Automation Unplugged Podcast

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Technology
**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 #208 feat. Chuck Breaux, Owner of Assurance AV Solutions, LLC Apr 20, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Chuck Breaux;

His experiences and lessons learned working with House of Worship Pro AV systems
How to confront the current labor shortages and the challenges being faced with supply chain
Operational challenges with design and accounting software platform rollouts

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au208

SHOW NOTES

Chuck founded AAVS in 2015. With years of experience in retail management, AV productions, and working as the technical director for one of the largest churches in the area, it was a natural transition for him to start a professional integration company. For Chuck and his team, relationships are the top priority. As a result, AAVS has grown on average 20% in business each year. The team comprises techs with 30+ years of combined experience with installations and live shows and 2 Boston Terriers that can be found lounging around the office.

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 #207 feat. Keith Harrison, Owner and Founder of Total Home Technologies Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Keith Harrison;

Using the “Leasing” model in the AV industry and how it benefits clients and your business
How customer service and building relationships can leave a lasting effect in a company.
Why our industry needs to rethink integrators role in providing maintenance and ongoing support services

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au207

SHOW NOTES

In 1992, Keith started Total Home Technologies with the idea to "Question Everything." 30 years later, Total Home Technologies now has 3 Control4 certified showrooms (so far), two in New Jersey and one in New York. They are also one of the highest volume Control 4 dealers in the North East. Additionally, they have won countless awards, most recently ProSource dealer of the year for 2021.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #206 feat. John Campbell, Owner and Director of Sales at HomeTroniX of Arkansas Apr 17, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with John Campbell;

The importance of creating a healthy culture
How empowering your team can help with retention of talent and create a sense of trust within a team.
The benefits of loving what you do professionally and personally

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au206

SHOW NOTES

John was hired as the first employee when HomeTroniX was gearing up to open in 2013. His primary role was serving as a prewire "guy," but he quickly transitioned into sales and running the company. With some background knowledge in the IT/Network world, John accepted the transition, not knowing exactly what the AV world was all about.

As HomeTroniX was growing rapidly year after year and not knowing what was next, John decided to make an offer to purchase the company along with some lifelong friends in December. John's goal was to build the right team and refocus the ownership role to creating the best culture possible as a leader versus a boss. In the last two months, HomeTroniX has added six new roles and continues to grow.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #205 feat. Travis Leo, Founder of Cinergy Professional Development Group Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Travis Leo;

Cinergy and the professional alliance that it creates for integrators
Challenges of running a business and how business owners can benefit from listening to the experience of others.
Benefits of having a team-integrated business consultant and group facilitator

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au205

SHOW NOTES

Travis is one of the Co-Founders of the Cinergy Professional Development Group which focuses on Professional development, Learning and Investing in Emerging technologies and Leveraging shared services to improve business. He is also the former owner of Residential Systems, Inc., a CE Pro 100 integration company that was acquired by Bravas in May of 2020.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #204 feat. Wade Stephens, Vice-president of sales at DeVance Electronic Lifestyles Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Wade Stephens;

Techniques to successfully manage projects affected by supply chain issues
How the Entrepreneurial Operating System can benefit a team and its development.
How marketing helps drive referral sales

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au204

SHOW NOTES

Wade Stephens began his career in the AV industry in 1993 with a small company named Best Buy. He remained in that company for over 13 years during the huge growth of the company, including when Best Buy was named Forbes company of the year in 2004. During that time, Wade was a segment manager for Magnolia HiFi in the Dallas area and was then promoted to Sales Manager to one of the largest revenue producing stores in Texas. Along the way, Wade expanded his skillset to include many industry certifications like Control4, Crestron, Lutron, and Savant.

