Careers at VLS | Rental Manager

We sat down with Carly Conroy, our Rental Manager in Pittsburgh, to learn more about her role, how she became interested in the live entertainment industry and how it led her to become a rental manager!

Rental managers play an integral role in the success of VLS; with their keen attention to detail skills, industry background, and a deep understanding of the elements and ins and outs of a successful live event or production, our success would not be possible without them.

The specific requirements of our production customers are always fulfilled by our rental managers. At VLS, when you rent our equipment for your upcoming production, you can rest assured that your rental and production team at VLS understands your unique needs to provide you with the best rentals to fit your needs.

An interview with Rental Manager, Carly Conroy

Carly is the Rental Manager in our Pittsburgh office, where she is responsible for managing equipment, billing, processing payroll and provides hands-on production work.

Carly holds a Bachelor of Science and an Associate of Arts degrees in Commercial Music Technology from the California University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to her current role, Carly worked part-time for VLS since June, 2018 and starting full-time in August 2019 as the Rental Administrator in our Pittsburgh office, putting her lighting experience to work in our production department. She also gained lighting experience thru shows at the California University of Pennsylvania as well as working as a stagehand for IATSE Local 3.

Q:

What inspired you to start your career in the live entertainment industry?

A:

I have been going to concerts and musicals my whole life and I always knew I wanted to be a part of what I was in awe of up on stage. I pursued a Music Technology degree at California University of Pennsylvania which had several lighting classes. I fell in love with that class instantly and developed a great relationship with my teacher. She helped me get on the over hire list for the local stagehand union and set me up with a board op job at a local theater and that is where I met the VLS crew! VLS was providing the lights and had one of the most fun board operating experiences to date. After chatting with the crew, I knew I had to be part of the team!

Q:

What are the ways that VLS helps support your career goals and encourages you to be your best?

A:

VLS gave me several opportunities to show my knowledge and hard work ethic on productions as a freelancer and eventually working my way up to a full-time position. I have had the opportunity to receive training on fixtures, console programming, and fork-lift certifications to help further my knowledge.

Q:

Any recommendations for students, or those interested in the live entertainment industry?

A:

For those interested in the live entertainment industry I would recommend networking with other people already in the industry. I have encountered so many friendly people who are always willing to help you get started. A local stagehand union is a great way to learn if you can get on the list!

Q:

What is your favorite part of the job?

A:

My favorite part of this job is being able to provide gear to people who are making beautiful art. VLS provides a fun and safe working environment to accomplish all our tasks and goals within the company.

Q:

What do you love most about being a Rental Manager?

A:

I love being able to provide lighting equipment to all the events going on in and around the area. Its fun hearing the excitement the customer has when talking about the show that their rental is for. It makes me feel like I am part of it as well! And anytime I am out attending events for fun, I get excited seeing the VLS gear in action!

Q:

What is the greatest challenge that arises from being a Rental Manager?

A:

The greatest challenge is combing through four warehouses of equipment and transferring thousands of pounds of gear weekly. It gets very tedious during the extra busy months making sure everything gets to the right place and gear does not get overbooked. We have a great team that helps make it all happen!