The Clair Wrestlers

To say that early sound reinforcement systems were heavy is an understatement. When Clair Bros. debuted the S-4 in 1974, each box weighed approximately 405 lbs. Additionally, these systems were often stacked 2–3 cabinets high, after already being loaded and unloaded from trucks. To put it mildly, slinging PA gear in the point-source days was not for the faint of heart.

Not long after the S-4 debuted, Gene and Roy Clair, who had children involved in local wrestling programs, met Stan Zeamer. Zeamer was wrestling coach at Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, PA) since October 1972. He was looking for somewhere his wrestlers could work and remain in the area to train during the summer. The Clairs, knowing the physicality needed to wrangle sound systems, were happy to oblige.

Between 1975–1978, the company hired F&M wrestlers Bob Bickelman, Jim Devenney, Steve "Santo" Paterno, and Tom Ford. Devenney stood 6'5", giving him the strength and reach needed to lift and stack speakers. Bickelman, touted as a "freshman sensation" at F&M, took on a near-mythical reputation for being capable of single-handedly lifting and stacking S-4's ("Gotta get that first row down first, so you have a good base"). Ford, who didn't have the size of the other wrestlers, made up for it in versatility and endurance.

Additionally, Kent Gardner, a former West Chester University wrestler and assistant coach at F&M, started as a truck driver and loader in 1975. Gardner's claim to fame was pinning Victor the Bear, a novelty act that visited the Lititz Tastee-Freeze in 1974. For years, Gardner managed the German cup-lock scaffolding alongside Paterno, who later started his own rigging business.

Having succeeded with the F&M wrestlers, the Clairs later hired Dan Pfautz, a highly decorated Penn State wrestler, in 1980. He would tour extensively with Springsteen and Billy Joel. That same year, the company hired Tony "Bubba G" Gallicchio. Though not a wrestler, Gallicchio had a wrestler's build, suited to working with heavy equipment, and could devour a 16-inch cheese pizza in 38 seconds. He could also carry a steel S-4 "bumper" by himself.

However, brute strength wasn't all these individuals brought to the table. Devenney and Paterno graduated with degrees in physics, with the latter touting a minor in math. Gallicchio had a trade union background. Gardner had carpentry skills. Most of all, their outsized personalities endeared them to their crewmates and clients. Springsteen made an appearance at Pfautz's wedding and clowned around with Gallicchio on stage.

They worked hard, and several stayed with Clair for decades. Devenney, who initially toured with Yes, worked his way up to Crew Chief and Monitor Mixer for Barbra Streisand. He then transitioned into systems design and sales for Clair Bros. Audio Systems, Inc., the precursor to Clair Global's Integration division. Bob Bickelman took on a similar role. Tom Ford, better known as "Duds," is still on the road, having worked with a who's who of clients including Billy Joel, The Police, and Stevie Nicks.

Today, Clair continues to host interns from the F&M wrestling program each summer, allowing the wrestlers to stay local and keep training during the off-season. What wrestlers bring to the table goes beyond physical strength. Discipline, resilience, mental endurance, and the ability to perform under pressure are qualities equally essential when working behind the scenes at live events. Those same traits remain central to Clair's training programs and culture, making wrestlers a natural fit for the work environment at Clair Global.