Meet The Team
NICK ABENDROTH
Account Manager
AVE’s full portfolio of knowledge experts would not be complete without an insightful lighting savant. Nick has an unquenchable thirst for visual lighting systems and leverages his passion well for AVE clients. Even though AVE would like hone Nick’s 10+-year knowledge into only lighting, his multiple AV talents are put to good use developing worship facility integrated systems with lighting, audio, video and acoustics.
From stage to pulpit, Nick has combined theatrical lighting and sound training with a vast knowledge of technology to create new territories for AVE clients. He applies time-tested principles of theatre lighting and sound for music and ministry in cathedrals, chapels and other worship environments.
Nick is a graduate of Concordia University, and received training in Information Technology from Anoka Technical College.
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.
GRANT KLUEMPKE
Service Coordinator
As Service Coordinator, Grant plays a key role in developing and maintaining valued customer relationships through ongoing maintenance, education and training. Responsible for AVE’s QAQC Program, he ensures the highest quality service and installation standards are performed on site and also stages and tests systems before installation to maintain smooth system integration.
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.
Project Management & Operations
SANDY MCCRACKEN-ROOTES
Project Administrator
Sandy is the Renaissance woman of the AVE team, accountable for a number of important demands in project management, purchasing, installation scheduling, contract/proposal preparation and sales assistance—sometimes all at the same time.
As one of the first team members to join AVE, Sandy holds steadfast her commitment to AVE clients. Not many people can be detailed oriented, and be a “people person”. She can’t go long without client contact, so you will find her leading projects with precision—injecting her AV knowledge, organization and personality into her smoothly run projects.
TEDD ENGER
Project Manager
Tedd is an installation supervisor who will be overseeing installation and actins 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
SCOTT FALOON
Design Engineer
Scott has media running through his veins. He eats, sleeps and drinks AV design concepts that redefine innovative media, sound and structure. Scott has a unique talent to take the toughest architecture challenge and turn it into an installation scheme that meets aesthetics, performance and budget.
He is a true sports junkie and dreams of the day he will be designing AV infrastructures for the next large sports arena. However, it’s Scott’s passion and dedication to AV design that has propelled AVE into the spotlight as a Twin Cities prominent house of worship AV integrator. From a client wish list, space dynamics and audience scenarios, Scott sees the installation design and equipment, and translates that into a simplified blueprint.
Scott cut his teeth in the technology field early in his life while serving nine years with the National Security Agency for the US Air Force. He continues to polish his CAD skills after receiving technical training at the Minneapolis Drafting School, and is also pursuing a BA in psychology at Metropolitan State University.
TOM BETTENDORF
Assistant CAD Designer
Over nine years ago Tom was a recording engineer in a professional recording studio, dreaming of his 15 minutes of fame recording famous rock bands. Putting his appreciation for great audio to better use, Tom has refocused his talents to AV design and integration when he decided to join AVE.
Tom is one of the sound guys at AVE that grew up on multimedia since birth. He actually knows what’s inside a loud speaker and could probably create one from scratch if you asked him.
He studied acoustical modeling and speaker coverage among other audio-related sciences at Columbia College and the Institute of Audio Research.
His role at AVE is a combination of audio design, acoustic planning and loudspeaker equipment consulting. His responsibility is to inject innovation and digital strategy into large and small installation projects where it fits and is needed.
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