Automation Unplugged Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Automation Unplugged Episode #228 feat. Susan Grossweiler, Vice-President of Products and Operations at HAVRION Dec 11, 2022

Show notes

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 & activations approach to deliver outcomes that provide protection and performance solutions in schools and facilities.

Susan has an impressive background with experience in design concept, product forecasting, on site management, budgeting, event planning, project management, and sales & marketing. She has worked for big-name companies like Samsung, ESPN Radio-Brevard FL, MassAV, and Kennedy Space Center to support and execute exceptional service, guidance, and solution insights to the end customers.

Susan attended Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island where she graduated with degrees in business management and marketing communications.

Ron Callis is the CEO of One Firefly, LLC, a digital marketing agency based out of South Florida and creator of Automation Unplugged. Founded in 2007, One Firefly has quickly become the leading marketing firm specializing in integrated technology and security. The One Firefly team works hard to create innovative solutions to help Integrators boost their online presence, such as the elite website solution Mercury Pro.

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 #227 feat. Tina Peters, Executive Vice-President of SVT Dec 10, 2022

Show notes

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 NOTES

Tina has over 15 years of experience in the industry and a passion for building and developing teams for businesses to scale. Her hands-on leadership approach and experience in project management and service operations has been critical to her success. Tina’s determination to provide a premium customer experience both internally and externally really helps SVT’s culture stand out in everything they do. Tina is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and an NSCA Ignite ambassador. She is also a passionate advocate for helping women leaders grow and rise in the industry.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #226 feat. Chad Russell, Director of Residential Sales at SurgeX Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

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: onefirefly.com/au226

SHOW NOTES

As Director of Residential Sales, Chad Russell oversees all residential sales for SurgeX and guides the sales team toward achieving new milestones. With over 25 years of experience, Chad is known throughout the industry for his training style, knowledge of cutting-edge control systems, and creation of best practice resources for dealers to help with sales, profitability, and efficiency across their businesses.

Chad has been involved in the custom installation space since his college years. He has also focused on the manufacturing side of the business, where he cultivated his dynamic background. Throughout his nearly three-decade career, he has served as Regional Sales Manager for both Kaleidescape and Crestron Electronics, the Territory Sales Manager for VUDU, Vice President of Sales for ICE Cable Systems, and most recently, the Director of Sales for Josh.ai.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #225 feat. Alexandra and Angel Centeno, Owners at Systems Design & Integration, Inc. Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

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 and Angel co-founded SDI, a company specializing in the sales, design & installation of automation systems for residential and commercial spaces.

As the business began to grow, Alexa began branching out creatively by designing systems and mixing technology and art with a touch of audio. Additionally, she channeled her passion for lighting design into turning clients’ creative lighting visions into reality. Boston Magazine recently recognized her for her achievements as a female co-owner in the Boston area.

Angel has piloted the many facets of the operational and installation processes at SDI since 2010. This includes utilizing his vast industry knowledge about equipment and programming to propel each project to completion. He’s the driving force behind every system design and integration project and has been recognized as a premier integrator by Boston Magazine in the 2019 “Best of Boston” edition.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #223 feat. Carson Morby, Director of Marketing at Advanced Integrated Systems Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

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 installation firm for AV systems and automated home and business systems. Over the years, the company has grown from a 2-3 man operation into a crew of 15 full time employees with a design & engineering department and a 24/7 client care plan.

Carson joined AIS in December of 2021, and took over the role as Director of Marketing in early 2022. Since then, AIS has been scaling their growth by implementing a marketing plan targeted toward luxury clients. AIS continues to rapidly grow in the Northern Utah area, and is projected to more than double its annual revenue for the second consecutive year.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #224 feat. Mark Hoffenberg, president at AUDIOVISIONS and Jeff Goldstein, Head of Sales at Sony Oct 04, 2022

Show notes

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/au224

SHOW NOTES

Mark Hoffenberg founded AUDIOVISIONS in 1989, and led the company’s rapid growth to becoming one of the nation's largest and most respected home automation companies. In 2005, Mark directed the acquisition of AUDIOVISIONS to Best Buy, the world's largest consumer electronics retailer. For the subsequent 9 years following the acquisition, he served as Vice President of Services for Best Buy while remaining President of AUDIOVISIONS.

In 2014, he successfully navigated the re-acquisition of AUDIOVISIONS from Best Buy. Today, Mark leads a talented team of nearly 100 employees in four geographic markets from Orange County to the San Francisco Bay Area in California. He is responsible for the company’s overall vision, business strategy, partnerships, ventures and key initiatives.

As head of sales, Jeff Goldstein oversees Sony’s relationships with leading audio and video integrators. With decades of Sony experience in numerous executive-level positions, including director of sales for the Consumer Integrated Systems division, as well as vice president of marketing for the company's Home Audio/Video and Television divisions. He most recently served as a strategic consultant to premium custom installation and optical companies, helping to expand their distribution channels, and refine customer engagement. Jeff brings deep experience in product development and planning and was instrumental in creating Sony's home theater projector line, as well as driving custom integration features for Sony ES, Home Video and TV products.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #222 feat. Josh Christian, CEO of Home Technology Association Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

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 when he began working at a locally owned audio/video retailer. Three years later, he moved to a custom technology integration company, where he helped the firm grow into one of the largest custom AV integration companies in the industry. In 2015, Josh joined a low-voltage technology consulting firm specializing in designing and engineering home technology systems, where he stayed until co-founding the Home Technology Association (HTA) in 2017.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #221 feat. Mark Bolduc, Founder and President at Wicked Smart Homes Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

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, builders and interior designers on large-scale residential and commercial projects for a broad client base throughout the U.S.

Founded in 2009, Wicked Smart Homes is one of the highest-volume Lutron dealers in the country.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #220 feat. Hovik Mirzakhanian, Founder and Vice President of Engineering at Matrix Audio Visual Designs Aug 19, 2022

Show notes

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 1991. Matrix AV specializes in integrating technology-based solutions like AV distribution and building automation systems for private businesses, educational institutions, houses of worship, the military, and the government. As VP of Engineering, Hovik uses his extensive engineering knowledge to recommend products and design concepts that create the perfect environment for end users. He seeks to delight customers and find the best technology solutions that help businesses meet or exceed their short and long-term goals.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #219 feat. Andrew Pino, Director of Digital Marketing at One Firefly Aug 19, 2022

Show notes

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 responsible for the general management of our robust digital marketing team, providing leadership, focus, and support. Andrew has spent the last 20 years equipping creatives with the skills they need to grow professionally and thrive in their careers. Since graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in business management, Andrew has embraced his journey from nonprofit work, to senior leadership in a national media company, and then executive consulting. He uses his varied experience to propel others forward on their path. When he’s not working, Andrew loves “adventuring” with his wife, two daughters, and two sons. They’ve done everything from renovating a 100-year old inner city home to running a small horse farm in the country, to full-time RVing around the U.S. for nearly two years.

About One Firefly

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