Recently relocated to an enlarged 25,000sq.ft facility - a measure of RZI Lighting's own success - CEO Ray Ziegler expects to continue adding impression heads to the inventory.
"The new equipment from GLP is really very exciting," he says. "The X4 has some great features including pixel chases and a fantastic look on stage, the colors are really saturated and the effects are easy to make with a simple console. But it's best part is that it's a fixture I can make money on - and that's what I like most."
Volkslichts also fit RZI's business model and offer the same favorable ROI. "We own around 50 now and they just simply work - there are no repairs and very little to maintain. They are small and compact, and as a result we rent them to the masses who love the output for very little expense."
And GLP has supported the company every step of the way. "It started when Dusty Hudgins and Mark Ravenhill showed up and gave us support for our open house and resale events. Now, when I need parts or support Carl Wake is really easy to get on the phone. They are all good guys and very sharp. It's nice working with them because they are there at midnight when I call with an issue."
Ziegler says he could never have imagined running a lighting business on a large piece of real estate that would allow him to hang an entire rig alongside a decent sized prep area. Reflecting on his previous life he says, "I remember returning from a large stadium tour, and my girlfriend at the time said she was going to throw all the stuff out I had stored in her house unless I came off the road.
"I knew I would not last long in New Orleans unless I found something different to do. Since I knew about lights I figured I would buy some and rent them out."
(Jim Evans)
