Founder
John Safari
John Safari is a seasoned professional in live event production, with over a decade of experience. Starting as a stagehand, he rose to stage manager and crew lead roles, including eight years leading the Ohana Festival.
Intro
Built by people who live in live production.
Heavy AV is led by operators who understand that trust is earned on-site. In the prep, the calls, the crew brief, and the ability to stay steady when the plan shifts.
Our Story
Heavy AV exists to close the gap between ambitious ideas and real-world execution. We are not a handoff company. We stay involved from planning through strike, aligning production, crew, and systems into one controlled operation.
Leadership
Heavy AV was founded by John Safari and Gordon McArthur. Together, they bring field experience, technical production leadership, and a long-term approach to building shows that hold under pressure.
Founder
Gordon McArthur
Gordon McArthur is an industry veteran in audiovisual production and event management, known for deep expertise in video technology, logistics, and the systems thinking required to deliver seamless live experiences.
200+
Events
20+
Years of combined experience
3
Strategic partnerships
30+
Crew per show
Activity map
Coast to coast
Heavy AV supports shows, conferences, and branded productions across the country, with repeat activity in the markets where timing, scale, and execution matter most.
Loading activity
8
States active
50+
Events represented
8
Cities active
Ecosystem
Partnership over transaction
Heavy AV's partnership model extends beyond clients. It is also how the company works with trusted specialists in staffing, structures, and site systems.