If you’ve visited our Facebook page recently, you’ve probably noticed that we’ve started hosting Facebook Live interviews on a regular basis! These interviews are designed to help our clients and members of the custom integration industry keep up-to-date with the latest trends and news as well as learn from experts in the field.
Forming clear standards for the AV and automation industry
In this Automation Unplugged interview, Ron speaks with Josh Christian, Director of Certification at Home Technology Assocation. The HTA is a newly formed certification body for custom integrators, providing clear standards for integrators and helping homeowners and trade professionals find the best technology experts in their area.
Exploring the Impact of Hurricane Harvey
In this Automation Unplugged interview, Ron speaks with Ryan Heine, Director of Business Development at Refined Systems, LLC, a Houston, TX based integration firm. They discuss the effects of Hurricane Harvey on the Houston market, active recovery efforts underway, and the recent CEDIA 2017 Expo.
It's time for integrators to go solar.
In this Automation Unplugged interview, Ron speaks with Blake Richetta, the Senior Vice President at sonnen, inc. sonnen is the future of clean energy - they provide energy storage solutions that are transforming the clean tech space.
Blake breaks down the state of clean energy technology and the role that it will soon play in the AV and automation industry.
What happened to selling high-end audio?
In this Automation Unplugged episode, Ron Callis interviewed Deborah Smith, industry consultant and head of the Deborah Smith Group. During the interview, Deborah and Ron spoke about the fact that many integrators have stopped selling audio and how they can change this pattern to significantly impact sales and profits.
A Glimpse into the Benefits of Buying Groups
In this Automation Unplugged episode, Ron Callis interviewed Richard Glikes, president of Azione Unlimited. Azione Unlimited is one of the top buying groups for CE and CI professionals. Richard and Ron talked about the advantages of joining a buying group and what's coming up at CEDIA and the Azione Fall conference.
Buyouts, Builder Programs, and Security RMR
In this Automation Unplugged episode, Ron Callis interviewed Greg Simmons, Co-Owner and Vice President at Eagle Sentry. Eagle Sentry is the 27th largest integrator in the CEPro 100. During the interview, Ron and Greg discussed best practices regarding RMR through security monitoring, reaching out to builders, Eagle Sentry's role in the smart home design for Indy racecar driver Alex Tagliani, and the process of doing a leveraged buyout.