Via Vision.
“I wanted something that would stand the test of time,” said Gagnon, 37. He added, laughing, that he’d only hoped no one confused him for an eye doctor.
The ambitious fifth-grader began Via Vision by borrowing the school library’s camcorder on weekends, filming sports and making movies with friends around Rumford. Over nearly two decades, he’s honed his technique, branched out — more weddings, fewer home movies — and on Friday the videographer will be named the Young Professionals of the Lewiston Auburn Area’s Business Person of the Year.
Entry into the bride and groom business, now one of his specialties, was almost accidental. Gagnon was 15 when the school cut him off from its camcorder and his mom agreed to co-sign an $1,800 loan for his own high-tech camera.
“Then I was able to do everything I wanted and then some,” Gagnon said. At the same time, “I had an older sister whose friends were getting married.”
He remembers someone volunteered him: “‘Francis can do her wedding video.’ ‘I don’t want to do wedding videos, I want to make movies!’ (But) being a perfectionist, I just put my heart into it, it just took off from there.”
Gagnon took time out to attend Emerson College and worked in theater management for Flagship Cinemas before throwing himself back into Via in 1999. Today his company converts 8 mm films to DVD, creates photo montages and films special events, like this summer’s PAL Hop concert. Between May and June, he recorded 18 dance recitals.
Gagnon, who lives in Lewiston, said he fell in love with the Twin Cities and its culture. His parents are from Quebec.
He was flustered when he got an e-mail alerting him to Friday’s award. Friends said after they’d voted for him.
“I was a little dumbfounded after I read the thing three, four times,” Gagnon said. “It’s a nice honor.”
kskelton@sunjournal.com
Local people honored
A slate of local people will be honored Friday at the fourth annual Young Professionals of the Lewiston Auburn Area annual event and awards night. The event runs from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Franco American Heritage Center and features music by Veggies By Day along with a Dress For Your Favorite Decade theme. Tickets are $35 per person.
Award winners, and why they were picked, from YPLAA:
Against All Odds Award: Ben Hayes
After suffering a serious spinal cord injury in 2007, Ben Hayes was able to return to his job as a real estate specialist for Hannaford, complete his MBA and begin work on a Health and Policy Management master’s degree, and serve the L-A community through volunteer work.
Business Champion Award: Eric Agren
Eric Agren, owner of Fuel and Marche restaurants in downtown Lewiston, has been a great advocate and partner of YPLAA. Agren consistently donates appetizers and his restaurants for functions and meetings, often offering to help without being asked.
Community Involvement Award: Matt Gutshall
Matt Gutshall, an employee of Northeast Bank, is a dedicated volunteer in the L-A community, giving back to many local organizations and events, including the Dempsey Challenge, Big Brothers Big Sisters, numerous Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce events, and the Moxie Festival.
Entrepreneur Award: Josh Shea
Josh Shea is the 2010 recipient of YPLAA’s Entrepreneur Award for his work to create Lewiston Auburn Magazine, in its first year. Shea’s magazine provides a positive look at L-A through a new, creative avenue and has already surpassed subscription goals.
Mentor Award: Robert Limoges
Dr. Robert Limoges has been serving patients at Advanced Dentistry since 1976. Limoges was nominated by an employee for his efforts to go above and beyond his responsibilities as a dentist to support and encourage a young professional to be successful in their career.
Business Person of the Year Award: Francis Gagnon
Francis Gagnon established Via Vision Film and Video Productions in 1989 and has been building his successful business providing a variety of video services ever since. He is known for his attention to detail and willingness to go the extra step to create quality products for his clients.
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