From a saxophone and an improvised hose to a global entertainment technology company. The story of Equipson is that of a musician father, a strategist son, and a family passion that transformed the audio industry from Valencia to the world.
On a quiet street in Valencia, where the Mediterranean sets the pace of the days, a company was born that dreamed big from its very first chord: Equipson. Behind the name, the vision of a young man passionate about music and professional sound since the age of 14. José Vila, its founder, channeled decades of experience and direct contact with the market to shape a company that, over the years, would become a global benchmark in technological solutions for the entertainment industry.
The initial drive was more visceral than strategic: the desire to create something of his own based on real user experience. “Creating a company with the product ideas I believed the market needed—a market I had worked in all my life—was too great an illusion not to make it come true,” recalls José Vila. He did so at over 40 years old, with two children and all the responsibility that comes with venturing into the unknown with a family. “It’s not the same to start a business at 20 as at 40, but the motivation was so strong and the conviction that it was the right path so clear that I took the first step… and here we are, 30 years later.”
But the seed of Equipson had actually been planted much earlier. Music was the silent engine behind every step. José played tenor sax since he was 14, handcrafted Spanish guitars before he was of age, and worked as a sound technician, manager, and later a representative at a national manufacturer. “Music has been everything in my life. I’ve played guitar, saxophone, and eventually became a bassist, an instrument I still play today,” he says. He even fondly remembers his first tech adventure: building a homemade audio snake in the 70s using a garden hose and talcum powder to pass the cables from the stage to the console. “Without a doubt, Equipson wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t been connected to this world,” he asserts.
And results came quickly: the WPL-1 loudspeaker was the first major milestone. With its innovative design, surprising sound, and affordable price, it became a phenomenon that remained in the catalog for two decades. Today, it’s a legacy that still echoes in the company’s memory.
The market of the early ‘90s was another world. There were no digital platforms, orders were managed by fax, and business relationships were built face to face, from trade show to trade show, shop to shop. In that context, breaking through was a titanic task. But Equipson had an advantage: the credibility of its leader. “I had spent my entire career working with sound equipment and selling it directly to customers, I knew exactly what the market needed at that time,” says José, adding that the key was turning that experience into concrete solutions. His vision was clear from the start.
What’s curious is that, even during that foundational stage, Equipson had its sights set beyond its borders. Just a year after its creation, it was already exhibiting at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, with a clear determination: to play on the international field. That global projection was cemented with the creation of WORK PRO, the company’s flagship brand and cornerstone of its international growth. Born with the company itself, WORK PRO symbolizes not only its identity in the audio world, but also its way of working: professionalism, active listening, and constant evolution.
Listening, in fact, has always been the heart of the company—not as an empty concept, but as a practice. José had spent 18 years navigating the sector as a commercial director, receiving first-hand the demands, complaints, suggestions, and dreams of users. That’s how the first products were born: as responses to real needs. This customer-centric approach didn’t fade as the company grew. On the contrary, it became a defining trait of the brand.
On a personal level, José never imagined that one day he would share the helm of the company with one of his sons. “At first, it wasn’t planned for them to work with me. In fact, their careers pointed elsewhere, but life brought us together,” he says. Juan José Vila, current CEO and COO of the group, confirms that unexpected turn: “I didn’t start here. I worked in other IT sector companies and built my career outside Valencia. I came back for personal reasons, and while it wasn’t my plan to continue a legacy, it was my plan to help make this project as successful as possible.”
The leadership transition was never a formal decision, but a natural process. “We’ve always worked together and gradually divided areas organically. Each of us focuses on where we can contribute most,” they explain. Time will complete the transition, but the essentials are already in place.
With more than two decades in the company, Juan José has been key in modernizing its structure and culture. “One of the most important changes was dividing the group into specialized verticals. That’s how WORK PRO, Lightshark, and Fantek were born, each with its own development team. This structure gives us agility and focus without losing the strength of the whole.”
His leadership style has also made a difference. “I value talent a lot. I like to surround myself with people who are better than me at what they do. No one can do everything, but if you know how to spot and support those who excel, that’s the key,” he explains. He defines himself as an enthusiastic and motivating leader. “I used to swim, and my coach used to say I was the enzyme of the team, the one who set the pace. That’s my way of leading: pushing with enthusiasm and letting each one shine in their lane.”
The father’s lessons remain present. “Don’t let problems fester. Face them as soon as they arise, and do it cool-headed,” repeats Juan José. He also stresses the importance of diversification and keeping focus even in complex contexts. “With the right team, that’s possible,” he affirms.
Today, the challenges come not only from the AV sector. “The pandemic, the logistics crisis, component shortages, geopolitical tensions… those have been the biggest headaches,” acknowledges Juan José. In an environment where big mergers are reshaping the market, the challenge for companies like Equipson is clear: “To be more dynamic and agile than the giants. That’s our edge.”
Innovation reflects that dynamism. In products like LightShark, that DNA becomes tangible. “We’re quite the geeks in the team, always tuned in to new technologies. Many times, that internal radar is what allows us to stay ahead,” says Juan José. And although the industry has changed radically with the integration of software, networks, and remote control, at Equipson they understand that this also redefines professional profiles. “Today, a good network engineer is almost more valuable than a sound engineer. Even cybersecurity is now part of an installation. Fifteen years ago, that was unthinkable.”
Sustainability is also at the core of their decisions. “Not just out of awareness. Regulation is tightening, and those who don’t prepare will pay a price. Investing now is also a strategic decision,” admits Juan. As for the future, AI takes center stage: “It’s the fastest revolution we’ve ever faced. We’re adapting so it doesn’t catch us off guard.”
Although many decisions have sparked intense debates—like spinning off Lightshark from WORK PRO to make it a standalone brand—they both agree those discussions are vital for growth. “We argue every day,” they say, laughing. And they wouldn’t change a thing: “Of course, today we’d do many things differently… but with today’s knowledge. It wouldn’t be fair to judge the past with present eyes.”
When asked what they admire in each other, José highlights his son’s consistency and strategic vision, while Juan José points to his father’s boundless energy. “He’s still thinking of new projects, and that still surprises me,” he admits. Perhaps that’s why it’s no surprise that José still plays with his band Los Genios, rehearsing weekly and celebrating the release of their fifth album, while his private collection of instruments and gear exceeds 400 pieces. “Music has always been present at home,” he says proudly.
The future, they agree, lies in strengthening each brand in each market. And the dream, simply, is to achieve that. “We love what we do. Whether or not it leaves a mark will be a consequence,” they reflect. And if they could leave a message for future generations at Equipson, it would be clear: “Diversify, invest in service, and work together with enthusiasm.”
From Valencia, Equipson’s story continues to be written with the same energy with which it began: betting on innovation with feet on the ground, ears close to the customer, and a heart beating to a family soundtrack. Because in this journey, technology is the medium, but music, like passion, is the true engine.
