About Our Company

Meet the Crew

David Gunness

Vice President of R&D, Lead Product Designer, Photographer, Copy Writer, Ambassador to Italy, Facilities Maintenance, Director of Calculus, Technical Writer, Lead Coffee Maker

Bio

While at the University of Wisconsin, David covered part of his expenses by singing and playing guitar over loudspeakers of his own construction. Upon graduation, he made a go as a pro loudspeaker designer at Electro-Voice and later at Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW). David holds patents on several inventions and writes technology whitepapers (many published by AES). He has invented a number of technologies used in our products including our proprietary Temporal Equalization (TQ), our patented Passive Cardioid Technology™, and the Oculus Phase Plug™ used in our AH series. Our comprehensive range or coaxial products is unique in the industry, offering many driver sizes/configurations and horn patterns; this is made possible by the combination of TQ™ and new approaches to coaxial driver design.

 

Stephen Siegel

President, Prince of Paperwork, Business Mastermind

Bio

Stephen has always been interested in music and technology. While an Electrical Engineering and music student at the University of Rochester/Eastman School of Music, he worked as a recording engineer at Eastman’s multi-track recording studios. It was this experience that led Stephen to a career in professional audio and acoustics. He oversees Marketing, Sales, and Purchasing, as well as plays a pivotal role in customer support, new business, and product development. Previously, Stephen spent over a decade as a consultant designing acoustics and audio systems, and held executive positions at Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) / Loud Technologies and Ashly Audio. Stephen remains active in music performance as keyboard player for several Jazz and R&B groups in the Rochester, NY area.

Chris Alfiero

Business Sage, International Man of Mystery

Bio

Chris began his career in Pro Audio joining the sales and marketing organization at Electro-Voice in 1990. In 1996, he moved to Europe and, along with a small team, managed the EV brand for several years. During this time, Chris earned an MBA from the University at Buffalo. From there, he pursued a number of projects, including a Biotech startup which resulted in licensing liquid media technology to industry for stem cell and immune system cell research. Since 2003, Chris has worked with his father in investment management including private equity investments. After meeting up with Stephen and David during the summer of 2007, an opportunity to re-enter the pro audio industry emerged. In 2008, Chris provided investment capital to help form Fulcrum Acoustic.

Todd “Ziggy Starbucks” Foster

VP of Sales, Man About Town

Bio

Todd started his music/audio life as a drummer before realizing that an income would be beneficial. While studying recording technology at the University of Memphis, Todd had the opportunity to operate sound for, and make live recordings for musical groups of many styles. This triggered his interest in large room acoustics and sound system design. At that point, he emerged from the cocoon of the studio and hit the road. For the last 20 years, Todd has filled the roles of sales engineer, system designer, regional manufacturers’ rep, rep firm owner, acoustical consultant and church technical director. He enjoys analyzing technical needs and helping create practical solutions to fill them. He is in constant competition with Andy for the Fulcrum caffeine consumption prize.

Dr. Paul Henderson

Vice President of Software and Immersive, Acoustics Wizard, Software Savant, Sports Dad

Bio

Dr. Paul Henderson’s career in professional audio started in the early 2000s when he worked as a college intern alongside Fulcrum Acoustic co-founder, David Gunness. Since then, Paul has done extensive research in computational acoustics and auralization and other scientific topics that few people besides Paul and Dave Gunness understand. The technologies he has developed for immersive audio environments, acoustic simulation, and adaptive algorithms are the heart of the Fulcrum Immersive platform and Fulcrum One software.

Outside of work, Paul likes to spend time with his family, the majority of which is spent watching his kids play sports. Like many at Fulcrum, Paul’s interest in audio came from a love of music; he plays piano, upright bass, guitar and mandolin.

Rich Frembes

Director of Loudspeaker Engineering, Junior Meteorologist, Receptionist

Bio

Rich joined Fulcrum Acoustic in 2009 after almost ten years with Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW). During his time with EAW, he advanced steadily through several positions in application/customer support and product development. He also consulted on custom loudspeaker projects and conducted on-site system optimization sessions for high-profile clients. At Fulcrum, he works closely with Dave on all aspects of the product line. A native of Michigan, Rich worked as a FOH and monitor engineer with regional and touring bands in the Midwest. It has been said that Rich can detect the amplitude and frequency of a mosquito’s whine, and then provide that mosquito with high-fidelity concert amplification. In his spare time, Rich contemplates the fate of neo-capitalist ideologies in a poststructural era. He is also an inveterate collector of wooden spoons. In 2014, Rich was the recipient of the prestigious Willard Scott medallion for his life-long dedication to the pursuit of weather monitoring and forecasting.

Val Gilbert

Director of Business Development for Export, Fulcrum's Poet Laureate, FOH Engineer, Trail Rider

Bio

Val focuses on building strong relationships with our global partners through on-the-ground activities and ongoing support. He enjoys that everyone he works with is enthusiastic about pro-audio, no matter their location.

