Dave Kistler started Equalized Productions in 1999 after finding passion in music theater and tech theater. Over the years, Dave has toured with regional bands, had a recording studio, a music lesson studio, and provided home theater services. Currently, Equalized Productions has a commercial audio-video integration division as well as a live event production division. After originally establishing a brick-and-mortar presence in Englewood, the team had the opportunity to move to Arvada in 2021.
“Arvada is where we live and raise our family and it felt right to bring our business closer to home,” said co-owner Liz Kistler.
How did you get started in this industry? What do you find rewarding about this career?
Dave has been involved with technical theater since primary school. He has always found buttons, knobs, and dials fascinating and has channeled that passion into a successful career. For both Dave and Liz, seeing the finished product is the best reward. Whether it is a fully commissioned commercial system that will be enjoyed for years to come, or watching a concert/festival come together seamlessly, we both enjoy providing end results to our clients and ultimately those who benefit from our services.
What is unique about your services?
We offer commercial AV design, sales, installation, and integration for all manner of spaces – House of Worship, education, restaurant, amusement, conference center, and more. Our live event production division offers staging, lighting, sound system support, staffing, talent booking, corporate events, and more. Our sales and service approach is designed to meet our client’s budget while still providing an experience that is above expectation. We pride ourselves on being easy to work with and dependable.
How big is your team? Any recent changes or successes to highlight with your staff?
We have 7 full-time employees, 3 part-time employees, and several on-call folks we work with. We are hiring! We have multiple positions open including an admin role, an integrator role, and a director role.
What advice would you give a new business or entrepreneur in Arvada?
My dad (Liz) told me once that he knows how hard we worked hard for our good luck. I like to think what he meant by that is that when things go our way, we work hard, and when things don’t go our way, we work hard. It’s taken me a long time to understand that owning a business is always difficult, and it’s always going to be no matter how many breaks we get or how much luck we work into. The people we work with and collaborate with are what make it so we can continue to run when we stumble and they will always be our greatest asset.
What notable changes have occurred in your industry since you started or even recently?
The last 3 years have been a huge challenge for the supply chain. Getting gear in used to be a matter of a week or two versus up to two years on some items now. We are starting to see a little light at the end of the tunnel and some easing up on product availability and fulfillment.
What are some misconceptions about your work / industry?
A barista asked me recently what I do while I was waiting for my coffee order. I told her. She asked excitedly “Oh, are you on Taylor Swift’s Era’s tour?” I think people hear concerts / festivals and immediately go to gigantic tours forgetting about all of the fantastic local events right in our backyard like the Taste of Arvada or Olde Town’s Second Saturday Festivals.
What is your favorite business book, podcast or news resource?
We really enjoy the content from Tommy Spaulding’s “The Gift of Influence.”
What have you found most valuable about being a member of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce?
The leads! When I look back on how our business has grown since joining the Chamber it’s incredible how many clients we have because of Chamber connections. We can directly attribute many long-term clients to our Chamber membership and the referrals and recommendations they have provided over the years.
Equalized Productions
5529 Gray St, Arvada, CO 80002
(720) 639-6571
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