As an AV Install Technician at Pearl Technology, James (Jay) Martinson works with clients to install audiovisual devices, such as speakers and displays, throughout Central Illinois. In his role, Jay provides custom AV solutions tailored for individual clients. He installs and services the technology and prides himself on being a “jack-of-all trades.”
How He Serves
Working from the Peoria Heights headquarters, Jay says his typical day involves traveling to and from many job sites around Central Illinois to install their AV equipment. He says the most important part of his job is perseverance, creating solutions, and constantly improving.
“I’m not a stranger to travel and often travel far to do installs,” Jay said. “As an install technician, there are a ton of skills I’ve had to learn. Though I work from the Toledo location, most days I’m on the road. It might be more accurate to say my office is the front seat of one of the Pearl Technology vans!”
Jay first joined Pearl Technology in June 2026, and he says he’s enjoyed learning from the team. “From top to bottom, everyone has been encouraging and supportive of me. Even in situations where the tasks are foreign to me, I’m never truly alone. I’m surrounded by the most knowledgeable and understanding professionals in the industry, and they want me to succeed. They work with me to help me become more skilled so I can take on even bigger challenges.”
What His Experience Means
Prior to joining Pearl Tech’s team, Jay attended Illinois Central College and worked on the events team at the Performing Arts Center. “That’s where I learned how to operate a soundboard and do lighting and basic cable management. That led to working for several local live event groups such as Absolute Light and Sound in Bloomington.”
Though Jay is new to the team, he continues to improve in his work and greatly appreciates how Joe Bohna and the AV team help teach him the ropes for his day-to-day installs. “They have taught me many things, shown me patience, and given me opportunities to grow and develop in my role.”
Jay also worked with a local hotel, doing corporate AV with their hospitality team for their conference center. His responsibilities there were more aligned with event AV, such as setting up speakers, mics, projectors, and lights.
“Our gear was set and struck almost every night, and troubleshooting had to be done on the fly,” he explained. “On the install side of AV, many of my troubleshooting skills transferred to my work here. Still, there’s even more to consider now because the work I do for clients is more permanent and intended to last. There’s more need for precision and technical skills. I am continually seeking to improve in my knowledge, skills, and ability to work with our clients to provide what they need.”
The sky’s the limit for Jay. He’s passionate about what he’s doing and is currently studying to take his AVIXA CTS certification.
What Sustains Him
Still somewhat new to the Peoria area, Jay and the love of his life, Nadia, live in Eureka with their two cats named Ginger and Veronica. He tells the story of how he and Nadia met in school and have been friends a long time. Their wedding is planned for November of next year.
“I’m originally from Kansas and went to school in Michigan,” Jay explained. “I have traveled the country most of my life due to being in a military family. That helps me with my travels now! I do travel quite often and enjoy taking long road trips in my Mustang, taking the top down and feeling the wind pass by.”
Outside of traveling, Jay loves music. He enjoys spending time with Nadia, going to concerts and supporting the local music scene. He also enjoys attending comic conventions and Renaissance fairs.
“One of my unique interests is the art of Lutherie—stringed instrument repair,” Jay added. “I’m a musician at heart and have spent most of my life around music. I taught myself to play guitar when I was young, and I developed a knack for tinkering around and working on my instruments to play and look better. I now run a small repair business out of my garage. I restore and refinish old and unloved guitars back to their former glory. I enjoy spending my free time working on finishes to make something unique and beautiful.”
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