At Pyrotecnico, we believe the best way to grow this industry is to invest in the people who are passionate about it. That belief inspired our Shop to Show program: designed to take driven, motivated individuals with a hunger to learn and give them the skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience they need to build a career in live events.

Since launching five years ago, the program has graduated ten technicians who have gone on to support national tours like BTS and Beyoncé, major festivals, and some of the largest productions in live entertainment. Their success has fueled the program’s growth, and Shop to Show is now expanding to bring in more individuals ready to make their mark in live events.

David Bustillos is one of them. He started in the warehouse and worked his way to crew chiefing shows around the world. His story is what Shop to Show is all about.

Every career in live events starts somewhere. For David Bustillos, it started in the warehouse — surrounded by cases, cable runs, and the relentless pace of an industry that never slows down.

“I was trying to learn the ins and outs of the gear and grasp all the information being thrown at me,” he recalls.

It was a solid start, but David wanted more. He wanted to get on the road, and he wanted to get there faster. So when he heard there might be a more structured path forward, he asked about it.

“I mentioned I was hoping there was something that would help me get on the road faster and develop a stronger knowledge base. That’s when Amanda Ragan (Director of Assets at Pyrotecnico) introduced me to the Shop to Show program.”

The Mindset Shift

While technical skills are critical, David quickly discovered that mindset is just as important.

“The biggest thing I learned is being able to listen and not be afraid to ask questions or for help,” he explains. “There’s always someone who’s been in that situation before.”

That willingness to stay open to feedback, to learning, and to growth, continues to shape how he approaches every show.

Warehouse Knowledge That Travels

Hands-on experience in the warehouse proved invaluable once David transitioned to touring.

“Knowing how to fix things has made a drastic difference in my day-to-day life on the road,” he says. “Whether it’s fixing cable ends or swapping parts on units, being able to troubleshoot when time isn’t on your side is critical.”

It’s this combination of preparation and adaptability that defines a strong technician in the field.

A Network That Shows Up

What sets the program apart, David says, isn’t just the training — it’s the people.

“It’s a culture of availability and support,” David says. “I had RJ (Pacella) and Jacob (Medeiros) as mentors, and they’ve been more than generous with their time whenever I’ve needed help.”

That kind of accessibility,  knowing you can pick up the phone or ask a question on-site without judgment, is rare, and it makes a real difference when you’re still finding your footing.

From Goals to Gigs

From day one, David knew what he was working toward: operator first, crew chief eventually. The program helped him get specific about how to get there.

“After I mentioned I wanted console training, we had sessions at our main warehouse in New Castle (PA) on PD and MA3,” he says. “It was intense, but a great start.”

That training led to real opportunities — one-offs, festivals, tours. And then something more.

“From one-offs to festivals and tours — and even crew chiefing — everything has built on itself. The support from the company is something I’ll always be grateful for.”

The Person Behind the Tech

Today, David measures his growth in more than just job titles or consoles learned.

“I’ve grown significantly as a tech and as a person. I’ve learned to stay calm under pressure and approach everything safely and confidently.”

That combination of skill, composure, and character is what separates good technicians from great ones.

“This program will take you all over the world and give you experiences you will never forget.” — David Bustillos

Now recruiting candidates for the 2026/2027 program in Chatsworth, CA (Los Angeles) or New Castle, PA (Pittsburgh).