Automation Unplugged Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Automation Unplugged Episode #248 feat. Ian Williams, Founder of All Things Media. President of Aspire Audio Video Solutions Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

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 worked in the Custom Integration industry for 22 years. In 2007 he founded Encore Custom Audio Video.Since then they have won ten CEDIA awards, earned the Mark of Excellence Award, and were named Integrator of the Year at CES in Las Vegas in January of 2015.

In early 2017, Ian sold Encore to Casaplex. Over the next three years, Ian built strong teams, created processes, and helped maintain strong margins at Casaplex and Starr Systems.

Ian and his wife Janet moved to Charleston, SC in 2019 where they opened Aspire AVS in 2019 as a family owned and operated business. Ian opened a second location in his hometown of Washington, DC in 2020.

Ian & Janet have three boys and enjoy sunsets, playing with their four dogs, enjoying nature, and having dinner together as a family.

About One Firefly

One Firefly, LLC is an award-winning marketing agency that caters to technology professionals in the custom integration, security and solar energy markets. One Firefly is headquartered in Davie, Florida with staff located throughout North America and has been operating since 2007.

Automation Unplugged Episode #247 feat. John Henkel, Director of Product Marketing at NETGEAR AV Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

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 manufacturing side with roles in product management and marketing. His extensive travel experiences include covering two Olympic Games for NBC Sports and winning an Emmy Award for his work at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #246 feat. Jason Knott, Data Solutions Architect & Evangelist at D-Tools Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

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 has spent the last 23 years as the editor of CE Pro. He recently joined D-Tools as the Data Solutions Architect & Evangelist.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #245 feat. Shawnon Parkinson, President of Zettacomm Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

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 Commercial and Residential project experience to create this new & innovative integration company.

After a few years of refinement, Zettacomm made it into the National Media with a feature in the Wall Street Journal for an award-winning project. Since then, they have been recognized in many publications such as Interiors Magazine, CEPro, Residential Systems and more with their unique project portfolio. They are sought out for their minimalistic style, precision in design, and functional systems that ensure a smooth build process for all involved.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #244 feat. Ryan Davis, President of Ratio Inc. May 30, 2023

Show notes

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 degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2005.

Since then, the Ratio team has grown to a dozen people and countless great customers and vendors. Ratio Inc caters to luxury clientele in Utah's mountain communities and the Wasatch Front and specializes in low voltage systems, including Audio/Video, Lighting Controls, Motorized Shading, and Security Products.

When Ryan isn't messing with AV systems (at work or for fun), he might be found crew-chiefing for his off-road race team, fantasizing about snowcats, or playing bad covers in his power duo "Real Topeka".

Be sure to check out Ryan’s first appearance on Automation Unplugged back on show #162 recorded March 24th, 2021.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #243 feat. Cameron Howitt, Manager of Project Management and IT at One Firefly May 23, 2023

Show notes

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 the organization’s project management platform. Today, he is the Project Management & IT Manager and currently leads a team of Project Coordinators, Client Onboarding Specialists, and administrative support staff who keep client projects on track and running smoothly.

Before joining the One Firefly team, Cameron held positions at the US Census Bureau, the Department of Defense, and a 3D holographic imaging studio, where he held the role of Production Manager. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State University in 2009.

Cameron is always looking for new ways to help clients succeed and drive One Firefly forward through more efficient processes and project management.

When he’s not working, Cameron enjoys spending time with his family, as well as training for ultra-distance road and gravel cycling events.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #242 feat. Tom Manna, President/Founder of Digital Home Systems, Inc. May 08, 2023

Show notes

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 technology and dedication to customer service, make running a customer-centric boutique home technology firm a natural fit. In 1999, he founded Digital Home Systems, which quickly gained a reputation for its sophisticated digital platform and unparalleled performance, simplicity, and elegance.

Today, DHS is known for providing high-end clients, architects, builders, and interior designers with a range of products and services that seamlessly integrate technology into a home's design, including home theater, distributed audio, security, data, communications, and control. DHS's custom-designed systems represent the perfect combination of best-in-class technology, flawless performance, and understated elegance.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #241 feat. Carmine Colangelo, Director of Systems Engineering at C&T Electric Corporation Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

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 roots are in electrical contracting, they've evolved over the years to keep up with the times. They have worked in the integration field since 1989 with the inception of Elan. Since then they've become a three-pronged business, specializing in Custom Integration, Electrical Contracting and Stand By Generators, giving them a firm understanding of what goes into the modern smart home.

Graduating from the University of Connecticut in 2013, Carmine spent time as a sportswriter, web developer and marketer before returning to the family business in 2015. For the past 8 years he has worked as the Director of Systems Engineering at C&T Systems, in their Integration department. He specializes in lighting control, networking and automation in high-end residences and commercial spaces.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #240 feat. Eric Pyle, CEO at Encore Audio Video Designs Apr 14, 2023

Show notes

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. After graduating from the University of Missouri, he assisted with the opening of a new company that specialized in 12V. In this endeavor, he began branching out into the custom integration space both in sales and installation. In 2012 he took a new position as a manufacturers representative with InPro sales and marketing, pitching the likes of KEF, Pioneer Elite and Alpine to the midwest.

He later returned to the company where he started a decade earlier as a System Designer, Programmer (Savant and Lutron) and a Project Manager. When that company was purchased in the beginning of 2022, Eric founded Encore Audio Video Designs to offer a higher end solution for clients in Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City Missouri.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #239 feat. Matt Grant, CEO at Eyehear Technology Group Apr 05, 2023

Show notes

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 residential technology space for over 25 years. He worked up from a retail sales position at the Bose store in Park City, Utah to outside sales positions at several of the top Integration firms in the country before stepping into leadership roles.

His experience in luxury sales and VIP client relationship management has resulted in many 7 figure projects with celebrity clients and business executives from around the country. Although sales and business development are still a part of his day to day, Matt’s passion is in creating an exceptional experience for his internal and external clients.

About One Firefly

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