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

About Jason Roberts

Prior to joining the residential custom integration space, Jason spent 20 years as a software executive in the higher-education vertical.

In 2012, Jason bought what would be soon known as Spectrum Technology Integrators out of South Florida and grew the home automation company from a $2 million operation to a $7 million operation over the course of six years.

Today, Jason works with 14 other like-minded business owners to facilitate the merger that created the largest nationwide luxury A/V firm, Bravas.

Interview Recap

• Jason's experience buying an integration firm in 2012
• The dynamics of developing a winning relationship with a custom builder
• The Bravas approach to manufacturer preferences throughout their different locations
• Jason's outlook for Bravas and our industry in 2021

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Andrea Hoffer. Recorded live on Wednesday, January 14th, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Andrea Hoffer

With over 25 years of experience with hiring and leadership, Andrea’s core purpose is to give leaders their time and freedom back by helping them attract, engage, and retain team members who believe in and support their vision.

Andrea’s previous role as a spa owner with 35 employees provided her first-hand insight into the everyday challenges of motivating employees, exceeding customer expectations, and meeting business and revenue goals.

Today, Andrea helps companies recruit, hire, onboard, and engage their team members across many industries and verticals. Her clear cut action steps and supportive coaching has helped businesses build their Dream Team with great results.

Interview Recap

• Common mistakes companies make during the hiring process
• Best hiring practices and techniques business owners can implement
• What to expect when working with a recruitment agency
• How companies can utilize assessments both during recruiting and for ongoing team development

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Angela Larson and Blair Piersall. Recorded live on Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Angela Larson and Blair Piersall

Angela uses her 21 years of experience in the lighting control and home automation space to oversee Inside Sales, Marketing, Training, and the development of all web platform business tools, including the Savant Store.

With over 20 years in the custom electronic industry, Blair leads the field sales effort as Vice President of Sales for the pro channel of Savant's domestic and international business.

Interview Recap

• Angela and Blair's backstory and how they transitioned into a career with Savant
• Ways Savant pivoted their focus to provide dealers more education and training during COVID-19
• The idea behind creating a virtual showroom experience
• The process for dealers and the design community to schedule a virtual demo.

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Marc Fulker. Recorded live on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

About Marc Fulker

Based out of Melbourne, Australia, Marc started Greenstar Technologies in 2011 after spending 10 years working as an electrician in the residential and industrial sectors.

Today, Greenstar Technologies consists of a team of nine staff members, has been a Control4 dealer since 2016, and just recently opened a beautiful new showroom and office space in their central Melbourne location.

Interview Recap

• The state of COVID-19 in the country of Australia
• How Marc was able to use his showroom to change the customer experience dynamic
• Marc's transition from an electrician to the home automation space
• We even got a video tour of his new showroom which is featured on our One Firefly Facebook page

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Brian Perreault. Recorded live on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Brian Perreault

Today's show features Brian Perreault, COO at Barrett's Technology Solutions.

With nearly thirty years of experience at Barrett's and as COO and partner, Brian oversees all aspects of the business and has been instrumental in helping to guide the company to become a highly respected residential and commercial technology integration company in the greater Chicago-land area.

Active members of the ASID, CEDIA, and HTSA (of which Brian serves on the Board and is the current President), Brian and the Barrett's team take great pride in surrounding themselves with inspiring trade organizations and a network of peers with whom they can share insight, learn from and grow alongside.

Interview Recap

• Brian's near 30-year career with Barrett's Technology
• The benefit of building relationships and being a resource for clients
• Why embracing change is crucial for the growth of a small business
• How integrating Google Ads into their marketing strategy has helped their business

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Wes Claytor. Recorded live on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Wes Claytor

After graduating with a degree in Exercise Science from Montclair State University, Wes spent some time in the health and fitness industry before making a move to North Carolina and ultimately landing at an account management position with a nationally recognized digital marketing agency with a core focus on Google Paid Search.

Wes joined One Firefly in 2019 with a goal of expanding his digital marketing toolkit to better service his clients. In addition to managing his book of business consisting of integrators located throughout North America, he also runs a personal blog. In his blog he shares his journey as an ultra marathon athlete and other personal stories.

Interview Recap

• Wes' transition from the health and fitness industry into digital marketing
• The importance of work/life balance
• Wes' thoughts on the future of our industry in 2021
• Principles and beliefs that lead to success in running and life