Get to know Mark through this Q&A session.

Getting started:

How did you get started in product development?

I didn’t. Well, not intentionally. I come from a film and video production background turned AV and through twists and turns ended up on the tech support team at Magenta. After the merge of tvONE, I was asked if I would help with product development. I spent many years as the ‘customer/integrator,’ so I had a unique point of view to offer.

What is in the most exciting emerging technology you have been involved with?

AV over IP is by far the most exciting emerging technology, and it is changing so fast! The idea that everything can be connected to everything else opens the doors for incredible solutions.    

Your career at tvONE:

How did you get involved in AV?

I was making television for Pfizer at their training facility. They had dozens of large training rooms with integrated AV systems which were always breaking. They asked me one day if I could look at one of the failed rooms. From there, I went on to work at Morgan Stanley, AVI-SPL, and Barclays.

Why did you want to work with tvONE?

It’s kinda funny, but I didn’t really seek out the opportunity to work at Magenta. I had just left Barclays where I was the Operations Manager. I managed 21 techs and together we supported over 3,500 events a month! I was completely burnt out and was considering becoming a police officer. I stumbled across a job posting 20 minutes from my house (opposite direction of New York City) for tech support. All I had to do was learn their ~20 products, as opposed to an entire facility of devices. It was perfect! Within two months, I was training the entire sales team on fiber and Voyager products.

What is your work highlight at tvONE?

For me, I most enjoy working with our customers. I like to learn about their problems and challenges and offer them solutions. Walking away from a perfectly working system is very satisfying.

What is your favorite product (or feature) and why?

I am most excited about what we have accomplished with power distribution via the ONErack products. The best solutions always appear as ‘obvious’ or the simplest. I get a thrill out of showing our innovation to a person for the first time and seeing their reaction and their excitement!

What is one thing that you are excited about that is coming up this year?

I have not been on an airplane in about a year and a half. So, I am most excited to get back in front of our customers at trade shows and their project sites and to see my fellow coworkers. It has been very difficult to stay motivated and positive in a world of isolation.

Now, the important questions:

Tea or coffee?

Tea, but I really don’t drink caffeine.

What is the first concert you attended?

Dave Mathews Band

What is you most-used emoji?

It is 2, the monkey and the pile of poo.

What are your hobbies – how do you chill after work?

I’m a super nerd; I play board games and tabletop miniatures. I also give a lot of time to my local soccer club as former coach and current board member.

What is your favourite binge watch and why?

VERY hard question… how about one of my favorites: Rick and Morty. If you don’t know, you better ask somebody.

What is next for you in business and personally?

I have two daughters, Charlotte (16) and Josephine (13).  I am enjoying watching them grow and turn into strong, independent women. I can’t wait to see where they go.

Connect:

Get in touch with Mark if you have product related questions or ideas at mark.armon@tvone.com.