About Us
RYGID AV
RYGID AV was born out of the belief that you deserve better. Too often, we hear stories of small-town businesses and churches not getting the respect and care they deserve when looking for audio-visual solutions. We saw how folks were treated and knew we could do better. Much better. We are a local, family-run business. Our relationships with our clients are personal. We surprise our partners by living up to the standard they deserve. While we have a national presence, our business is at home, and you are our family. We hope to become part of your family soon.
Ryan Gilbert
Founder, Certified Technical Specialist (CTS)
Ryan is a North Carolina native and has called the 704 home most of his life. After completing his degree in Architecture at UNC Charlotte, he set out to pursue his passions in acoustics, technology, and design. During Ryan’s career, he has traveled with different production companies, served as the technical director for a nonprofit, designed audio, video, and lighting systems for churches and corporate clients, and now owns and operates RYGID AV. Nine years ago, Ryan started to build RYGID AV, or as he says, “incubate,” in Boone, NC, where he developed relationships and skills that are the foundation of the business. Now he leads his team to provide the best they can in customer service and AV technology throughout the Carolinas and nationwide. Ryan is located in Mooresville, NC, where he lives with his wife and two young children.
John Stroup
Director of Operations, Certified Technical Specialist (CTS)
John’s passion and career path in AV began when he was in high school while serving as a volunteer at church. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Gardner-Webb University and double majored in graphic design and discipleship studies. John’s work experience includes time in live event production, integration, telecom, and media production. John joined RYGID AV during the summer of 2020, the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has loved every minute since. In 2022 he furthered his expertise in the AV field by earning his Certified Technical Specialist. When not at work, John spends his time backpacking, car camping, serving at his local church in Gastonia, or hanging out with his wife Kaylee and their dog Millie.
Will Carter
Director of Client Relations
Will’s interest in production started at the age of 10, while with his mom at choir rehearsals. Through high school, he built and operated his own audio production business. In high school, Will discovered that God's calling for his life was to use his love for media production and show technology for God's Glory through the vessel of the church world. Will received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Show Production, with a minor in Recording Engineering, at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida in 2014. From 2012-2023, he worked as a Director of Media in various sized churches in Florida and North Carolina. Will married his wife, Paige, in April of 2018, and they have two sons, Easton and Oakland, who keep them on their feet. Will joined us in 2023 as a Project Coordinator and Shop Manager. If you want to talk Media Ministry strategy, he’s been there, done that, and maybe one day write a book.
Amy Gilbert
Business Administrator
Amy, soon to be Amy Bumgarner, has been with RYGID AV since 2020. Ryan offered his sister the position immediately after she graduated from East Carolina University with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting. She “keeps her boys organized” and is typically the front line when you call in. Don’t ask her to do taxes, but she can handle the rest. She lives in her hometown of Newton with her fiancée Logan and her cat Fred.
