Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jason Barth and Jamie Carey: The impact beautifully shot photography has had on their business Changes Jason made in light of COVID-19 such as renovating their showroom and updating their website and other marketing Changes in consumer demand in response to COVID-19 How Jamie’s addition to the team as Director of Business Development has helped The Premier Group strengthen their company culture and online presence Catch us LIVE ...
Jun 04, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 121
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Kevin Hancock: Kevin’s origin story and how he got his first big break with an opportunity to install all the TV’s at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida How an ambitious decision at CEDIA 2019 helped build a strong relationship with Samsung that has led to his expansion Frame My TV's Deco Frame product line What Kevin is most excited for in 2020 and his predictions for industry changes in light of COVID-19 Catch us LIVE ...
Jun 03, 2020•34 min•Ep. 120
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Matt DeVance: Ways in which previous life-changing events, such as 9/11 and the Great Recession, has prepared Matt to better handle this pandemic Matt’s perspective on the shift in demand for technology in homes and how integrators can prepare How EOS evolved Matt’s business and communications approach The importance of company culture and the mentoring of employees Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing...
Jun 01, 2020•52 min•Ep. 119
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Eddie Shapiro: Growth opportunities for home security solutions Steps they have taken with staff and customers in light of Covid-19 New marketing and business development strategies he is executing Eddie’s thoughts on the CEDIA 2020 Expo, will it happen? Eddie’s thoughts on Crestron Home Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event here: https://www.facebook.com/OneFir...
May 28, 2020•47 min•Ep. 118
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Bryan Naquin: Steps Bryan is taking to keep his team safe during COVID-19 such as turning down jobs in high-risk areas The importance of building relationships with industry peers and your community Bryan’s thoughts on whether CEDIA will return this year and the possibility of a virtual venue How Acadian approaches paid service plans during their sales cycle and the benefits they’ve experienced with Parasol for 24/7 remote servi...
May 22, 2020•45 min•Ep. 117
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Henry Clifford: Changes Henry has made within Livewire due to COVID-19 regulations- from virtual calls to pivoting communication strategies Henry’s approach to prioritizing internal communication and putting his team and client safety first Tools Henry uses to gain prospects and sell from home, such as Vidyard email integration Parasol’s “For Integrators, by Integrators” approach How Parasol works to keep their keeps their team ...
May 21, 2020•46 min•Ep. 115
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Rob Hopper: The rise of consumer interest in solutions such as outdoor entertainment and home networking Rob’s opinion on 5G and how it can help end-users stay connected Ways Rob and his team have been taking advantage benefiting from of all the recent educational resources and webinars being offered in our industry Rob’s previous experience with marketing and website design and what stood out to him since working with One Firef...
May 14, 2020•53 min•Ep. 114
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Curt Hayes: The history behind the founding of Blue Dog Group The opportunity to improve the broken project scoping/budgeting process used by many integrators How BlueDog Group’s new app allows integrators to provide quick estimates to their clients Approaches integrators can take during COVID-19 to improve their business process Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live ...
May 07, 2020•52 min•Ep. 113
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with John Clancy: Ways John is seeing COVID-19 impacting dealers throughout the world Steps Crestron has been taking since February to keep his global team and consumers safe Exciting updates Crestron is making as a response to the lifestyle changes caused by COVID-19 How Crestron is adding value to the industry by offering virtual resources, such as virtual product trainings and CEU course offerings Catch us LIVE on Facebook each we...
Apr 30, 2020•53 min•Ep. 112
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Matt Lien: How DES supports multiple smart home platforms including Crestron, Savant, and Control4 Matt’s thoughts on LED and tunable lighting and how it’s resonating with his customers Challenges and advantages his team dealt with once they began offering electrical solutions for their projects Matt’s two-goal approach to taking on projects and how he’s using that to create a silver lining during these difficult times Catch us ...
Apr 24, 2020•48 min•Ep. 111
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Wim De Vos: Update on how COVID-19 is affecting European Installers Video marketing and how he’s sharing resources and knowledge to his Facebook audience Steps that Wim and his team are taking to make it through this crisis and ways our industry can prepare for these upcoming months Wim’s concept behind digital transformation and how it can affect small businesses The power of marketing and how it benefits businesses and strengt...
Apr 23, 2020•43 min•Ep. 110
Interview Recap Eric’s recommendations on the approach manufacturers and vendors should be taking to help integrators The importance of having a clear, open communication between your team and manufacturers Types of discussions Eric has been having with other dealers to help keep the industry booming through this crisis Steps Eric and his team are taking to keep their employees and clients safe when going out to projects Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get noti...
Apr 22, 2020•45 min•Ep. 109
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Keith Harrison: Keith’s approach to handling the changes in his business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic Keith’s rental equipment leasing model and how it has been bringing ⅓ of the companies revenue for the last five years How Keith and his team use virtual reality solutions like Help Lightning for virtual, hands-on support calls and Modus VR for media room and home theater demos Keith’s motto of building a bulletproof system t...
Apr 20, 2020•46 min•Ep. 108
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Mike Giffin: The increased demand for virtual servicing during the COVID-19 pandemic How integrators can benefit from a solution like Help Lightning as more consumers begin to depend on technology Mike's perspective on ways integrators can make it through these uncertain times Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event here: https://www.facebook.com/OneFireflyLLC/ To...
Apr 20, 2020•37 min•Ep. 107
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Evan Rosen: How COVID-19 is changing the law substantively and procedurally Evan’s perspective on the CARE Act involving mortgage protection and it can benefit renters Types of mortgages that do qualify for forbearance programs and what business owners should look out for to avoid building up fees Evan’s understanding of how the PPP payroll protection program will be determined and when companies will receive their payroll dues ...
