Automation Unplugged Podcast

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**Automation Unplugged Podcast**

Since its launch on Facebook Live in 2017, Automation Unplugged has become the leading podcast for AV and custom integration professionals. Now pre-recorded and produced in both audio and video formats, episodes are released across our website, social media, and all major streaming platforms. Our content spans engaging interviews with industry leaders, in-depth discussions with One Firefly’s marketing experts, and insightful education on marketing & business growth strategies. From industry trends and business development to marketing, hiring, and beyond, Automation Unplugged delivers the knowledge and perspectives you need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

Latest Episodes:

Automation Unplugged Episode #218 feat. Jeff Singer, Independent Marketing Strategist Aug 14, 2022

Show notes

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 industry for over 20 years as a specialist for marketing B2B and B2B2C in, AV, UC and Digital Workplace, enterprise management, and luxury home automation. He’s an expert in all aspects of product marketing, including positioning, strategy, planning, and execution. Jeff is skilled at developing content and telling compelling stories while making complex ideas understandable and relatable. In this way, he communicates value and earns loyal, long-term client relationships and brand affinity.

Jeff received his BS from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and an MBA in Marketing and Management from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. Jeff was most recently the Executive Director of Product Marketing at Crestron Electronics.

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 #217 feat. Tom LeBlanc, Executive Director at NSCA Aug 11, 2022

Show notes

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

Tom has supported the integration market since 2003. He was the editorial director of Commercial Integrator from 2010 to 2019 and held various roles at CE Pro before that. Throughout his career, he specialized in developing content to help integration firms improve their businesses. At NSCA, LeBlanc is focused on executing the visions of the NSCA Board of Directors and NSCA community by providing resources and spearheading events to strengthen members' business and networking opportunities.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #216 feat. Ian Bryant, Consultant and Independent Specialist Contractor Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

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 residential integration in 2001 and then into commercial, government and higher education integration in 2010 with his company ZenArray specializing in consulting, system design, control system programming and DSP configurations.

Ian has volunteered throughout his career as a subject matter expert. He has sat on numerous panels and working groups, mostly with CEDIA, where he was awarded volunteer of the year in 2011 and 2016. He recently worked for CEDIA managing technology applications, workforce development and strategic partnerships. Ian is currently a consultant and independent contractor specializing in thought leadership, go-to-market strategies, events and publications.

His qualifications include CEDIA CIT, Crestron CMCP-S, Harman Certified Programmer, Extron Control Professional, BIAMP & Dante Certified, and is a Certified Living In Place Professional.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #215 feat. Håkan Olsson, CEO and Founder at Beemer Smart Home Jul 25, 2022

Show notes

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 Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, WA. As a classical musician and former Audio Engineer, his initial focus was on audio solutions, which then transitioned into home theater solutions a few years later.

In 2016 after successful projects with several architects and builders in the Seattle area, he decided to take the business full- time and expand the solutions to an all-encompassing Home Technologies solutions.

Today, Beemer Smart Home has added more solutions, like Lutron luxury lighting and motorized shades, an invisible speaker line from Stealth Acoustics, and whole home control solutions through Control4. In 2019 Beemer Smart Home also became an integration partner to Stratis IOT for multifamily smart building solutions after completing several high-rise projects. In 2021 Beemer also earned an HTA certification.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #214 feat. Dustin Kerns, Branch Manager (Colorado Springs) at ListenUp Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

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 got his start working for his uncle's AV business in the Northwest Arkansas region, where he learned the foundation of his knowledge and passion for the industry. Since then, he has gone from working as a technician, to project management, then into sales and executive leadership. He currently manages the Colorado Springs branch for ListenUp, a company with an amazing 50-year legacy.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #213 feat. Ed Gilmore, CEO and Founder of Gilmore’s Sound Advice, Inc. Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

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, began a parallel career as an audio consultant to a leading Architectural and Interior Design firm. By 1991, he formed his own full-service company, Gilmore’s Sound Advice, Inc. For many years, Gilmore’s Sound Advice strictly adhered to a word-of-mouth recommendation policy to ensure the company’s commitment to superior installation and client support.

Now, directly responsible for an impressive, high-profile client resume. With the move to an 8,000-square-foot facility in 2016, Gilmore created one of the most unique showrooms and event spaces in New York City. Their new workspace allows GSA staff to build, program, and test all systems before leaving the facility. An active member of CEDIA, HTSA, and HTA, a commitment to ongoing education and certification underscores GSA’s commitment to providing clients with an informed assessment of the industry’s best available options and practices.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #212 feat. Paul Bochner, CEO and Founder of Electronic Concepts Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

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 2000 before founding New York-based integration firm Electronic Concepts in 2004.

Today, Paul and his team focus on delivering the highest performance to clients across all A/V and integration solutions. They use their large social media presence of nearly 20,000 total followers to show off their custom projects and newly renovated luxury design center.

Electronic Concepts is a member of CEDIA, HTSA, HTA and is a Savant Platinum Integrator, ambassador, and advisory council member.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #211 feat. Mike Abernathy, Director of Business Resources at NSCA May 17, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Mike Abernathy;

The many resources being provided by NSCA to its members
The future of system integration and the emergence of the Super Integrator
Creative solutions to the Av industries labor shortage

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au211

SHOW NOTES

Mike has been part of the systems integration industry since 2001, when he started his career with NSCA as a Member Relations Manager. During his time in that position, Mike developed a broad understanding of the AV industry and how consultants, integrators, manufacturers, and independent manufacturer representatives interact and work together within the industry. He later joined a commercial audio manufacturer, where he managed international sales for ten years. In 2017 Mike rejoined NSCA and is now the Director of Business Resources. In this role, Mike helps members find and use business resources to more effectively operate systems integration firms.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #210 feat. Tobi Tungl, Vice President of Sales, North America at Epiphan Video May 17, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Tobi Tungl;

How Tobi uses and leverages Twitter to connect with his industry
The current state of UCC solutions in the Pro AV space
The mind and body health of an ultra athlete
The importance of building and curating your network

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au210

SHOW NOTES

Tobi began his professional career in the IT world during the dot-com boom (and crash). In 2005, he jumped from IT to the AV industry. Since then, he has helped grow system integrator organizations by creating and implementing client retention strategies to drive top-line revenue and open new physical locations across the US.

In 2022, Tobi joined Epiphan Video as Vice President of Sales, North America. He is responsible for managing all brands, distribution channels, and sales deployment in North America. In addition, he develops strategic sales objectives based on company goals to promote growth and customer satisfaction for the organization. Tobi is an entrepreneurial, development and profit-oriented leader who communicates an innovative vision for the future and inspires his team to execute the transformation.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #209 feat. Tomas Wing, Owner and GM of High Tech Solutions Panama May 10, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Tomas Wing;

Similarities running an integration business in Panama City, Panama to the States
The power of networks and advisors in running and growing a business
How Covid-19 has affected supply chain and inventory in Latin America

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au209

SHOW NOTES

Tomas started in the audio business doing car audio systems around the late 80s. In 1993, he got the chance to open his car audio shop, which was mainly oriented to High-End Audio installs. In 2000, he went to work for the biggest electronic retailer in Panama and managed the car audio shop while also gaining exposure to the home AV department.

In early 2010, he decided to venture out on his own and open High Tech Solutions Panama with a family friend who proposed starting a business together to serve the small but wealthy residential market in Panama City.

About One Firefly

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