This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Alex Camara. Recorded live on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020 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 home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Kevin Hancock. Recorded live on Wednesday, May 20th, 2020 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 John Clancy. Recorded live on Wednesday, 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 home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Matt Lien. Recorded live on Wednesday, 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

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Wim De Vos. Recorded live on Friday, April 14th, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Wim De Vos

Wim and his team of ex-custom installers have been growing Genesis Home Technology Architects for over 10 years. Defined as a B2B service company with a product offering, Genesis provides solutions from design, training, and marketing programs. Their premium branded products are exclusively sold through a select network of 300 certified installation partners in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Interview Recap

• Update on how COVID-19 is affecting European Installers
• Video marketing and how he’s sharing resources and knowledge to his Facebook audience 
• Steps that Wim and his team are taking to make it through this crisis and ways our industry can prepare for these upcoming months 
• Wim’s concept behind digital transformation and how it can affect small businesses 
• The power of marketing and how it benefits businesses and strengthens their overall visibility and messaging

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Eric Joy. Recorded live on Friday, April 10th, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Eric Joy

With his vast experience in the CE space as an integrator and manufacturer, Eric shares his unique perspective on approaching communication with manufacturers and your team during a time of crisis while also advocating on the importance of leaning on other integrators and building community.

GHT Group is a proud member of CEDIA and the HTSA buying group with a single 20,000 square foot facility located in Marietta, GA.

Interview Recap

• Eric’s recommendations on the approach manufacturers and vendors should be taking to help integrators
• The importance of having a clear, open communication between your team and manufacturers
• Types of discussions Eric has been having with other dealers to help keep the industry booming through this crisis
• Steps Eric and his team are taking to keep their employees and clients safe when going out to projects