Meet the Team

An above-and-beyond client experience.

Our team is committed to providing an above-and-beyond client experience. We educate our clients, provide prompt and clear communication, never oversell, and ensure consistent and efficient service.

Our Values

Jennifer O'Neal

CEO & Co-Founder

About me

She/Her

Industry experience: 23 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

About me

He/Him

Industry experience: 27 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

About me

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

About me

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

AV Rental & Sales Manager

About me

He/Him

Industry experience: 24 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

About me

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

Event Production Manager

About me

She/her

Industry experience: 1 year in AV; 10 years in admin

Coffee order: Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso from Starbucks. Yay Starbies!

AV story: My main career focus was admin and customer relations. I've worked in agriculture, truck equipment, and community business. I decided to get my degree in marketing and entrepreneurship so I could use my skills in many different industries.

If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? I would be giddy if I got to meet any TV/movie celebrity. I am a big fan of storytelling and I would love to see what kind of person they really are.

What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? I like going to Pike Market and perusing the goods and sampling the food.

Jorey Ann

Accounting

About me

She/Her

Industry experience: 1 year

Coffee order: Caramel Macchiato!

AV story: I love working in AV. It's very exciting in terms of preparation prior to the date but quite unpredictable on the event date itself! We never know what might happen.

If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Taylor Swift! I'll be making a castle out of all the bricks thrown at me! 😀

What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? I've never been to Seattle but I would definitely want to go to the Seattle Space Needle and Grey's Anatomy's Seattle Grace Hospital because that's my first Seattle story!

Bryan Garcia

AV Tech

About me

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.

Andrew Sanchez

Senior AV Team Lead

About me

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!

Paul Pease

AV Tech

About me

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.

Sam Yates

AV Tech

About me

He/Him

Industry experience: 3 years

Coffee order: A 16oz Cold brew with heavy whipping cream.

AV story: I majored in Music Technology in college, and started working full time as an A1 right after. In addition, have been freelancing as a music producer and audio designer since 2020.

If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Miles Davis. He's the goat.

What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Submarining.

Jess Makler

AV Tech

About me

She/Her/Hers

Industry experience: 5 years

Coffee order: It's all about the Starbucks oat milk brown sugar shaken espresso- but honestly, I switch it up every time! I love trying new drinks as a special treat.

AV story: I got hooked on audio through college radio at George Washington University, where I served as the production director, hosting bands in-studio and for live concerts on campus. After graduating, I worked for Sirius XM as a music programmer, audio engineer for a news station, and ran A/V for the Smithsonian before deciding the PNW is where I wanted to be next! I take pride in being a self-taught audio technician and engineer, and love learning about all things sound!

If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Trent Reznor- He's my sonic hero! From fronting Nine Inch Nails to making KILLER soundtracks with Atticus Ross, his sound design and use of space is like no other. What a guy!

What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Visit the Northwest Film Forum! They are constantly hosting the coolest workshops, from filmmaking to animation on 16mm film! Not to mention, the amazing indie film lineup.

Trusted Freelancers

Jerome Palmieri

AV Tech

About me

He/Him

Industry experience: 15 years

Coffee order: Give me something large, cold, and caffeinated!

AV story: From garage bands and video projects in high school, to college radio DJ and music manager, all the way to digital art teacher and department head, I've always enjoyed working with AV technology. After 10 years in the classroom, I wanted to get back into the world of live events and am excited to help clients with all of their AV needs.

If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Prince. If you need a reason why, go listen to some Prince!

What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Going to a dance party at one of the many amazing live music venues in the city.

Chris Fertakis

AV Specialist

About me

He/Him

Industry experience: 6 years

Coffee order: Cappuccino heavy on the foam.

AV story: I worked for University of Rochester Event Support my junior and senior years (2015-2017) and have worked with Live Oak AV since 2018. Earned my B.S. in Audio and Music Engineering from University of Rochester in 2017.

If you could mic up any celebrity who would it be and why? Diogenes, because I’m sure he would use the opportunity of having his voice amplified in the forum to shout out something hilariously foul yet irrefutably profound as loudly and obnoxious as possible. I’d just want to make sure he wouldn’t feedback.

What's your favorite thing to do in Seattle? Going to shows/concerts or jamming with other musicians.

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.

Audio Visual Technician

June 5, 2023

If you would like to work for a company that develops deep and long-lasting relationships with clients, respects what you bring to the table, and values employee feedback, this is the place for you! After 24 years of providing premier audio visual services, our clients are more than just customers. They are family. We make…