Wade is now the Vice President of Sales with DeVance Electronic Lifestyles which has seen an amazing growth over the last three years. DeVance specializes in residential, commercial, automation, lighting, and lighting control, with a focus on luxury two channel HiFi. Wade works very closely with owners Matt and Dana DeVance daily through the EOS operating system which has helped DeVance grow significantly while continuing to live by their vision to treat customers like family.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #203 feat. Blake Urmos, Founder of Low Voltage Nation Apr 02, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Blake Urmos;

How Low Voltage Nation became the largest online community for the low voltage industry
The role of social media and the importance for businesses
What is Web 3 and where it's headed for the near future
The importance of video in social media platforms, and how it can be used to leverage your business

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au203

SHOW NOTES

Blake Urmos is the founder of Low Voltage Nation, a community that helps its members develop a career path in low voltage and technology. Blake started Low Voltage Nation to connect with technicians and business owners through Instagram and a Podcast. Blake specializes in structured cabling, access control, and information security. He also founded Golden Booth, a high-growth tech company specializing in digital marketing, photography, and mobile app development.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #202 feat. Keith Esterly, Chief Learning Architect at HTSA Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Keith Esterly;

HTSA’s mission and commitment to the ongoing education of their member dealers
Different resources provided by HTSA, including Keith’s Relationship Science Program
Different strategies and tactics used by a successful salesperson

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au202

SHOW NOTES

Keith Esterly has over twenty years of experience as a salesperson, trainer and senior learning & development leader in the CE/CI industry. He started as a part-time stereo salesman at Bryn Mawr Stereo in 1987, sold some "custom" in California when CI was in its infancy, and went on to find his calling in the training and development world, spending ten years with the Tweeter Home Entertainment Group and another ten with Walmart.

He’s a Penn State graduate, a compulsive landscaper and the world’s least intimidating (as he considers himself) lifelong martial arts student and Bruce Lee fan. He resides in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where the Philly suburbs meet the farms and wilderness.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #201 feat. Mike Sajecki, President and CEO at C&E Marketing and M.A.G Sales Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

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

The art and science of consultative selling
The importance of a CRM and ERP system in tracking and managing a sales team
What makes for a successful salesperson
Potential challenges ahead in the economy

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au201

SHOW NOTES

Mike began his career in the A.V. industry while installing car alarms in high school. During his time in college, he ascended to sales manager at a local retailer and began doing Custom Home Installations before they were even a category. His scope of work included: running wires in walls, mounting televisions, building custom speakers, and more.

In 1991, Mike became a rep for a small rep firm, and in 1993 he became a junior salesperson at C&E Marketing/M.A.G. Sales, the company he owns today. With a total of 16 salespeople and coverage of the U.S. Southeast region, Florida and the Caribbean, C&E Marketing / M.A.G. Sales is one of the largest rep firms in the country.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #200 feat. Lee Travis, Owner of Wipliance LLC Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Lee Travis

Update from Lee since the Feb 2020 recording of Automation Unplugged show #100
CES 2022 Update - Live from Vegas
The importance of video in marketing
Lessons learned from years in business

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au200

SHOW NOTES

Lee Travis got his start with the custom integration industry through car audio and transitioned to full residential integration soon after. He founded Wipliance in 2006 in Bellevue, WA and later expanded to Scottsdale, AZ, in 2016 with a focus on delighting clients and building leaders. Wipliance has won Integrator of the Year at CES, is recognized consistently in the CEPRO 100 and takes pride in the industry-leading approach for video and online marketing.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #199 feat. Ron Callis, CEO & Founder, and Taylor Whipple, VP of Operations & Finance, at One Firefly Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron and Taylor had the opportunity to discuss during this episode

2021 Highlights from Automation Unplugged
One Firefly’s achievements during 2021
Goals for 2022 and upcoming industry trends

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au199

SHOW NOTES

Automation Unplugged is a live show recorded weekly, hosted by me, Ron Callis. In each Automation Unplugged episode, I speak with leading industry personalities and technology professionals to discuss all things business development, technology trends, and more. We produce this show to help our clients and members of the custom integration industry keep up-to-date with the latest news as well as learn from experts in the field.

About One Firefly

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Automation Unplugged Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected