Automation Unplugged Podcast artwork

Automation Unplugged Podcast

209 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratings

Automation Unplugged is a Facebook Live show recorded weekly with our host Ron Callis, Owner and CEO of the digital marketing agency, One Firefly. In each Automation Unplugged episode, Ron speaks with leading industry personalities and technology professionals to discuss all things business development, technology trends, and more. These interviews are designed to help our clients and members of the custom integration industry keep up-to-date with the latest news as well as learn from experts in the field.

Technology automation custom integration iot smart home automation smart technology
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Episodes

AU #261: Owner of Landscape Lighting Secrets Shares Why Integrators Should Expand Into Landscape Lighting

March 20, 2024 16:30 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MB

SHOW NOTES Ryan Lee is an experienced landscape lighting designer and business owner with 16 years of experience in the industry. He started and grew a multi-million dollar landscape lighting company (Majestic Outdoor Lighting) in Fort Worth, TX. In 2019, he sold his lighting business and is now focused full-time on coaching other landscape lighting businesses to help them go from business operator to business owner through his program Landscape Lighting Secrets. He is also the host of the...

Show #260 feat. Kendall Clark, Director of Sales of One Firefly

March 01, 2024 17:30 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

SHOW NOTES Kendall Clark is One Firefly’s pioneering and creative sales leader. As Director of Sales, Kendall is responsible for overseeing the account executives and all sales activities, providing leadership focus and priority guidance for the department. Kendall previously led the Digital Media department, and oversaw the production of hundreds of industry-focused websites for our clients. Kendall has also been instrumental in developing and launching several of One Firefly’s award-winni...

Show #259 An industry Q&A with Joaquin Rivera

February 20, 2024 17:30 - 1 hour - 58.4 MB

SHOW NOTES Joaquin's immersion in the industry traces back to his upbringing, with a remarkable fifteen-year journey as an integral part of the team at Stewart Filmscreen, a leading force in video projection screens. Commencing his career in production at Stewart Filmscreen, Joaquin swiftly transitioned to various pivotal roles, including Marketing, Inside Sales, International Sales, Factory Liaison, National Sales Manager, and ultimately becoming the first VP in Stewart's history not beari...

Show #258 featuring John Heyman, Chief Executive Officer of Snap One

February 12, 2024 17:30 - 1 hour - 57.1 MB

SHOW NOTES John has worked in the technology industry for over 30 years, including as the CEO of Radiant Systems, Inc., a publicly traded business until its $1.3 billion sale in 2011. Since joining Snap One in 2015, John has led the company through explosive growth via new product introductions, entry into new markets, key strategic acquisitions, and an IPO in July 2021. John has also been a successful investor in a number of software firms across many sectors. He served as Executive Chair...

Show #257 features Tom Doherty, David Weinstein and Joaquin Rivera

January 23, 2024 17:30 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MB

During our time together, we discussed: What is new for Lightapalooza 2024 Lutron and Ketra's plans for the event Why integrators should not miss this event The growing importance of the lighting category in the CI channel To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au257 SHOW NOTES Today's show features 3 industry luminaries - Tom Doherty, Director of New Technology Initiatives at HTSA, and a veteran of the Consumer Electronic Indus...

AU #256: Crestron Director Discusses the Need for AV Education Programs and the Future Impact of AI on Programming

December 27, 2023 23:57 - 1 hour - 62.5 MB

During our time together, we discussed: His diverse career at Crestron Electronics, focusing on his various roles and significant contributions to the company and the custom electronics industry. The vital role of training the next generation of Audiovisual Industry professionals focusing on developing their skills and knowledge to meet the industry's evolving demands. The expected impact of AI on the industry and a unique perspective on the potential advancements and challenges AI might ...

AU #255: CEO of Garrett Integrated Systems Shares Lessons Learned From Executing an Acquisition Strategy for Growth

December 20, 2023 17:30 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Eddie’s takeaways from his experience serving on the CEDIA Board of Directors for the past three years Expanding their business through strategic acquisitions this year and the lessons they’ve learned along the way The importance of defining and refining processes to run a business with multiple locations Vendor selection beliefs and best practices To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au25...

AU #254: SmartTouch USA’s CEO Discusses Building Better Relationships With Trade Partners

December 13, 2023 17:30 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Eddie’s takeaways from his experience serving on the CEDIA Board of Directors for the past three years His impressions and takeaways from the CEDIA AI Symposium Eddie shares valuable insights from a recent interaction with an architect His predictions for the luxury residential construction industry in 2024 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au254 SHOW NOTES Eddie has been in the AV an...

