Automation Unplugged Podcast

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Rusty Deeble: The positive impact that the ProSource Dream Theater Makeover Contest has had on Digital Installers Ways Rusty gives back to his clients and community by offering their showroom as an event space Rusty’s recent experiences with homeowners ready to invest into their property such as outdoor spaces and home offices Rus...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Wim De Vos: 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...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Maryellen Oswald: How Maryellen got her start in Consumer Electronics with Widescreen Magazine The potential permanent move to virtual meetings, demonstrations and trade events Insider look at the benefits of being featured in a publication such as Connected Design Magazine Maryellen’s thoughts on the current state and future of o...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Kyle Steele: How the Global Wave Integration wellness showroom has transformed due to COVID What the last 90 days have looked like for Global Wave Integration as a California-based business with job sites located around the US. Kyle’s thoughts on the industry’s role on approaching conversations around race Kyle’s strategies around...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Steve Haas: 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 S...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Alex Camara: 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 i...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ariel Gutierrez: The origin story behind Polaris Controls Ariel's reaction to the Savant acquisition of GE Lighting The impact COVID-19 has had on the Latin American economy  and currencies The webinar and podcast strategy launched by Polaris Controls to better help their dealers Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay update...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jason Barth and Jamie Carey: The impact beautifully shot photography has had on their business Changes Jason made in light of COVID-19 such as renovating their showroom and updating their website and other marketing Changes in consumer demand in response to COVID-19 How Jamie’s addition to the team as Director of Business Developm...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Kevin Hancock: 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 m...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Matt DeVance: Ways in which previous life-changing events, such as 9/11 and the Great Recession, has prepared Matt to better handle this pandemic Matt’s perspective on the shift in demand for technology in homes and how integrators can prepare How EOS evolved Matt’s business and communications approach The importance of company cu...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Eddie Shapiro: Growth opportunities for home security solutions Steps they have taken with staff and customers in light of Covid-19 New marketing and business development strategies he is executing Eddie’s thoughts on the CEDIA 2020 Expo, will it happen? Eddie’s thoughts on Crestron Home Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and sta...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Bryan Naquin: Steps Bryan is taking to keep his team safe during COVID-19 such as turning down jobs in high-risk areas The importance of building relationships with industry peers and your community Bryan’s thoughts on whether CEDIA will return this year and the possibility of a virtual venue How Acadian approaches paid service pl...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Henry Clifford: Changes Henry has made within Livewire due to COVID-19 regulations- from virtual calls to pivoting communication strategies Henry’s approach to prioritizing internal communication and putting his team and client safety first Tools Henry uses to gain prospects and sell from home, such as Vidyard email integration Pa...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Rob Hopper: The rise of consumer interest in solutions such as outdoor entertainment and home networking Rob’s opinion on 5G and how it can help end-users stay connected Ways Rob and his team have been taking advantage benefiting from of all the recent educational resources and webinars being offered in our industry Rob’s previous...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Curt Hayes: The history behind the founding of Blue Dog Group The opportunity to improve the broken project scoping/budgeting process used by many integrators How BlueDog Group’s new app allows integrators to provide quick estimates to their clients Approaches integrators can take during COVID-19 to improve their business process...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with John Clancy: 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 res...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Matt Lien: 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 Challenges and advantages his team dealt with once they began offering electrical solutions for their projects Matt’s two-goal approach to taking...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Wim De Vos: 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...

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 wh...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Keith Harrison: Keith’s approach to handling the changes in his business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic Keith’s rental equipment leasing model and how it has been bringing ⅓ of the companies revenue for the last five years How Keith and his team use virtual reality solutions like Help Lightning for virtual, hands-on support calls...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Mike Giffin: The increased demand for virtual servicing during the COVID-19 pandemic How integrators can benefit from a solution like Help Lightning as more  consumers begin to depend on technology Mike's perspective on ways integrators can make it through these uncertain times Catch us LIVE on Facebook each week and stay updated...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Evan Rosen: How COVID-19 is changing the law substantively and procedurally Evan’s perspective on the CARE Act involving mortgage protection and it can benefit renters Types of mortgages that do qualify for forbearance programs and what business owners should look out for to avoid building up fees Evan’s understanding of how the P...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Navot Shoresh: What Navot and his team are implementing to come out stronger on the other side of COVID-19 from revising company weaknesses to training processes How Navot is approaching leadership during this time of crisis and his recommendations on demonstrate value-based leadership Navot’s perspective on the future of our indu...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Erick Burton: How Erick and his team are handling the challenges brought by COVID-19. How Erick's unique experience with Cystic Fibrosis prepared him, his family, and company to stay safe during this pandemic Why Erick limits his media consumption and ways he limits anxiety during these stressful times Erick's thoughts on preparin...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with John Geraghty: John’s recommendations on staying connected with your team in a virtual work environment Why right now is the time to dive in and focus on how to keep adding value to your clients and your company Ways to shift your approach and processes to stay transparent and align with the recent stresses caused by the COVID-19...