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Inspire. Educate. Elevate.
Ron Callis brings industry-leading expertise, engaging storytelling, and actionable insights to every stage he’s on. As a dynamic thought leader and educator, he delivers value that resonates with business leaders, AV & CI industry professionals, and marketing experts. Learn why you should invite him to speak at your next event.

Ron Callis brings a unique blend of marketing expertise, engineering discipline, entrepreneurial grit, and real-world business leadership to every stage he’s on. As a dynamic speaker, educator, and innovator, Ron delivers practical insights that resonate with business leaders, AV and CI professionals, and marketing teams alike. He speaks from experience — not theory — helping audiences navigate today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities with actionable strategies and forward-thinking vision.

Inspire. Educate. Elevate.

Ron Callis brings industry-leading expertise, engaging storytelling, and actionable insights to every stage he’s on. As a dynamic thought leader and educator, he delivers value that resonates with business leaders, AV & CI industry professionals, and marketing experts. Learn why you should invite him to speak at your next event.

Ron brings a unique blend of marketing expertise, engineering discipline, entrepreneurial grit, and real-world business leadership to every stage he’s on. As a dynamic speaker, educator, and innovator, Ron delivers practical insights that resonate with business leaders, AV and CI professionals, and marketing teams alike. He speaks from experience — not theory — helping audiences navigate today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities with actionable strategies and forward-thinking vision.

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Meet Ron: Engineer, Entrepreneur, Educator

Ron Callis is an engineer by training, an entrepreneur by experience, and an insightful educator in the AV and custom integration industry. As the founder and CEO of One Firefly, a five-time Inc. 5000 recognized marketing agency, Ron has spent over 25 years helping build, scale, and innovate businesses that serve the technology and smart home sectors. Throughout his career, he’s worked with thousands of entrepreneurs to bring real-world marketing and growth solutions to the custom integration channel. 

After earning his Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech, Ron started his career in sales and technical leadership roles at Lutron and Crestron, gaining firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities faced by integrators. He launched his first business, Firefly Design Group, in 2007, providing system design & documentation services to industry clients. After learning from early entrepreneurial missteps, in 2016 Ron strategically pivoted Firefly Design Group into what is now One Firefly: the CI industry’s premier marketing and business growth partner. Today, Ron leads a decentralized team of 80+ professionals across six countries under the EOS Traction framework, focused on innovation, AI integration, and client success.

Ron’s leadership extends beyond business growth. As a lifelong learner and teacher at heart, he’s trained thousands in person through CEDIA and buying group events, led hundreds of educational webinars, hosted over 300 episodes of the Automation Unplugged podcast, and regularly delivers keynotes, panels, and educational sessions for leading industry associations and events like CEDIA Expo, Lightapalooza, HTSA, Azione Unlimited, and ProSource. He previously served on the Azione Advisory Board and was honored as a CE Pro Master in 2021 for his contributions to the custom integration industry. Ron currently serves on the CEDIA Foundation Board, advancing industry innovation through workforce development initiatives.

He continually seeks out new opportunities to advance his professional capabilities, and was accepted to MIT xPRO’s 20-week Tech CEO Program: Leading in Disruptive Times to deepen his expertise in strategic leadership, systems thinking, radical innovation, and responsible AI adoption under the guidance of MIT faculty.

What sets Ron apart is his ability to blend real-world business lessons — both the successes and the failures — with forward-looking strategies for growth, technology adoption, and brand-building. He speaks from experience, not theory, offering practical insights earned through decades of navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

Based in Tamarac, Florida, Ron shares life with his wife, Danielle, their son, Max, and their two dogs, Charlotte and Piper. Outside of work, he mentors future innovators through FIRST Robotics and Science Olympiad, continuing his passion for guiding the next generation of leaders.

