This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Kat Wheeler. Recorded live on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Kat Wheeler

Katharine comes to us with 18 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry, getting her start at a local AV shop in Kentucky before transitioning to a Manufacturer’s Rep role, and never looked back!

In 2016, Katharine joined SnapAV as a Territory Sales Manager for the Ohio, Wyoming, Upstate New York, and Western Pennsylvania markets before moving up to Area Sales Manager for SnapAV and Control4 in 2020.

Katharine is also the founder and chair of the Women in Technology group at Snap AV and Control4, with over 85 members. She recently self-published a murder mystery novel this year titled There is No Cloud, which is set in the world of consumer electronics.

Interview Recap

• What led Katharine into writing her book, There is No Cloud
• The plot, setting, and characters in her new book
• Katharine's success around founding SNAP AV's Women in Technology Group
• Observations and takeaways on working with successful integration firms over the years

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Kris Coleman. Recorded live on Wednesday, April 21st, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Kris Coleman

Before founding Red Five in 2004, Kris served internationally with the CIA and later with the FBI in California, handling missions including terrorism attacks, weapons of mass destruction, counter-terrorism post 9/11, and multiple Olympic security details.

Kris brings over 28 years of experience in the security and protective intelligence services industry. His depth in the public and private sector has allowed the Red Five team to specialize in high-quality, proactive, and discrete security services.

Today, Red Five operates with the goal to provide world-class, state-of-the-art security and protective intelligence services.

Interview Recap

• How Kris moved from the public sector working with the government into the private sector founding Red Five
• Kris' five Pillars of Resiliency that he details in his book Raise Your Resilience
• Tips on protecting your privacy in the digital age
• When integrators and members of the design community should bring in a security consultant into the project

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Paul Bochner. Recorded live on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Paul Bochner

With nearly 20 years in the A/V industry, Paul got his start as a technician in 2000 before founding New York-based integration firm Electronic Concepts in 2004.

Today, Paul and his team focus on performance across all aspects of A/V and integration. They use their large social media presence of nearly 20,000 total followers to show off their solutions and newly renovated luxury design center.

Electronic Concepts is a member of CEDIA, HTSA, HTA and is a Savant Platinum Integrator, ambassador, and advisory council member.

Interview Recap

• Paul's motorcycle racing hobby and his experience racing with Keanu Reeves
• How Paul's paid advertising strategy has helped raise visibility on their YouTube channel and Instagram page and bring in more sales
• Paul's selling strategy that appeals to client's emotions rather than focusing on product facts or stats
• Social media strategies that have helped Electronic Concepts build their Instagram page to over 16,000 followers

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Susan Cashen. Recorded live on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Susan Cashen

Susan’s focus on helping companies build strong brand positions and deliver business results in crowded markets has led her to hold executive positions at Silicon Valley agencies and start-ups and led to her role as Senior VP of Marketing at Control4.

During her tenure at Control4, Susan was responsible for worldwide marketing, training, and support. She was part of the executive team to take Control4 public, drive strategic acquisitions and complete the 2019 merger with SnapAV.

Today, Susan advises clients in the CI channel, the industry association CEDIA, and serves on the board of SAVI Controls, T3 Micro, and Tectonic Audio.

Interview Recap

• Susan’s experience helps to launch the TIVO brand in the ’90s
• How Susan moved from Silicon Valley to become one of the first employees of Control4 energy division
• Branding tips Susan recommends every dealer follow
• The importance of selling experience over technology

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Aaron Cowden and Andrew Wactor. Recorded live on Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Aaron Cowden and Andrew Wactor

Aaron founded Fusion A/V during his senior year in college with a few of his friends. Their focus was on keeping technology fun and fresh for clients.

Today, Aaron wears many hats in the company and participates in sales, operations, marketing, vendor relations, and charities. With a passion for music, Andrew studied Audio Engineering in Nashville before discovering the world of A/V.

Andrew’s background includes system design, sales, and management positions in both residential and commercial A/V firms.

In 2012, Andrew rejoined Fusion, where he now oversees the commercial division as Vice President of Commercial.

Fusion A/V has two locations, one in Greenville, South Carolina, and the other in Ashville, North Carolina.

Interview Recap

• Fusion's origin story
• How 2020 impacted Fusion's commercial market
• How they have enlisted a business consultant to help them grow
• Tips on delegating and getting out of your own way

This week's home automation podcast features our host Ron Callis interviewing Ryan Davis. Recorded live on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EST.

About Ryan Davis

Ryan founded Ratio AV in March 2002 while pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah. Ryan's emphasis on human-factors engineering while in college drove much of his design criteria for systems and led him to discover that the simple approach is usually the best approach.

Today, Ratio AV is a team of 7 with an annual sales revenue of $2.3M and focuses on high-end residential systems with some light commercial systems.

Interview Recap

• Serving as a crew chief for a multi-year winning team of the Baja 1000
• His recent acceptance into the HTSA buying group
• Ryans approach to work/life balance
• Ryan’s predictions for 2021 and beyond