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 #198 feat. Michael Libman, National Sales Director for DMF Lighting Jan 21, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Michael Libman

Why integrators should consider getting into the lighting fixture business
How to choose the right manufacturer to partner with in your business
How lighting will likely grow in significance within our industry

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au198

SHOW NOTES

DMF Lighting is a lighting manufacturer that takes a creative approach to lighting and offers industry-leading technology to set the bar for performance, quality, and flexibility. Mike was one of the first advocates of Custom Integrators adopting light fixtures as part of their business, turning DMF Lighting into a CE Pro Bullet Brand in 2020. He has a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University and has worked in technology for over ten years. Mike works with Custom Integrators across North America to provide beautiful Lighting Solutions to their clients. In 2021, Michael was named Dealerscope 40 under 40, an awards program that recognizes the brightest idea-generators in the consumer technology industry.

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 #197 feat. George and Kassa Harrison, Owners and operators of Harrison Home Systems Jan 07, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with George and Kassa Harrison

How EOS, entrepreneurial operating system has made a positive impact on the company
Vital Management and systematically reviewing financials with set goals
The importance of marketing and original photography for an integration firm

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au197

SHOW NOTES

George Harrison gained years of industry experience in the Colorado mountain resort towns. In 2002, George founded Harrison Home Systems, a high-end custom electronics design and installation firm specializing in cutting-edge home automation. In 2007, Kassa, his wife, joined the business and brought her experience in marketing and PR. Together they have grown the company over the years and currently manage a team of 27 employees. Harrison Home Systems specializes in the custom residential market in Denver and the surrounding areas. The company was named the 2021 CTA Smart Home Integrator of the Year by The Consumer Technology Association. They also received other industry awards in 2020, including CEPro Integrated Home of the Year and a Lutron Excellence Award.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #196 feat. Brenna Basden, Content Writer and SEO Specialist at One Firefly Jan 07, 2022

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Brenna Basden

The role of a copywriter and their impact in marketing
Trends in copywriting and SEO it’s role within a website
SEO bad practices to avoid.
Fitness trends and their health benefits

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au196

SHOW NOTES

Brenna Basden graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English Literature and Certificate in Technical Writing. After college and spending some time as an assistant manager in retail, Brenna moved into a marketing position for an oil & gas company in Houston, TX, where she wore many hats in marketing for a few years. In 2018, she left the oil & gas industry, moved to Austin, TX, and started her journey as a content writer at One Firefly. In early 2019 Brenna joined the product development team working on the copy for One Firefly’s award winning Mercury Pro website solution for integrators. In 2021, Brenna was promoted to SEO Specialist at One Firefly, where she now lead our SEO strategy and team. Outside One Firefly, Brenna is a cat lover, enjoys all things fitness and is a music fanatic.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #195 feat. Bill Simpkins, Founder & CEO of IGS Homeworks Dec 29, 2021

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Bill Simpkins

Customer focused marketing vs custom builder driven lead generation
Working on international projects
Potential industry changes in 2022 and how to plan for the new normal supply chain challenges
After-sales service business model and how it relates to customer relations and happiness

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au195

SHOW NOTES

Bill Simpkins is a technology integrator with 30 years of CI industry experience. He began his career in the UK entertainment industry, working as an audio and lighting designer. He also worked as an engineer for well-known artists such as Moby, The Prodigy and Gil Scott Heron. After spending 15 years designing and installing systems for both residential and commercial markets globally, Bill relocated to the United States. In 2014, he founded IGS Homeworks in Magnolia, Texas specializing in luxury residential technology solutions

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #194 feat. Ron Wanless Owner and Founder at Technology Design Associates Dec 01, 2021

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ron Wanless:

Lessons learned over the 40 years in the CI industry
How to build a business model to withstand economic recessions
The importance of updating and communicating price changes
The benefit of certifications and credentials in the CI space

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au194

SHOW NOTES

Ron Wanless founded Technology Design Associates a smart home automation design and integration firm with offices in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. TDA specializes in turning a house into a home by simplifying the control of the many integrated systems. Ron holds multiple credentials including Designer, Installer, Certified Outreach Instructor, and Network certification from CEDIA as well as a low voltage electrical license. Ron is currently working on a lighting designer certification through the American Lighting Association.

