In the beginning, God created Heaven and Earth. The Earth was without form and void and darkness fell upon the face of the deep. 30 years ago, Emmanuel Ziino said let there be lights and there were lights … hundreds and hundreds of the bastard things everywhere wobbling and flashing and sucking money out of our pockets like MSD-powered vacuum cleaners. Martin scanners with their bizarre protocols, the Par Can killers, Claypaky lights that weighed more than four men and a crane could lift, ADJ wobblers that gyrated and suffered from drooping balls, DJ EZ sold them all.
Fast forward a couple of years ago or so and the world truly changed. Martin took control of the lighting universe and MAC600 and MAC500 ruled the rider. Emmanuel had the vision at this time to create the Martin Dealer Network, which really changed the way business was done for many of us and shifted Show Technology to the #1 position in Australian distribution (where they have remained ever since). Emmanuel invested huge amounts of support and Italian food into his dealers as he truly moved Show Technology from DJ World to the developing Concert Land.
At a huge cost, EZ held product launches and dealer conferences where we were all genuinely impressed with the latest technology, where networking was organic and where the friendships that underpin so many relationships to this day were formed. I especially remember the launch of the MAC500 at Castle Hill, Jesus Christ Superstar, all the hype and buzz and the business opportunity it represented for all of us. It was an exciting time to be at a production company.
As I reflect on the last (nearly) 30 years in this industry I can honestly say I have been in business with someone who I hold in the highest regard. For better and for worse (and for better again), EZ has stuck by me. His support for my ventures has led IJS Productions to where we are today, with hundreds and hundreds of bastard lights, but also with rich friendship, cooperative partnership and continuing business success.
Show Technology is THE Gold Standard of Lighting Wholesalers thanks to the products they represent, the people they employ, and especially, the persistent leadership of Emmanuel. It is no small feat in the competitive world of wholesale to hold the same products for 30 years, to still have original staff and despite all your success, to still be the same approachable and generous man you were at the beginning.
Cheers to 30 great years EZ and here’s to the next chapter, whatever that looks like (as long as we eat Italian, all will be right with the world)
PS: I will never order the salmon.