This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Jason Barth and Jamie Carey. Recorded live on Thursday May 31st at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About The Premier Group

Founded in 1999, Jason along with his two college friends and fellow bandmates, took their passion for music and technology to start their new firm. Jason uses his comprehensive and in-depth technical knowledge to simplify complex technologies in a way that's easy for consumers to understand.

With a background in marketing and the Director of Business Development at Premier, Jamie marries the two through photography and storytelling in a combined effort to attract new clientele, builder relationships, and architects and designers.

The Premier Group has been named a CEPro’s Top 100 Integrator in the U.S. for 11 consecutive years and has also won the prestigious Best Integrated Home award for the past two years.

Interview Recap

• The impact that beautifully shot photography has had on their business
• Changes Jason made in light of COVID-19 such as renovating their showroom, updating their website, and other marketing
• Changes in consumer demand in response to COVID-19
• How Jamie’s addition to the team as Director of Business Development has helped The Premier Group strengthen their company culture and online presence

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

About Kevin Hancock

Kevin’s entrepreneurial adventure began 14 years ago after a friend told him his spray-painted crown molding solution for his TV would be a solution that homeowners and interior designers would love.

Kevin went on to founded Frame My TV from his Lowell, MA garage in 2006 and has since sold more than 10,000 TV frames to clients around the world in both luxury homes and commercial properties.

Frame My TV is now known as the go-to expert in TV concealment with all of their products made locally in Massachusetts.

Interview Recap

• Kevin’s origin story and how he got his first big break with an opportunity to install all the TV’s at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida
• How an ambitious decision at CEDIA 2019 helped build a strong relationship with Samsung that has led to his expansion
• Frame My TV's Deco Frame product line
• What Kevin is most excited for in 2020 and his predictions for industry changes in light of COVID-19

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Matt DeVance. Recorded live on Friday May 8th at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Matt DeVance

With over 25 years in the custom audio/video industry, Matt got his start in-car audio after spending his youth watching his father repair home electronics from their home basement as a side-hustle.

After spending 4 years at Dallas based audio-video retailer, Home Entertainment, he ultimately decided to strike out on his own and starting his own integration firm, DeVance Electronic Lifestyles, in 2002.

Today, DeVance is constantly growing. They are expanding their business by buying a building that will double their current space. They have annual revenues approaching $3M with a staff of 11 people.

Interview Recap

• Ways in which previous life-changing events, such as 9/11 and the Great Recession, has prepared Matt to better handle this pandemic
• Matt’s perspective on the shift in demand for technology in homes and how integrators can prepare
• How EOS evolved Matt’s business and communications approach 
• The importance of company culture and the mentoring of employees

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Eddie Shapiro. Recorded live on Wednesday, May 18th at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Eddie Shapiro

With over 30 years of experience in the AV and low voltage channel, Eddie got his start designing and installing systems for companies like IBM, Nestle, and Verizon.

Eddie founded Washington, DC-based smart home integration firm, SmartTouchUSA and has since joined organizations such as CEDIA, American Society of Interior Designers, and American Institute of Architects.

Today, his goal is to help CEDIA and industry members build a deeper respect between architects, lighting designers, builders, and the design industry.

Interview Recap

• Growth opportunities for home security solutions
• Steps they have taken with staff and customers in light of Covid-19
• New marketing and business development strategies he is executing
• Eddie’s thoughts on the CEDIA 2020 Expo, will it happen?
• Eddie’s thoughts on Crestron Home

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Bryan Naquin. Recorded live on Friday May 15th at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Bryan Naquin

Bryan got started in the audio-video industry back in 1995 and has since amassed 25 years of industry experience. In 2005, he founded  Baton Rouge-based technology integration company, Acadian Home Theater.

Acadian has been awarded the Top 100 Integrator Nationwide by CE Pro for 8 years in a row, making them the only Louisiana company holding that consecutive record.

Acadian is also recognized as the only Diamond Control4 Pinnacle Dealer within the state of Louisiana.

Interview Recap

• Steps Bryan is taking to keep his team safe during COVID-19 such as turning down jobs in high-risk areas 
• The importance of building relationships with industry peers and your community
• Bryan’s thoughts on whether CEDIA will return this year and the possibility of a virtual venue
• How Acadian approaches paid service plans during their sales cycle and the benefits they’ve experienced with Parasol for 24/7 remote servicing and support

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Rusty Deeble. Recorded live on Wednesday, May 5th at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Rusty Deeble

With a life-long passion for technology, Rusty has been building computers and networking them for businesses since he was 14-years old. Towards the end of his studies at Cal State University, Rusty founded Digital Installers out of Long Beach, California in 2001 and has never looked back.

Digital Installers now has an impressive showroom that mixes interior design with smart technology and even won the ProSource Dream Theater Makeover Contest in 2019.

Rusty uses his showroom as a way to bring the community together, from offering it as an event venue to even gifting movie nights to dedicated clients and prospects.

Interview Recap

• How the use of quality interior design has elevated their showroom and helped consumers better envision smart technology in their home 
• Ways Rusty is using social media to strengthen relationships within the design-build community
• The benefits using his showroom as an event venue has brought to Digital Installers over the years
• Why Rusty created the concept of TV templates and how he believe it can help integrators save time and win larger projects