AU #253: Eagle Sentry’s Service Manager On Leadership Principles & Attracting New CI Talent

November 22, 2023 17:30 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Chris’s journey in the CI industry, starting in DIY smart tech, and moving into a professional AV career The training and assistance he received from PrepTECH The mindset of extreme ownership and the principles he lives by to be the best leader possible for his team His role as a Service Manager and how to successfully run service in a CI business To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au253...

Automation Unplugged Episode #252 feat. Clinton Muntean, President of Mainline Marketing

November 15, 2023 19:30 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Clinton’s career journey in the technology industry, starting in audio post-production engineering, moving into sales, and eventually becoming owner and president of Mainline Marketing His mindset of out-servicing the competition Market conditions during the pandemic, and predictions for what the economic landscape will look like in 2024 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au252 SHOW NOTE...

Automation Unplugged Episode #251 feat. Xavier Adechy, Director at Adelux Consulting

October 20, 2023 22:17 - 1 hour - 59.1 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Xavier’s history with Lutron, from his days as a field service engineer traveling the world, to the present as a system designer and consultant. Best practices and advice for designing a lighting control system. Creating and growing his YouTube channel. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au251 SHOW NOTES Xavier has been in the CI industry for much of his career. He spent seven years wor...

Automation Unplugged Episode #250 feat. Tom Doherty Director of New Technology Initiatives at HTSA

October 11, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 66.6 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Tom’s rise to prominence in the CI space, starting with founding his own AV business in 1985 His work toward growing industry-wide education and awareness in the lighting category The very first AI Symposium at CEDIA, and the meteoric rise of AI since Nov 2022 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au250 SHOW NOTES Tom has more than 40 years of experience in the consumer electronics industr...

Automation Unplugged Episode #249 feat. David Kitchener founder of EI Live!

September 27, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 47 MB

During our time together, we discussed: The state of the custom integration industry in the UK Comparing and contrasting the northamerican and the UK markets One Firefly’s participation in the upcoming Ei Live! Show To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au249 SHOW NOTES David has 40 years of experience in the publishing and exhibitors’ industry. In 2009, he founded All things media Ltd and introduced the Essential Install magazi...

Automation Unplugged Episode #248 feat. Ian Williams, Founder of All Things Media. President of Aspire Audio Video Solutions

September 25, 2023 16:30 - 1 hour - 60 MB

During our time together, we discussed: The challenges of opening a business in the midst of a pandemic Ians take on the current state of hiring in the Av industry Aspires new project R&D Lab and how this has impacted quality and delivery. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au248 Be sure to check out Ian’s first appearance on Automation Unplugged back on show #94 recorded on January 8th, 2020. SHOW NOTES Ian Williams has wor...

Automation Unplugged Episode #247 feat. John Henkel, Director of Product Marketing at NETGEAR AV

July 26, 2023 16:30 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MB

During our time together, we discussed: John’s experience in broadcast TV and video editing John's Emmy winning journey, covering two Olympic games for NBC Why Netgear AV entered the CI channel The role of AI in copywriting and imagery and other forms of content creation To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au247 SHOW NOTES John started out working in broadcast TV with a successful career in video editing before moving to the ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #246 feat. Jason Knott, Data Solutions Architect & Evangelist at D-Tools

July 10, 2023 16:30 - 1 hour - 57.1 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Jason's 23-year experience as editor of CE Pro magazine The role of recurring revenue in our industry Some of the actionable insights possible thanks to DTools Business Intelligence capabilities To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au246 SHOW NOTES Jason has been involved in the low-voltage smart home market since 1990. He was the editor of Security Sales & Integration for ten years and h...

Automation Unplugged Episode #245 feat. Shawnon Parkinson, President of Zettacomm

June 26, 2023 16:30 - 1 hour - 58.3 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Shawnon’s experience deploying technology into 100+ Apple Stores across the country earlier in his career Getting featured in the Wall Street Journal for one of their biggest projects back in 2018 The local market trends in Silicon Valley To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au245 SHOW NOTES Shawnon founded Zettacomm, his Silicon Valley based firm in 2008. He leveraged his extensive Comme...

Automation Unplugged Episode #244 feat. Ryan Davis, President of Ratio Inc.

May 30, 2023 21:23 - 1 hour - 59.5 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Company culture and the importance of putting the right people in the right positions. The role of  branding and marketing to differentiate your business The outlook for the smart technology industry in the current economic climate. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au244 SHOW NOTES In 2002, Ryan founded Ratio Inc while studying at the University of Utah, where he earned his Bachelor's...

