We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Tabor . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.

John , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I would say that we are always learning. To be good at what you do you have to honing your craft. I have had the privilege to work with some of the best in the industry. Years ago I got to work with Micheal Jackson lead rigging. I spent the day learning from him & hustling to this day I still use his techniques & advice when Im rigging. I tried not to take just the skills but how they treated people . No matter how high up the chain of command they were . Treating people right pays off in the long term .

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up as a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea & Australia . I got to be around all kinda of people & nationalities. We did events back in the day with whatever we had or could come up with . We had to think out side the box due not having avaiablity to gear for large events. It ought me to make things happen with what ever you have & to not throw the towel in . For the last 20 years I have been running a lighting company. Working all around the world & getting to work on super bowls , Grammies , Dubai Aquarium , The Bird Nest in China & heaps of events all around the state & country . we have enjoyed lighting the last 5 Presidents also .
Being in the industry for as long was we have we have seen it grow & develop. We have focused in on lighting the subject & seeing that skin color makes a difference in how you light them no matter if its for a national broadcast or a local event. getting the subject to look natural with all the stage lights on them is what we do .
One of the things that brings great fulfillment is bringing a concept to life for our clients. We love to sit down and come up with ideas then bring them to life & watching the whole process even the bumps in the road really makes it all worth it in the end when you see peoples faces as the show kicks off !
Our slogan is Bringing Color to your world . We love bring color & design to stage but seeing live on fro years tho broadcast & streaming .

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes , Im a big reader from people who have gone before me & learning from what they have done. I just finished a book about the skunk works . I loved how these guys built planes back in the 40-60s & were way ahead there time in technologies. But also how they were aware of the budgets & not wanting rip off the government. they also wanted to the best for their country . it was not all about money. Im also a fan of the shark tank .. just love how they think & want to make things happen for these small bizz that they see have potential.
I love to read up on our leaders no matter what side of they stand on Dem Or GOP there are things we can learn form both sides . Not saying I agree with them all :) but have gotten some great words of wisdom from them.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During 2020 we all got hit with covid . My industry was shut down & we had no idea when it would come back . We had some loans on gear & could not sit & wait . We made the call to pivot & keep things going . I was not going to sit & just take cash from the government . We got up & looked for new ways to bring color to your world . We ended up doing a lot of streaming events that year . but we also gave lots away to venues that could not afford to buy or rent but wanted to have strep events for people at home . One highlight giving a way a bunch of gear for the local law enforcement guys .. helping them do a community move night . Just loved being part of the community

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zebraproductionslive.com
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