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 #160 feat. Matt Coxon, Sales Director at Tangram Technology Mar 19, 2021

Show notes

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

What led Mark from pursuing veterinary school to working at a residential integration company
The future of work as companies begin to bring employees back to the office
Mark's approach to human-centric design and how the modern office will look like in the years to come
Mark's creative endeavors, including a book he's currently writing and his podcasts, Daybreak and Selling AV.

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au160

SHOW NOTES

Mark is currently Sales Director with Tangram Technology. He was set to pursue a career as a zoo veterinarian before discovering the technology space in 2000 when he took IBM as a direct sales representative. Mark uses his interest in zoology and behavioral psychology to approach technology and human-centered design from a unique perspective at Tangram Technology.

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 #159 feat. Shawn Lemay, President at Sound and Theater Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

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

Shawn’s origin story and how he went from creating an ISP company competing with AOL to venturing into the smart home automation space
Consumer behaviors based in the Buffalo, New York marketplace and how 2020 treated Sound & Theater
How his business has weathered the storm caused by vendor supply chain issues.
Shawn’s thoughts on the future of trade show & event

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au159

SHOW NOTES

Shawn is a CEDIA Registered Outreach Instructor and volunteer. He holds various vendor certifications and is an active writer with multiple published articles to his credit. Shawn got his start in IT and Computer system sales before discovering the world of smart home automation when he and his business partner attended their first CEDIA trade show event in 2004. Their Buffalo, New York-based automation company, Sound & Theater, was created to provide consumers easy-to-use, simple, and concealed smart technology throughout their homes.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #158 feat. Matt Cwiokowski, CEO at Avidia Feb 25, 2021

Show notes

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

What ultimately led Avidia to have a 35% YOY growth in 2020
How a re-brand in 2018 and strategic marketing helped raise the company's brand awareness and overall visibility
Avidia's pivot to an RMR-based approach for system service support
Ways Matt has made it possible to enjoy a healthy work-life balance as a business owner with a growing company

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au158

SHOW NOTES

Matt and two other colleagues founded the Chicagoland automation company, Avidia, in 2010 with a goal to create a more focused, hands-on approach to home automation. At inception, Matt managed Avidia’s programming and system design efforts. In 2018 Matt and Kamil bought their 3rd partner out and Matt assumed the role of CEO where his role involves leading the company forward through client-focused sales and marketing activities.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged After Show Episode #157 feat. Jeff Galea, Founder and President at Boca Tech and Automation Feb 22, 2021

Show notes

This week’s After Show features Jeff Galea, Founder and President at Boca Tech and Automation. Jeff reflects on his approach and mindset behind his most recent rebrand. If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to check out show #156 here on the podcast or over on our Facebook page at facebook.com/onefireflyllc. Okay, let’s jump into my conversation with Jeff Galea.

Automation Unplugged Episode #157 feat. Jeff Galea, Founder and President at Boca Tech and Automation Feb 15, 2021

Show notes

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

How a COVID inspired look behind-the-scenes for the design community turned into a successful weekly seminar series
The importance behind educating consumers to improve sales and communication
Jeff's showroom powered by Rosewater Energy and his take on battery storage technologies
Jeff's business outlook for 2021 and why he will still be focusing on recurring revenue

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au157

SHOW NOTES

Jeff is Founder and President at Boca Tech and Automation. His team focuses exclusively on integrating luxury A/V and control systems into homes, yachts, and businesses in some of the most prestigious spaces in the United States.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #156 feat. Ron Callis, CEO at One Firefly Feb 08, 2021

Show notes

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

How Ron found his way into the custom integration industry
Ron’s unique experience being part of a human-powered submarine team while a student at Virginia Tech
The One Firefly company culture and how they were able to shift to a fully remote company in 2016
Ways the structure and process of EOS helped One Firefly prepare for the challenges that came with COVID-19

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au156

SHOW NOTES

After graduating from VA Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ron started his career with Lutron Electronics. He also spent time at Crestron Electronics before he started Firefly Design Group in 2007. In 2012 the company rebranded and became the company everyone knows today as One Firefly.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #155 feat. Adam Pauska, Principal at AXG Advisors Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

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

Risks faced by high net worth individuals
The breakdown on insurance credits for smart home systems
Innovative technologies that benefit both the integrator and homeowner
Types of insurance products for ultra high-net-worth customers

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au155

SHOW NOTES

Adam is currently the Principal at AXG Advisors. Adam partners with the ultra-affluent and their other advisors to build and maintain their personal insurance portfolios, human-to-human while navigating the ever-changing insurance marketplace.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #154 feat. Jason Roberts, General Manager and Board Member at Bravas Jan 25, 2021

Show notes

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

Jason's experience buying an integration firm in 2012
The dynamics of developing a winning relationship with a custom builder
The Bravas approach to manufacturer preferences throughout their different locations
Jason's outlook for Bravas and our industry in 2021

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au154

SHOW NOTES

Currently, with Bravas Boca Raton, Jason works with 14 other like-minded business owners to facilitate the merger that created the largest nationwide luxury A/V firm. Prior to joining the residential custom integration space, Jason spent 20 years as a software executive in the higher-education vertical.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #153 feat. Andrea Hoffer, CEO at Aha Recruiting Experts Jan 15, 2021

Show notes

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

Common mistakes companies make during the hiring process
Best hiring practices and techniques business owners can implement
What to expect when working with a recruitment agency
How companies can utilize assessments both during recruiting and for ongoing team development

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au153

SHOW NOTES

Andrea Hoffer is currently CEO of Aha Recruiting Experts. Today, Andrea helps companies recruit, hire, onboard, and engage their team members across many industries and verticals. Her clear cut action steps and supportive coaching has helped businesses build their Dream Team with great results.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #152 feat. Angela Larson, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Blair Piersall, Vice President of Sales at Savant Jan 11, 2021

Show notes

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Angela Larson and Blair Piersall:

Angela and Blair's backstory and how they transitioned into a career with Savant
Ways Savant pivoted their focus to provide dealers more education and training during COVID-19
The idea behind creating a virtual showroom experience
The process for dealers and the design community to schedule a virtual demo.

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au152

SHOW NOTES

Angela Larson currently works with Savant as Senior Vice President of Customer Operations at Savant. Blair Piersall is presently Vice President of Sales with Savant. Angela uses her 21 years of experience in the lighting control and home automation space to oversee Inside Sales, Marketing, Training, and the development of all web platform business tools, including the Savant Store. With over 20 years in the custom electronic industry, Blair leads the field sales effort as Vice President of Sales for the pro channel of Savant's domestic and international business.

About One Firefly

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