Val has a lifelong passion for music and sound. As a teenager, he was a drummer in a band, but naturally gravitated towards audio engineering duties. His curiosity about the technology led him to this industry. Val is still involved in live music and mixes 8-10 gigs a year.

In his free time, Val values spending time with his family outdoors. He also likes mountain biking and is grateful to live in a region known for its trails.

Scott Pizzo

U.S National Sales Manager, Fulcrum Bad Boy

Bio

Scott is responsible for overseeing the US Sales Rep network and coordinating the activities of Fulcrum Acoustic’s Rep force. He spent most of the 90’s and early 2000’s playing guitar/singing with bands or mixing shows-up to 250 nights per year. While working at EAW in the early 2000’s, Scott met Fulcrum Acoustic co-founders Stephen Siegel and David Gunness. He has since filled sales roles at L-Acoustics, Renkus-Heinz, Harman Professional Solutions, and DAS Audio before joining the Fulcrum Family in 2022.

Luke Vogel

Immersive Market Development Manager, Coffee Afficionado, Professional Concertgoer

Bio

With an extensive recording and live mixing background, he brings a wealth of audio expertise and passion to our team. Luke is well-versed in our active acoustic technologies, having used them as a customer while Audio Director at Church of the Highlands in Alabama and later as Director of Immersive Solutions at Venueflex. As Immersive Market Development Manager, he provides technical consultation and support to our designers, integrators, and end-users.

Outside of work, Luke enjoys spending time with his family, particularly with outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. And he is always looking forward to his next traveling adventure or bucket list concert with his wife, Katie.

Shannon Griest

HR Specialist, Head of the Fun Committee, Soccer Player

Bio

Shannon helps our employees grow and thrive at Fulcrum. As head of the fun committee, she promotes a positive company culture and keeps everyone feeling connected. Shannon’s favorite event was our chili cook-off where her chili was voted first place! Shannon has a playful team mentality out of work too: she plays soccer in a recreational league and coaches her kids’ soccer teams. 

Janet Yacino

Order Entry Specialist, Red Sox & Patriots Fan, Munchkin Procurement Officer

Bio

Janet assumed her newly created position managing Fulcrum’s order entry process in 2018. She has extensive pro audio experience and far-ranging interests which include Boston sports and island cruises. Janet has also has worked nights as a bartender while holding down a full-time job, a testament to her strong work ethic as well as a potentially valuable Fulcrum skill set.

Trey Smith

Director of Software Development, Professional Problem Solver, Lifelong Surfer, Fish Fanatic

Bio

Trey does software development and programming for our Fulcrum One software, website, and cloud services. Trey has a diverse background. After getting an IT degree, he started in AV doing lighting design and CAD engineering with an integrator. He found his love of programming and software development unexpectedly. When there was a need for a streaming and control system at a venue, Trey learned how to build and program it from the ground up. This is what Trey likes best about his job: solving problems to fulfil our customers’ needs. Trey is always coming up with new ideas to improve the user experience. If there is a better, easier way to do something, Trey will make it happen.

Outside of work, Trey trades his keyboard for a surfboard; he’s been chasing swells since he was a kid. He also enjoys fishing and boating. Trey is a foodie and is always on the lookout for new eating experiences, especially sushi.

Brad Koone

Customer Experience Manager, Semi-Professional Tuba Player, Brunch Enthusiast

Bio

Brad is the point person for our immersive customers. He organizes the sales and implementation of all immersive systems and provides ongoing technical support. He has an extensive technical and customer support background not only in audio but also in video and lighting. Brad is an amazing resource for our customers and company.

Like many of our people, Brad has a musical background as a semi-professional tuba player and karaoke champion. He also enjoys brunch and Star Trek.

“Atomic” Matt Gautreau

Director of Manufacturing, Nuclear Engineer, SCUBA Diver

Bio

As Director of Manufacturing, Matt oversees all the people and processes in our factory to maximize efficiency. Matt is a veteran of the Navy where he was nuclear engineer. He once spent 7 consecutive months underwater in a submarine and also lived on a remote tropical island for a year. Now he’s settled in Massachusetts where he likes to spend time outdoors skiing and hiking with his family.

Andrew Jordan

Director of Strategic Projects, Zen Influence, Comic Relief, Historian

Bio

Andy joined Fulcrum in 2008 after nearly twelve years at Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) working in various roles in product/customer support, and in engineering technical services.  Andy is an accomplished drummer and music lover. He drinks way too much coffee, so much that he’s never tried an energy drink in fear of spontaneous combustion.  As Director of Strategic Projects, Andy supports inter-departmental initiatives and coordinates activities with partner companies.  Just don’t ask him to order pizza.

Ken VanCott

Production Manager, Plywood Whisperer

Bio

Ken is an experienced woodworker, with substantial experience building and troubleshooting loudspeaker enclosures. As Fulcrum’s Production Manager, he oversees all areas of production. His strong “get things done” work ethic is always present but is sometimes masked by his New England chahm. His “Ken-isms” can lighten any mood. One hand washes the other…

And, if you need almost anything done, Ken knows a guy.

