April 2016

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about where the production services industry is headed in the next few years.  There is consolidation everywhere, and it's harder and harder for the local and regional shops to compete in what is quickly becoming an industry of giants with multiple national (or international) locations.  More and more frequently the companies that once were the customer base for our industry are becoming our competitors as they expand their in-house offerings and purchase the resources they need to compete in the market.  Indeed, there are even some production services companies that are expanding into the business of producing events and building out divisions to provide full experiential marketing services, assuming that is a thing.
 
"What is the new model going to be?" I find myself thinking.  Will it be a land of giants with no room for competition, or, will it be a place where boutique companies thrive as the alternative to the corporate giants?  I've yet actually to find a hard and fast answer to that question.  Only time will tell (credit: Asia-1982).  However, this pondering has served to give me some real clarity as to just what TLS Productions, Inc. is, and what value we have to offer our clients in this rapidly changing landscape.  I would like to share that with you.
 
The first thing to know about TLSP is that the company has some real roots as a "hometown" or regional production services company.  From our headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we continue to strive to be the local go-to production resource company.  We provide not only production services and rentals, but also equipment sales, installations, and even keep a convenient storefront that stocks gel, tape, makeup, and more for all the local schools, theatres, venues, and even those who need a little more blood for that perfect Halloween outfit.  We love that we share our Detroit DNA with the auto industry that helped build us.  We are proud that Michigan will always remain at the heart and soul of our company.
 
We have had the fortuitous opportunity to grow into a national presence.  Because of the sheer size and complexity of our core auto show business we have the scale that allows us to compete nationally in the exhibit and event industry.  This has lead to our having key management personnel in strategic locations around the US in order to service our clients.  In turn, we have an excellent mix of local understanding of venues and suppliers yet a diverse group of key creative, technical, and management and associates.
 
We know exactly who we are and what we do.  We are still small enough where every job we do gets the full attention of our system.  Our sales staff are seasoned production people who understand that every booth, every show, and every event is the most important thing we are doing as a company.  No matter the size of a project, it deserves the same attention to detail that has kept us around for over 60 years.  Our focus now is the same as it has always been; providing the best design and production support possible to the exhibit and live event industry.  At TLSP, we want you to know that we care as much about the success of your project as you do.

Lastly, I am proud and humbled to be surround by such a talented and knowledgeable group of people.  Our design department can boast a combined 120 years of experience while still employing young and fresh talent that is still eager to explore and question the "traditional" approaches.  From our production department through to operations and accounting we are lucky enough to have dedicated, expert, passionate and caring people in place.  After 30+ years of working in this industry I still truly love what I do and I still have a passion for making every project I'm involved in the best that it can be.  I call TLS Productions my home - my family - because I know everyone in the company feels the same way.
 
In conclusion, we are not the company with the biggest inventory.  We are not a mega-international production conglomerate.  We are a dedicated group of individuals working as a team to help our clients - and our client's clients - meet their goals.  We love what we do, and we would be honored to have the opportunity to work with you.