In this weeks home automation show of Automation Unplugged, Ron Callis interviewed custom integrator Rohan Dunbar, Owner of Atlanta based smart home automation company, Digital Lifestyle Solutions.
This week's show features our host Ron Callis interviewing Rohan Dunbar. Recorded live on Wednesday, March 25th, 2020, at 12:30 pm EST.
About Rohan Dunbar
Rohan Dunbar, Owner of Atlanta based Digital Lifestyle Solutions. Rohan got his start in the AV business in 2005 working with Audio Command Systems out of New York learning how to install smart systems in high-end homes. It wasn't until 2008 that he began working closely with Crestron control systems for Residential and Commercial spaces.
In 2010, Rohan founded Digital Lifestyle Solutions with a focus on offering solutions as a CSP, Crestron Service Provider to integration firms throughout North America. In 2017, he made the transition to convert Digital Lifestyle Solutions into a full installation company serving both residential and commercial clients in the greater Atlanta market
Interview Recap
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Rohan Dunbar:
- Rohan’s transition from Crestron Service Provider into a Certified Crestron Dealer
- Ways he is pivoting his focus to make up for project pauses caused by COVID-19
- How his business is preparing for the possible boom of business on the other side of COVID-19
- Which Crestron technologies have him jazzed for 2020
- What he’s doing to help other integrators grow and thrive
on Thursday, 26 March 2020.
Posted in Integrators
This week's show features our host Ron Callis interviewing Ian Williams. Recorded live on Wednesday, January 8, 2019 at 12:30 pm EST.
About Ian Williams
Ian is an accomplished business leader with over 19 years of experience in project management, product delivery, and operations in the Custom Audio Visual Industry. Ian has owned and operated three integration firms and was fortunate to successfully exit his 2nd business through an acquisition.
Ian is the recipient of 12 CEDIA awards, was named Integrator of the Year by CES/CTA in 2015. Ian has also been featured on the covers of CePro and on Residential Systems magazines. In the fall of 2019 Ian moved to Charleston, SC with his family and has started his newest integration firm, Aspire Audio Video Solutions.
Recorded live on Wednesday, January 8th at 12:30pm EST.
Interview Recap
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ian Williams:
- How he approached selling his business in 2017
- His business development plan for starting a new business in a new market
- Why attention to process and operational excellence is the right approach for most integrators
on Tuesday, 21 January 2020.
Posted in Integrators
This week's show features our host Ron Callis interviewing Jamie Briesemeister. Recorded live on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 12:30 pm EST.
About Jamie Briesemeister
Today’s show features my interview with Jamie Briesemeister, co-founder of Integration Controls, a home automation company out of St. Louis, MO, that focuses on providing intuitive, design-friendly technology solutions that enhance and simplify life.
Jamie was selected as one of 2019’s Powerful Women in Consumer Technology and is also newly elected member of the CEDIA Board of Directors. She has spoken at a number of conferences and seminars, advocating for home technology considerations in the design/build process, as a guest speaker, as an instructor, or presenting CEUs to architects and designers.
Interview Recap
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jamie Briesemeister
- Jamie’s transition from working in the healthcare industry to starting a business in the CI space with her husband, Jeff
- What has helped her throughout the years to improve within her role as CEO, both within and outside the industry from podcasts featuring women in business to business leadership books
- Being a woman in business and resources she’s been able to share and gain from other women in the field
- How past experiences helped her become a stronger leader
on Wednesday, 18 December 2019.
Posted in Integrators
This week's show features our host Ron Callis interviewing Michael Oh. Recorded live on Monday, December 2nd, 2019 at 12:30 pm EST.
About Michael Oh
President and founder of TSP, Michael founded his company in 1992 while still a freshman at MIT. Recognized as an Inc 500 company in 2001, TSP has a staff of 15 employees with an annual revenue of $3 million. In 2011 TSP expanded into the residential market with TSP Smart Spaces, a division focused on smart home tech and audio/video integration. Their client list includes first investors of Facebook, Accel, the Boston Celtics, Bose Corporation and a 71 unit MDu in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Interview Recap
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Michael Oh:
- Launching an Apple-focused IT company from his MIT dorm
- Why the MSP service model is the future of the home integration market
- Operating a remote workplace with staff in 3 countries
- Their latest luxury MDU project in Reykjavik, Iceland
on Thursday, 05 December 2019.
Posted in Integrators
An Expert´s View on How To Grow and Survive in the Automation Industry
About David Frangioni
David Frangioni, an award-winning veteran of the music industry, has expertise ranging from being a drummer and producer to an artist development & label founder, audio consultant, music technologist, integrator, author & engineer.
He built a ground-breaking music tech consulting business working with Aerosmith, the Stones, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Sting, Bryan Adams, Journey, Styx, Phil Collins, Shakira, Pat Metheny, Rascal Flatts, Ozzy Osbourne, Chick Corea, and many more.
David has authored 3 books including Icon and Crash, along with founding Frangioni Media, Audio One based in South Florida, All Access IDA, and his non-profit Frangioni Foundation. In 2019, David became Publisher of Modern Drummer Magazine, the world’s #1 drum magazine.
Interview Recap
Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with David Frangioni:
- His experience working with leading artists like Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne
- Creating strong connections through trust and consistency
- What to expect from Modern Drummer Magazine 2020 publication
- How David shares his passion for music through his non-profit, Frangioni Foundation
on Thursday, 31 October 2019.
Posted in Integrators
An Expert´s View on How To Grow and Survive in the Automation Industry
This week's show features our host Ron Callis interviewing Justin Johnston. Recorded live on Wednesday September 4th, 2019 at 12:30pm EST.
About Justin Johnston
Justin Johnston started Twilight Solutions in 2000 at the age of 19 while working towards his degree. He became the youngest contractor in the state of California at 22 and has been constantly working to make Twilight Solutions a leader in the custom integration market. Twilight Solutions is based in Walnut Creek, CA, just outside of San Francisco, CA
Interview Recap
In this episode of Automation Unplugged, Ron Calls spoke with Justin Johnston about topics such as:
- How Justin got his start in the A/V industry
- The recent $75 million Bravas merger
- The latest technology trends like tunable lighting and digital art
- The importance of a strong company culture
on Wednesday, 04 September 2019.
Posted in Integrators
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