One-on-One with Stéphane Gressier
Posted on November 8, 2012Stéphane Gressier is the international sales director at Chauvet and has been a member of the team for almost two years. Read on and get to know a little bit about him.
1. Where are you from?
This is a question I always struggle to respond quickly to. Here is a synopsis: I was born in France, but my first home was Vietnam for 7 years, France for 2 years, Jordan for 2 years, France for 3 years, Venezuela for 7 years, Brazil for 2 years and now the United States where I have established roots between Los Angeles and Miami with my wife and children for the past 21 years.
2. Why Chauvet?
I got to know Chauvet because I purchased a Scorpion Storm FX laser from Guitar Center a few years back. Having been an amateur DJ in my college days, I always kept an interest in sound and lighting trends by doing some gigs here and there. All this changed when I was given the opportunity to interview with Albert Chauvet in late 2010 and got a glimpse of what Chauvet was about. From then on, I felt I was hit by lighting and the story is still unfolding. I have to say this about Chauvet — the incredible talent our people bring together, along with the drive to succeed, fosters a working environment that feels like a family. We all watch out for one another with the ultimate goal of delivering the best product and support that money can buy to our beloved customers and end users.
3. Where did you work prior to joining the Chauvet team?
I am the former general manager of the U.S. business unit of a Spanish flooring and roofing manufacturer with factories in Spain, the United States and Central and South America.
4. Favorite food?
Vietnamese cuisine — hands down. However, I enjoy the foods of all the countries I have had the opportunity to visit.
5. Favorite type of music?
Any music that generates all types of emotions, whether it’s salsa or merengue when I have a hitch in the hips, movie soundtracks or any modern dancing music.
6. Favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spend time with my family, photography and motorcycling.
7. What is one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?
People are always surprised to learn that I am Eurasian because it physically does not show. However, if they were to meet any of my late grandmothers, they would say, “WOW!”
8. A show without lights is like…
A show without lights is like hearing without seeing.