Get to know more about Sam from Brown Cow Audio Visual Ltd and how his journey in the event world has developed.

1. How was Brown Cow Audio Visual Ltd started?
I had recently gone freelance back in live events after a 8 year gap. To further my client list and to broaden the type of work the next step was to setup a business.
The name Brown Cow Audio Visual came from when Rachael and I were on honeymoon wondering what to call our business when during a walk in Cornwall we came across a herd of Brown Cows. Our love of cows just made it a great name and it seems to be quite a memorable name too.

2. Why did you choose to work in audio visual?
When I was a teenager I saw a team setting up a large outdoor screen for the UK leg of the Tour de France. It was at that point that I decided that was what I wanted to do as a career.

3. What was your first audio visual job?
My first job out of Uni was for Creative Technology Ltd as a Trainee Video Tech.

4. Do you enjoy working with your wife?
I love my working days with Rachael, we understand each other and work together well.

5. How did you and Rachael meet?
Rachael and I met at a mutual friend’s birthday at a local club.

6. How has your business evolved over time?
Brown Cow Audio Visual Ltd has changed from being a business based around my freelance services to hiring kit out to clients and audio visual installations mainly in churches.

7. What has been the biggest challenge?
Covid; we lost all work for almost a year. Following a very bad mental health slump, I have managed to bring the business back to at least the position it was in pre-covid.

8. What’s your least favourite part of your job?
The paperwork! Thankfully, with the support from Rachael, this part is not so bad.

9. What’s been your favourite job so far?
Getting to work alongside some of the nicest and best people I could have hoped to work with. The team I mostly work with are brilliant.

10. What’s your favourite piece of equipment? 
The stream deck, meaning just one button press at a time not five or six. Brilliant piece of kit.

11. What’s your favourite food?
Homemade Risotto; it is just a shame I am not home more.

12. Where is your favourite place in the world?
Home in Lower Halstow, Kent.

13. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time at home with Rachael and the kids. Or by the Sea with Rachael and the kids.

14. Favourite colour?
Blue.

15. Any pets?
12 Chickens and one lunatic Dog (Mahoney).

16. If you could speak to your younger self, just starting out, what advice would you give them?
Stick at it – the late nights and long days will pay off.

17. Favourite thing about being a business owner? 
Setting my own calendar, working with people and in places of my choice.

18. How did the COVID pandemic affect your business?
We lost all income for almost a year. It did however make me take stock and realise where we wanted to take the business. We are now much more than just my services.

19. What is the future for Brown Cow Audio Visual Ltd?
We are looking to be more of an audio visual hire company alongside the Technician services.

20. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting a small business? 
Do it, make the leap. Put the effort in and it definitely will pay off.

What else would you want to know from these audio visual specialists? Let us know.