Faces of 4Wall - Max Lenox

At 4Wall, we love highlighting the incredible people who bring their passion and expertise to the team. In this edition of "Faces of 4Wall," we introduce Max Lenox, a Project Manager at our Nashville location. Read on to learn about Max's career journey, insights, and experiences in the industry.

What 4Wall location do you work at, and how long have you been with the company?
I work out of the Nashville location. I actually started my career at 4Wall in June of 2012 when 4Wall acquired Theatrical Lighting Systems in Huntsville, Alabama. Later that fall, we moved operations to Nashville, and I worked there until I went freelance in 2016. I returned to 4Wall in January of 2024 as a Project Manager, and I couldn't be happier!

What was your "aha!" moment that made you realize this was the industry for you?
When I was a kid, my parents would compete in professional BBQ cook-offs all over the Southeast. Most of these competitions had concerts, and I would annoy the light and sound team with questions all day while my parents cooked. I knew then that I wanted to be behind a console!

Describe your career path within this industry.
I started in the summer of 2010 at TLS. Back then, I was still in high school and called TLS every other day asking for a gig until they finally hired me as a general "shop kid." I cleaned, painted, organized, and eventually was allowed to help pull gear for shows. I tagged along to a few local load-ins and tried to learn everything I could from the road guys.

After 4Wall acquired TLS, I became head of the conventional department in Nashville and second to the electronics department. I stayed late teaching myself how to program on an MA2 with a few lights on the moving light test rig. Eventually, I worked my way up to road staff and got my first tour as an LD! It was an exciting and humbling time.

After figuring out my first few tours with 4Wall, I started getting calls to design other tours and decided to go freelance. Becoming an independent LD was a huge accomplishment for me, something I had always dreamed of. I toured heavily from 2016-2023 (aside from the COVID era). Through it all, I maintained my relationship with 4Wall-they were always my go-to whenever I needed gear for a tour I had designed. I was fortunate enough to work with a few international bands and travel the world in my early 20s, working with the best in the business. I still keep in touch with many of these folks and always try to see them when they come through Nashville.

Towards the end of 2023, I proposed to my then-girlfriend, Kristen! I felt a big shift in my personal versus professional life and wanted a change-being home with her. I reached out to my old friends at 4Wall and was welcomed back in January of 2024 with open arms and big smiles. With my prior experience in the shop, then as a tech, followed by Lighting Director, and then Designer, my current role as a Project Manager was a perfect fit.

What's the most unexpected or bizarre thing that has happened to you on the job?
Creed Bratton (from The Office) came out to do a song with Mt. Joy at The Greek in LA!

What's one thing people think is easy about your job-but in reality, it's way harder?
Juggling multiple projects and keeping those wires from getting crossed. When I was touring, I was responsible for executing a single show every night. My job now requires me to stay on top of multiple tours and shows happening at the same time!

If you could trade jobs with one person at 4Wall for a day, who would it be and why?
I'd trade jobs with one of our festival FOH techs for a day. I'd love to be back behind a console, punting good EDM, meeting tour LDs, and nerding out (or complaining) about the latest software release.

What's your secret weapon on a long, hectic day?
Celsius™ + Drum & Bass combo always slaps.

What's a project you worked on that made you the proudest?
Bonnaroo 2024 - The Other Stage. Bonnaroo has always held a special place in my heart. It was the first festival I went to when I was 18 and had just moved to Nashville. I've attended as a fan, worked shows with bands, and now PM'd a stage with a vendor. We faced a few challenges, but in the end, it turned out to be a killer weekend.

What's the wildest request you've ever gotten from a client, and how did you make it happen?
Executing a large show in a VERY short time span. We made it happen by putting the right people in the right roles.

How do you stay on top of evolving technology in the industry?
I like to scroll PLSN, LiveDesign, and a few other industry publications. I also lurk in a few social media lighting groups.

What's one trend with equipment that excites you?
IP-rated lighting fixtures seem to be the hot trend. While the tradeoff is typically added weight, not having to worry about a festival rig getting drenched overnight is really great.

What's a skill you've developed on this job that you never expected to need?
Effectively over-communicating without disparaging anyone's ego. It takes skill to explain something in great detail without offending someone who's been doing this for a long time.

What's the best part of working at 4Wall?
It's cliché, but definitely the people. My job wouldn't be half as fun without the amazing team inside these 4Walls. Get it? lol

Thanks for sharing your journey, Max! Stay tuned for more Faces of 4Wall features, where we introduce the incredible people who keep the show going.