Expert to know: Steve Grumbach (Q&A Interview)

Steve Grumbach is listed on 50Pros as a top 50 voiceover artist in the world. Based in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina he shares his background and experiences in this Q&A.

‍

How did you get into the voiceover industry?

While working in corporate America for a large firm I was asked to narrate some internal training.

‍

I loved doing voice work and had been on college radio.

‍

What inspired you to start?

After retiring from corporate, I wanted to continue to help clients tell their stories and improve their business.

‍

What is the best piece of advice you've received in your career that pertains to your work, and how has it influenced your decisions?

It's not about you. It's about your client and their needs.

‍

What activities or hobbies outside of work do you enjoy that help you recharge and stay creative?

I recently moved from New Jersey where my favorite hoppy was hot air ballooning. I was a regular crew member and a student pilot. Unfortunately that is not an advisable hobby on the NC coast or you may end up in Bermuda or Europe but I still try and go inland and participate if possible. Now my recharge spot is the beach.

‍

What do you like most about the voiceover industry?

I love learning new things and as you do work for clients you learn about their business and what makes them tick.

‍

What do you wish people knew about VO?

That AI is not going to replace the human voice in most voice over roles.

‍

An AI voice can speak but it cannot connect with feeling and emotions.

‍

How do you stay updated on the latest technologies and tools relevant to your industry?

Webinars, conferences, and of course social media.

‍

What is the biggest issue that you, or similar VO artists, face?

AI and people who think that cheaper is better.

‍

What changes have you seen occur since you got into this business?

This used to be a business where you would go to a casting director or independent studio to record. Now most voice actors have professionally equipped home studios at their home.

‍

What changes do you foresee occurring in the future?

Technology will always impact the business, so you need to stay current on trends and modifications.

‍

If a company was looking to hire you, or someone similar, what questions should they ask themselves as a team before approaching you?

What message do I want to convey?

What type of voice do I want conveying that message and what is my budget?

‍

How do you maintain strong relationships with clients to ensure long-term partnerships?

Check in frequently and update them on new and interesting ideas or trends.

‍

What role does networking play in growing your agency's business?

Networking is critical to the voice over business. Someone you meet may know someone who knows someone who is either looking for a voice over artist or is connected with a production company etc.

‍

What else would you like to publicly share about your firm or agency?

Steve Grumbach is a NYC area raised voice over talent with just a touch of sass. I am proficient in commercials, business to business, and narrations, all in a voice you don't hear everywhere. My tagline is "You've never heard it like this." With years of large and small corporate expertise in sales, marketing, customer care, project management, telecom and IT; I promise courteous service, flexibility, fast delivery of your finished product and prompt and accurate billing to let you continue to manage your business, and not worry about your VO project.