New Team Member Announcement

New Team Member Announcement

SoundPro is proud to welcome an exceptional group of new team members who have joined us over the past few months as we continue to grow and strengthen our organization. They all bring their own unique experience, fresh perspective, and a shared commitment to excellence that helps drive SoundPro to be the best that it can be.

 

We are excited to introduce:

• Blake Contreras, SEO and Content Specialist

• Lauren Lofton, eCommerce Product Merchandiser

• Lauren Pricer, Marketing Production Assistant

• Philip McKinzey, Business Development Representative

Philip’s recent onboarding brings 30+ years of technical sales experience in Account Management, Leadership and New Business Development to the Soundpro team. His background spans Telecom, Networking, MI Retail, AVL and Audio Engineering. He has been involved in music from an early age, eventually performing and working as a full-time guitarist, singer and songwriter.

Throughout his sales career, Philip has carried a single focus, sometimes saying, “Customer Service, make that Job One and the rest will take care of itself.” Before joining SP, Philip was with Calzone/Anvil Case Co. He also spent 10 years with Sam Ash Music Company in Dallas, managing their Pro Audio Department, Guitar Department and Learning Center. When not at work, he loves spending time with family and sailing his boat.

 



• Price Thomas, Returns and Customer Experience Specialist

I came to Sound Pro from Proaudio.com. I started working at Proaudio.com when it was the Crouse-Kimzey Co. in 1998. I was the purchasing manager for most of that time. After 27 years there, Sound Pro acquired them in October of 2025. They then hired me on to handle returns and now have me doing that plus purchasing as a buyer.

 

 

• Kara Solmonson, Senior AP Specialist

I worked for ProAudio.com for 21 years starting as their receptionist then moving on to web sales before landing in their Accounting Dept. That is where my love of accounting started. Glad to still be in the same great industry and to be a part of the Accounting team at SoundPro. I’m excited to be learning new skills here.

 

• Neo Nesich, IT Support Specialist

I’m a technically driven and highly adaptable professional with hands-on experience supporting fast-paced operations, troubleshooting complex issues, and delivering strong customer focused service. Throughout my career, I’ve built a reputation for reliability, problem solving, and being the person teams can count on to diagnose challenges, keep workflows moving, and communicate clearly with both customers and colleagues.

My background includes extensive technical troubleshooting, working with hardware and software systems, supporting production environments, and stepping into whatever role is needed to keep operations running smoothly. I learn new tools, systems, and processes quickly, and I work well under pressure while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

I thrive in roles that blend technical skill with customer interaction whether that’s helping customers understand service needs, supporting technicians with accurate information, or providing clear and confident communication in a sales or advisory environment. My approach is simple: show up, work hard, stay dependable, and solve problems with the right attitude.

I’m now looking to continue growing in a role where I can use my technical strengths, customer service skills, and hands on mindset especially in automotive service, tech/apprentice pathways, diagnostics, or customer experience roles. I’m driven, adaptable, and ready to contribute to a team that values efficiency, integrity, and quality service.

 

• Chris Hill, Buyer

With nearly 20 years in the music industry, Christopher “Chill” Hill has built a career as a professional drummer, producer, and studio engineer. Having toured extensively throughout the US and Europe, he developed a strong foundation in live performance and adaptability. Blending technical proficiency with creative instinct, Chill is passionate about his contribution to the music industry as a whole.


• David Brown, Sales Operations Manager

David Brown brings a unique blend of manufacturer-side leadership and channel expertise to Sound Productions, where he serves as Sales Operations Manager. He most recently held the role of Vice President of Sales at AMI, representing leading professional AV brands and driving growth across the TOLA region through strategic partnerships with integrators, consultants, and distribution networks.

His career spans the full AV ecosystem, including early experience in retail with Guitar Center, integration roles with All Pro Integrated Systems, and leadership positions with Apple Inc., where he developed a strong foundation in customer experience and team development.
Known for bridging the gap between manufacturers and the field, David is focused on optimizing the sales engine at Sound Productions—enhancing performance, refining processes, and driving scalable growth.

• Barry Pike, Account Manager

• Tim LaPrade, Account Manager


At SoundPro, what makes us strong is our people. From customer experience and marketing to operations, finance, IT, sales, and purchasing, everyone plays an important role in what we do every day. It is that collaboration that allows us to deliver the level of service and quality our customers count on.

 Bringing on this talented group marks an exciting step forward. Their contributions will help us continue to grow, better serve our customers, and reinforce the collaborative culture that makes SoundPro such a great place to work.

 We are thrilled to have each of them on board and look forward to the impact they will make as part of the SoundPro team. Together, we continue to build something great.

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