We had a chat with Paolo, owner of Co.Lab AV Productions to talk about the business, shopping local and the first year of business during COVID.
The importance of local businesses really hit home during the 2020 lockdown, especially when we were restricted to 5km from home.
Tell us a little bit more about your business??
Having worked in and around the audiovisual world as an acoustic engineer, sound engineer, AV technician and production manager for 12 years I had gathered a diverse range of skills and experiences over this time. I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to combine my passion for the audiovisual world, with a love of working and collaborating with people and it was from here that Co.Lab AV was born.
Co.Lab AV offers a wide range of services, from AV sales, to acoustic solutions for hospitality and offices, to live event hire and production, to commercial AV installations and consulting. A core philosophy of our business is to provide the best service possible from start to finish, while tailoring a solution that meets our clients’ needs. That all starts with taking time to listen to their needs and find out what they’re wanting to achieve. We love being able to take care of all elements of the process for our clients, so they can use technology that not only adds to their business, but also allows them to focus on what’s important to them.
What does shopping local mean to you?
Shopping local to me is about supporting local businesses, from cafes and restaurants to the local independent grocer. The importance of local businesses really hit home during the 2020 lockdown, especially when we were restricted to 5km from home. It was really encouraging to see locals supporting local businesses during this time.
Who are your favourite local businesses?
My favourite local business would have to be Boccaccio IGA as not only do they have such a great variety of products you can’t get elsewhere but when you walk in it feels like you’re a part of the family and it’s the kind of local business that you want to keep on supporting.
We have everything we need in Boroondara and it’s great that through Council’s various campaigns and initiatives we are drawing our attention back to local!
How has COVID changed Co Lab AV?
Having started Co.Lab AV in 2020 it was not the first year we were expecting, but despite the challenges, it still brought with it plenty of opportunity. As with many businesses in 2020, one of the areas we pivoted into due to restrictions was to focus less on the events-related part of the business and more on the commercial side including sales, consulting and installation. As small businesses, we have to be flexible and adapt. But we are still excited for 2021 and getting back to some of the events we missed last year.
What are you most looking forward to in life in 2021?
Looking forward to a strong year ahead and to continue to connect and support the local business community. We have everything we need in Boroondara and it’s great that through Council’s various campaigns and initiatives we are drawing our attention back to local!
A special offer from Co Lab AV
We would be happy to offer a free half-hour consult to local businesses to discuss any particular audio visual need, problem or project. It might be anything from a sound system to digital signage, video-conferencing, projection or soundproofing and acoustics.
Click below if you want to learn more about Co.Lab AV and their range of products.