Pro-Mix Audio & Lighting shines bright in Mount Prospect
An interview with Mike Klancnik, owner of Pro-Mix Audio & Lighting
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: We are a supplier of A/V and lighting products to the entertainment industry. We began as primarily a retail store, but over the years have morphed into more rental and services.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: I was a professional disc-jockey throughout the 80s and saw a need for a quality supplier of equipment to that niche.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: Early on, it was getting the word out ... Lately it’s the absolutely insane property taxes.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: The freedom it gives me to spend quality time with my kids, Ally and Christopher. I also truly enjoy the events we have been producing lately as a “sideline” to our core business. We have been doing extremely “high end” interactive family dances around the northwest suburbs. Nobody can touch our level of quality and perfection. Events include Prospect High School’s Princess Ball Fundraiser, Barrington school’s family dances, St. Raymond’s Sock Hop. The events are completely over-the-top! Anyone who attends these amazing events walks away utterly speechless. I truly enjoy watching as parent’s chins hit the floor when they see our performance. It is so funny to watch all the adults with their phones up in the air taking a zillion pictures in complete amazement.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young?
A: Nope. I was painfully shy. Couldn’t even get up in front of my grade school class to give a speech without feeling sick. Now I grab a mic without a second thought. I actually “moonlight” as a professional sports announcer for the Chicago Slaughter Indoor Football team at the Sears Centre Arena, the Chicago Bliss Football team at Toyota Park, and a handful of other events. I love the feeling of jumping on a microphone at one of our dances or a sporting event — it is a blast! I actually wanted to be an airline pilot when I was younger. I’d still love to get my pilots license. Someday ...
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Scary movies and late night snacks. Just kidding — Bills. Tax bills, insurance bills, bills bills bills ...
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Community focus. I live and work in Mt. Prospect. I love my community and the communities in which we work. Last year Pro-Mix was named Mount Prospect’s “Shining Star” business — I was so proud! This is a great place to be. Now, if we could just get Cook County not to tax us out of business. Sigh ...
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Pro-Mix Audio & Lighting
Address:960 E. Northwest Hwy., Mount Prospect
Owner:Michael A. Klancnik
Year business started: 1991
Web address: www.pro-mix.com