A new beginning that's all about endings.

In 2009, Gary Solomon Jr., Steve Fink and Jonathan Foucheaux stirred their diverse skills and considerable experience to form the Solomon Group. They came together because they're storytellers of a different breed. In an industry where exhibits and events are too often guided by an “information checklist,” they believe that creating breakthrough experiences begins at the end. That’s why their entire process keeps your audience in sharp focus. How do you want them to feel? What do you want them to think? What will make such a deep impression that they just have to come back?

Turns out their hunch was a lot more than a hunch. In only a few short years, Solomon Group has blazed a trail of artistry and innovation across the region, captivating audiences with one-of-a-kind multimedia installations and dazzling live events. No matter the complexity, Solomon Group is ready to tell your story in ways you never imagined.

Want to be a part of the team?  We're always searching for new talent. Apply online.

Meet the Team

Gary Solomon Jr.
President

Gary Solomon Jr. President

An expert on emerging trends and new technologies, Gary Solomon, Jr. is redefining how we interact the world around us. From exhibits and public spaces to live performances and corporate events, he ventures beyond the realm of traditional production to create one-of-a-kind experiences. Solomon incorporates showmanship and theatrics into each dynamic project, which has earned him the reputation as the best in the business. He has been at the helm of some of the industry’s most innovative projects, including the animated exterior lighting system at the Mercedez-Benz Superdome, the Stage Door Canteen at the National World War II Museum, and a portfolio of education tools for Entergy.

In addition to his artistic creativity and technical expertise, Solomon is a wellspring of business savvy. He leads a hand-picked team of experts who represent the best-and-brightest in the industry. He has grown Solomon Group exponentially since founding the company in 2009, delivering creative solutions to his clients with show-stopping results. He received a degree in theatre from New York University, where he studied Technical Production. His professional training began in lighting design and grew to include all aspects of production. A native of New Orleans, Solomon attended New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and sits on the board of the NOCCA Institute as well as Young Audiences Louisiana

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Jonathan Foucheaux
Partner

Jonathan Foucheaux Partner

Among the leading minds in the field of entertainment technology in the Gulf South, Jonathan Foucheaux has led the development of over thirty attraction installations in the United States and designed the integration of sound and lighting systems for live venues, ride-control systems, show control systems, and other highly customized applications. In addition to his experience at Six Flags Theme Parks, Jonathan brings 15 years of experience in systems design, integration and installation management.  Most recently Jonathan was the lead project manager for the New Orleans Arena's Exterior LED upgrade package as well as the project manager and technical director for the National World War II Museum's new immersive and interactive attraction following the story of the USS Tang.  Other notable projects include: project manager and lead designer for the permanent exterior lighting of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, lead show control programmer for Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage, and systems designer for the 90,000 square foot Champions Square, outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.  Jonathan is currently the lead producer for the 2013 Essence Festival, the largest urban music fesival in the world.

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Stephen Fink
Partner

Stephen Fink Partner

As a recognized leader in the event technology industry in the Gulf Coast region, Stephen has been involved in some of the biggest events to hit New Orleans in the last 10 years. Two Super Bowls, the Final Four, and Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame World premiere have all benefited from his technical expertise in the fields of audio, video, lighting and large-scale display systems. Stephen spent nine years leading the production department at the Louisiana Superdome and New Orleans Arena, managing events and leading installation projects in the two world-class event facilities, and has 16 years experience in the live event production market as both an end-user and as a service provider. He is considered an expert in the field of video, television production and large-scale display systems, having designed systems for numerous high profile projects. Stephen has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University.

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Nicolas Nevares, CMP
Director | Event Experiences

Nicolas Nevares, CMP Director | Event Experiences

With a belief that events are capable of testing the boundaries of our imagination, Nick has become one of leading creative minds in the New Orleans events industry. After graduating from Loyola University New Orleans, he first worked with the decorators at Blaine Kern Jr.’s Mardi Gras Productions to create imaginative thematic events for a wide range of local clients. After four years, he moved to become the Senior Sales Manager and award-winning Creative Designer at BBC Destination Management, a Global Events Partner, leading the DMC’s creative proposal writing and event designs. He has been a guest lecturer at area universities on event production, and a guest writer in nationwide industry publications. He has served on the Board of the New Orleans Chapter of the International Special Events Society for numerous years, including most recently as VP of Programs and Education, and as President. 