Paula “The Fixer” Bertou

Director of Admin, General Enforcer

Bio

Paula leads the A/P, A/R, Credit, HR and general Finance activities.

Her in-house “iron fist in a velvet glove” approach keeps the rest of the team on the straight and narrow.

Ryan Marshall

Shipping, Receiving, & Logistics Lead, Fulcrum's Resident Foodie

Bio

Ryan makes sure all parts and products are present and accounted for. Ryan prioritizes our customers and focuses on fulfilling and shipping orders on time. He is passionate about his work and is an active member of the Fulcrum Fun Committee. Outside of work, Ryan is a family guy and a foodie. You can find him attending food festivals or trying out new restaurants with his wife and daughter. If you see him, ask him to recommend a good place to eat.

John Geraghty

Acoustic Engineer, Outdoor Aficionado, Bicycle Repairman

Bio

As Acoustic Engineer, John helps us design loudspeakers and audio technology. Outside of work John fixes and resells used bicycles. He likes to bike tour, a combination of biking and backpacking. John also spends a lot of time outdoors with his wife and dog. He and his wife enjoy cooking and are always trying new recipes with fresh ingredients from their community farm.

Zuo “Rambo” Zhao

Acoustical Engineer, Hardcore Real Estate Guy, Lover of XXtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos

Bio

As Acoustical Engineer, Rambo works on developing new technologies and designing new products. How did he get the nickname “Rambo”? We are too afraid to ask. In his spare time…actually he doesn’t have any spare time…he is always working on some kind of home remodeling project. Rambo got his start in sound as the audio engineer for his church and continues to hold this position.

Alyson Teller

Production Analyst, Eye of the Hurricane

Bio

Alyson has been involved in manufacturing for over 20 years and had worked in every position from assembly to production planner. She is an avid reader and enjoys a good romance novel. At Fulcrum she receives incoming materials, assists with lead time queries and cycle counts, researches inventory issues, and handles all returns.

Angela Ciociolo

Director of Marketing, Pun Enthusiast, Cat Herder

Bio

Angela strategizes, organizes, and creates all Fulcrum brand communications, collateral, and events. Her whiteboard often looks like a murder map. She says that organizing large-scale events and directing people at them is like herding cats. This must be a transferable skill since Angela has taught her rescue cat, Shiitake, to sit and fist bump.

Jeffrey Baker

Purchasing & Logistics, Eternal Rocker

Bio

Jeffrey joined Fulcrum in 2017, bringing decades of pro audio industry purchasing and logistics management experience to the table. When not deftly managing our materials purchasing, completed order shipment and incoming shipment receipt, don’t be surprised to find Jeffrey taking center stage as lead vocalist for high-energy rock bands in and around Central Massachusetts.

Don Williams

Mechanical Designer, Luthier, Jack of All Trades, Chief Popcorn Officer

Bio

Don’s wide-ranging design and engineering experience makes him a great fit for Fulcrum’s R&D department. On any given day you can find him designing loudspeaker enclosures, building crossover prototypes, or running polar tests. And if that isn’t enough, Don also custom designs and builds acoustic guitars, and the occasional ukulele, in his spare time. Don graduated from MIT in 2037 with PhD’s in Quantum Mechanics and Applied Time Displacement Theory. He spent the next several years developing projects for the US Government. That part of his career was cut short when he decided to move to New England to pursue other ventures. He settled happily in New England in 1999 to live out a quiet and peaceful life. When asked why he left his former life behind, he stated that the world simply wasn’t ready for time travel.

Loudspeaker design hasn’t always been an exact science, but it has for us. Since 2008, Fulcrum Acoustic has gained a reputation as a leading innovator in loudspeaker design. Leveraging the creative genius and expertise of legendary audio professionals, Fulcrum continuously raises the bar in loudspeaker technology. Our unique approach to loudspeaker design can be found in distinguished and demanding venues worldwide, from performing arts centers and houses of worship, to hospitality venues and sporting facilities.

 

Fulcrum Acoustic co-founder David Gunness began his career designing loudspeakers for Electro-Voice, then became an innovative force at Eastern Acoustic Works. Dave formed Fulcrum Acoustic with co-founder/president Stephen Siegel to continue his career-long pursuit of creating new and better loudspeakers by marrying innovative acoustical design with advanced digital signal processing (DSP) techniques; these are the hallmark of Fulcrum Acoustic products. Temporal Equalization (TQ), pattern-control coaxial drivers (CX/DX/GX/RX/FX series), the Oculus Phase Plug(AH and AHS series), low-turbulance ports (US Series Subwoofers) and Passive Cardioid Technology (FL, CCX and CS series) all draw from his extensive experience with driver design, loudspeaker design and DSP/filter design and optimization.

Fulcrum Acoustic products are designed and built in Whitinsville, Massachusetts (USA). Establishing manufacturing operations in the United States allows Fulcrum Acoustic to offer customers faster turnarounds and greater flexibility than existing suppliers.

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