Meet The Team
We educate our clients, communicate clearly, never oversell, and deliver consistent, efficient service every step of the way.
An above-and-beyond client experience
Jennifer O'Neal
CEO & Co-Founder
She/Her
Industry experience: 25 years
Coffee order: I usually drink tea but if I order coffee, it's blended and filled with sugar, caramel, and whipped cream and could also be poured in a pie shell and served as dessert.
AV story: I've been with Live Oak AV since the idea was first hatched in 1999 in our tiny apartment in West Seattle. Having a background in business management and marketing helped me provide a solid foundation for the company. Additionally, I spent several years in development at nonprofit organizations so I have a deep understanding of nonprofit fundraising.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Brandi Carlile! (+ Phil, Tim, and Josh...if ya know, ya know). Not only are they amazing musicians, but they are kind, community-minded, and look like a lot of fun to hang out with.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Going to estate sales! We have a fabulous estate sale/thrift culture in Seattle and you can find unique, high-quality items plus it saves them from going to the landfill.
David O'Neal
Chief AV Officer & Co-Founder
He/Him
Industry experience: 30 years
Coffee order: 16oz drip with two raw sugars and cream.
AV story: I took a job at the Westin Seattle in 1995 without any AV experience. I worked there for two years and then two years with the AV Factory. Afterward, we decided to start Live Oak AV.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? David Bowie...because he's David Bowie.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Going to a Mariner's game.
Diesel Marie
Employee Morale Officers
Dog/GoodBoi
Industry experience: I've been chewing up cables since Dec 2018.
Coffee order: Puppaccino, obviously.
AV story: I protect our hoomans by barking at everything and being fierce (but also loving when they need snuggles).
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Dug from Up, we're a lot alike.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Drive around on a sunny day with my head out the window. Woof!
Donna Marie
HR & Emotional Support Officer
A-WOO/BabyGirl
Industry experience: 10 years
Coffee order: Anything in Mommy's cupholder.
AV story: I joined the team in 2013 as a new graduate from Cable Chewing College and specialize in spreading joy as well as coating any black work pants in a protective layer of golden fur.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? The cat from the Friskies commercial. I wouldn't chase it, I swear.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Lay out on the deck and supervise the neighborhood.
Kent Hake
Sales Manager
He/Him
Industry experience: 27 years
Coffee order: It's not a very "Seattle" thing to say, but I don't drink coffee.
AV story: I started out as an on-site technician at a local hotel and over the years have continued to learn and grow through my various roles and titles I've held within the AV industry.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? George Carlin so I could get his take on the state of the world today.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Going golfing!
Eric Thompson
AV Director of Hospitality
He/Him
Industry experience: 27 years
Coffee order: Coffee with sugar and cream.
AV story: I have a history of working in the entertainment, corporate, government, and construction industries as well as places of worship. I like doing Audio Engineering, Audio Recording, Musical Theatre, Sound Design, Rentals and Sales Consultation.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? I don't know if he's technically a celebrity but Henry VIII. I think it would be fascinating to be able to ask him questions, but I might lose my head.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Something near the water.
Crystal Cliff
Integrator
She/Her
Industry experience: 3 years in AV and 13 years in admin
Coffee order: Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso from Starbucks. Yay Starbies!
AV story: I spent 10 years in operations and customer relations before earning my degree in marketing and entrepreneurship. That's when I was invited into the AV world, and I was hooked. I love the hustle of live production and being one cog in the machine that brings an event to life. Every show is a chance to problem-solve, collaborate, and deliver something memorable.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Any cast member from Friends or Schitt's Creek. I love ensemble shows and would want to hear what those sets were really like and how they built such great chemistry.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? I like exploring the Sound. There is so much strange, cool life in the water!
Andrew Sanchez
Tech Supervisor
He/Him
Industry experience: 6 years
Coffee order: Freshly brewed coffee with four Splendas and creamer.
AV story: My experience came from wanting to learn about AV. I had a couple of friends who already knew AV and I asked them to teach me! I went on to learn how to direct live streams, large teams for events, and even some lighting.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? I would want to mic up John Mayer because I absolutely love his music!
Soph Elden
AV Specialist & Event Consultant
They/Them
Industry experience: 15 years
Coffee order: Iced Matcha Latte.
AV story: I've been doing A/V professionally for over 15 years and graduated with a degree in Film and Video Production. I have translated that into my current work, creating immersive projection experiences for our clientele. I play guitar in 3 bands and as a performer, my favorite part about doing A/V is helping people feel relaxed & confident on stage, I got you!
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Dolly Parton, I love the way she brings people together despite their differences.
