Gary Wrasse originally hails from Southern California, where he worked at a Pasadena A/V dealer for 9 years. Even having grown up there, though, he eventually became weary of the crowded life on the left coast. His wife is from Colorado Springs originally, so he began to look into opportunities there.

“I did a little research on ListenUp and found out how highly regarded it is within the industry, and I had a good feeling when I came out here to interview. Then when I saw the store in downtown Colorado Springs, I thought it was just beautiful. The place I worked for in Pasadena was pretty nice, but it was in a strip mall, so it could only be so nice, you know?”

Gary was the store manager for several years, but now he’s back to doing what he really loves — dealing with customers.

“I enjoy the whole process of putting together high-end systems. I’m working on a big job right now that involves distributed audio and HD video, Crestron control, Lutron lighting, and a dedicated home theater with Rives acoustical treatments. The clients are great, I get to work with a nationally recognized architect, and I have all kinds of support from our engineering and custom departments up in Denver as well as our installation staff down here. It’s the type of job that really makes me feel like I’m in the right place.”

And he doesn’t have to co-exist with 10 million other people, either.