This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Mike Abernathy. Recorded live on Wednesday, April 27th 2022, at 12:30PM EST

About Mike Abernathy

Mike has been part of the systems integration industry since 2001, when he started his career with NSCA as a Member Relations Manager. During his time in that position, Mike developed a broad understanding of the AV industry and how consultants, integrators, manufacturers, and independent manufacturer representatives interact and work together within the industry. He later joined a commercial audio manufacturer, where he managed international sales for ten years. In 2017 Mike rejoined NSCA and is now the Director of Business Resources. In this role, Mike helps members find and use business resources to more effectively operate systems integration firms. 

Interview Recap

• The many resources being provided by NSCA to its members
• The future of system integration and the emergence of the Super Integrator
• Creative solutions to the Av industries labor shortage

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Tobi Tungl. Recorded live on Wednesday, April 20th, 2022, at 12:30 pm. EST.

About Tobi Tungl

Tobi began his professional career in the IT world during the dot-com boom (and crash). In 2005, he jumped from IT to the AV industry. Since then, he has helped grow system integrator organizations by creating and implementing client retention strategies to drive top-line revenue and open new physical locations across the US.  

In 2022, Tobi joined Epiphan Video as Vice President of Sales, North America. He is responsible for managing all brands, distribution channels, and sales deployment in North America. In addition, he develops strategic sales objectives based on company goals to promote growth and customer satisfaction for the organization. Tobi is an entrepreneurial, development and profit-oriented leader who communicates an innovative vision for the future and inspires his team to execute the transformation.

Interview Recap

• How Tobi uses and leverages Twitter to connect with his industry
• The current state of UCC solutions in the Pro AV space
• The mind and body health of an ultra athlete
• The importance of building and curating your network

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewingTomas Wing. Recorded live on Wednesday, April 6th, 2022, at 12:30 pm. EST.

About Tomas Wing

Tomas started in the audio business doing car audio systems around the late 80s. In 1993, he got the chance to open his car audio shop, which was mainly oriented to High-End Audio installs. In 2000, he went to work for the biggest electronic retailer in Panama and managed the car audio shop while also gaining exposure to the home AV department. 

In early 2010, he decided to venture out on his own and open High Tech Solutions Panama with a family friend who proposed starting a business together to serve the small but wealthy residential market in Panama City.

Interview Recap

• Similarities running an integration business in Panama City, Panama to the States
• The power of networks and advisors in running and growing a business
• How Covid-19 has affected supply chain and inventory in Latin America

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Chuck Breaux. Recorded live on Thursday, March 24th, 2022, at 2:30 pm. EST.

About Chuck Breaux

Chuck founded AAVS in 2015. With years of experience in retail management, AV productions, and working as the technical director for one of the largest churches in the area, it was a natural transition for him to start a professional integration company. For Chuck and his team, relationships are the top priority. As a result, AAVS has grown on average 20% in business each year. The team comprises techs with 30+ years of combined experience with installations and live shows and 2 Boston Terriers that can be found lounging around the office.

Interview Recap

• His experiences and lessons learned working with House of Worship Pro AV systems
• How to confront the current labor shortages and the challenges being faced with supply chain
• Operational challenges with design and accounting software platform rollouts

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Keith Harrison. Recorded live on Wednesday, March 16th, 2022, at 12:30 pm. EST.

About Keith Harrison

In 1992, Keith started Total Home Technologies with the idea to "Question Everything." 30 years later, Total Home Technologies now has 3 Control4 certified showrooms (so far), two in New Jersey and one in New York. They are also one of the highest volume Control 4 dealers in the North East. Additionally, they have won countless awards, most recently ProSource dealer of the year for 2021.

Interview Recap

• Using the “Leasing” model in the AV industry and how it benefits clients and your business
• How customer service and building relationships can leave a lasting effect in a company.
• Why our industry needs to rethink integrators role in providing maintenance and ongoing support services

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing John Campbell. Recorded live on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, at 12:30 pm. EST.

About John Campbell

John was hired as the first employee when Hometronix was gearing up to open in 2013. His primary role was serving as a prewire "guy," but he quickly transitioned into sales and running the company. With some background knowledge in the IT/Network world, John accepted the transition, not knowing exactly what the AV world was all about. 

As Hometronix was growing rapidly year after year and not knowing what was next, John decided to make an offer to purchase the company along with some lifelong friends in December. John's goal was to build the right team and refocus the ownership role to creating the best culture possible as a leader versus a boss. In the last two months, Hometronix has added six new roles and continues to grow.

Interview Recap

• The importance of creating a healthy culture 
• How empowering your team can help with retention of talent and create a sense of trust within a team.
• The benefits of loving what you do professionally and personally