MPI MN Supplier Profile: Mike Zeiter

Tell us about your business and your current job. 

Regarding our business, I love this comment made by our Production Manager Steve Brown. I’m paraphrasing, so I hope I do it justice.  He frequently says, “…you know, when you walk into a live event or corporate meeting, you see all the amazing lighting & video and you hear the crystal-clear sound and you wonder who does all of this.  Well… we do, this is what we do at Heroic Productions, we transform venues so our customers can tell their stories to their audiences”.  

Heroic Productions was founded in the year 2003 by Jon Young.  At the time, Jon led a band named Temporary Heroes.  He and the band experienced the ups and downs of using equipment owned by others that would breakdown frequently.  Jon quickly determined he needed to own the equipment to maintain his quality standards.  He also realized the equipment could be repurposed for others instead of sitting idle between gigs.  The spirit of an entrepreneur kicked-in and Jon began renting and managing the gear.  It started with bands and quickly expanded into other live events.  Today, Jon is the CEO of Heroic Productions.
My specific role is to develop new business opportunities through new sales and building new strategic alliances.  It is also in my scope of responsibility to maintain and expand our existing base of sales. 

What do you hope to gain from your MPI Membership?  

I hope to gain a number of things, but two goals standout.  First, to develop new personal and professional skills that help establish long lasting relationships with MPI members.  And, second, to create a platform of awareness that promotes Heroic’s value driven expertise.

If there was only one thing a potential customer could remember about your company, what would that be?  

The value of partnering with Heroic Productions is not derived solely from sound, lighting, and video equipment.  Rather, it’s the people, the trust, the expertise, and the culture of this great family of professionals that makes it so great to partner with.

What one piece of advice would you give to a new supplier joining the MPI network?  
Being new to MPI, I’m looking for this advice myself.  But, since you asked, I think that it really comes down to people helping people.  I believe everyone choosing to stay in this business does so because it gets in their blood.  It becomes a passion and we stay with it because we love it!  So, accept your passion, partner with those that display their passion too, then give it your best shot!

What has been the best piece of advice you have been given, and how has it made a difference in your life - personally or professionally?  

I was a Building Maintenance Assistant back in my college days.  It was a part time job and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.  I’m not naturally mechanical, things were breaking down every day and of course they needed to be fixed. 
 
I felt a bit out of place and I told my manager I wasn’t right for the job. He said, very simply & clearly, “…don’t underestimate yourself, this really isn’t very difficult.  Sometimes you need to tear something apart to understand how it can be fixed, start by taking that motor apart piece by piece and you’ll be surprised with what you learn”.  I never did fix the motor, but I’ve taken that advice with me through life. Take it apart, determine the challenge, strategize the fix and put it back together.  It might seem basic, but the approach and description stayed with me, it’s great advice for managing challenges both personally and professionally.

What are some of your favorite pastime activities?

My absolute favorite thing in the world is to trek along Lake Superior’s North Shore during the Autumn months.  During this time each year, my family & I enjoy a trip to Grand Marais in the Arrowhead region of Northern Minnesota.  We take four days to hike, climb and explore glacier cut trails in search of waterfalls, cascades, autumn colors, wildlife, and serenity.  Additionally, I love all types of music and all sorts of sports.  I play softball in the summer and enjoy traveling anywhere, everywhere.  And, of course, I love spending time with family.