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Mark Tracy
Account Executive

Mark Tracy Account Executive

Mark Tracy has been involved in the Gulf South entertainment production industry for the last 30 years. Starting as a stagehand, he created Express Productions to fill the need for a New Orleans-based company that could operate and maintain a state-of-the-art lighting inventory serviced by highly motivated, experienced, professional event coordinators and technicians. Over the next 20 years, Express Productions would grow to be the region’s leading lighting provider, branching out into scenic and staging as well. Express Productions has been awarded Organization of the Year by the Fashion Group International for its contributions to state-of-the-art lighting and scenic design. 

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Whitney Hymel
Manager | Event Experiences

Whitney Hymel Manager | Event Experiences

After over a decade in the Events industry in New Orleans, Whitney has brought her considerable design and logistic talents to Solomon Group.  As the Meetings and Events Manager for BBC Destination Management, Whitney Hymel has worked with groups from around the world to deliver precise logistic coordination for an exceptionally discerning clientele. Previously as a meeting planner for the Louisiana State Bar Association, she planned and single handedly coordinated the annual attorney conference for a thousand regional attendees. Prior to that she planned a gamut of events ranging in scope and size both for the City of Kenner and for the Pontchartrain Convention Center. Additionally, she works tirelessly as the VP of Programs and Education for the International Special Event Society New Orleans Chapter. A graduate of The University of New Orleans with a BS in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration, she has dedicated her career to the events industry for the past 11 years and continues to prove that New Orleans is one of the trend setting cities throughout the world.

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Jonathan Tessero
Creative Director

Jonathan Tessero Creative Director

Jonathan Tessero doesn’t sport trendy glasses, the latest fashions, or a fake accent.  He doesn’t thrive on chaos or believe that creativity comes from disorder… or the ether.  In fact, if you spend more than ten minutes with Solomon Group’s Creative Director, Jonathan Tessero, you’ll discover that he isn’t what you’d expect a Creative Director to be… and you’ll be grateful for that.

A child piano prodigy, his training as a classical and show pianist built a meticulously structured creative process that has since given rise to an unusually diverse skill set. He has produced, performed, and conducted on Broadway, produced and conducted hundreds of hours of live and recorded music of nearly every major genre, and written and/or creative directed many of Solomon Group’s largest projects including the Stage Door Canteen documentary that plays daily in the National WWII Museum and the BCS 2012 Entergy building projection mapping installation. He has written two musicals, worked on one of the largest ad campaigns of the last decade, built two consulting methodologies, and published a growth strategy study profiling companies that were able to maintain high-levels of growth during and after the recession.

With the hand-selected creative team at Solomon Group, he continuously redefines the boundaries of what Solomon Group can achieve on each and every engagement. 

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Michael Kramer
Senior Designer

Michael Kramer Senior Designer

Michael Kramer is a TV, theatre and live event designer with a broad portfolio, including ESPN’s “SportsNation” (Emmy Nominated Production Design 2010), The Papal visit to Ground Zero, ESPN’s World Cup Studio 2010 – South Africa (Emmy Nominated Production Design 2011), Broadway on Broadway, The Golf Channel’s "Morning Drive," Comedy Central’s "Friday Night with Greg Giraldo," Nickelodeon’s "World Wide Fido Awards," and ABC’s "Winner’s Bracket.”

Michael is also the resident scenic designer at Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC). APAC credits include: "Ragtime" and "Children of Eden" (both New York Innovative Theatre Award winners for Outstanding Scenic Design 2009 & 2010), "A New Brain,” "Proof” and "Triumph of Love." Other NYC credits include "For the Love of Christ!" – 2009 NYC Fringe Festival, "Trails" - NYMF 2010 and "The Wake of Jamey Foster" – Connection Theatre Company. Regional credits include "Steel Magnolias" and "The Wedding Signer" – Le Petit Theatre New Orleans, and "The Miracle Worker" and "Evita" – Foothills Theatre Company.

A proud New Orleans native, Michael graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1997 and received an MFA in Scenic Design from Western Illinois University in 2001.

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Jeremy Engleman
Production Designer

Jeremy Engleman Production Designer

After graduating with a unique degree in Exhibition Design, Jeremy spent his first four professional years working his way up to Design Director at Go West Creative in Los Angeles.  Spearheading hundreds of stage set, environmental, retail, and broadcast set designs, he has also collaborated on production designs for a handful of independent films, as well as the Emmy nominated lifestyle program "My Generation" with Leeza Gibbons. In addition he has owned key roles on scenery and audio/visual production and project management with some of the event industry's best, including Los Angeles Plaza De Culturas y Artes' inaugural gala with Fox on the Run's Vanessa Gonzales in 2011.

Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge in modular and display systems and exhibition design to add even more to Solomon Group's already expansive scenic design and fabrication capabilities. He has grown accustomed to the detail of integrating dynamic A/V and lighting components as a large part of the design process as well.