Apr 14, 2020•43 min•Ep. 106
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Navot Shoresh: What Navot and his team are implementing to come out stronger on the other side of COVID-19 from revising company weaknesses to training processes How Navot is approaching leadership during this time of crisis and his recommendations on demonstrate value-based leadership Navot’s perspective on the future of our industry and why we matter to our communities after the Coronavirus The power of recurring revenue and a...
Apr 10, 2020•56 min•Ep. 105
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Erick Burton: How Erick and his team are handling the challenges brought by COVID-19. How Erick's unique experience with Cystic Fibrosis prepared him, his family, and company to stay safe during this pandemic Why Erick limits his media consumption and ways he limits anxiety during these stressful times Erick's thoughts on preparing for the new normal after the Coronavirus pandemic is cleared Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week a...
Apr 09, 2020•42 min•Ep. 104
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with John Geraghty: John’s recommendations on staying connected with your team in a virtual work environment Why right now is the time to dive in and focus on how to keep adding value to your clients and your company Ways to shift your approach and processes to stay transparent and align with the recent stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic What it means to “reframe” your mindset during uncertain times with the “The Prism of Persp...
Apr 03, 2020•48 min•Ep. 103
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Rohan Dunbar: Rohan’s transition from Crestron Service Provider into a Certified Crestron Dealer Ways he is pivoting his focus to make up for project pauses caused by COVID-19 How his business is preparing for the possible boom of business on the other side of COVID-19 Which Crestron technologies have him jazzed for 2020 What he’s doing to help other integrators grow and thrive Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay update...
Apr 01, 2020•39 min•Ep. 102
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Alexa & Angel Centeno: How they've accomplished running a business as husband and wife Their recent merger with audioDave, a company with over 38 years in the industry The response from customers and the design trade on their 6,500 sqft showroom How they approach Instagram to help build their platform and reach a larger audience Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next li...
Mar 24, 2020•44 min•Ep. 101
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Lee Travis: His process in integrating electrical contracting to his business Challenges and advantages to operating in two different markets, Washington State and Arizona The importance and benefits of being part of a buying group The future of 5G and how it might impact the custom integration industry Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event here: https://www.fac...
Mar 19, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 100
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Cesar Quintero: What entrepreneurs can expect from working with an EOS Implementer Defining the 6 key components in EOS Type of businesses that would benefit from the EOS system The EOS proven process of implementation Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event here: https://www.facebook.com/OneFireflyLLC/ To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the sh...
Mar 03, 2020•48 min•Ep. 99
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Nigel Dessau: How the shift in market consumerism will likely affect the custom integrator Building your business using his "Content Approach Network" strategy What the next year looks like for Bravas and their plans for growth within our space His perspective on wellness and how integrators should position this solution to consumers Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next l...
Feb 27, 2020•32 min•Ep. 98
Interview Recap Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Pete Baker: The benefit of developing a strong company brand Why he became a CEDIA Certified Outreach Instructor How he approaches representing and working for international corporations The similarities between the CI space in North America and markets around the world Handling customer expectations through feedback and communication with your sales team Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RS...
Feb 27, 2020•57 min•Ep. 97
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ian Dohalick: Handling business growth while experiencing major personal losses The changes within the Houston marketplace in the past few years Transitioning from a new hire employee at Relative Home Systems to becoming a partner Impact of wellness solutions including green walls and dedicated wellness spaces in the home. Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event h...
Feb 05, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 96
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Miranda Grantham and Marc Fisher: The importance of a strong company culture The philosophy around investing in yourself, your business, and our industry Insight on what training and coaching looks like for Origin dealers The advantage of joining a buying group like ProSource Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event here: https://www.facebook.com/OneFireflyLLC/ To ...
Jan 30, 2020•35 min•Ep. 95
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ian Williams: How he approached selling his business in 2017 His business development plan for starting a new business in a new market Why attention to process and operational excellence is the right approach for most integrators Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event here: https://www.facebook.com/OneFireflyLLC/ To get transcripts, resources of what was mentione...
Jan 21, 2020•48 min•Ep. 94
In this episode of Automation Unplugged, Ron Calls spoke with Jamie Briesemeister about topics such as: Jamie’s transition from working in the healthcare industry to starting a business in the CI space with her husband, Jeff What has helped her throughout the years to improve within her role as CEO, both within and outside the industry from podcasts featuring women in business to business leadership books Being a woman in business and resources she’s been able to share and gain from other women ...
Dec 18, 2019•46 min•Ep. 93
In this episode of Automation Unplugged, Ron Calls spoke with Michael Oh about topics such as: Launching an Apple-focused IT company from his MIT dorm Why the MSP service model is the future of the home integration market Operating a remote workplace with staff in 3 countries Their latest luxury MDU project in Reykjavik, Iceland Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event here: https://www.facebook.com/OneFireflyLLC/ To get transcript...
Dec 12, 2019•48 min•Ep. 92
In this episode of Automation Unplugged, Ron Calls spoke with Bob Cole about topics such as: How Bob transitioned from his career as a psychologist to the consumer electronics industry How it felt to be inducted into CT Hall of Fame in 2018 World Wide Stereo’s focus on philanthropy and involvement in charities His team’s approach to educating millennials on good audio Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated by RSVPing to get notified about our next live event here: https://www.faceb...
Nov 20, 2019•46 min•Ep. 91