What is your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Taking people salmon fishing in my boat on the Puget Sound!
Benjamyn Lockwood
Operations Manager
He/Him
Industry experience: 14 years
Coffee order: Whatever is convenient. Breve latte, if I'm being fancy. Chai latte, if I'm feeling frisky.
AV story: I started in live events a couple of decades ago and quickly favored the AV side of things. Maybe it's my interest in technology, perhaps a fondness for production, or simply the little boy in me just wants to play with toys. In any case, it's a fun and ever-changing world that is bound to keep me on my toes (or Heelys, as it were).
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Viktor Frankl. The man survived the unimaginable and came out the other side asking, "What does life still expect from me?" I'd want to hear him riff on meaning-making in the age of social media and find out if he was funny off the clock. I think he was.
What is your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Almost anything that involves the water.
Kelli Vitt
Event Production Coordinator
She/Her
Industry experience: 5 years
Coffee order: Triple-shot sugar-free vanilla latte with oat milk.
AV story: I’m a composer, so music is what led me into AV. I studied Music Composition and Theory, and during an electroacoustic music class I really fell in love with the technical side of sound, and I haven’t looked back since. What I love most about AV is that it’s always evolving and there is always something new to learn. I also love being part of creating experiences that people remember. Whether it’s a concert, event, or performance, AV helps bring those moments to life.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Bear McCreary! He’s an incredible composer and multi-instrumentalist, and I’d love the chance to pick his brain about his creative process and how he blends traditional and modern sounds so effectively.
What is your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Going to concerts! You can find me everywhere from local DJ sets to metal shows to the Seattle Symphony!
Bryan Garcia
AV Tech
He/Him
Industry experience: 9 years
Coffee order: Red Bull Italian sodas all day… but chai lattes are a close second.
AV story: I started producing music through GarageBand back in 2012 and fell in love with the process. Since then I’ve expanded my collection of audio gear and I went to Shoreline Community College to study audio engineering.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Michael Jackson. His work and achievements are largely responsible for my love for music and all things sound.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Going to concerts and then exploring the city afterwards.
Paul Pease
AV Tech
He/Him
Industry experience: 6 years
Coffee order: Black coffee with one sweetener.
AV story: It began with a love for media and athletics. While completing a degree in digital media, I realized how much I enjoyed the different challenges of video editing and AV work. Working at Live Oak AV is a great opportunity for me to hone my skills in the field!
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Larry Bird. I think it would be cool as a lifelong Celtics fan, but really I'd just want to hear some of the trash talk he was known for.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Reading a book while enjoying the nice weather in the fall.
Kevin Curran
AV Tech
He/Him
Industry experience: 14 years
Coffee order: Oat cortado with a bit of mocha powder.
AV story: I started working in AV when I was 14 years old, helping out the youth groups at church put on shows every week. Then, I produced events in Chico, CA, which is where I got the opportunity to work with Jennifer at Live Oak AV, directing a film fest. I thrive working at live events. I love the fast-paced tempo and the opportunity to work with some amazing clients.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? My Mom! She gives guest speeches and keynotes to organizations like the DAR all around the country, so that would be my personal biggest celebrity.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? I just found and visited a movie collective called Classified Cinema that shows great films, with pinball, cocktails, and DVD swaps, and had a blast!
Andrew Cross
AV Tech
He/Him
Industry experience: 15 years
Coffee order: Black coffee.
AV story: I chose this industry because I was designated the sound guy for my high school's production of Oklahoma! and fell in love with the chaos.
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Dolly Parton because she's a perfect human.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Go to a Mariner game!
Jazmin Gaxiola
Accounting Clerk
She/Her
Industry experience: 1 year
Coffee order: I’m not a daily coffee drinker, but when the mood hits, I go for a caramel coffee—regular or decaf—with whole milk. I enjoy it hot or iced, depending on the day. Sweet, simple, and comforting!
AV story: I’m new to the team and excited to be part of such a high-energy, service-driven group. Looking forward to learning the ropes and contributing in every way I can!
If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Tom Cruise. I’d love to hear more about his mindset and creative process. His fearless approach and imagination when it comes to action films are incredible—I really admire his dedication to his craft.
What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? I haven’t visited Seattle yet, but I’d love to experience dining at the iconic rotating restaurant—it sounds like a memorable and unique way to see the city.
Join Our Team
Are you passionate about audiovisuals and going above and beyond to help clients with their events? We want to hear from you!
Even if there isn't a job opening that fits your skills, we're always looking for great people to join our growing team. Send your resume to orders@liveoakav.com.