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Dave Weber
Marketing Manager

Dave Weber Marketing Manager

A native of New Orleans, Dave has always been a fan of great storytelling.  He earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications from Loyola University New Orleans where he studied Broadcast Production and Marketing.  Dave began work at the legendary WWL-TV/CBS New Orleans in the Creative Services department where he produced television spots for the station's direct clients.  He went on to become the Senior Writer/Producer in the station's Promotions department, where he won his first Emmy for a broadcast documentary about Andrew Higgins.  He later co-founded Digital Bayou, which became one of the city's most trusted, turnkey media and video production resources.  While there, Dave created media content and marketing solutions for a variety of clients across multiple industries including tourism, hospitality, local government and non-profit.

Dave has earned over 20 industry awards for media production, was named one of New Orleans Magazine's "People to Watch," and regularly guest lectures at local universities.  He brings 20 years of writing, marketing, producing and client relations experience to Solomon's creative team.

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Diana Asmar
Graphic Designer

Diana Asmar Graphic Designer

Coming Soon!

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Matt Foucheaux
Senior Production Manager

Matt Foucheaux Senior Production Manager

Over the past 10 years, Matt has worked on productions throughout the South ranging from corporate events to national music tours. His adept manipulation of lighting and video design for any sized event have made him an invaluable asset to New Orleans-based producers, most recently the Solomon Group. The integration of these elements for programming and design, together with a highly imaginative and efficient work process, combine to make him a leader amongst few peers.

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Rob Kodadek
Production Manager

Rob Kodadek Production Manager

Coming Soon!

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Scott Beelman
Production Manager

Scott Beelman Production Manager

Scott Beelman began his career as the Technical Entertainment Supervisor for the late Six Flags New Orleans.  A fixture on the New Orleans music scene, Scott Beelman has contributed his talents over the last 12 years as a freelance audio engineer and studio designer for recording studios and post-production facilities. Scott has served as the studio designer and instructor of the Audio Engineering program at Delgado Community College, facilitating its growth over the last four years.   An active bass player in the New Orleans music scene, Scott can be found rocking out on stage, and often fixing live audio systems.

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Eddie McIntyre
Production Manager

Eddie McIntyre Production Manager

Ed McIntyre, a BFA/BA graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, continues to enjoy the food, music and culture of New Orleans introduced to him more than 25 years ago.  Ed collaborates, innovates, promotes and renovates with educational, community and the best professional individuals and groups in the entertainment industry, production and performance, nationally and internationally.   Eddiemac applies sales, lighting, sound, staging, design and production management / logistics experience to present rewarding challenges and solutions in the entertaining industry, and now, applies extensive production and performance experience to secure a solid foundation for the fantastic efforts of the Solomon Group.  Let’s have a ball!  Let’s put on a show! Let’s show ‘em what we’ve got!  Let the good times roll! 

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Jason Christiana
Production Supervisor

Jason Christiana Production Supervisor

A New Orleans native, Jason has worked locally in the live entertainment industry for the past decade with a primary focus on audio.  He has been involved in numerous concerts, festivals and corporate events over the years, including The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Voodoo Music Experience and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. 

With his passion for technology and drive to create memorable audience experiences, Jason found Solomon Group to be an ideal environment for furthering his career and expanding his knowledge.

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Jeff Fournier
Installation Manager

Jeff Fournier Installation Manager

Jeff has been working in Audio Visual / Systems Integration for 9 years.  He fell into the business by accident when a local AV company was looking for a carpenter they could train to be a systems installer.  He meshed well with his team members, and was quickly offered a full-time position.  His training led him to other opportunities, from  Rigging Coordinator for a hotel/convention facility with PSAV, to traveling for the Systems Integration team as a Tech 2 with AVI-SPL; working in Texas, California and Colorado.  When Jeff is not working, he spends most of his spare time with his four children and his wife.  He is active in the Home Brew culture and can be found on most weekends creating a new batch of homemade beer or wine. 

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Jay Taylor
Installation Supervisor

Jay Taylor Installation Supervisor

As one of the leading sound engineers in the region, Jay has made it his passion to keep track of the changing technology in sound reinforcement.  In his 15 years experience in the industry he has seen the change from analog consoles and stand alone processing, to digital work-flow and integrated devices with more power than we thought possible just a few years ago.  As a freelance sound engineer he has forged relationships with the most influential creative minds in the city and has come to be a trusted member of the design process.  Jay has a B.G.S. from Louisiana State University, with a minor in Theatre.  

