Automation Unplugged Podcast

SHOW NOTES In today’s episode we cover: About landscape lighting industry insights and trends. Preview of the upcoming Light It Up Expo. Looking for opportunities and how to elevate your business for 2025. Join us on this episode to look out for the preview of the upcoming Light It Up Expo. Discover what makes this event a must-attend for anyone in the landscape lighting industry, featuring hands-...

SHOW NOTES Here are a few of the key topics we covered: The difference between SEO and Google Ads, and how to use both for a well-rounded marketing strategy. Why ranking fluctuations happen and what metrics really matter for measuring SEO success. Actionable tips for setting realistic expectations, tracking performance, and evaluating the ROI of your SEO efforts. Whether you’re looking to level up...

SHOW NOTES In today’s episode, Adam and I cover a wide range of topics, including: How Adam built long-standing partnerships that helped launch Boston Automations. Adam’s insights into growing a team, adopting new systems like EOS, and focusing on what matters most: client trust. Marketing strategies that make an impact, ranging from leveraging video and social media to implementing creative gifti...

SHOW NOTES In the webinar, we’ll cover: How to define your company’s brand identity in order to attract the right skills and culture fit candidates to your organization How to create compelling job ads and calls-to-action  How to effectively position your brand through all the candidate research touchpoints  Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording of this webinar, the tran...

SHOW NOTES In this episode, Jamie and I covered a range of engaging topics, such as: His journey in transforming Oakville Sight and Sound and navigating multiple business ventures. The power of community-driven initiatives and his leadership in the Burlington Dads nonprofit. Strategies for balancing business success with impactful community service and volunteerism. I thoroughly enjoyed this conve...

SHOW NOTES During this episode, we’ll cover: 2024 year end wrap up of Highlights for One Firefly One Firefly’s greatest successes and biggest challenges this past year What the future holds for One Firefly as we look into 2025.  I really enjoyed this special holiday addition of Automation Unplugged, and I hope you do as well. And now let's tune in to this end of year review with Taylor Whipple.  T...

SHOW NOTES In our conversation, Chris and I dove into some interesting topics, including: How the custom integration market is evolving in Northwest Arkansas amid rapid growth and new customer demands. The rise of lifestyle solutions like lighting control and motorized shades and the decline of centralized video distribution. Strategies for breaking through growth plateaus, including the power of...

SHOW NOTES In the webinar, we’ll cover: How to set clear business goals for the year ahead Marketing strategies to help stay top of mind with your existing clients and referrals Marketing strategies to help attract new prospects and secure relationships with trade partners Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording of this webinar, the transcript, and the full video recording...

SHOW NOTES During this episode, we got into all sorts of topics, including: Ryan’s experience navigating multiple business acquisitions in 2024, including the unique challenges of acquiring a family business His perspective on recurring revenue to provide stability and growth in his automation and security business The strategy and Ryan’s experience behind  launching WestCo’s new website with One...

SHOW NOTES During this Q&A, we’ll cover: How businesses can build and maintain a positive online presence through consistent reviews and responses. How Google reviews and business profile activities impact local search rankings. Actionable steps and techniques to collect and manage customer reviews effectively. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this in...

SHOW NOTES During this episode we discuss: Keith and Adam’s professional backgrounds and how they formed their business partnership. Key strategies for seamlessly integrating lighting design into your projects. How to leverage interactive virtual experiences to enhance the sales process. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Keith and A...

SHOW NOTES During this episode we discuss: The importance of a strong brand presence online, given that referrals often lead prospects to research your company before making contact. Changes in online search this year, and why Google wants to see your business demonstrate EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) across the internet Why a tailored marketing plan, based on your specific growth...

SHOW NOTES During this episode we discuss: Dan’s career journey from serving as an air crew member in the Navy to founding ResTech Systems in 2012. Dan’s economic forecast for the year ahead and tips for navigating a slowdown. Dan’s love for speed including power sleds and muscle cars. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in to this interview with Dan Woody.  T...

SHOW NOTES During this Q&A, we’ll cover: How SEO drives online visibility for custom integrators in their marketplace The four pillars of SEO, and actionable examples of local, on-site, off-site, and technical tactics Success stories of SEO in action that are driving measurable growth and new business opportunities for integrators I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let'...

SHOW NOTES In this episode, we’ll talk about: Johann’s background in automation, creating a lighting system that could be controlled by a touchtone phone in the early 2000s. Why lighting design is one of the most exciting areas for growth in our industry, and how integrated technology can help us live healthier lives. What he’s looking forward to at CEDIA and why educating customers, builders, and...

SHOW NOTES In this episode, we’ll talk about: Gordon’s journey from his early career in IT to founding cyberManor in 1999 cyberManor’s acquisition by Daisy in March of 2024, and what the first six months have been like in the acquisition rollout Looking into the future, what has him excited about technology in the home   I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Let's tune in...

SHOW NOTES You’ll hear from me and Kendall Clark, One Firefly’s Director of Marketing & Sales. In the webinar, we will cover: How AI is changing the game for SEO and what you need to do to keep up The changes to Google’s page one search results and why zero-click results are so important What we at One Firefly think of as the four pillars of SEO, and how we work with you to show up on page one and...

SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: All of the examples and case studies in his new book and why he’s giving it away for free to architects and interior designers. Why great sound is the most important ingredient in building a killer home theater. What he’s looking forward to at CEDIA and what’s next for the industry. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Th...

SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: How CEDIA is launching a consumer-focused campaign to raise awareness about the value of working with a professional integrator. Daryl’s advocacy on Capitol Hill, where he and industry members are educating Congress to help get integrators recognized as a stand alone industry at the federal level. How CEDIA is striving to meet the needs of their m...

SHOW NOTES Automation Unplugged #270 is a special announcement about the show from founder and host, Ron Callis. We’re re-inventing our format, processes, and content for the podcast moving forward — tune in to learn what’s in store for Automation Unplugged! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au270 About One Firefly One Firefly, LLC is a...

SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: What Erica’s doing at CharBett and why she saw a need for a marketing strategy firm specifically tailored to the AV industry manufacturers under $20MM in revenue. Her work advocating for women in the AV industry and the amazing Rosie Riveter nonprofit program. Why an early introduction to STEM is so important for getting more women in the industry...

SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: Why One Firefly created Amplify People and the skills Sam brings as the Director of Talent Acquisition Services. The talent challenges she sees in the AV/Integrator industry and how to solve them. The importance of defining who you are and why people should join your company in order to attract the best-fit talent. I really enjoyed this conversati...

SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: How he sells a million-dollar home cinema and how he meets the high expectations that come with operating at the highest end of the market. Why it’s so important to end clients to work with HTA-certified contractors. What the Bel-Air circuit is and why there are only 14 US companies certified to do that work. I really enjoyed this conversation, an...

SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: How their success comes from being process-driven and selling an experience, not a particular product. Their 2-channel throwback hi-fi shop, The Groove, and why analog is coming back. Their work with Vital Management to identify what they should be working on and, more importantly, when to say no. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you...

SHOW NOTES During our time together, we discussed: Kevin’s journey, starting with his family’s emigration from Vietnam to the United States, to building his own integration business from the ground up His approach to growing and scaling a business by investing in growing his team through certification opportunities and other benefits His insights into creating exceptional customer experiences I re...