SHOW NOTES In today’s episode, Adam and I cover a wide range of topics, including: How Adam built long-standing partnerships that helped launch Boston Automations. Adam’s insights into growing a team, adopting new systems like EOS, and focusing on what matters most: client trust. Marketing strategies that make an impact, ranging from leveraging video and social media to implementing creative gifting campaigns that build strong relationships with architects, builders, and designers. Adam’s story ...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 287
SHOW NOTES In the webinar, we’ll cover: How to define your company’s brand identity in order to attract the right skills and culture fit candidates to your organization How to create compelling job ads and calls-to-action How to effectively position your brand through all the candidate research touchpoints Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording of this webinar, the transcript, and the full video recording of the original webinar. Now let’s tune in to learn how you can a...
Jan 08, 2025•45 min•Ep. 286
SHOW NOTES In this episode, Jamie and I covered a range of engaging topics, such as: His journey in transforming Oakville Sight and Sound and navigating multiple business ventures. The power of community-driven initiatives and his leadership in the Burlington Dads nonprofit. Strategies for balancing business success with impactful community service and volunteerism. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and Jamie’s inspiring insights. I hope you do too. Let’s dive into my interview with Jamie K...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 285
SHOW NOTES During this episode, we’ll cover: 2024 year end wrap up of Highlights for One Firefly One Firefly’s greatest successes and biggest challenges this past year What the future holds for One Firefly as we look into 2025. I really enjoyed this special holiday addition of Automation Unplugged, and I hope you do as well. And now let's tune in to this end of year review with Taylor Whipple. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au284 A...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 284
SHOW NOTES In our conversation, Chris and I dove into some interesting topics, including: How the custom integration market is evolving in Northwest Arkansas amid rapid growth and new customer demands. The rise of lifestyle solutions like lighting control and motorized shades and the decline of centralized video distribution. Strategies for breaking through growth plateaus, including the power of peer networks and buying groups. This is a great episode for anyone interested in business growth, c...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 283
SHOW NOTES In the webinar, we’ll cover: How to set clear business goals for the year ahead Marketing strategies to help stay top of mind with your existing clients and referrals Marketing strategies to help attract new prospects and secure relationships with trade partners Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording of this webinar, the transcript, and the full video recording of the original webinar. Now let’s tune in to learn how you can position your business for growth i...
Dec 11, 2024•59 min•Ep. 282
SHOW NOTES During this episode, we got into all sorts of topics, including: Ryan’s experience navigating multiple business acquisitions in 2024, including the unique challenges of acquiring a family business His perspective on recurring revenue to provide stability and growth in his automation and security business The strategy and Ryan’s experience behind launching WestCo’s new website with One Firefly I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this intervie...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 281
SHOW NOTES During this Q&A, we’ll cover: How businesses can build and maintain a positive online presence through consistent reviews and responses. How Google reviews and business profile activities impact local search rankings. Actionable steps and techniques to collect and manage customer reviews effectively. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Katie Frogge. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and ...
Nov 27, 2024•34 min•Ep. 280
SHOW NOTES During this episode we discuss: Keith and Adam’s professional backgrounds and how they formed their business partnership. Key strategies for seamlessly integrating lighting design into your projects. How to leverage interactive virtual experiences to enhance the sales process. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Keith and Adam. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 279
SHOW NOTES During this episode we discuss: The importance of a strong brand presence online, given that referrals often lead prospects to research your company before making contact. Changes in online search this year, and why Google wants to see your business demonstrate EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) across the internet Why a tailored marketing plan, based on your specific growth goals, budget, and current digital presence, is essential for maximizing effectiveness and achievin...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 278
SHOW NOTES During this episode we discuss: Dan’s career journey from serving as an air crew member in the Navy to founding ResTech Systems in 2012. Dan’s economic forecast for the year ahead and tips for navigating a slowdown. Dan’s love for speed including power sleds and muscle cars. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Dan Woody. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au277 ...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 277
SHOW NOTES During this Q&A, we’ll cover: How SEO drives online visibility for custom integrators in their marketplace The four pillars of SEO, and actionable examples of local, on-site, off-site, and technical tactics Success stories of SEO in action that are driving measurable growth and new business opportunities for integrators I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Jordan Littman. To get transcripts, resources of what was menti...
Oct 30, 2024•37 min•Ep. 276
SHOW NOTES In this episode, we’ll talk about: Johann’s background in automation, creating a lighting system that could be controlled by a touchtone phone in the early 2000s. Why lighting design is one of the most exciting areas for growth in our industry, and how integrated technology can help us live healthier lives. What he’s looking forward to at CEDIA and why educating customers, builders, and designers is so important. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tun...
