Ryan Harbin is nominated for Scheduling Star as part of the Flex Awards. The Flex Awards celebrate the professionals behind the scenes who keep live events moving and make complex productions feel seamless. To learn more about the program and this year’s finalists, visit FlexRentalSolutions.com/Flex-Awards. FlexRentalSolutions.com/Flex-Awards.
At Sound Ideas Production Group, Ryan Harbin plays a vital role in keeping people, schedules, and events aligned. As Operations Coordinator, he manages crews, call times, and logistics with passion, integrity, and grit. His steady presence and tireless work ethic help ensure that the right people are always in the right place, setting every event up for success.
According to his nominator, Ryan approaches scheduling with a true “get it done” mindset. He understands that it is the people behind the scenes who make Sound Ideas great, and he knows how to build the right teams to make each event feel seamless. Whether he is managing multiple shows or supporting individual crew members, his focus is always on doing right by the people involved.
Ryan believes that a perfect schedule is more than a logistical win. To him, it is a promise to the crew. It shows respect for their time and helps everyone pull off a successful event together. That perspective shapes how he approaches his work and why his crews trust him.
When the final slot is filled and a crew is fully locked in, Ryan allows himself a small moment of celebration. He hits save, throws his hands in the air, grabs a coffee, and then moves right on to staffing the next event on the calendar. Every fully staffed show deserves recognition, no matter the size, and Ryan treats each one as a win.
Staying calm under pressure is essential in a fast-moving industry, and Ryan has developed a clear approach. He focuses on what he can control. Clear communication, quick problem solving, and strong crew support help keep the chaos manageable. When everyone is on the same page and the crew knows they are supported, the pressure feels lighter and the work runs smoother.
This year has been a busy one, both professionally and personally. Ryan balances his demanding role with life as a dad of three, including welcoming a brand-new baby girl. Through it all, he continues to show up with calm confidence and focus.
When asked to describe his year in ten words or less, Ryan summed it up this way:
“Teamwork, communication, caffeine, growth, long hours, focused, balanced, successful.”
If he could ban one phrase from the live events universe forever, it would be “Here is a small change.” A phrase that often means late nights or unexpected weekend shifts, and one that every scheduler knows all too well.
Ryan’s dedication, reliability, and respect for the people he schedules capture exactly what the Scheduling Star category is meant to recognize. He supports his crews, strengthens his team, and helps make every event run smoother because of the care he brings to his work.