Automation Unplugged Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Automation Unplugged After Show Episode #139 feat. Michael Cogbill, Principal of REV2 Consulting Oct 13, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the Automation Unplugged After Show! Every week, we will take some time after we record the official episode to dig a little deeper with our guest, learn more about them, their hobbies, or frankly, anything that I think you might want to learn more about.

We just wrapped up recording show #139 featuring Michael Cogbill, Principal at REV2 Consulting. Here on the after show, Michael shares with us his top takeaways on how to approach the pre-drywall walk through phase with clients to gain their buy-in on device types and locations. He also shares a fun story about his experience working with Celine Dion and her late husband, René.

If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to check out show #139 here on the podcast. Let’s jump into my conversation with Michael Cogbill.

Automation Unplugged Episode #139 feat. Michael Cogbill, Principal of REV2 Consulting Oct 13, 2020

Show notes

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

The early days of custom integration in the 80’s and early 90’s
His experience working on a project for Bill Gates’ Seattle home
CEDIA initiatives Michael is most excited about
Michael’s predictions for the future of our industry

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au139

SHOW NOTES

Michael is currently Principal at REV2 Consulting, on the CEDIA Board of Directors, and a new member of NEC’s Code Panel 3. Throughout his career, Michael has been involved in several startups, maintained a private consultancy for high net-worth homeowners, and was proudly involved in CEDIA since its founding.

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 #138 feat. Murray Kunis, President of Future Home Oct 07, 2020

Show notes

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

* Murray’s thoughts on the first 2020 Presidential Debate

* Murray’s experience with installing America’s first home THX system

* His recommendations for business just getting started in the custom integration industry.

* Murray’s thoughts on the current state of our industry and what 2021 might have in store

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au138

SHOW NOTES

Murray is currently President of Future Home, which he founded in 1990 out of the demand from his clients for help with their home technology. Murray Kunis got his start in the music industry where he worked with top names. He was also one of the founding integration firms of the trade organization CEDIA.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged After Show Episode #137 feat. Matt Fowler, Co-Owner and Director of Operations of HomeTroniX Sep 30, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the Automation Unplugged After Show! Today, we're taking some time after the live show to talk with Matt Fowler, Co-Owner and Director of Operations of HomeTroniX.

Before joining HomeTroniX, Matt spent some of his career in the wine industry. In this aftershow chat, Matt shares with us his experience working with Total Wine and even gives us some of his favorite wine recommendations.

If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to check out show #137 here on the podcast. Let’s jump into my conversation with Matt Fowler.

Automation Unplugged Episode #137 feat. Matt Fowler, Co-Owner and Director of Operations of HomeTroniX Sep 21, 2020

Show notes

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

How Matt’s time in the Marine Corps impacted his role as a leader
How to grow and scale an integration firm
HomeTroniX’s growth during COVID
Matt’s approach to marketing and creating a strong digital presence

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au137

SHOW NOTES

Matt Fowler is Co-Owner and Director of Operations with HomeTroniX of Arkansas LLC. In 2019, with the company at a crossroads between growing at a faster rate or keeping the status quo, Matt agreed to join the family business as an executive with the goal of growing and scaling the integration firm.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged After Show Episode #136 feat. Josh Willits, President at Portal Sep 16, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the Automation Unplugged After Show! Today, we're taking some time after the live show to talk with Josh Willits, President at Portal.

While many of you may know Josh for his career in the custom integration channel, he also has a passion for coffee that has led him to join the coffee roasting business.

In this after show chat, Josh shares with us his passion for coffee and how he came to know of The Lonely Monk Coffee Roasting business.

If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to check out show #136 here on the podcast. Let’s jump into my conversation with Josh Willits!

Automation Unplugged Episode #136 feat. Josh Willits, President of Portal Sep 15, 2020

Show notes

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

Josh experiences in the CI industry that ultimately led to his role as President of Portal.
Portal’s turnaround strategy deployed in May 2019 that saved the company
Proposal trends during that last 6 months including the amazing growth since June
Josh’s thoughts on the rest of 2020 and the future of our industry

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au136

SHOW NOTES

Josh Willits got his start in AV by selling speakers online out of his college dorm room. He spent years running operations at an integration firm before taking on the role of Director of Operations at Jetson Systems, a Crestron CSP. Later in 2012, he founded Invenshare, a website for dealers to buy, sell, and trade excess inventory, before merging his business with SupplyStream two years later. Josh helped rebrand the company that is now known as Portal where he currently serves as President of the company.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #135 feat. Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Sales of Sonance Sep 11, 2020

Show notes

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

Leadership strategies Jeff learned while working for the late Steven Covey where he was Master Certified
The James Loudspeaker acquisition and their approach to their rep network
Ways Jeff and his team are leveraging virtual trainings and meetings to strengthen relationships
Exclusive announcement regarding the new Sonance Invisible Speaker Series

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au135

SHOW NOTES

Jeff Brewer is Vice President of Sales at Sonance & James Loudspeaker. His background includes working for companies including Best Buy for Business as their VP and Sr. Director and even for the late Steven Covey. Since joining Sonance and James Loudspeaker in 2012, Jeff has led their sales directors team and currently coaches over 100 Sonance & James Loudspeaker Representatives.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #134 feat. Taylor Whipple, Vice President of Operations and Finance of One Firefly Sep 09, 2020

Show notes

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

His rewarding time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa - he even spoke to us in Wolof!
Taylor’s start in the music industry where he spent some time working for Madonna’s music label before he decided to go back to school to pursue his MBA in Finance.
How an analytical approach to brainstorming ideas has helped further empower One Firefly’s growth
One Firefly receiving a placement on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au134

SHOW NOTES

Taylor Whipple is Vice President of Operations & Finance. Having just celebrated his 7 year anniversary with One Firefly, Taylor has been responsible for overseeing the organization's financial and production management.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #133 feat. Jeremy Elsesser, President of Level 3 Audiovisual Aug 24, 2020

Show notes

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

Jeremy’s 16 year career track at Level 3 Audiovisual, leading to his achieving the position of President of the company in 2017
The importance of company culture and hiring for passion
The transition from Commercial Integrator over to Managed Services
The acceleration of software and cloud based communication platform solutions for the new global focus on work from home environments

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au133

SHOW NOTES

Jeremy's sixteen-year career at Level 3 Audiovisual has led him to his current position there as President of the company. Jeremy has been in the technology industry for nearly 20 years and has worked on a broad range of projects, including broadcast, production, and communications for higher education, corporate, healthcare, and hospitality clients.

About One Firefly

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