It is an enormous privilege for DWR Distribution to welcome Darren Durbach to the sales team, a big name in the live events industry and AV integration market, and someone who has paid his dues.
Under the guidance of legendary Joe Copans, founder of Wild and Marr, Darren’s enthusiastic character picked up the qualities needed to support excellent equipment with integrity and dedication.
A devoted family man who has the support of a wonderful wife and daughter, Darren smiles when he remembers being a teenager in the 80s, raised to give 100% in all he did. Darren’s dad would wake him up early in the morning to watch the British & Irish Lions and besides being a sportsman at school, he was a fan of football, tennis and rugby, today still collecting memorabilia relating to Formula and MotoGP. But one of his greatest loves was listening to music, particularly bands like Sting and Genesis. That childlike passion continues today as proudly shows off his collection of Shure microphones, accumulated over almost thirty years, all beautifully boxed in cases made by Gavin Oliver, another good friend in the industry.
“When I left school, I ended up studying electrical engineering,” Darren recalls. “But I had a passion for sound, and I was blessed that my brother was friends with Joe Copan’s middle son and that’s how I got in as a junior.” Darren completed his 18-month internship at Wild and Marr, a professional audio distributor, then for a very short stint worked at a computer-based company before being given a permanent position at Wild and Marr in February 1995. He stayed at the company for the next 27 years.
“I was mentored and guided by a subline human who regrettably is no longer with us,” Darren caringly recalls of Joe who passed away in 2019. “Joe was the most fantastic people’s person and would go anywhere in the world and know someone. He had a friendly disposition, a fantastic laugh and always believed there was time for hard work and play while his company provided a lovely working environment with premier brands.”
Despite being competitors over the past sixteen years, there was always a relationship between DWR Distribution and Wild and Marr. Duncan Riley of DWR looked up to Joe, who he confirms was truly a wonderful man while Darren in turn has always been honest and a man of his word. “Darren has a commitment and passion for the industry which stands out,” said Duncan. “He is someone I respect and who puts in tremendous effort in all he does. I believe his passion will be contagious.”
While Darren’s previous roles were focused on audio, he is now thrilled to not only sell DWR’s audio products but also looks forward to the challenge of suppling screens, lighting, staging, and everything that goes with it, to offer a turnkey solution. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to join this dynamic team with its premier brand offering, to regurgitate my love and my passion for this industry and to connect again with all my loyal friends,” said Darren. “I am committed, hardworking and I’m very aligned with the whole mantra behind the people first concept. I think it’s all about relationships and making customers happy. I am looking forward to the opportunity.”