RIP Jim Flynn: Audio Rentals Pioneer
Pro audio rentals will never be the same – not in New York City, or anywhere else on the planet.
The global audio ecosystem is now missing an irreplaceable element with the loss of Jim Flynn, who passed away at the age of 62 on February 11th, 2019 following a period of deteriorating health.
A passionate champion of audio rentals, Flynn combined a love for customer service, a deep inventory of gear, and a dedicated staff for keeping music and sound sessions supplied worldwide. His 35+ years of experience were the foundation for Jim Flynn Rentals, a go-to resource for artists, studios, live sound, broadcast production, and more. Altogether, he helped build a comprehensive consortium that included Jim Flynn Rentals, a sales arm in Pro-Sound NYC, and repairs via dBm Pro Audio.
Jim Flynn was a leader in the dynamic world of pro audio rentals.
“Jim Flynn proved that you can take care of yourself and take care of others at the same time,” said Joe D’Ambrosio, the esteemed producer/engineer manager and Flynn’s partner in the recording technology provider Audiosmith Digital Solutions. “He always wanted to help and did whatever it took to get you whatever you needed. His knowledge of all things New York, and how to set up a session, were unmatched. I’m sure there are others with his level of expertise, but I’m yet to meet them.”
Troy Germano, founder of NYC’s Germano Studios, recalled a long friendship and working relationship with Flynn that began in 1983. “Jim’s enthusiasm for his work was evident every day,” Germano said. “He was the best at what he did: He could always find the right thing for your application, but most important of all was the friendship and the quality of the person. We’ve lost a great friend, and I will miss him dearly.”
Andy Hilton, CFO of Jim Flynn Rentals, started out as a competitor to Flynn with his own UK-based audio rental business. Eventually, however, the two became friends and then business partners in 2005. With Flynn’s passing, Hilton is currently overseeing a 15-person team that also includes long-time JFR staffer and general manager Gabby Vivas.
The company was constantly called on to service elite organizations, events and artists that included Super Bowls, Andrea Bocelli, Beyoncé, “The Daily Show,” and many, many more. This 2009 interview by Bryant Frazier in Studio Daily provides an in-depth look into Flynn’s unique mindset.
“Jim could always pull rabbits out of a hat,” Hilton recalls fondly. “So much of what he did came from his decades of contacts — he’d scour his contacts, and come up with whatever was needed. It’s an old-fashioned art, but he was the king of it. The whole industry will miss him. There weren’t too many people like Jim Flynn.”
- David Weiss
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