Inside Integration

It’s New Year’s Day, it’s definitely 2026 when you’re listening to this, and we’re already off the rails. Chris and Jayson look back at 2025 through the only lens that really mattered: consolidation. From manufacturers being acquired to integrators selling, reps getting squeezed, and legacy businesses planning their exits, the industry kept getting smaller and bigger at the same time. We talk abou...

It is Christmas. Join us for tidings of comfort and joy, or just obscure references and red flags. Maybe listen to us while you head out for smokes, never to return.

It's episode 100, which sounds like a milestone, but isn't even a full two years. Chris and Jayson talk about what they've learned and what they're going to do and revisit some past episodes along the way.

Chris and Jayson dig into how the industry’s shift toward convenience is quietly shrinking the pipeline of people who actually want to do hands-on work. When everything is plug-and-play, fewer young techs learn the problem-solving muscles that used to pull them into the field in the first place. The guys swap stories from the road, compare what the job used to require, and talk about what gets los...

Chris and Jayson slide into the year-end doldrums with a week full of dead phone lines, slow clients, and random tangents. They talk about being “LinkedIn memes,” the weird mix of AI creeping into every corner of the industry, and why meeting-note bots feel like someone farted in church. The conversation drifts from CI design anxiety to drones, RC cars, gas-station armories, goat-based video games...

Chris and Jayson check in on Thanksgiving with zero plan and holiday brain fog fully active. They talk travel, family chaos, regional road trip rituals, and why this episode probably should not exist but absolutely does. It’s a loose, honest holiday hang for anyone who needed a break from the kitchen, the driving, or the relatives.

In this episode, Chris and Jayson dive into the “dinosaurs and asteroids” of the custom-integration world — the legacy habits, outdated business models, and market shifts that are reshaping how integrators survive and evolve. They explore why some companies adapt quickly while others get stuck, what today’s dealers really need to stay competitive, and how changes in consumer expectations, product...

Chris and Jayson build on last week’s conversation with their “Mount Rushmore of Custom Integration” - the industry icons, innovators, and disruptors who shaped modern AV. They talk through who belongs on the list, what made them influential, and how their work still drives integration today. A reflective, insider look at the people who built the foundation of CI as we know it.

Chris and Jayson recover from celebrating Smart Home Day by reminiscing about CEDIA giveaways — from pocket-sized URC remotes to Control4’s first big splash with remote-controlled cars. The conversation shifts to today’s landscape, where new video formats, evolving standards, and next-gen display technologies are redefining what “future-proof” really means for integrators. It’s part nostalgia trip...

Chris and Jayson take a plunge into the weird intersection of tech, wellness, and plumbing as Kohler unveils a $600 toilet camera that analyzes your waste. From the rise of “smart” bathroom gear to where wellness tech might go next, the guys find humor and a few uncomfortable truths swirling in the bowl.

Chris and Jayson are back, unpacking the ripple effects of a major cloud outage—and why it didn't faze them one bit. From West Coast perks to food court freebies, they explore how tech disruptions hit the industry, what it means for connected home systems, and how dealers can build smarter, more resilient solutions for their clients. It’s laid-back, real-world CI talk with a side of snark and...

Chris is back with Jayson, who's on the road in Meridian, ID, and let’s be honest, there’s zero prep involved. This off-the-cuff episode goes full production-meeting-on-mic as the guys riff on life on the road, the realities of rep life, and whether Pele might actually be the mayor of Brazil. If you're looking for polished, this ain’t it—but if you want a real slice of the CI grind with a...

Chris and Jesse dig into one of the industry’s biggest lies: that the customer is always right. From impossible expectations to micromanaged installs, they share stories from the field and talk about how integrators can protect their time, sanity, and margins. Whether it’s setting boundaries or learning when to walk away, this one’s a therapy session every dealer needs.

Chris and Jayson dive into the world of demos: how they’ve evolved, what makes them effective, and when they fall flat. From the days of demo discs to today’s streaming-first setups, the guys share field stories and debate what really connects with clients in 2025. They cut through the noise with real stories from the field and practical takes on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to demos...

Chris and Jayson stare into the glitchy abyss of our tech-soaked future, starting with Meta’s latest face-huggers and spiraling quickly into AI doom, data harvesting, and the slow zombification of humanity. Is the industry embracing innovation or just greasing the skids for Skynet? Why does every new device feel like a privacy breach wrapped in plastic? And how soon until your smart home is smarte...

This week on Inside Integration , Chris and Jayson dig into the sudden uptick in “Open to Work” posts showing up across LinkedIn. Is it just end-of-summer movement — or is something deeper happening in the custom integration job market? From rep firms to integrators to manufacturers, we explore: What’s driving the churn? Why some companies are scaling back while others are doubling down How to bui...

Jayson and Chris are back from Denver and diving straight into everything they saw at CEDIA 2025. From the big launches that grabbed the spotlight to the dealer tools and hidden gems you might have missed, they break down what mattered most on the show floor. Expect honest takes, a little friendly banter, and insights you can actually use to shape your business strategy coming out of the industry’...

We're in Denver for CEDIA, so what better time to knock back a few margs and hit the streets of Denver with our pal Courtney from Newport Home Theaters. We get into what it takes to win industry awards, the vibe from the show, and the abundance of dirtbike riding eunuchs on the streets here. Not an episode to miss.

Some dumbass forgot to hit "record" on the last episode of the podcast, failing to capture 40 minutes of what might have been the best podcast conversation ever. It isn't even close. So, in the interest of keeping the streak alive, no we're not creating a blackout at Camden Yards because we punched Kevin Costner in the face, we're breaking the glass on an emergency episode. We present The History...

Jayson and Chris take on the growing “aging in place” category and what it really means for CI dealers. From motion sensors and voice control to entry alerts and lighting that actually helps, they talk through real-world use cases, simple packages, and how to speak to families without getting weird. It’s a solid mix of market insight, nonsense, and the usual back-and-forth that somehow always land...

We start out by talking about National Smart Home day, quickly go off the rails and find ourselves trying to figure out how much revenue RemoteCentral.com has indirectly generated for Custom Integrators. Shoutout to subs from Publix, the real hero.

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Ever feel like you're faking it, hoping no one finds out? You're not alone. In this episode, Chris and guest host Jesse talk through imposter syndrome in the CI world—what it is, how it shows up, and why it hits even the most experienced pros. From first installs to big pitches, we unpack the tension between confidence and self-doubt, and why “fake it till you make it” might not be such a...

It’s the middle of July, and things are getting sweaty, literally and figuratively. Chris and Jayson kick back for a classic summer ramble, touching on everything from road trip reflections to what’s (maybe) coming at CEDIA Expo. No strict agenda, just two reps riding the seasonal slowdown and talking shop along the way. Expect a little industry heat, a little nonsense, and a few reminders that th...

Words matter. Titles? Maybe even more. This week, Chris and Jayson wade into the semantics swamp: are you a Custom Integrator or just the AV Guy ? Does it really make a difference—or are we just splitting hairs while pulling wire? We talk shop labels, public perception, what clients actually hear when we describe what we do, and why some dealers take this distinction personally. (Spoiler: they sho...