This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Wim De Vos. Recorded live on Wednesday, July 1st at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Wim De Vos

We initially spoke with Wim on April 14th, 2020 and discussed the challenges his European-firm, Genesis, Home Technology Architects, and clients were experiencing due to the lockdowns.

We catch up with Wim 2.5 months later as the lockdowns have begun to lift throughout Europe. Wim shares a new perspective on his company approach and the state of the custom integration industry.

Genesis has been growing for over 10 years and offers design, training, and marketing solutions with its premium branded products to a select network of 300 certified installation partners in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Interview Recap

• Changes throughout Europe that Wim, his business, and clients have experienced since April
• Whether America’s political and economic climate will affect the European market
• Wim’s approach to digital transformation as his business re-opens and why he has decided to re-think his business as if it were a start-up
• Inspiring books Wim has been reading in light of COVID and the resurgence of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Steve Haas. Recorded live on Wednesday, June 10th at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Steve Haas

With over 30 years of experience as an acoustic and audio designer, Steve discovered the field of acoustics while studying at Cornell University.

Steve has consulted on a variety of high-end projects ranging from concert halls to Broadway theaters and residential spaces throughout the New England area.

Over the last two decades, Steve has brought the quality audio experience into the high-end residential market where he works with homeowners, architects, interior designers, builders, and technology integrators to help keep sound quality and control top of mind.

Interview Recap

• Steve’s origin story and his transition into the high-end residential space
• Steve’s approach to educating end-users and integrators about home audio
• Changes Steve and his team are making in light of COVID, such as offering webinars revolving residential acoustics
• The importance of having conversations around race and Steve’s plans to bring in more diversity into our industry

This week's show features our host Ron Callis interviewing Alex Camara. Recorded live on Wednesday, June 3rd at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Alex Camara

After an exciting career in technology startups including Coinstar and Redbox, London Native, Alex joined Seattle based Audio Control in 2011 and ultimately acquired the company in 2013.

At AudioControl, Alex and his team of obsessive audio experts focus on designing, engineering, and manufacturing in the USA some of the most innovative, high-performance audio solutions for residential, commercial, and automotive markets.

Interview Recap

• Alex’s backstory in technology startups before acquiring Audio Control
• Alex's thoughts on approaching conversations within the workplace revolving race and creating a safe space for all employees
• Audio Control’s “restart” message means in light of COVD-19
• How demand for “home entertainment” has increased and what he is seeing in demand for audio control solutions throughout the country.

This week's show 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 show features our host Ron Callis interviewing John Clancy. Recorded live on April 22nd, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. EST. 

About John Clancy

With almost 30 years in the custom integration industry, John has experience as both a manufacturer, integrator and has served two years on the CEDIA Board of Directors.

John started his career with New York-based Audio Command Systems, working his way up from installer all the way to becoming Executive VP, CTO, and co-owner.

In 2016, John joined Crestron as VP of Residential where he uses his unique understanding of what his channel needs and what end-users want to continue positively impacting Crestron’s place in the global market. 

Interview Recap

• Ways John is seeing COVID-19 impacting dealers throughout the world
• Steps Crestron has been taking since February to keep his global team and consumers safe
• Exciting updates Crestron is making as a response to the lifestyle changes caused by COVID-19
• How Crestron is adding value to the industry by offering virtual resources, such as virtual product trainings and CEU course offerings

This week's show features our host Ron Callis interviewing Matt Lien. Recorded live on April 15th, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. EST. 

About Matt Lien

Matt got his start in the custom integration industry as an installer at Missouri-based integration firm, The Sound Room, before joining Crestron Electronics as a Regional Sales Manager for Residential Products.

During his seven years at Crestron, Matt met the team at Arkansas based DES and later joined them as VP of Sales in 2013. DES is also well known for developing the HomeSuite iPad app for Crestron systems, which has won the Crestron CEDIA Integration Award five years in a row. 

Interview Recap

• How DES supports multiple smart home platforms including Crestron, Savant, and Control4 
• Matt’s thoughts on LED and tunable lighting and how it’s resonating with his customers
• Why they started offering electrical contracting services
• Matt’s two-goal approach to taking on projects and how he’s using that to create a silver lining during these difficult times