Unique Communications LTD - Calgary

Unique Communications Ltd. is proud to be one of Calgary’s most professional audio visual and staging companies for 40 years. In that time we have expanded to include installations serving businesses, houses of worship, home owners, and much more.

We have found it’s the little things that matter most and we pride ourselves on our attention to detail. We have had the opportunity to install sound systems and audio visual equipment throughout western Canada and are proud to offer the comfort and peace of mind of our experience to all projects, from installing a TV to a fully automated audio visual system.

Through the years, systems and requirements have changed. With each change has come development and advancement in the industry. Unique Communications embraces these changes and continues to expand and grow by educating our staff in new products and systems, as they become available.

Using our expertise in design and installation, we pride ourselves on the service that we provide to our clients, and our ability to meet their needs.

DAVE RUFF

President

Dave brings 45 years of experience with him. Dave travelled for 9 years working as a professional soundman with many touring companies and recording studios throughout North America with the responsibility for stage management, performance operations and logistics. Dave established Unique Communications in 1981 as an Audio Visual Staging and Rental company and has had great success with a wide range of clients including Canadian Airlines, Expo 86, Calgary 88 Olympics, Spruce Meadows, Global Day of Prayer 2005 and 2006 and numerous other corporate clients and houses of worship. Dave has developed Unique Communications into a full Audio Visual Integration and Consultation Company with a staff that brings with them strong experience throughout the audio visual industry.

Chris McKay

Manager of Audio-Visual Sales and Services

Chris joined the Unique Communications team in 2012 as a graduate from Mount Royal University’s Broadcasting program. Chris started as an installation and rental show technician at Unique and quickly worked his way into Sales and Project Management as he demonstrated excellent client care, attention to detail and forward thinking. Chris is now Unique’s office manager and Project Lead where he continues to gain more experience and thrive under Dave’s mentorship.

Stephen Green

Sales and Technical Services

Stephen graduated from the SAIT Radio, Television and Broadcast News program in 2018. In the same year, he joined Unique as a technician, and has moved primarily into sales where he enjoys matching clients with solutions suited to their needs.

John Wilkinson

Installations and Technical Services

John Wilkinson has been sharpening his expertise in the AV industry for the past 20 years. He spent 7 years at the University of Calgary as the Media Technical Assistant ensuring all the classrooms and meeting room AV needs were satisfied. In 2007 John joined our team at Unique Communications and has been providing his abilities and knowledge in the audio, video, operation, and networking fields. John has also acted as the Supervisor of the Volunteer Sound Crew for the Break Forth Canada Conference for 14 years. John is now a lead technician for Unique and oversees installation work while onsite. John is a member of the Calgary Amateur Radio Association where he volunteers his time to provide communications services during times of emergency.

Tim Kirby

Installation and Technical Services

Tim joined Unique Communications after 8 years in the Electronics Department at Spruce Meadows overseeing the Audio Visual services on the grounds. Tim joined Unique Communications in 2008 and with his extensive knowledge became one of the lead technicians at Unique. Tim has since become Unique’s Head Programmer and system design specialist for integration product. 

Andre Francis

Installation and Technical Services

Andre is the newest member of our team, and has already become an invaluable asset to Unique. His charm and energy combine with his technical know-how to make his colleagues’ and our clients’ day brighter.

Betty Ruff

Accounting and Reception

Betty uses her keen eye for detail to ensure our accounts payable and receivable run like clockwork, all while offering her services in reception. She has been the first face many of our clients see when entering our offices for over thirty years.

Previous Employees

Unique Communications Ltd. has many employees that have helped it reach 40 years of operation. Recently, we have had some long serving staff members move into retirement or pursue new opportunities. We wish them success in their new paths, and thank them for their contributions to Unique.

• Allan Jamieson – After nearly 30 years of managing our rental department, Allan has retired and is looking forward to enjoying time with his wife.
• Nathan Ruff – Having worked in our technical services and sales departments for 11 years, Nathan has followed his love for basketball and has moved to St Mary’s University as Sports Manager of the Athletic Department as well as Head Coach of the St Mary’s Lightning Men’s Basketball team.
• Dave Darling – After 19 years in our technical services department, Dave has moved to a technical position in an aviation company in Calgary.

CERTIFICATIONS

Our technicians are trained and certified in many installation and programming courses. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Recording Engineer’s License Fanshawe College London, Ontario
• Member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) since 1976
• Graduate of Synergetic Audio Concepts (Syn-Aud-Con)
• Graduate of Shure Advanced Wireless Microphone Training
• Cambridge Sound Management: CSM101/102/103 Certified
• Yamaha Digital Console Training
• iLiveT series from Allen and Heath
• ClearOne Certified Technical Specialist
• HME Certified Installer
• Qu Series from Allen and Heath
• ClearOne Certified Technical Specialist
• Certificate from CDI College in Network Programming
• Rane Hal 1x system trained