#340: Inside Lightapalooza 2026 with Tom Doherty — Education, Power, and What’s Next for Integrators
In Episode #340 of Automation Unplugged, Ron Callis chats with returning guest Tom Doherty, Director of New Technology Initiatives at HTSA and creator of Lightapalooza. Together, they preview what’s new at Lightapalooza 2026 in Austin, TX.
#339: People, Culture, and Hiring- Building Teams that Last
Join Katharine Wheeler as she sits down with One Firefly Executive Vice President, Andrew Pino, to unpack the power of intentional culture, authentic leadership, and smart hiring.
#338: Carley Knobloch on Bridging Design and Technology in Luxury Homes
From HGTV’s Smart Home to AudioVisions, Carley Knobloch has built a career at the intersection of design and technology. In this episode, she reveals how smart homes can be both intelligent and effortlessly beautiful.
#337: 2025 Year in Review — Growth, Challenges, and the Role of AI at One Firefly
In this special year-in-review episode of Automation Unplugged, CEO Ron Callis and CFO Taylor Whipple reflect on One Firefly’s biggest wins and challenges of 2025. They discuss business growth, team culture, innovation, and more
#336: Lessons in Expansion — Steve Weber on Acquisitions, Systems, and Leadership
In episode #336, Steve Weber shares how he transformed Liaison Technology Group from a 4-person startup into a nationwide integration powerhouse. Hear his lessons on leadership, acquisitions, and the systems that make scaling possible.
#335: From CIA to CEO—Kris Coleman on Security, Strategy, and Service
In this episode, Ron chats with Kris Coleman — CEO of Red5 Security, former CIA and FBI agent, and Executive Director of Fox Bravo Overland. Discover how Kris helps high-net-worth families navigate modern security risks, and more.
#334: Building Partnerships That Shine — Kayla Steinberg of ADI | Snap One
In this episode of Automation Unplugged, Ron Callis chats with Kayla Steinberg, CSD Program Lead at ADI | Snap One. Kayla shares her journey from education to the AV industry, insights on empowering dealers through the Certified Showroom Dealer program
#333: From Guessing to Investing- How AV Dealers Can Build a Winning Marketing Budget
CFO Taylor Whipple joins host Kat Wheeler to demystify marketing budgets for AV integrators. From setting goals and tracking ROI to avoiding costly missteps, discover practical, data-driven strategies to turn your marketing spend into a true invesment
#332: Ari Supran on Harnessing AI to Transform Business and Culture
Join us in this episode with Ari Supran, CEO of Sonance. Ari shares his journey from Lutron to leading Sonance, how he’s embracing AI and “vibe coding” to drive innovation, and why a people-first culture is key to growth in the custom integration industry