Automation Unplugged Episode #243 feat. Cameron Howitt, Manager of Project Management and IT at One Firefly

May 23, 2023 18:50 - 1 hour - 57 MB

During our time together, we discussed: The wealth of experience Eric has gathered over his 23 years in the industry A business owner's perspective and advice for those looking to start a new company Podcasts and resources he uses for personal growth and development To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au243 SHOW NOTES Cameron is a process and data expert who joined the One Firefly team in 2016 as the Traffic Manager overseeing...

Automation Unplugged Episode #242 feat. Tom Manna, President/Founder of Digital Home Systems, Inc.

May 08, 2023 16:30 - 1 hour - 56 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Tom’s start in custom integration back in 1967 Tom’s passion for live performance music Lessons learned during 9/11 and the Great Recession and how they could apply to our current economic cycle. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au242 SHOW NOTES Tom's extensive management background in electronic marketing and computer-based organizations, combined with his passion for cutting-edge te...

Automation Unplugged Episode #241 feat. Carmine Colangelo, Director of Systems Engineering at C&T Electric Corporation

April 19, 2023 16:30 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MB

During our time together, we discussed: Why three business units The focus on “making customers for life” Changes in client expectations over the last 20 years in home automation To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au241 SHOW NOTES Carmine is the fourth generation of Colangelo's to work at C&T Electric Corporation. Founded by his grandfather in 1973, C&T celebrates 50 years as a family owned and operated business. While C&T's ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #240 feat. Eric Pyle, CEO at Encore Audio Video Designs

April 14, 2023 07:45 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Eric Pyle; The wealth of experience Eric has gathered over his 23 years in the industry A business owner's perspective and advice for those looking to start a new company Podcasts and resources he uses for personal growth and development To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au240 SHOW NOTES Eric started in the industry 23 years ago as a car audio salesman. Afte...

Automation Unplugged Episode #239 feat. Matt Grant, CEO at Eyehear Technology Group

April 05, 2023 06:20 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Matt Grant; Matt’s experience remotely managing his business from an RV over a period of two years The role of company culture and assuming positive intent Lessons learned from Apple employees and processes To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au239 SHOW NOTES Matt is the CEO of Eyehear Technology Group located in Whitefish Montana and has been in the luxury re...

Automation Unplugged Episode #238 feat. Alesia Hendley, Multimedia Journalist and Content Creator

March 30, 2023 03:25 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Alesia Hendley; Alesia’s upbringing and how she started her trajectory working sound boards at her father’s church Her move to personal branding and her journey as an industry influencer Why Pro AV industry is not well known and what the industry could be doing to recruit new talent To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au238 SHOW NOTES Alesia is an AV professio...

Automation Unplugged Episode #237 feat. Will Gilbert and Greg Michelier, Co-Founders at Bodhi Software

March 13, 2023 01:05 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Will Gilbert and Greg Michelier; Will and Greg’s background and what led them to founding Think Simple and Bodhi. Bodhi Software as an IOT Solution How they go to market with Bodhi To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au237 SHOW NOTES Greg and Will along with their 3rd partner Rock co-founded Think Simple in 2001 a company that started out in software and hardw...

Automation Unplugged Episode #236 feat. Koa Wagner, CEO at Blueprint Hawaii

March 08, 2023 02:35 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Koa Wagner; Koa’s career trajectory and how he originally founded Blueprint The Great Recession and how diversification helped Koa keep his business open during those challenging years Recent changes to the business, including: his wife joining the business, bringing on an EOS consultant and making a pivot into lighting To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au236 ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #235 feat. Darrin Medley, COO at HI Solutions

March 03, 2023 04:10 - 1 hour - 63 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Darrin Medley; Growing up as the child of Bill Medley,  the famous singer known for many famous songs including Unchained Melody. The Hi Solutions Differentiator - The HIWAY - An autonomous Home Process Culture How HI Solutions is scaling culture through public acquisitions. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au235 SHOW NOTES Darrin joined HI Solutions as its...

Automation Unplugged Episode #234 feat. Morné Smit, Founder & CEO at Emerse and Oliver Tuffney, Engagement Director at Emerse

February 08, 2023 16:15 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Morné Smit and Oliver Tuffney ; The importance of creating a winning sales culture and building sales processes that get results Why B2B companies need a playbook to scale The types of companies that are likely a good fit for Emerse Consulting To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au234 SHOW NOTES Morné has spent his life elevating respect for sales professional...

Automation Unplugged Episode #233 feat. Nick DeClemente, Founder & CEO at Elevated Integration

February 08, 2023 02:30 - 1 hour - 57.7 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Nick DeClemente; Managing the holiday season crunch. one-app control solution vs a multi-app approach Bringing on consultants How to close big deals Company Culture To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au233 SHOW NOTES Nick is a 20-year Industry Veteran. He started in CI in 2001 while studying Fine Arts in College. Nick pioneered CI in the MDU market for seve...