Ron Callis

About Ron

  • Engineer-Turned-Entrepreneur: Built One Firefly from startup to a 5x Inc. 5000-recognized marketing agency, leading a global team across six countries.
  • Industry Innovator & Educator: Host of 300+ podcast episodes, frequent keynote speaker, CEDIA Certified Instructor, and sought-after educator at industry events.
  • Real-World Business Leader: Shares actionable insights gained from 25+ years of growing businesses, leading innovation, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

    Primary Audiences

    Ron delivers tailored insights to two key audiences: AV & custom integration professionals and marketing & business leaders. His sessions are packed with real-world stories and practical application strategies to help businesses grow.

    AV & Technology Industry Professionals

    • AV & Custom Integration Professionals — Business owners, integrators, and industry leaders looking for strategies to scale and succeed.
    • Buying Groups & Associations — Industry organizations seeking expert-led education to empower their members with growth insights.
    • Technology Manufacturers, Distributors, & Reps — Companies looking to enhance CI dealer success through marketing and business development education.

    Marketing & Business Leaders

    • Marketing Executives & Teams — Professionals looking for industry trends, tools, and best practices to drive success.
    • Business Owners & Entrepreneurs — Leaders of small to medium-sized businesses seeking practical strategies to grow, stand out, and attract the right customers.
    • Industry Groups & Associations — Organizations looking to educate their members on best practices in marketing, branding, and business development.

      Key Topics & Areas of Expertise

      Ron’s sessions deliver concrete strategies and actionable insights designed to help businesses grow, innovate, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving world.

      Marketing & Branding

      • Building growth-driven marketing strategies tailored to technology businesses
      • Maximizing visibility through web design, branding, SEO, and online reputation management
      • Leveraging content, social media, and paid media to drive measurable results

      Business Developments & Growth

      • Hiring, building, and retaining top-performing teams in a competitive labor market
      • Scaling operations while maintaining quality and brand integrity
      • Cultivating strategic partnerships to drive new growth opportunities

      Talent Acquisition & Workforce Development

      • Implementing culture-driven hiring strategies that attract and retain top talent
      • Creating strategic, end-to-end recruiting processes tailored to the AV and CI industry
      • Solving growth constraints by aligning hiring with long-term business goals

      Innovation, AI, & the Future of Work

      • Real-world applications of AI across marketing, operations, and service delivery
      • Preparing businesses for technology disruption and market shifts
      • Turning innovation into a competitive advantage — not just a buzzword

      Entrepreneurship & Leadership Lessons

      • Hard-won lessons from building, pivoting, and scaling a business
      • Systems thinking and operational frameworks (EOS Traction, Change Management, Growth Mindset)
      • Leading with resilience, purpose, and a future-focused mindset
        Each presentation is packed with practical takeaways, real-world examples, and frameworks attendees can apply immediately to their business or career.

        Why Event Organizers Choose Ron

        • Real-World Operator: Ron doesn’t just talk theory — he shares lessons learned and paid for from building, scaling, and leading a successful business.
        • Future-Focused Strategist: As an early leader in AI integration and innovation, Ron helps equip audiences to navigate change and seize emerging opportunities.
        • Engaging Educator: With a long track record of teaching and podcasting, Ron breaks down complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies that resonate.

          Appearances: How Ron Can Elevate Your Event

          Whether delivering a keynote, leading a panel, or educating industry professionals, Ron brings deep expertise, engaging storytelling, and actionable insights to every stage. His dynamic presence makes him a top choice for conferences, trade shows, podcasts, and training sessions.

          Speaker

          Ron delivers engaging, insight-driven sessions that help technology business leaders grow and innovate. His expertise in digital marketing, business strategy, and the AV industry makes him a sought-after speaker at industry events.

          Panelist

          As an AV industry expert and marketing thought leader, Ron offers sharp insights on market trends, business strategy, and innovation, making him a strong addition to any panel.

          Panel Facilitator

          An experienced moderator, Ron leads dynamic discussions by guiding conversations, asking the right questions, and keeping audiences engaged while ensuring panelists shine.

          Trainer/Educator

          Ron is passionate about helping industry professionals sharpen their skills and grow their businesses. He’s led educational sessions at CEDIA Expo, Lightapalooza, and major buying group conferences, breaking down complex topics into clear, actionable strategies.

