sound at a stage for a festival, and working in the warehouse, he is here to do what it takes to get the job done. Bandi makes sure the gear gets to the show safely and on time. There is always something sweet to eat in the break room from his family for the crew to enjoy. He keeps the fleet of trucks running and in order. He is a great team player and is a joy to have on staff. Thank you Bandi for all your work.” – Ron Rausch, CEO
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