Joshua Nelson is nominated for Operations Overlord as part of The Flex Awards. The Flex Awards recognize the professionals behind the scenes who make complex live events and productions look effortless. To learn more about the program and this year’s finalists, visit FlexRentalSolutions.com/Flex-Awards.
As General Manager at Citation Support, Joshua Nelson plays a central role in keeping operations focused, organized, and moving forward. His nomination highlights his attention to detail and the workflows he has built to streamline operations and increase productivity. In an industry that is constantly changing, especially within film and television lighting and grip, Joshua has become a steady presence guiding his team through uncertainty.
When asked how he makes thousands of moving parts look effortless, Joshua points first to his team and the tools they rely on every day. He has helped create a work culture built on structure, communication, organization, and trust. These principles guide how the team operates and how they support one another under pressure. Flex Rental Solutions sits at the center of that operational toolkit, aligning with those same values and enabling the team to work with focus, consistency, and strong productivity.
One Flex feature Joshua believes more people should take advantage of is the PayEngine integration. He describes it as a game changer that saves several hours every week. For an operation that depends on efficiency, that time savings makes a meaningful difference and allows the team to stay focused on what matters most.
What keeps Joshua passionate about the business after all these years is reconnecting with the creativity that first drew him into production. Operations work can be demanding, and it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. When that happens, he resets by remembering why he entered the industry in the first place. Seeing the final product come together and collaborating with other creatives continues to inspire him and fuel his commitment.
When asked to describe his year in ten words or less, Joshua summed it up this way: “Focused on growth, adaptation, improvement, and consistently exceeding customer expectations.”
Joshua’s leadership reflects exactly what the Operations Overlord category represents. Through thoughtful systems, steady guidance, and a deep respect for both people and process, he helps keep Citation Support moving forward and ready for whatever comes next.