Vari-Lite has hired Todd Kessler to oversee additional growth and development of the company's product training program. Expansion of the program will help ensure that the market is staffed with qualified technicians and will allow authorized VARI*LITE dealers to provide greater product support for end users. The position was created based on the tremendous increase in demand for VARI*LITE® fixtures following the recent introduction of four new VARI*LITE Series 3000(tm) and Series 2000(tm) luminaires.
Kessler, who is fully trained on all Series 1000(tm), Series 2000 and Series 3000 luminaires, has nearly a decade of experience with VARI*LITE products. He joins Vari-Lite from PRG, where he was shop manager for the Orlando rental office. At PRG, and previously VLPS Lighting Services, Kessler trained all incoming employees on the use and maintenance of the rental inventory. He also supervised all equipment preparation and repair and played an active role in providing technical support for customers and end users.
"The number of VARI*LITE fixtures in use in the industry has been growing at a tremendous pace for the past two years since the introduction of the VL3000(tm) spot and wash fixtures," said Vari-Lite customer service manager Julie Smith. "We've gotten so caught up in producing lights just to keep up with the demand that we've fallen behind a bit on training. Todd is being brought in to provide certified training and also to oversee the future growth and expansion of the program as it is needed."
By having certified VARI*LITE technicians in more locations worldwide, Vari-Lite and its dealers can provide prompt, convenient, and qualified service to its end users.
Anyone with questions about the upcoming schedule, curriculum, or other details regarding the Vari-Lite product training classes can contact Kessler at tkessler@genlyte.com or Smith at jsmith@genlyte.com. Or they can call 214.647.7880. Information can also be found on the Vari-Lite website at www.vari-lite.com under the "Support" section.