Most success stories speak of zeal, but Gild had an added advantage when starting his business in 1995 and officially creating Hirezone in 1998. Qualified as a Chartered Secretary he could avoid several knocks and bruises new companies tend to face; practical minded, he rarely makes emotional purchases.
Looking back to the eighties, Gild found himself fresh out of the army, and although having a CIS qualification, he was unable to find work. "A friend of mine worked in the AV Industry and they dealt with schools. I started repping for them, but soon went on my own," Gild explains.
He started a sales company, providing data projectors for corporate events. "But people wanted to rent them as they were very expensive. A 400 Ansi Lumen would cost R50 000," remembers Gild. The rental company took off, laptops to rent included. "With a picture you needed sound, so we supplied PA Systems," he said. Lighting was the slowest to take shape. "We were always known as an AV company," said Gild. "I can't remember which year it was, but I bought four MAC 250+s. There was no Robe at the time."
Over the years, Hirezone has built up a relationship with lighting supplier DWR Distribution. While Gild personally prefers sound and AV technology, his lighting and stage gear list includes an Avolites Pearl Tiger Touch Prolyte trussing, Le Maitre Hazers and consumables like clamps and DMX cables.
Hirezone's big break came with their first International Aids Conference held in Durban in 2000. This propelled them forward and they have never looked back.
During 2013, the Hirezone team supplied the technical for Fact Durban Rocks, hosted at the People's Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium. Artists included Black Coffee, Khuli Chana, BIG NUZ, DJ Tira, Mafikizolo, DJ Cndo, DJ Fisherman, Lvovo, BHAR, Mahoota vs Vetkuk, Shimza, Zakwe, Sphectacula & Naves, King Sfiso, Bhashkar and more.
The rig, with Adrian du Preez creating the lighting design, included eight Robin 600 E Spots, six Robin 600 Beam, 12 x Robin 100 LED Beam, eight Martin Mac401 Wash, four Philips Selecon 800 Watt SPX 15° - 35°, four 8 Way Blinders, four Martin Atomic Strobes, an Avolites Tiger Touch and an AVO Cube. The PA was a D&B Audio V Series. The show incorporated 66 x LED Panels.
"It's an awesome venue," said Gild. "The client was very excited. I am always anxious with shows, but when you do the drawings and it all comes together it's really tremendous." He teasingly adds, "My crew is as good as their boss. Many of them have been with me for a long time. I also feel that infrastructure is important."
Another highlight was when Kilowatt AV asked Hirezone to assist them with the Skyy Vodka Elevated Experience. "This was an awesome design, held on the top of a grandstand at the Moses Mabhida Stadium," said Gild. "Dillon Jearey from Kilowatt AV gave us the drawing and specs, which included a 3D render and visualisation."
(Jim Evans)
