HB Sound and Light stages success from Grand Forks

"People tell us they see our trucks everywhere," says Jamie Lunski, president of HB Sound & Light in Grand Forks.

That's because the multi-faceted enterprise Lunski started nearly 20 years ago can do a lot of things. Whether it is helping clients put on a conference, a concert, a visiting dignitary's speech, a marathon or even a wedding, HB has a flair for staging events.

"So many people recognize the HB logo but don't really know about all the products and services we offer," said Kristen Abner, marketing coordinator.

Installing home theaters, integrated video and audio and security systems has been a core part of HB's business all along. And for the past eight years, they've responded to a growing demand for smart homes and businesses.

HB works with residential clients to customize home technology systems and the possibilities are endless, they say. Imagine watching a home movie and, with the click of a single button, the DVD player and surround sound speakers will turn on while the room lights dim and window shades lower.

Have a vacation home? HB can set up a system so you can activate or monitor heating and cooling or the security system at your lake home while in Grand Forks. Water and carbon monoxide sensors can be installed that will notify you if there is an issue while you're away -- all done through a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer.

Home security systems are becoming an increasingly popular installation for HB, officials said. They can range from video monitoring, keyless entry systems to door alarms. This type of system, Abner says, is particularly helpful for parents who want to ensure children arrive at home safely after school.

HB Sound & Light prides itself in providing custom solutions for its customers, Lunski said. "There's no cookie cutter," Lunski said. HB works closely with homeowners, he said, to create systems that match their lifestyle and needs and to simplify the way those systems are accessed.

Abner says while many of their smart home installations occur with new constructions, there are many ways to integrate new technologies into older houses, as well.

Not unlike the demands for smart homes, new technologies are becoming more sophisticated in business settings, as well. Lunski's team installs everything from video projectors in conference rooms to smart boards in classrooms. They have worked in area schools to wire systems that boost sound for children with hearing impairments and have installed sound systems in numerous area churches.

That's entertainment

Lunski and his crews travel throughout the tri-state region to rig lights and sound for numerous events. They work with local venues such as the Alerus Center, Ralph Engelstad Arena and UND's Gorecki Alumni Center. They've done work for the Bismarck Civic Center and SkyDancer Casino in Belcourt, N.D., as well as working such well-known events as the Fargo Marathon, RibFest and WeFest.

Working big events sometimes means working with big names. HB staff may meet, or pass in the hallway or walkway, celebrities such as Steve Martin, George Strait and Britney Spears. But you won't see a wall of fame in HB's office. Lunski says he has a "no autographs" policy. "We're there to do a job, just like they are," he said.

Lunski says while all events they work on have unique elements, managing the logistics of rigging three stages with sound and lights in four hours for President Bill Clinton's return visit to Grand Forks last year was one of the company's more challenging successes.

The company takes great pride, he said, in designing and producing corporate events for companies and organizations. HB Sound & Light also rents out equipment for events that customers set up and run -- everything from portable speakers and microphones, projectors and screens. "Even megaphones for the occasional protester," Lunksi said. And when musicians come into the region for concerts, there's a good chance the instruments they're playing on stage have been supplied by HB.

Moving ahead

Lunski says HB has enjoyed steady growth over the years, attributing that to customer service and quality work.

They soon will move into a new, larger Grand Forks location, allowing them to further expand services. HB employs 315 full- and part-time workers throughout North Dakota. They have already added four new employees because of the expansion and will continue to add additional staff as the business grows, Lunski said.

They are receiving support for their expansion from the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp. and the city of Grand Forks.

"The assistance we are receiving is helping us be in a better position to serve the area as we grow," Lunski said. "The community here is strong and very supportive of us."

They will begin offering community classes that may include topics suchas running sound systems in churches. Topics, they say, will evolve from client input and requests.

The new downtown location also will provide more showroom space to display lighting and sound systems they can bring to customers. And they've added space to support equipment repairs, which has become an increasingly busy side of their business.

Cooper, Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp's marketing and communications associate, profiles an EDC business member or client company monthly. The EDC provides access to resources to help primary sector businesses expand or develop in the Grand Forks region. Learn more at www.grandforks.org ..