Automation Unplugged Episode #232 feat. Bryan Mills, President at Mills Technologies

January 27, 2023 04:00 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Bryan Mills; Bryan’s journey from mechanical engineering to running the 3rd generation family business. A fun story about Bryan redesigning the Tapcon Screw. Bryan’s diversification in the business during the Great Recession in 2009 Mills Technologies and how EOS has been implemented to the company’s culture. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au232 SHOW NOTE...

Automation Unplugged Episode #231: A Lightapalooza Special

January 05, 2023 21:40 - 1 hour - 62.1 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Tom Doherty, Michael Libman and David Warfel; The history behind Lightapalooza Event logistics including vendors, attendees and trainings offered The growing importance of lighting in the custom integration industry To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au231 SHOW NOTES Lightapalooza 2023 is the 2nd Annual Lighting Conference exclusively for the Custom Integrati...

Automation Unplugged Episode #230 feat. Sarah Dresher, Owner and Director of Business Development at Luxury Integrated Technologies

December 17, 2022 03:40 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Sarah Dresher; Sarah’s journey leading up to her becoming an entrepreneur Ageism vs Sexism in the AV industry Sarah’s perspective on the role of reps vs a direct sales force in the CEDIA space To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au230 SHOW NOTES Sarah Dresher founded Luxury Integrated Technologies, in early 2022, as a service and consulting agency for the sout...

Automation Unplugged Episode #229 feat. Dan Ferrisi, Editor-In-Chief at Commercial Integrator

December 13, 2022 19:40 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Dan Ferrisi; Dan´s background in AV journalism and his trajectory that led him to being Editor-In-Chief at Commercial Integrator The differences between residential and commercial integrators Dan’s input on strategies and actions for integration businesses to be able to face supply chain challenges To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au229 SHOW NOTES Dan is a ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #228 feat. Susan Grossweiler, Vice-President of Products and Operations at HAVRION

December 11, 2022 05:50 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Susan Grossweiler; Current state of school shootings in the USA The importance and role of technology in schools to improve safety HAVRION´s ¨Protect and Perform” technology strategy for school systems To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au228 SHOW NOTES As Vice President of Products and Operations for HAVRION, Susan is focused on data-driven action & activati...

Automation Unplugged Episode #227 feat. Tina Peters, Executive Vice-President of SVT

December 10, 2022 21:40 - 57 minutes - 53 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Tina Peters; NSCA’s Pivot to profit 2022 event that took place in Chicago SVT’s history and current service offering The importance of a strong company culture to attract talent Tina’s passion as an NSCA Ignite ambassador to help educate rising talent in our industry Growing leaders within the SVT organization To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au227 SHOW NO...

Automation Unplugged Episode #226 feat. Chad Russell, Director of Residential Sales at SurgeX

November 23, 2022 18:10 - 1 hour - 57.8 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Chad Russell; Chad’s background and history working the AV industry for 25 years The CEDIA 2022 Expo in Dallas and everything SurgeX was taking to the show, including SQUID, their new power solutions product. His perspective on the labor shortage we are experiencing and different actions that can help pull talent into the industry. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefl...

Automation Unplugged Episode #225 feat. Alexandra and Angel Centeno, Owners at Systems Design & Integration, Inc.

October 25, 2022 17:55 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Angel and Alexa Centeno; SDI’s new showroom experience in Needham, MA and what prompted the move to the new showroom. Their new roadside billboard and prompted this new strategy How their business has grown since their appearance on the show, including their new location in Boca Raton, Florida To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au225 SHOW NOTES In 2010 Alexa ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #223 feat. Carson Morby, Director of Marketing at Advanced Integrated Systems

October 11, 2022 17:15 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Carson Morby; As a newcomer to the CI Channel: Carson’s point of view The importance of corporate marketing programs and how they can have a positive impact on a business Why brand awareness is so important to an integration business The role of video in marketing To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au223 SHOW NOTES AIS was founded in 2000 as a design and ins...

Automation Unplugged Episode #224 feat. Mark Hoffenberg, president at AUDIOVISIONS and Jeff Goldstein, Head of Sales at Sony

October 04, 2022 20:25 - 1 hour - 57.7 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jeff Goldstein and Mark Hoffenberg; Retail sales are the canary in the coal mine The role marketing plays in positioning a company in growth markets and downturns How to think about your brand when also driving a manufacturers marketing program Builders, Architects and Designers as the source for local project forecasting To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au2...

