Sandy Schroeder of Shure Inc. has been named as the 2007 recipient of the National Systems Contracting Association (NSCA) Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given annually to an individual making exceptional contributions to the industry at large. Schroeder, who has spent most of his long and celebrated career holding a number of marketing and sales titles at Shure, graciously accepted the award during a special presentation made at this year's President's Reception at NSCA Expo in Orlando.
"I have known Sandy for more than 20 years,” NSCA executive director Chuck Wilson notes. “His career has been filled with service to our industry, dedication to improving our association, and strong professional ethics. I cannot think of a finer gentleman who is more deserving of NSCA's Lifetime Achievement Award."
Since the late '80s, Schroeder has served the NSCA on its Expo committee and industry advisory board, given support to its leadership conferences, and assisted in the sponsorship of countless Expo events ranging from the Expo Jam to training sessions. For almost a decade now, he has also led funding drives on behalf of the NSCA Education Foundation that have routinely netted five and six-figure sums, and has been instrumental in encouraging other manufacturers to contribute as well through a matching campaign championed by both Shure and Atlas Sound.
"Education, training, and certification are vital to the health of this industry," Schroeder believes. "On both corporate and individual levels, our true net worth lies not in the monetary profits we are capable of earning, but rather in what we can give back to others. Furthering education insures a better tomorrow for everyone by building a working world of qualified, intelligent professionals."
With May 31st of this year marking his last day with Shure before officially retiring, Schroeder's NSCA Lifetime Achievement Award serves as a crowning point to 27 years he has dedicated to the company, and a vibrant career in pro audio. Known and respected for over a generation by industry peers of all ages, he leaves a legacy of goodwill, passion for the business, and a deep belief in the value of personal relationships.
"My greatest pleasure has been working with the people I've met throughout the industry," he confides. "I'll always relish the friendship and camaraderie I've found. If you have to work for a living, it should be enjoyable, and on that level I've been blessed. Among lifetime achievements, that's the best reward anyone could ask for."