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Tom Kraesig
Installation Foreman

Tom Kraesig Installation Foreman

For the past 15 years Tom has been the General Manager for a local Theatrical Lighting Company and has developed close relationships with all of the local theaters and other entertainment venues in the Greater New Orleans area including the New Orleans Convention Center and the Mahalia Jackson Theater. He has become known for his calm cool guidance and advice amidst the chaos that is theatre.
Prior to his GM position he worked for many years in the construction industry as a Foreman, Superintendent and Project Manager working on such projects as the renovations to the Federal Buildings in San Francisco and Boston. His experience in construction, expertise in the theatrical industry and the close relationships he has developed over  the last 15 years makes him a perfect fit into the Solomon Group family.

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Kevin Mellor
Finance Manager

Kevin Mellor Finance Manager

Kevin Mellor is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Louisiana, with several years of auditing and tax experience. He has joined the Solomon Group after working with a variety of clients while he was employed with one of the region's leading CPA firms. Kevin graduated from the University of New Orleans with Bachelors Degrees in Accounting, Finance, and Business Administration. Kevin is currently a member of the Young Leadership Council and a member of the LCPA, where he sits on the Young CPA's Committee, and actively volunteers in an initiative to financially educate the youth of New Orleans.

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Donna Dunn
Human Resources Manager

Donna Dunn Human Resources Manager

Coming Soon!

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Aaron Reuter
General Counsel

Aaron Reuter General Counsel

Aaron joins Solomon Group from Proskauer, where he was an associate in the Labor and Employment Department's Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation, and ERISA Litigation Practice Center.  At Proskauer, Aaron gained a wide range of experience advising corporate clients on a variety of legal issues.  Aaron moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane University, majoring in English with focus on Creative Writing.  He then attended Tulane University Law School, where he graduated cum laude and was a senior fellow in the Legal Research and Writing Program.  During law school, Aaron was a judicial extern for United States District Judge Helen G. Berrigan.  Active in the community, Aaron is an alumni of Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans, a program that inspires and educates young professionals to impact positive change in New Orleans.  

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Danielle Maggio
Production Coordinator

Danielle Maggio Production Coordinator

Danielle's passion for all things multimedia has brought her to Solomon Grou[p from an incredibly diverse spectrum of disciplines. A native New Orleanian, she recieved her undergrad degree at LSU in Business, Film, Media arts and History, and then recieved her Masters at Full Sail in Entertainment Business. While in Baton Rouge she managed a local radio station, choreographing broadcasting, promotions and events. She has worked as executive producer on a few television pilots filmed locally, and has now brought this experience in management of complex entertainment systems to her new position at Solomon Group.

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Thomas S. Meric III
Production Coordinator

Thomas S. Meric III Production Coordinator

A native New Orleanian and a recent graduate of Washington and Lee University, Thomas brings his organizational and analytical skills to the Solomon Group.  Thomas graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Economics and Theater and was heavily involved in life at W&L.  Thomas invested himself in theater and the performing arts by serving in such roles as lighting designer, electrician, director, stage manager, and sound mixer.  As an alumnus, he continues to dedicate himself to Washington and Lee by serving as a Class Agent volunteer.  One of Thomas’ many passions in life is sailing.  He, along with his racing team, competes across the country in high-level events throughout the year. 

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Elizabeth Lagarde
Executive Assistant

Elizabeth Lagarde Executive Assistant

Elizabeth is a native of Covington, La. and has been working in various communication roles over the last four years. She received her B.A. in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University in 2010. While in school, she worked as a digital media specialist at an award-winning design firm and as the promotions director for KLSU, LSU's student-run radio station. Following graduation, Elizabeth joined a Baton Rouge public relations and advertising firm as a jr. account executive, working with clients that included Louisiana's anti-litter nonprofit and Baton Rouge's newest luxury casino and hotel. She later relocated to New Orleans, assisting marketing operations at Rehage Entertainment before joining the Solomon Group.

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Katherine Quayhagen
Administrative Assistant

Katherine Quayhagen Administrative Assistant

Katherine is a native of Alexandria, Louisiana, but has called New Orleans home for many years now. She recently returned from two-and-a-half years of Peace Corps service as a Small Business Advisor in rural Madagascar where she worked closely with an organization of silk weavers - marketing their products abroad and instilling basic business skills in its members.  Before departing, Katherine received her B.S. in Marketing and B.A. in Asian Studies from Tulane University while holding a New Business internship with Keating Magee Advertising firm. Following graduation, she has held various positions in the New Orleans area including work with Proskauer and the Neill Corporation. Katherine speaks several languages including Malagasy, French, and Mandarin.

