Omar Colom shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Omar, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is a mix of running mutiple companies, my primary love and nonprofit AV Educate and my other for-profit business’s. while also being actively on-site in the AV industry. My mornings usually start with a workout to stay grounded and energized. Then it’s either preparing for or teaching AV classes, coordinating upcoming training events, working with manufacturers on certification programs, or handling gear logistics for shows. I’m constantly jumping between roles: video engineer, project manager, educator, and content creator. Evenings are usually spent debriefing with my team, catching up on emails, or planning future initiatives like the learning labs, educational games, or creative branding projects like the AV Gremlins or card decks. No two days are exactly the same—but they all revolve around equipping, enabling, and empowering the AV community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Omar Colom. I’m a video engineer, trainer, and founder of AV Educate, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping, enabling, and empowering the next generation of AV professionals. I’m also the owner of a few other for-profit companies that handles live event production. What makes AV Educate unique is that we teach what we actually do, our training is built by working professionals, for working professionals. We focus on hands-on, real-world learning in everything from signal flow to camera shading to manufacturer certifications. We’re also creating fun and engaging tools like an AV-themed card deck, a ‘Gremlins Union 283’ parody field guide, and even a mobile game that teaches AV workflows. For me, it’s all about lifting up the community I’ve been a part of for over 15 years, helping freelancers, techs, and aspiring pros not just survive in the industry, but thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was during my time in the Army as a combat veteran. Being deployed taught me discipline, urgency, and how to lead under pressure, but more importantly, it gave me perspective. I saw how critical it is to stay calm in chaos, and to take care of your team no matter what. That same mindset carried over when I transitioned into the AV industry. Whether I’m leading a crew in a ballroom, teaching a class, or troubleshooting a high-stakes show, I approach everything with that same sense of responsibility and clarity. It also fueled my passion for education, because I know firsthand how powerful the right training and mentorship can be when you’re thrown into the deep end. That’s why I built AV Educate, to give others the kind of tools, community, and mindset that helped me survive and grow.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I used to believe that if I just worked hard and stayed humble, the right people would notice and opportunities would come. After failing hard, whether it was being overlooked for roles I was more than qualified for, burning out from saying yes to everything, or trusting the wrong clients, I realized that wasn’t enough. I had to advocate for myself. I had to build systems, set boundaries, and treat my career like a business, not just a hustle. That shift in mindset changed everything from how I price my work, to how I train others, to how I lead AV Educate. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t grow if you don’t own your value.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yeah, the public version of me is the real me, but it’s the version that’s focused on the mission. What you see online or in a classroom is the same person you’ll meet on show site: direct, passionate, and always looking to help. But there’s layers. Most people don’t see the long nights, the stress of running , multiple companies, or the weight of building something for a community that’s counting on you. The version of me out there is real—it just comes with armor, discipline, and purpose. The rest? That’s for the people who put in the time to grow with me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy as just being ‘the guy who taught AV classes’ or ‘the AV Educate guy.’ But what I’m really doing is building infrastructure for a stronger, more sustainable AV community especially for freelancers. I’m not here just to teach gear—I’m trying to change how we value ourselves, how we support each other, and how we create long-term careers in an industry that often burns people out. Truth is, I don’t have it all figured out. I’m just a normal guy who saw a gap in the industry and decided to try to fill it not for recognition, but because I knew other people like me needed it too. My legacy isn’t about being the face of something it’s about being the foundation that others can build on
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aveducate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/av_educate/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarcolom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AVEDUCATE
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AVEducate
Image Credits
AVE Team