Oct 23, 2024•53 min•Ep. 275
SHOW NOTES In this episode, we’ll talk about: Gordon’s journey from his early career in IT to founding cyberManor in 1999 cyberManor’s acquisition by Daisy in March of 2024, and what the first six months have been like in the acquisition rollout Looking into the future, what has him excited about technology in the home I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Gordon van Zuiden. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the s...
Oct 16, 2024•56 min•Ep. 274
SHOW NOTES You’ll hear from me and Kendall Clark, One Firefly’s Director of Marketing & Sales. In the webinar, we will cover: How AI is changing the game for SEO and what you need to do to keep up The changes to Google’s page one search results and why zero-click results are so important What we at One Firefly think of as the four pillars of SEO, and how we work with you to show up on page one and in local search Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording of this webina...
Oct 09, 2024•39 min•Ep. 273
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: All of the examples and case studies in his new book and why he’s giving it away for free to architects and interior designers. Why great sound is the most important ingredient in building a killer home theater. What he’s looking forward to at CEDIA and what’s next for the industry. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. The book, again, is Home Theaterology and you can reach out to Richard to get a copy or have it sent t...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 272
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: How CEDIA is launching a consumer-focused campaign to raise awareness about the value of working with a professional integrator. Daryl’s advocacy on Capitol Hill, where he and industry members are educating Congress to help get integrators recognized as a stand alone industry at the federal level. How CEDIA is striving to meet the needs of their market by producing relevant and valuable educational content for the industry at Expo. I really enjo...
Aug 21, 2024•52 min•Ep. 271
SHOW NOTES Automation Unplugged #270 is a special announcement about the show from founder and host, Ron Callis. We’re re-inventing our format, processes, and content for the podcast moving forward — tune in to learn what’s in store for Automation Unplugged! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au270 About One Firefly One Firefly, LLC is an award-winning marketing agency that caters to technology professionals in the custom integration, ...
Jul 31, 2024•13 min•Ep. 270
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: What Erica’s doing at CharBett and why she saw a need for a marketing strategy firm specifically tailored to the AV industry manufacturers under $20MM in revenue. Her work advocating for women in the AV industry and the amazing Rosie Riveter nonprofit program. Why an early introduction to STEM is so important for getting more women in the industry. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Towards the end of the show, you mi...
Jul 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 269
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: Why One Firefly created Amplify People and the skills Sam brings as the Director of Talent Acquisition Services. The talent challenges she sees in the AV/Integrator industry and how to solve them. The importance of defining who you are and why people should join your company in order to attract the best-fit talent. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Samantha Hodz. To get transcript...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 268
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: How he sells a million-dollar home cinema and how he meets the high expectations that come with operating at the highest end of the market. Why it’s so important to end clients to work with HTA-certified contractors. What the Bel-Air circuit is and why there are only 14 US companies certified to do that work. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Murray Kunis. To get transcripts, reso...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 267
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: How their success comes from being process-driven and selling an experience, not a particular product. Their 2-channel throwback hi-fi shop, The Groove, and why analog is coming back. Their work with Vital Management to identify what they should be working on and, more importantly, when to say no. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with James Westbrook. To get transcripts, resources of ...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 266
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: Kevin’s journey, starting with his family’s emigration from Vietnam to the United States, to building his own integration business from the ground up His approach to growing and scaling a business by investing in growing his team through certification opportunities and other benefits His insights into creating exceptional customer experiences I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Kevi...
May 15, 2024•56 min•Ep. 265
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: What a Mission Critical Control Room is and the typical custom data processing and AV setups Examples of control rooms from movies, and the time Dan worked with a 3-letter agency that only communicated via fax The market opportunities that come from working in a niche market, along with the risks and challenges How AI is changing the game for control rooms and information processing I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. ...
May 02, 2024•57 min•Ep. 264
SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: John’s history of playing in bands as a drummer and percussionist and how that sparked an early interest in AV PCD’s adoption of the EOS business management system to increase productivity and efficiency The value of developing your people as the key to building client relationships and creating customers for life Sales team development strategies that lead to enhanced customer experiences I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as...
Apr 19, 2024•51 min•Ep. 263
SHOW NOTES Show #262 will be hosted by Kat Wheeler, Account Executive at One Firefly. She’ll be joined by industry-leading titans Katye Bennett, Founder of KMB Communications, Maryellen Oswald, Business Development Manager - Partnerships at Somfy, Jody Larsen, Director of Business Development and Sales at CEDIA, and Amanda Wildman, Owner of TruMedia. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear from these amazing women in tech. During the show, the conversation covered: The value of holding i...
Apr 04, 2024•59 min•Ep. 262
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 #1 la...
Mar 20, 2024•57 min•Ep. 261
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-winning pr...
Mar 01, 2024•51 min•Ep. 260
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 bearing th...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 259
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 Chairman of...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 258
