Many, many years ago, I was adrift, looking for somewhere meaningful to apply my professional skills. Sure, I had a “job” – in fact, there were many jobs during that period.

But they were all just that:jobs. Mundane tasks to complete, requiring a modest amount of effort, over a set daily/weekly schedule, in return for the means to pay the bills. Nothing more was asked, nor more responsibility granted, no matter the level of commitment demonstrated. And that was that.

One day, rather out of the blue, I heard about an opportunity with a local company possessing a strange-sounding name that made “big speakers and stuff.” Again, not doing anything particularly compelling at the time, I tossed my hat in the ring and was subsequently called for an interview.

Upon entering the building, I was riveted. The lobby was decked out with large photos showing massive concert loudspeaker systems, microphones being used by performers and the like.

My interviewer had a relaxed attitude, but it was very clear he was passionate about his role as well as the company. A facility tour showing where the “big speakers and stuff ” were designed and built proved fascinating, and I met dozens of other folks showing the same “zen ” as my interviewer.

For once, I really wanted this opportunity, and fortunately, an offer was made. I ’d found a professional home. “Work ” wasn’t a “job ” any longer, rather it was more a quest, a feeling that I was part of something much larger and much cooler than just showing up to push paper and doze through meaningless meetings.

But what stands out most about that experience is the support, counsel and friendship given me by so many individuals in that organization. They always had time to listen to my ideas, kick around concepts, tactfully point out the occasional errors of my ways, actually ask for and (at least) appear to listen/care about my input... In short, they were superb mentors.

As I look around the pro audio industry today, I ’m troubled by a seeming lack of fresh, eager talent. When I entered the industry, young folks abounded, and collectively, we ’ve made our way. We share a love of what we do,and the people we do it with, in our chosen profession.

Because we’ve benefited so greatly from this opportunity, payback is our responsibility. To me, one of the best ways to do this is to lead those with less experience, to help them thrive in this worthwhile pursuit we’re all so fond of. To be mentors. Otherwise, this industry grows stale and withers on the vine, where we ’re all just a bunch of “gray hairs” swapping stories about the good old days.

Maybe this is more a societal issue,where young folks today would rather aspire to be video game designers, hip-hop artists or whatever. But the fact is, we ’re part of a hugely creative enterprise, a vital cog in the wheel of artistic performance, and it sure isn ’t bad that we look forward to our workdays.

And fortunately, there are some young people seeking their way in pro audio. So the burden falls to us to make sure they stay, learn, grow and spur us to new heights. This is an exciting time in our industry,s o let ’s commit to keeping it that way.

That ’s really not a burden at all, is it?

Send your comments to Live Sound Editorial Director Keith Clark at keith@prosoundweb.com