Automation Unplugged Episode #222 feat. Josh Christian, CEO of Home Technology Association

September 13, 2022 03:50 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Josh Christian; Why HTA certification matters How HTA has advanced since Josh’s last appearance in this show 3 years ago. The importance of building and leveraging relationships with the different trades involved in the luxury residential construction market To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au222 SHOW NOTES Josh entered the home technology industry in 1995 ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #221 feat. Mark Bolduc, Founder and President at Wicked Smart Homes

September 13, 2022 01:50 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Mark Bolduc; Lessons learned during the Great Recession that have helped their business thrive. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey How and why he has focused on growing his Lutron and Ketra business To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au221 SHOW NOTES Mark is an accomplished systems integration specialist with 18+ years of experience working with architects, build...

Automation Unplugged Episode #220 feat. Hovik Mirzakhanian, Founder and Vice President of Engineering at Matrix Audio Visual Designs

August 19, 2022 19:35 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Hovik Mirzakhanian; Hovik’s background story and how he has seen the AV industry evolve throughout his career How he has been managing the current supply-chain issues The importance of diversification as a strategy to help manage risk To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au220 SHOW NOTES Hovik is a 30-year AV veteran who founded Matrix Audio Visual Designs in 1...

Automation Unplugged Episode #219 feat. Andrew Pino, Director of Digital Marketing at One Firefly

August 19, 2022 03:30 - 1 hour - 63.3 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Andrew Pino; Andrew’s background as a marketer, consultant, entrepreneur The importance of genuine humility to be a successful leader The “why” behind defining your businesses mission, vision, values and leadership guidelines contribute to your success To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au219 SHOW NOTES In his role as Director of Digital Marketing, Andrew is ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #218 feat. Jeff Singer, Independent Marketing Strategist

August 14, 2022 20:40 - 1 hour - 59.9 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jeff Singer; Jeff’s journey from broadcasting to teaching and eventually landing as a marketing strategist in the AV industry The importance of employee success and growth for a company How knowing your customers can help develop your market and grow your business To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au218 SHOW NOTES Jeff has worked in the high-end technology i...

Automation Unplugged Episode #217 feat. Tom LeBlanc, Executive Director at NSCA

August 11, 2022 11:30 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Tom LeBlanc; The Business Leadership Conference and the upcoming Pivot to Profit  conference in the fall. Tom’s journey from working in journalism to landing in the AV industry NSCA’s strategy to help its members during the COVID pandemic and the current supply chain issue that is being faced by the industry To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au217 SHOW NOTES ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #216 feat. Ian Bryant, Consultant and Independent Specialist Contractor

August 04, 2022 03:45 - 1 hour - 63.8 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ian Bryant; Ian’s experiences working remotely from different locations around the country. His background and expertise in the industry New technology trends and emerging business model opportunities To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au216 SHOW NOTES Ian started in the AV/Integration industry in the live sound and stage sector in 1998. He migrated into resi...

Automation Unplugged Episode #215 feat. Håkan Olsson, CEO and Founder at Beemer Smart Home

July 25, 2022 01:35 - 1 hour - 60 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Håkan Olsson; How Håkan uses his home as a showroom for his business His method of using his home to demo Ketra tunable lighting and invisible speakers Selling single app solutions vs App Mania (ie. using many apps) To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au215 SHOW NOTES Håkan started Beemer Smart Home in 2005 as a side business while he was pursuing a career at ...

Automation Unplugged Episode #214 feat. Dustin Kerns, Branch Manager (Colorado Springs) at ListenUp

July 20, 2022 06:20 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Dustin Kerns; The history of ListenUp and different events that marked the company His own personal journey in the AV industry and the different influences he has met along the way The current state of the industry as we face supply chain and staffing issues To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au214 SHOW NOTES Dustin has over 20 years of experience in AV. He g...

Automation Unplugged Episode #213 feat. Ed Gilmore, CEO and Founder of Gilmore’s Sound Advice, Inc.

June 21, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ed Gilmore; Ed’s professional background in classical music A personal story from Ed and why his showroom was designed with such warmth A few celebrity stories including the work he did for Richard Gear and Cindy Crawford back in the 80’s and 90’s To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au213 SHOW NOTES In 1988 Edward Gilmore, a professional classical musician, be...

Automation Unplugged Episode #212 feat. Paul Bochner, CEO and Founder of Electronic Concepts

June 21, 2022 02:10 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Paul Bochner; Paul’s passion for motorcycle racing Merger and acquisition trends in the industry Marketing and video production for an integration firm to help it stand out Why producing video is so hard. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au212 SHOW NOTES Paul has over 20 years of experience working in the A/V industry. He got his start as a technician in 2...