Meet the Team

With Meet The HARMAN Luxury Team, our goal is for you to get to know us better. In each edition we feature a different member of the team, and this month it's Michael Strange, Global Product Line Manager.

How would you describe what you do in your current role?

I’m part of a team of diverse and very smart people around the world that dream of what could be and then develop, nurture and bring it to the market. As one of the Global Product Line Managers, it’s my role to initiate or to evaluate concepts, build the business case, and work with the design, engineering, manufacturing, and planning team to get it developed and ultimately to our customers.

What did you study in school? Did you always imagine yourself doing something like what you’re doing now or did the fates just take you in that direction?

I was always the AV Geek in school. For as long as I remember I’ve been interested in sound and video. When I was 15, a local recording studio started classes in audio engineering. I was the youngest student. After I graduated, I received an internship at another studio, 914 Studios in Blauvelt NY, owned by Brooks Arthur (20 Grammy nominations). He was an important mentor and taught me many, many things, and lessons I still use today.

From there I went on to Ohio University and studied Radio and Television Production. WOUB the schools broadcast stations were the Flagship for NPR in Southeastern Ohio. I got to work at the station nights and weekends doing board work, producing and ultimately announcing. That was a great time.

How did your career path lead you to HARMAN?

If you work in the Audio Industry, your path will cross HARMAN at some point in your career. You either know people who work here or have worked here. I’ve worked with many of HARMAN’s competitors over the years and when the opportunity came to join, I jumped at the chance. HARMAN has many of the most talented people in the industry. We have the facilities and resources to develop world class, impactful and amazing products. I am honored to be part of the team.

What is the most important thing you have learned over your career?

A few things stand out that help me in my career. I try to always have fun and enjoy what I’m doing. I’ve also learned to be patient, listen to others, and understand that I’m not always and usually not the smartest person in the room.

Any other advice you would share with people just starting out in this industry?

Information is power. Never stop learning new things and learn how to solve problems. You may not always be right but strive to be the best.

Find and take advantage of mentors in your life. They will help you achieve your goals, listen and respect you. They will help you navigate some of the challenges you face and pass on experience and wisdom.

What are you most proud of in your life?

The cliché of family and friends is hard to beat. Additionally, I’m proud of all my accomplishments small and large and I’m thankful to everyone I’ve met, every place I’ve visited and as a product development person, every product I’ve been a part of bringing to market.

When did you realize you had a passion for music or audio? Was there any one band, song, or movie that did it for you?

I can’t remember a time when audio and video, both the production and the technology, didn’t fascinate me. My uncle always had a small tape recorder around and would show me the workings. My father was always fixing and building things. He taught me endless lessons and to never be afraid to try and fix or improve things.

What current technology impresses you the most?

I’m fascinated with AI, where it will take us, how it will improve and change our lives.

Favorite music genre?

Let’s reverse the question. My least favorite genres are Disco and Bluegrass but over the years I’ve learned to appreciate both.

The desert island question, of course. If you were marooned for eternity and could listen to only three albums, what would they be?

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Willy and The Poor Boys

Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run

Pink Floyd – Darkside of the Moon

You have the floor. In closing, tell us anything else you want us to know about yourself.

As you can guess I’m a big audio and video fan. I’m also a collector of a few unusual things; L Frank Baum wrote a famous story, The Wonderful Wizard of OZ. Most of you should know the movie. I collect his books; they were all published between 1900 and 1919 and I have over 100 in various conditions and states. I also collect Animation Cells and have a diverse collection of Disney, Warner Brother,and others. Collecting some of these things from earlier childhoods helps me keep a perspective on the future and understanding of preservation of the past.