This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Theo Tsavoussis. Recorded live on Wednesday, November 10th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

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About Theo Tsavoussis

Theo Tsavoussis is an audio-video integrator passionate about Bitcoin mining and sharing his knowledge of cryptocurrency. Theo graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business and then went on to pursue his master’s in computer science. In 1997, he founded Prometheus Systems, an AV integration company that specializes in high-end residential projects. While Prometheus Systems is based in the Bahamas, Theo has completed projects throughout the Caribbean and throughout North and South America. After reading Satoshi Nakamoto's white paper, an informational guide about Bitcoin, in 2011, Theo became interested in Bitcoin. Today, Theo is a Crypto Investor and active speaker and educator having led numerous talks on the future of cryptocurrency.

Interview Recap

• What is Bitcoin and how does it work
• How Bitcoin promotes the development of renewable energy sources
• Centralized vs Decentralized Blockchains
• The future of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Paul Starkey. Recorded live on Wednesday, October 27th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Paul Starkey

Paul Starkey is a 28-year Custom Installation Industry veteran focused on helping others reach their top potential, building a great business, and innovating when it seems impossible. Paul began his CI career at ELAN under Square D in 1993. As the Sales Vice President at Elan, he engineered a buyout with fellow managers and sold the business to Nortek Control in 2003. Over the years, Paul has raised venture capital and been involved in a dozen buy-sell transactions. Recently, Paul sold VITAL MGMT and has co-founded PrepTech and Aspire Liquidity Partners with Steve Firszt. They have also authored Hitting for the Cycle, a guidebook for the CI space. Outside of the business, Paul and his wife have founded a charitable organization, Building Better Lives, to actively support and raise money for the fight against sex trafficking.

Interview Recap

• Aspire Liquidity Partners, a guided partnership designed to position your company for maximum value extraction
• PrepTech, a job program dedicated to training and connecting qualified talent to businesses in the CI industry
• How Paul and his wife are fighting against sex trafficking through their organization, Building Better Lives
• DMF Lighting's partnership with Building Better Lives

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Jeff Costello. Recorded live on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Jeff Costello

Jeff Costello is a recognized sales leader focused on driving revenue through resellers, strategic partnerships, and direct sales. With over 25 years of CI industry experience, he has led worldwide sales teams, supported partners in over 100 different countries, and participated in numerous company acquisitions. When not working, Jeff can be found in the Dallas/Fort-Worth area with his wife, Trina, and their dogs, Bentley and Bo. Jeff is also the author of Surfing with the Bishop, a funny novel about working in the technology industry.

Interview Recap

• The 2021 Fall Azione Conference in Nashville
• The recent acquisition of Nortek Control
• The importance of feedback and how to successfully grow partnerships
• Jeff's novel, Surfing With the Bishop
• The latest issue with shipping delays and product shortages

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Scott Abel. Recorded live on Wednesday, October 13th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Scott Abel

Scott Abel is an expert marketer and in his role as the Director of Quality & Customer, he is focused on brand management, marketing analytics, and content strategies at SAV. After graduating from Montana State University in 2002, he worked as an in-house designer of a well-respected ranch and home supply store. Scott then went on to pursue his master’s degree at the Academy of Art University which catapulted him into freelancing at design firms throughout Silicon Valley. After eight years in the Bay Area, Scott moved back to Montana and joined the team at SAV Digital Environments.

Interview Recap

• The experience gained and lessons learned while working in Silicon Valley
• The importance of brand consistency and how to avoid brand confusion
• Using criticisms as motivation to grow and improve
• Building relationships with photographers and videographers
• Creating and maintaining a social media presence

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Robert Burns. Recorded live on Wednesday, October 6th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Robert Burns

Robert Burns is an integrator with over 20 years of audio-video experience and in his role as COO, he focuses on growing and improving their performance and efficiency across all departments. In 2010, Robert and Chris Wissa merged their companies and founded Audio Video Concepts & Design, Inc headquartered in Indian Trail, North Carolina. In 2019, Chris and Robert decided to rebrand their firm to what is now known as CO-DA and are focused on multiple verticals including House of Worship AV, Commercial AV, Residential AV, and their electrical division, CO-DA Power. Outside of the business, Robert is also on the Savant Advisory Council and was recently a Keynote Speaker at the Azione Unlimited Conference in 2021.

Interview Recap

• The importance of differentiating your brand
• The importance of job descriptions and clarity in roles and responsibilities
• CO-DA, a training University, a training process for new hires and support for current employees
• Company culture and how it impacts all aspects of the business

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Casey Levy-Tulloch. Recorded live on Wednesday, September 29th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Casey Levy-Tulloch

Casey Levy-Tulloch is a visionary focused on building business relationships and developing new market growth opportunities. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by entrepreneurial parents, Casey grew up tinkering with technology and has always had a passion for innovation. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 2015 with a degree in Business Administration. Casey joined the Josh.ai team as an early employee over four years ago and now manages the company's business strategy and partnerships. As a former collegiate athlete, he brings a competitive drive and team-oriented mindset that has helped drive Josh.ai’s rapid growth.

Interview Recap

• The challenges of getting a start-up business off the ground
• The simple, magical experience of Josh.ai
• The importance of privacy and security with a voice control service
• The One Firefly and Josh.ai partnership