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 became the leading marketing firm specializing within the integrated technology and security space. The One Firefly team work hard to create innovative solutions to help Integrators boost their online presence, such as the elite website solution, Mercury Pro.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #193 feat. Theo Tsavoussis CEO at Prometheus Systems Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Theo Tsavoussis:

What is Bitcoin and how does it work
How Bitcoin promotes the development of renewable energy sources
Centralized vs Decentralized Blockchains
The future of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au193

SHOW NOTES

In 1997, Theo founded Prometheus Systems, an A.V. integration company that specializes in high-end residential projects. While Prometheus Systems is based in the Bahamas, Theo has completed projects throughout the Caribbean and throughout North and South America. After reading Satoshi Nakamoto's white paper, an informational guide about Bitcoin, in 2011, Theo became interested in Bitcoin. Today, Theo is a Crypto Investor and active speaker and educator having led numerous talks on the future of cryptocurrency.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #192 feat. Paul Starkey Partner at PrepTech and Aspire Liquidity Partners Nov 04, 2021

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Paul Starkey:

Aspire Liquidity Partners, a guided partnership designed to position your company for maximum value extraction
PrepTech, a job program dedicated to training and connecting qualified talent to businesses in the CI industry
How Paul and his wife are fighting against sex trafficking through their organization, Building Better Lives
DMF Lighting's partnership with Building Better Lives

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au192

SHOW NOTES

Paul began his CI career at ELAN under Square D in 1993. As the Sales Vice President at Elan, he engineered a buyout with fellow managers and sold the business to Nortek Control in 2003. Over the years, Paul has raised venture capital and been involved in a dozen buy-sell transactions. Recently, Paul sold VITAL MGMT and has co-founded PrepTech and Aspire Liquidity Partners with Steve Firszt. They have also authored Hitting for the Cycle, a guidebook for the CI space.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #191 feat. Jeff Costello Vice President of Sales at Nortek Control Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jeff Costello:

The 2021 Fall Azione Conference in Nashville
The recent acquisition of Nortek Control
The importance of feedback and how to successfully grow partnerships
Jeff's novel, Surfing With the Bishop
The latest issue with shipping delays and product shortages

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au191

SHOW NOTES

As a recognized sales leader focused on driving revenue through resellers, strategic partnerships, and direct sales, Jeff Costello has over 25 years of CI industry experience. He has led worldwide sales teams, supported partners in over 100 different countries, and participated in numerous company acquisitions. Currently, Jeff is Vice President of Sales for Nortek Control. Jeff is also the author of Surfing with the Bishop, a funny novel about working in the technology industry.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #190 feat. Scott Abel Director of Quality and Consumer at SAV Digital Environments Oct 20, 2021

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Scott Abel:

The experience gained and lessons learned while working in Silicon Valley
The importance of brand consistency and how to avoid brand confusion
Using criticisms as motivation to grow and improve
Building relationships with photographers and videographers
Creating and maintaining a social media presence

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au190

SHOW NOTES

As the Director of Quality & Customer, Scott Abel is focused on brand management, marketing analytics, and content strategies at SAV. After graduating from Montana State University in 2002, he worked as an in-house designer of a well-respected ranch and home supply store. Scott then went on to pursue his master’s degree at the Academy of Art University which catapulted him into freelancing at design firms throughout Silicon Valley. After eight years in the Bay Area, Scott moved back to Montana and joined the team at SAV Digital Environments.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #189 feat. Robert Burns Chief Operating Officer at CO-DA Oct 13, 2021

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Robert Burns:

The importance of differentiating your brand
The importance of job descriptions and clarity in roles and responsibilities
CO-DA, a training University, a training process for new hires and support for current employees
Company culture and how it impacts all aspects of the business

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au189

SHOW NOTES

Robert Burns is COO at CO-DA with over 20 years of audio-video experience. He focuses on growing and improving their performance and efficiency across all departments. In 2010, Robert and Chris Wissa merged their companies and founded Audio Video Concepts & Design, Inc headquartered in Indian Trail, North Carolina. In 2019, Chris and Robert decided to rebrand their firm to what is now known as CO-DA. Robert is also on the Savant Advisory Council and was recently a Keynote Speaker at the Azione Unlimited Conference in 2021.

About One Firefly

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