We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trent Oliver a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Trent, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?

I believe your employees are the best investment you can make. Before starting Blue Telescope, I was a freelance producer, and learned early on that everyone wants and deserves respect. That belief continues to shape how I lead.

As a business owner, I know I can’t do what my people are capable of. Many founders hold on tightly to the creative roles they loved most, but my goal has always been to build a team that works effectively without needing me at the center. At Blue Telescope we trust each other and our processes, which is why we can operate more like a think tank than a hierarchy. Rather than centering the company around one voice, we’ve invested in building a horizontal structure designed to support shared thinking, diverse perspectives, and our full range of strengths.

This structure also makes it easy for us to nimbly adapt to evolving project work. When I bring in freelancers or outside collaborators, they hit the ground running because they don’t need to learn or comply with rigid systems. I support this flexibility because it allows us to scale quickly and maintain a high quality of work, no matter the project or timeline.

Ultimately, this structure reflects our shared values of trust, community, and forward thinking. That commitment continues to shape how we create and remains the smartest investment I’ve ever made.

Trent, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Principal + Managing Director of Blue Telescope, a media and design studio that combines technology and storytelling to create remarkable work that resonates with diverse audiences. Our passion is helping clients realize and elevate their vision with sophisticated interactive and narrative media designed to advance complex ideas with clarity, beauty, and richness. Our mission is nothing short of leveraging the power of shared experiences to reflect and create the world we want.

I started my career as a stage manager, which still informs my theatrical yet production-minded approach to project work. I’m guided by a desire to champion work that feels both imaginative and executable and am proud to lead teams teams that deliver experiences that spark joy, curiosity, and discovery for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities.

My expertise in managing complex, large-scale media installations has resulted in lasting relationships with prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and The Henry Ford. I’ve served as Eastern Board President of the Themed Entertainment Association and have been a featured speaker for industry conferences and events including TEA, SATE Europe & North America, AAM, and InfoComm.

Any advice for managing a team?

I believe the most effective way to maintain morale is to lead with honesty and trust. At Blue Telescope we talk openly and without judgement about what’s working, where we’re stuck, and how to move forward together.

I lead the way toward this kind of transparency by example. During the pandemic I had to be as open as possible about where we were financially without causing a panic. I shifted schedules to a 4-day work week and reduced salaries by 20%. We made it through without any layoffs and emerged with a newfound understanding of just how much we have each other’s backs.

Everyone comes to their job with different strengths and weaknesses. I’m big on acknowledging that because it helps us identify where people need support while staying accountable to the work. I encourage creative risk-taking, but am also clear about timelines, budgets, and shared goals. That balance builds the kind of capable, accountable, and all around excellent team clients want to work.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth is our most effective strategy for growing our client base. I get there by treating potential clients and partners with the same respect and openness we bring to our internal team. That means leaving egos at the door, listening carefully, and approaching each conversation as a chance to build something meaningful together.

I believe strong relationships start when we take the time to understand what a partner is navigating, even beyond the immediate scope of our work. We try to show up as creative problem solvers, not just for the exhibit or experience at hand, but for the broader goals and challenges they might have.

When people feel genuinely supported they remember it. Being collaborative, curious, and flexible helps us build the kind of trust that turns first-time clients into long-term partners who recommend us to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bluetelescope.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bluetelescopeny
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlueTelescope
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/bluetelescope/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@BlueTelescope