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Josh Palmer
Fabrication Manager

Josh Palmer Fabrication Manager

Joshua Palmer has been working as a Technical Director, Production Designer and Technician at various theatre's in New Orleans since 2001 including the Saenger Theatre, Mahalia Jackson Theatre and Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre.  In addition to his work in New Orleans he has also been a part of theatrical teams in New York, Miami and Maine.  He is the Production Designer of Wine Lovers The Musical currently appearing on Norwegian Cruise Line and on National Tour.  

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Anthony Cerrato
Fabrication Technical Director

Anthony Cerrato Fabrication Technical Director

Anthony Cerrato is a recent transplant to New Orleans from New York City where he lived and worked for the last 11 years.  While in New York, Anthony worked as a freelancer in many different facets of theatrical and event production including producer roles, production management, technical direction, and stage management.  He feels lucky to have worked with some of the greatest artists in the theatre today including Richard Foreman, Phillip Glass, Andrei Serban, Dmitry Krymov, and Mikhail Baryshnikov, among numerous others.   Anthony has engineered scenery and built sets for companies in New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Charlotte as well as managing and installing touring productions in well over 50 cities worldwide. 

Anthony is excited about bringing his talents and his passion for creative storytelling to the Solomon Group and to New Orleans.  He and his wife, Susanna, a fifth grade teacher at Akili Elementary, are both overjoyed to be calling this great American city home.  

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Dan Krall
Master Carpenter

Dan Krall Master Carpenter

Dan has been working in the world of theatre and live events for the past 9 years.  He has been a carpenter at Capital Repertory Theater and Lake George Opera Festival, Technical Directer of StageWorks Theater on the Hudson, Master Carpenter and ATD at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, and has worked in both lighting and scenic at Le Petit Theatre.  Dan has worked countless hours over the last few years with both Express Productions and the Solomon Group, from one-off events to Champions Square and the Katrina & Beyond Museum Exhibit, and is thrilled to be a part of a great team. 

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Nate Ogdahl
Head Draftsman

Nate Ogdahl Head Draftsman

A New Orleans newcomer with a diverse background, Nate holds a BFA in Animation from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and a MLA from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF). He spent the last decade designing, managing, and installing residential and high-end rooftop gardens in New York and has supported the green infrastructure and stormwater management plan for New Orleans with FutureProof. Concerned with creating designs that are as functional as they are aesthetically distinct, Nate is excited to bring his skills and energy to the Solomon Group.

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Andy Smith
Logistics/Crew Coordinator

Andy Smith Logistics/Crew Coordinator

Andy purchased a PA system at 14 to DJ friends' parties, and never looked back. Since then he has worked alongside some of the greatest lighting, audio, video and scenic designers in nearly every venue in the New Orleans area. His ever expanding skills led him to the entertainment department at Six Flags New Orleans and Le Petit Theatre.

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Ray Daniels
Logistics & Operations

Ray Daniels Logistics & Operations

Ray Daniels is a proud veteran of the US Army who earned many medals and honors while serving the country, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. During his decorated tenure, Ray was elevated to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was responsible for the leadership and development of enlisted soldiers in his charge. Since his military service, Ray has worked in a number of capacities while utelizing his skill as an independantly contracted Commercial Truck Driver, logging over 700,000 safe miles. He served as Operations Manager for Waste Management and was responsible for a fleet of over 65 trucks, drivers and hoppers in 7 Parishes of Southeast Louisiana. Before coming to Solomon Group, Ray successfully served for 20 years as either Support Services Manager or Site Manager for almost every major music festival in New Orleans as well as others throughout the United States.

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Collin Jilbert
Warehouse Supervisor

Collin Jilbert Warehouse Supervisor

Developing a heavy passion for music early on, there was no doubt that Collin would end up in the industry in more than one way. From early elementary and high school bands, to present day projects, Collin is showing no signs of slowing with playing music. After high school, Collin attended Delgado to study audio engineering, where he studied under another SG team member, Scott Beelman. After graduating, Collin worked as a monitor engineer and FOH engineer for a local act. In between working gigs with that local band, Collin was a freelance recording engineer, recording several demos and albums for local bands around the New Orleans area.

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TJ Montalbano
Warehouse Operations

TJ Montalbano Warehouse Operations

TJ has been involved in the production industry for nearly a decade. Starting as far back as high school, TJ was involved in the local music scene that more than sparked his interest in the "behind the scenes" of live productions. Working for friends and other companies such as Mardi Gras Productions has kept that interest alive to this day.

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