Andrew Pottie

Andrew Pottie

Age: 30

Calgary-born Andrew Pottie grew up in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, with a love for music and started performing with instruments in his early teens.

“Music is always there when you need it, when you want it or when you have no idea what you need or want,” said Pottie, a band member of the local folk-rock band, The Borderpines. “The expression and emotional release that is possible through music aren’t nearly as attainable, for me, otherwise.”

Pottie is the owner of AJP Audio Services Ltd. and provides audio and lighting production for various events, including weddings, parties, conferences, music events and everything else that requires audio equipment. He’s also the founder, organizer and a performer in the Tavern Tribute concert series at Tavern on Main.

“Every time I play or set up and run a successful show, I am very happy,” he said. “It feels great to see so many people from the community coming out and enjoying something I was part of.”

Before making his way to Fort McMurray, Pottie attended one semester of college in an Audio Engineering program before deciding to join the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 2009 and served as an Avionics System Technician based in 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta. Locally, he continued working with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets as a staff member for the 868 YMM Rotary Northstar from 2013 to 2016.

In the community, Pottie offers in-kind services for audio production and music services for the social profit sector at events and through fundraising initiatives.

“Since the majority of my work in the community is behind the scenes, and on the technical side of events, I’m not usually the focal point. I am very grateful for the recognition,” he said on the Your McMurray Magazine’s Top 50 Under 50 nomination.