          Podcast Guest

          With energy and expertise, Ron delivers valuable insights on marketing, business growth, and the AV industry, making him a compelling guest for industry, marketing, and business leadership podcasts.

          Keynote Address

          Ron’s keynotes inspire and challenge audiences to rethink business growth, innovation, and marketing. His presentations deliver real-world insights and actionable takeaways tailored to industry professionals and business leaders.

          Webinar Host & Guest

          Ron delivers engaging, value-packed webinars that educate and inspire. Whether hosting or as a featured guest, he provides actionable insights on marketing, business growth, and market trends, keeping virtual audiences engaged and informed.

          See for Yourself: Past Appearances

          Ron’s presentations are designed to provide concrete growth strategies and actionable insights, not fluff — whether you're in the AV industry or a marketing professional looking to sharpen your skills.
          Thought Leadership Article
          Authority Magazine: Navigating the Remote Workforce
          Authority Magazine interviews Ron on strategies for growing a geographically dispersed organization.
          Read Here
          Thought Leadership Article
          Authority Magazine: The Power of Digital Marketing
          Authority Magazine interviews Ron on how to effectively leverage the power of digital marketing, PPC, & email to dramatically increase sales.
          Read Here
          Podcast
          Stan Ventures: SEO on Air
          Aaron Basil interviews Ron about his journey with One Firefly, how SEO is changing due to AI, and the importance of custom-focused marketing strategies.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          Lighting for Profits
          Ron and host Ryan Lee dive into the importance of marketing during slow and busy times, and strategies for landscape lighting companies to elevate their branding and sales.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          Deep Specialization with Corey Quinn
          Corey Quinn interviews Ron about strategies for scaling a team through focused vertical specialization & team development.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          The Prism of Perspective
          Host John Geraghty chats with Ron about his personal and professional journey, and how imagination, communication, and high standards have shaped his approach to leadership.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          AVWeek - AVNation
          Host Tim Albright chats with Ron & other industry experts about how the cloud revolution, converged networks, and sustainability are transforming the AV landscape.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          Social Media Marketing with Michael Stelzner
          Mike Stelzner, CEO of Social Media Examiner, interviews Ron about insights for adopting AI inside your business.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          Marketing Agency Show
          Ron and host Brooke Sellas discuss tips for using AI for content ideation and creation, and advice for training teams to use AI tools.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          Second Bite Podcast
          Host Todd Taskey interviews Ron about crucial considerations for market growth and accelerating growth and value for acquisition opportunities.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          Zero to 5000
          Host Mitchell McClure and Ron discuss developing resilience in the face of pain, the importance of embracing feedback, and the recurring theme of niching down to achieve focus & success.
          Listen Here
          Podcast
          Home Tech Talk
          Ron dives deep with hosts Aidan Pyper & Jake Fuller about One Firefly and marketing specialization in the CI space.
          Listen Here
          Each session is packed with actionable takeaways, real-world examples, and strategies tailored to your needs.

          What Industry Leaders are Saying

          Ron leaves a lasting impact. Hear from AV leaders, panelists, and attendees who have experienced his engaging and informative sessions firsthand.
          "We have now worked with One Firefly for several years and this company really understands the needs of the Electronic Integration world. ...They create beautiful websites, are well versed in the latest trends and equipment in order to produce excellent blogs and email blasts, create marketing links between integrators and their suppliers, etc. They are responsive to our ever-changing industry and support our firm with excellent support staff, writers, media experts, etc. Great Company to deal with!"
          Christian Lawrence, Owner
          Audio Video Excellence
          Scottsdale, AZ

            Book Ron for Your Next Event

            Looking for a dynamic speaker, panelist, or educator to elevate your next event? Connect with Ron to bring industry-leading expertise and actionable insights to your audience.

            Be a Guest on Automation Unplugged

            Calling all thought leaders and innovators in the AV community — are you ready to share your story with the world? Apply to be a guest on the Automation Unplugged podcast and join hundreds of top minds who are shaping the future of our industry.