THE HISTORY OF FORECAST CONSOLES
The Beginning
THE EARLIEST CATALOG IN OUR "ARCHIVE"
Forecast Consoles is a family business created in 1978 by Bill and Janet Haberman out of their garage in Sea Cliff, NY. Todd Rundgren was Forecast's first customer, and in this catalog you can see the original sketch that Bill used to sell the project, as well as the original company name - Forecast Installations. This is the only remaining copy, and was discovered in a box of their son Ryan's childhood artwork that Janet had been saving. Ryan was clearly inspired by this early exposure to the business, and after years of serving in many different roles, took over as CEO in 2016. He has also learned to spell his own name, although his handwriting has not drastically improved.
Early Control Rooms
THE TRANSITION TO NON-LINEAR EDITING
Technological "advancements" in production equipment led to an explosion of new production companies, and in turn an increased demand for purpose built, ergonomic console furniture. To keep up with demand Forecast moved into its first true production facility in 1979.
"Modern" Control Rooms
BIGGER, BETTER, BRINGING TEAMS TOGETHER
Having established a reputation as the go-to solutions provider for custom built console furniture, Forecast continued to push the limits of console design and equipment integration. The advent of early monitor walls required the creation of custom structures capable of supporting thousands of pounds of CRT monitors. The precision needed to create these structures was incredible, especially given that they predate the CNC machines we use today.
The Revolution
THE ADVENT OF MASTERail
In 2001 Forecast introduced the fully modular console system, MASTERail. Quickly becoming our flagship product line, MASTERail's modularity allows users to stay ahead of rapidly changing technology and control room design. MASTERail has evolved extensively in the almost two decades since its inception, and is still a mainstay in broadcast and production control rooms.
The Bleeding Edge
WHAT COMES NEXT
Forecast continues to push the boundaries of control room design. As technology progresses, so does the way we interact with it. It is imperative that console furniture keep pace with the ever changing control room environment, and Forecast strives to be at the forefront of that change.
THE PEOPLE
Janet and Bill Haberman
Founders
Janet and Bill founded Forecast Consoles in 1978, and spent a lifetime growing and nurturing the company with a core group of employees who shared their vision. They instilled the spirit of family in everything we do, and that spirit endures no matter how large the company grows.
Ryan Haberman
Chief Executive Officer
Having spent most of his childhood working in Forecast's production facilities, Ryan is acutely aware of the hard work and commitment it takes to design and manufacture the highest quality consoles. His passion for design and engineering is evident in his constant effort to improve Forecast's product offerings and develop novel solutions to meet our partners most challenging needs. He strives to treat every project with respect, attention, and enthusiasm.
[email protected]
631-253-9000 x305
Edward Gross
Partner Consultant - Broadcast and AV
Ed has worked for some of the top broadcasters and cable networks, making him keenly aware of control room operations and how the right equipment can make all the difference. Ed’s diligent management ensures that projects will be completed on time and on budget. He listens carefully to each customer's needs to be certain they receive the best solution for their project.
[email protected]
631-253-9000 x313
Debbie LeDuc
Chief Financial Officer
Debbie has been an invaluable member of Forecast Consoles for over 20 years. A consummate professional, Debbie’s keen attention to detail and her unyielding passion for success (as well as a handy degree in Accounting) keeps all the dreamers tethered to reality.
[email protected]
631-253-9000 x302
Ernesto D'Angelo
Chief Creative Officer
A 20+ year veteran of the industry, Ernesto has played a key role in the modernization of today’s console furniture. Quality, durability and style are at the forefront of his designs. His approach to projects has always been that anything can be done, it’s just a matter of doing it right.
[email protected]
631-253-9000 x316
Pasquale Barbuto
Senior Designer
With several years of design experience and a degree in manufacturing engineering, Pasquale was a natural when he turned his skill to combining aesthetics and utility in consoles. Pat has a passion for the development and design of new products and technologies. His motto is “Our consoles should look good and be functional, never one or the other.”
[email protected]
631-253-9000 x321
Lori Lamont
Logistics and Install Coordinator
Lori’s background is in coordinating international shipments. Her wide range of talents, organizational skills, and follow-through ensure that Forecast-Consoles products are delivered and installed as efficiently as possible, on-time and as-scheduled.
[email protected]
631-253-9000 x319
The Fritz
Quality Control / Destroyer
Fritz specializes in befriending all Post Office and UPS drivers, terrorizing solicitors, and brightening employees' days while attempting to destroy everything in the office. An expert in both stealth tactics and dumpster diving, he is a force to be reckoned with, especially at lunch time.
NY Location