This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis and Taylor Whipple recapping on 2021. Recorded live on Friday, December 31st, 2021, at 12:30 pm. EST.

About This End of Year Episode

For this special End-Of-Year Episode, we flipped the script! We reviewed the highlights and accomplishments from 2021 for both Automation Unplugged and One Firefly.

Automation Unplugged is a live show recorded weekly, hosted by me, Ron Callis.  In each Automation Unplugged episode, I speak with leading industry personalities and technology professionals to discuss all things business development, technology trends, and more. We produce this show to  help our clients and members of the custom integration industry keep up-to-date with the latest news as well as learn from experts in the field.

One Firefly is an award-winning Inc. 5000-recognized marketing agency catering to residential and commercial custom integration markets.

Interview Recap

• 2021 Highlights from  Automation Unplugged 
• One Firefly’s achievements during 2021
• Goals for 2022 and upcoming industry trends

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Michael Libman. Recorded live on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021, at 12:30 pm. EST.

About Michael Libman

DMF Lighting is a lighting manufacturer that takes a creative approach to lighting and offers industry-leading technology to set the bar for performance, quality, and flexibility. Mike was one of the first advocates of Custom Integrators adopting light fixtures as part of their business, turning DMF Lighting into a CE Pro Bullet Brand in 2020. He has a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University and has worked in technology for over ten years. Mike works with Custom Integrators across North America to provide beautiful Lighting Solutions to their clients.  In 2021, Michael was named Dealerscope 40 under 40, an awards program that recognizes the brightest idea-generators in the consumer technology industry.

Interview Recap

• Why integrators should consider getting into the lighting fixture business
• How to choose the right manufacturer to partner with in your business
• How lighting will likely grow in significance within our industry

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing George and Kassa Harrison. Recorded live on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About George and Kassa Harrison

George Harrison gained years of industry experience in the Colorado mountain resort towns. In 2002, George founded Harrison Home Systems, a high-end custom electronics design and installation firm specializing in cutting-edge home automation. In 2007, Kassa, his wife, joined the business and brought her experience in marketing and PR. Together they have grown the company over the years and currently manage a team of 27 employees. Harrison Home Systems specializes in the custom residential market in Denver and the surrounding areas. The company was named the 2021 CTA Smart Home Integrator of the Year by The Consumer Technology Association. They also received other industry awards in 2020, including CEPro Integrated Home of the Year and a Lutron Excellence Award.

Interview Recap

• How EOS, entrepreneurial operating system has made a positive impact on the company
• Vital Management and systematically reviewing financials with set goals
• The importance of marketing and original photography for an integration firm

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Brenna Basden. Recorded live on Friday, December 10th, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. EST.

About Brenna Basden

Brenna Basden graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English Literature and Certificate in Technical Writing. After college and spending some time as an assistant manager in retail, Brenna moved into a marketing position for an oil & gas company in Houston, TX, where she wore many hats in marketing for a few years. In 2018, she left the oil & gas industry, moved to Austin, TX, and started her journey as a content writer at One Firefly. In early 2019 Brenna joined the product development team working on the copy for One Firefly’s award winning Mercury Pro website solution for integrators. In 2021, Brenna was promoted to SEO Specialist at One Firefly,  where she now lead our SEO strategy and team. Outside One Firefly, Brenna is a cat lover, enjoys all things fitness and is a music fanatic.

Interview Recap

• The role of a copywriter and their impact in marketing
• Trends in copywriting and SEO it’s role within a website
• SEO bad practices to avoid.
• Fitness trends and their health benefits

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Bill Simpkins. Recorded live on Wednesday, December 8th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Bill Simpkins

Bill Simpkins is a technology integrator with 30 years of CI industry experience. He began his career in the UK entertainment industry, working as an audio and lighting designer. He also worked as an engineer for well-known artists such as Moby, The Prodigy and Gil Scott Heron. After spending 15 years designing and installing systems for both residential and commercial markets globally, Bill relocated to the United States. In 2014, he founded IGS Homeworks in Magnolia, Texas specializing in luxury residential technology solutions.

Interview Recap

• Customer focused marketing vs custom builder driven lead generation
• Working on international projects
• Potential industry changes in 2022 and how to plan for the new normal supply chain challenges
• After-sales service business model and how it relates to customer relations and happiness

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Ron Wanless. Recorded live on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Ron Wanless

Ron Wanless is a lead systems engineer who has been designing custom electronic systems throughout the Western US since 1982. In 2005, Ron founded Technology Design Associates a smart home automation design and integration firm with offices in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. TDA specializes in turning a house into a home by simplifying the control of the many integrated systems. Ron holds multiple credentials including Designer, Installer, Certified Outreach Instructor, and Network certification from CEDIA as well as a low voltage electrical license. Currently, Ron is working on a lighting designer certification through the American Lighting Association.

Interview Recap

• Lessons learned over the 40 years in the CI industry
• How to build a business model to withstand economic recessions
• The importance of updating and communicating price changes
• The benefit of certifications and credentials in the CI space