David Labuskes is a key leader in the Pro AV industry, promoting innovation, global growth, and advancements in professional certification. However, the AVIXA CEO’s entry into the industry was far from typical.
“My pathway into AV was actually through IT, and working as a consultant led me to an architectural engineering firm where I built a consulting practice for the design of all low-voltage communications," he explained.
These experiences ultimately led him to InfoComm International, now AVIXA, where he has served as CEO for the past 13 years. “Randy Lemke, my predecessor, announced his retirement. A couple of people suggested that I put my name in the hat for the CEO position," he said. "And to make a long story short, here I am, 13 years later.”
During his tenure, Labuskes has expanded AVIXA from mainly a North American association into a global organization. AVIXA's initiatives and offerings include trade shows, training, certifications, standards, and grassroots industry networks like the AVIXA Women’s Council, the Diversity Council, and the Rising Professionals program.
“When I started at AVIXA, I think about 12% of our membership was outside of North America," he explained. "Today, over 50% of our revenue is generated outside of the U.S. Our fastest-growing membership is outside of North America.”
And this expansion isn’t accidental. It’s mission-driven—and as a nonprofit, AVIXA is able to prioritize its mission. “You are focused first on, does this serve our mission? Does this advance the industry?” Labuskes said.
He also emphasized the meaning he finds in AVIXA’s mission-driven model, and its purpose is what motivates him every day. “Somebody said it once … we get to do good business, for the good of humanity,” he noted.
Reflecting on his 13 years with AVIXA, it’s evident that technology is just one aspect of industry change; the AV professional is just as essential. “Technology has exploded and changed," Labuskes said. "The AV professional is needed to be a network professional, needs to be a cybersecurity expert, needs to be a user interface expert, a solution provider, a coder. I think that has led to a really exciting career path.”
But sometimes your greatest failures can lead to success, and that was the case for Labuskes. He didn’t hesitate to share a key story from early in his career, long before his time with AVIXA, when he was fired.
“I was terminated because I wasn't doing a good job as an executive. I wasn't a good leader," he recalled. "Out of that time frame, I really solidified my character around some specific values.”
The values he learned from the experience, including the importance of listening, maintaining a work-life balance, and relationship building, have solidified his approach to leading AVIXA and the incredible members he works with and for on a daily basis.
Labuskes believes the industry stands at an exciting intersection of science and art, creating a rich environment for ideas, opportunities, and exploration, one that nurtures an industry full of dedicated and passionate people. “People who don't love the industry, they kind of leave it pretty quickly," he observed. "And so, you end up with this industry of just really fantastically committed people that love what they do.”
Looking to the future, Labuskes is energized about what lies ahead for AVIXA, including its recent expansion into new markets, such as Mexico City. His excitement for the new initiatives is palpable, and he made one final confession: “I have the best job in the world.”
