Sander had been on the road for 12 years with another production company when he joined Bandit Lites' staff in 1992 as the warehouse manager. From there he evolved from developing an inventory system to general manager. Today he has settled into his position as a client representative.
After amassing memories that include Aerosmith, Garth Brooks, Queen and ZZ Top, Sander is quick to quote the old saying, "Find a job you like and you will never work a day in your life."
"After 20 years, I feel like I'm just getting started, as every year brings on new relationships and challenges," said Sander. "But that's the best part of working at Bandit: We are one big family, and we take care of each other."
"JR Sander is a phenomenal team member and a great friend," said Bandit chair, Michael Strickland. "JR and I have known one another 25 years, and he is such a positive influence in business, and in life, that he affects everyone he comes into contact with. Once you have worked with JR, you look forward to the next job. I look forward to 20 more great years with JR."
In 1982, Hoover was working as a sound technician with rock band Point Blank when he crossed paths with Blackfoot's business-savvy lighting designer, Michael Strickland, and was struck by his professional attitude in a rock and roll environment.
"He was a business man in a business where there were no business men," said Hoover. "We had chosen this career, and we have had alike goals ever since."
(Jim Evans)
