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:

#365: Robert Haecker of Triphase Technologies on 30 Years of Hard-Won Lessons Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Robert and I discussed:

Why selling his company at age 30 turned out to be the best lesson of his career.
How their showroom and light lab sell what a conversation never could.
The in-house training program that cut ramp time for a job site lead from ten years to two.
And why a $20 million company had to go back to a single point of contact to keep feeling small to its clients.

Whether you're early in your growth or running a company that has outgrown how you used to do things, you're going to love this conversation. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Robert Haecker. Let's get started!

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au365

#364: Ask AI to Teach You AI — Mike Wilson's Playbook for Getting Started Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Mike and I discussed:

How AI image editing helps his team solve real client challenges — from removing private artwork and family photos before sharing project images, to swapping out unlicensed content on screens.
How he uses simple ChatGPT prompts to turn a designer's scale elevation drawing into side-by-side visuals, helping clients make decisions faster and reducing costly change-orders after installation.
And how Bethesda Systems is building an AI culture from the ground up, including weekly leadership meetings with hands-on AI demos and shared licenses across the team.

What makes this conversation so valuable is that Mike doesn't call himself an AI expert — and that's exactly the point. He's a business owner who started with simple experiments and turned them into practical tools that improve margins and client communication.

Whether you're already experimenting with AI or just trying to understand where to begin, you're going to get a lot of value from this conversation.

So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Mike Wilson. Let's get started!

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au364

#363: How to Get Out of the Sales Seat — Ollie Tuffney's Blueprint for Building a Sales Machine Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Ollie and I discussed:

Why founder-led sales eventually becomes the ceiling on your growth, how the "founder advantage" makes it unfair to expect your salespeople to sell like you do, and the path to getting off the hamster wheel.
The five-pillar operating system Sales Velocity uses to build scalable sales machines—positioning, process, people, performance, and planning—and how to find the key constraint holding your team back.
And practical tactics you can implement right away: how to attract, assess, and onboard sales talent without falling for the "black book" myth, why public dashboards tracking percentage of time gone versus target achieved create ownership and urgency, and how to structure your weekly accountability and coaching meetings.

Whether you're the owner still carrying your company's sales on your own back or you're looking to build a repeatable sales engine, you're going to love this conversation. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Ollie Tuffney. Let's get started!

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au363

#362: The Power of Vulnerability: Jason Zuniga on Peer Groups and Second Chances Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Jason and I discussed:

How he scaled Austin Home Systems from a three-person shop to 26 employees and over $7 million in revenue.

How reading Traction helped him define his target market of custom home builders and break through the million-dollar ceiling.

Why joining a ProSource peer group and learning to “be vulnerable” with fellow dealers has been, in his words, life-changing for his business.

Jason is known for his hands-on approach and for building a company focused on quality, service, and long-term relationships. Whether you’re building your own integration firm or just want to hear how a values-driven leader scales a business, you’re going to love this one.

So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Jason Zuniga. Let’s get started!

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au362

#361: The Authority Engine: Using Video, Case Studies, and Imagery to Prove Your Premium Value Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

We cover:

How AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity are changing the customer research journey — and why integrators need to rethink how they present themselves online
The concept of EEAT — Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust — and how businesses can use content to strengthen their online visibility and credibility
Practical strategies for capturing and creating content, including project photography, video, case studies, reviews, social media, and websites

Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording and video of the original webinar. Now let’s tune in and explore how great content can help your business stand out and attract more of the right customers online.

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au361

#360: Speed, Precision, and the Business of Custom Integration with Jonathan Smith Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Jon and I discussed:

How his experience in NASCAR shaped the way he approaches precision, pressure, troubleshooting, and entrepreneurship in the integration world.
Why professional design documentation, outsourced engineering partnerships, and strong project planning are critical.
And how Jon is building Fusion Automation through relationships with architects, designers, and builders, while leaning into high-growth categories like lighting, shades, invisible audio, and digital displays.

Whether you’re interested in building stronger relationships with architects and designers, growing a design-forward integration firm, or hearing how lessons from NASCAR translate into business ownership, you’re going to enjoy this conversation.

So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Jonathan Smith. Let’s get started!

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au360

#359: Blake Urmos on Building AI Tools for the Low-Voltage Industry Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Blake and I discussed:

How one simple ChatGPT project opened his eyes to the business potential of AI and led him to start building his own software tools.
Why Claude Code, AI skills, agentic coding, and tools like MCP are helping non-traditional developers solve real business problems faster than ever before.
And how Blake built LVN Signals, an AI-powered platform that helps contractors uncover commercial low-voltage opportunities before they hit the bid boards.

Blake brings a unique mix of field experience, community building, software development, and hands-on AI experimentation. This conversation is a real-world look at what’s possible when integrators stop treating AI as a buzzword and start using it to solve practical business challenges.

Whether you’re already experimenting with AI or just trying to understand where to begin, you’re going to get a lot of value from this conversation.

So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Blake Urmos. Let’s get started!

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au359

#358: From $4M to $20M- David Wexler on How EOC Audio Built a Powerhouse Culture Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, David and I discussed:

How EOC Audio grew 400% in six years by prioritizing "buying right," leveraging the power of buying groups, and hiring talent in advance of growth.
Why long-term success comes from "saying yes" to clients and builders alike, and how David used 12 years of live radio hosting to build a legendary reputation in his market.
And A look at the rising demand for sophisticated lighting design, motorized window treatments, and the high-growth world of professional golf and shooting simulators.

David brings over five decades of wisdom and a deep passion for the "human" side of the technology business. Whether you’re looking to scale your own integration firm or simply want to hear from a true industry legend, you’re going to love this conversation.

So settle in and enjoy my conversation with David Wexler. Let's get started!

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au358

#357: The Missing Layer of the Smart Home: How to Position and Sell Smart Ceiling Fans Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

We cover:

Why smart ceiling fans represent a growing opportunity for integrators — from comfort and energy savings to aesthetics and whole-home control integration
The evolution of ceiling fan technology, including DC motors, airflow optimization, and smart controls
How AI search and large language models are changing the customer journey — and why integrators need to rethink their online visibility strategy to stay competitive in emerging categories like smart fans
Practical marketing strategies to improve AI visibility, including building authoritative FAQ content that helps prospects discover your business online

Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording, full transcript, and video of the original webinar. Now let’s tune in and learn how smart ceiling fans have evolved into a meaningful business opportunity for integrators.

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au357

#356: Revolutionizing MDU Solutions and Embracing the AI Frontier with Hally Patel of RDB Energy Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Hally and I discussed:

The power of peer groups and why her V11 group in ProSource has become her most valuable business asset for vulnerability and growth.
How she saved a client over $120,000 by re-engineering a high-voltage lighting hurdle into a low-voltage solution.
And the AI revolution in integration and her journey from "just an email helper" to using Claude for site readiness analysis and meeting accountability.

Hally brings a "yes to everything new" attitude that is infectious. Whether she's talking about the complexity of a 1,000-unit project or her mission to visit 40 countries before she's 40, you're going to find plenty of inspiration here.

So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Hally Patel. Let’s get started!

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au356

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Automation Unplugged Podcast

In this episode, Hally and I discussed:

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected