Automation Unplugged Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Automation Unplugged Episode #178 feat. Chris Pearson President/CEO at Service Tech Lighting, Shades, and AV Jul 21, 2021

Show notes

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

His humble beginnings as a projector Rep and journey towards becoming one of the largest integrators in Texas
Chris' philosophy on expanding his skill set portfolio based on his client's needs
The danger of opportunity, and how he is managing Service Tech's growth
The importance of having the right people in the right roles to reach growth goals
Why continued training takes priority in his business

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au178

SHOW NOTES

Chris founded Service Tech in 2003 and built his business by creating a company culture that embodies hard work, fun, respect, and inclusivity. He has won many prestigious awards and recognitions over the years, including CEDIA Best Lighting System of the Americas, Lutron Excellence Award, Home of the Year Gold Winner for Best Media Room, and -most recently -recognition Lutron Black Diamond dealer.

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

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 #177 feat. Brett Ringeisen Director at Audiohouse Jul 13, 2021

Show notes

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

How the family business and the electronics industry evolve over the decades
The very first CEDIA event in 1990!
Brett's windsurfing accident and how that affected him as well as the company
Lessons learned from the hardship and how they made him a better leader

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au177

SHOW NOTES

Brett's family acquired a small business called Norris Record Center where he began working at the age of 14. Brett has watched the industry grow over the last 50 years from the early days of records and cassette tapes to the 1st in-home televisions, to what we refer to today as "custom home electronics." As the industry changed, so did the business name and eventually Norris Record Center became The Audiohouse by the mid-’70s. Brett’s loyalty to both the industry and marketplaces needs over the decades helped him grow a once small-town record shop into an acclaimed, fixture of his Vero beach community.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #176 feat. Matt Bernath Senior Coach at Vital MGMT Jul 08, 2021

Show notes

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

6 ways to increase profit and reduce chaos in your business
Advice for an integration firm owner on managing their own compensation
How to turn the most prosperous times into the most profitable times
The time investment to start transforming your business and profits with Vital Management

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au176

SHOW NOTES

Matt is a Senior Coach at Vital MGMT. He helps others achieve their dreams and business goals while also focusing on his overall mission to shift the CI industry's trajectory. Matt is a veteran entrepreneur in the custom electronics industry who specializes in helping technology professionals transform their business. He has spent more than two decades in retail, wholesale, custom integration, and coaching -including founding and managing his own integration firm at one time.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #175 feat. Jaclyn Boutwell Owner & CFO at Media Systems Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

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

How to approach your clients for approval to photograph projects
Basics of video and lighting configurations for successful Zoom meetings
How she manages the finances for Media Systems
Parental control and privacy management for minors on the Internet

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au175

SHOW NOTES

Jaclyn is a technology designer who specializes in merging beauty with tech. With a keen eye for detail, she elevates the home environment with high-tech solutions that blend seamlessly with architecture and aesthetics. AS CFO at Media Systems, she uses her background in artistic design, professional photography, and smart tech to aid every aspect of the business -from managing finances for the firm to assisting with sales.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #174 feat. Omar Alarcon Founder & CEO at A's Smart Home Solutions Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

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

His journey towards starting his own integration firm
Advice and best practices with leveraging Instagram
And how he selects which brands to work with

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au174

SHOW NOTES

Omar has a diverse background, including working in the baking industry and as an electrician before starting his own integration firm, A's Smart Home Solutions, in 2015. He initially gained interest in home automation while out in the field on job sites. Today, Omar focuses on providing his clients with best-in-class, high-quality technology solutions that upgrade their daily lives.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #173 feat. Doug Greenwald Founder & CEO of Projx360 and Creative Sound & Integration Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

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

Doug's start in the CI industry in the early '90s
Scaling his integration company over the past 20 years
What to expect from business software
Developing and documenting business processes

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au173

SHOW NOTES

Doug first established Creative Sound & Integration in 2001 to better serve his clients with best-in-class smart tech solutions for their homes. After struggling to find an effective project management software to fit his needs, Doug created Projx360. It has since expanded to include a complete end-to-end SaaS management software solution.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #172 feat. Donnie Boutwell CEO at Media Systems Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

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

Remote maintenance and diagnostics
Leadership that focuses on delegating rather than micromanaging
Personal vs professional social media strategy
Working professionally with a spouse

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au172

SHOW NOTES

Before taking over as CEO at Media Systems, Donnie started working for his uncle as an installer. Donnie's background includes over a decade of experience recording and producing records in Nashville. He has retained his Uncle Steve’s demand for excellence and efficiency while solidifying their mission to make home systems easy to use.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #171 feat. Jason McGraw Group Vice President at CEDIA Expo & KBIS at Emerald May 31, 2021

Show notes

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

Will there be a show?
Current Health and Safety protocols in place for the show
What to expect from the 2021 CEDIA Expo
Some of the top brands that will be attending the CEDIA Expo including Crestron, Lutron, Savant, and of course, One Firefly

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au171

SHOW NOTES

Jason McGraw has a background including 34 years of for-profit and not-for-profit conference and exposition management. His prior experience includes B2B trade events and working as Senior Vice President of Exposition and Event Services with the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA), leading the InfoComm show. Jason now is Group Vice President and Show Director for the CEDIA Expo and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the leading annual events in North America serving the kitchen & bath and residential systems integration industries.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #170 feat. Cory Reistad President at SAV Digital Envrionments May 24, 2021

Show notes

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

SAV's relaunch, post VIA, focused on best in class marketing and SEO, ultimately making Cory a convert to the power of marketing
How Cory approaches blending design and technology into spaces
Advice for integrators on how to deal with changes and challenges to supply shortages
How the pandemic has increased consumer interest in wellness technology

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au170

SHOW NOTES

Cory has been in the integration space since graduating college, starting his first AV company in 1999. He founded Studio AV in 2005 and later rebranded it to SAV Digital Environments. SAV is a Bozeman, Montana-based integration firm with 80+ members that provide their market cutting-edge technology, including in-house lighting design and innovative home and business automation solutions.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #169 feat. Josh Clark Owner at Rely Technology May 19, 2021

Show notes

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

Josh's experience buying out his business partner
Lessons learned from their move into their quarter-million-dollar showroom
Josh's approach to hiring
The importance of marketing and how Josh uses it to educate consumers

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au169

SHOW NOTES

Josh is the Founder and Owner of Rely Technology. He started the Lexington, Kentucky-based business back in 2008 with his partner Jon. Originally, Rely Technology offered audio/video services, computer support, and IT. Their current focus now is on smart home automation. Josh bought out his partner Jon two years ago and became 100% owner of Rely Technology. Rely Technology has recently opened a new quarter-million-dollar showroom in Lexington and is expanding to a second location in Charleston, South Carolina.

About One Firefly

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