Celebrating his Retirement After 23 Years with Bexel

June 18, 2015 - Burbank, CA Jim Potter’s illustrious career in the broadcast industry began 42 years ago at VTE Mobile Television Productions, Sports Coverage where he played a number of roles: Utility, Camera Operator, Technical Director, EIC, Director of Operations, and ultimately his promotion to VP General Manager of Mobile Broadcast Services.Following his 16-year tenure at VTE, Potter worked as a freelance Camera Operator, Technical Director and EIC for three years. Potter later joined Bexel in 1995 during the acquisition of Broadcast Equipment Rental Company (BERC), where he served as Account Executive for three years.

Now, as a Strategic Account Manager, Potter’s significant industry experience and extensive contribution to Bexel is reflected by notable clients including NBC Studio, CBS Studios, KTLA, KCET, FOX Sports, NMT, NEP, Sweetwater, All Mobile and more.As we celebrate Potter’s well-deserved retirement, we take a look at some personal insights from him, and get to learn about the life of a husband, a father of 7, and now a grandfather of 7… Potter jokingly commented it took 3 wives to come up with that number!

What was one of your career aspirations growing up? I wanted to some day become an architect because my father built homes. I was good in math and enjoyed drawing him ideas for homes. We all start from humble beginnings. What was your first job? In 1963, I started working as a cook for an Italian restaurant in Thousand Oaks, House of Orlando’s. One of my favorite dishes to make was the Veal Parmesan-Chicken Cacciatore… and yes, I raised my kids on pizza and spaghetti. What piece of advice did you receive that really resonated with you? My Dad told me that if you’re going to do something don’t be half assed about it. You won’t go anywhere unless you give 100% and take pride in what you’re doing. What is one of your proudest moments? Seeing my daughter Starr receive her Masters in Aeronautical Engineering at UCLA. Now, NASA is honoring her for her achievements over the past 20 years! We have to ask... why the Hawaiian shirts? We work in a stressful business, and sometimes we have to deal with egos and attitudes. The Hawaiian shirts and shorts bring calmness to it all, and help me feel more relaxed. With your retirement nearing, what are you looking forward to? Shutting off the phones and traveling for the 1st year! I’m a native of California, and have seen most of the west coast, so the plan is to travel the east coast, take a trip to New Zealand… and just kick back! Also my wife, Pat and I, plan build a new home in Tennessee in April of 2016.

Any parting words to share with your colleagues? Don’t let the work force keep you from seeing your kids grow up. In the end, family is all you have. Enjoy them and take the time to stop smell the roses. Sure, money helps and is important to have, but family is the real life.

Congratulations on you retirement, Jim! We appreciate your dedication and service to Bexel. We wish you all the best as you begin a new chapter in your life. May you enjoy the extra time that you will be spending with your family. Aloha![sc name="news-footer"]