Automation Unplugged Podcast

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Dustin Kerns; The history of ListenUp and different events that marked the company His own personal journey in the AV industry and the different influences he has met along the way The current state of the industry as we face supply chain and staffing issues To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ed Gilmore; Ed’s professional background in classical music A personal story from Ed and why his showroom was designed with such warmth A few celebrity stories including the work he did for Richard Gear and Cindy Crawford back in the 80’s and 90’s To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: one...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Paul Bochner; Paul’s passion for motorcycle racing Merger and acquisition trends in the industry Marketing and video production for an integration firm to help it stand out Why producing video is so hard. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au212 SHOW NOTES Paul has over...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Mike Abernathy; 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 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au211 SHOW NOTES Mike has been pa...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Tobi Tungl; 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 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au210...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Tomas Wing; 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 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au2...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Chuck Breaux; 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 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, an...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Keith Harrison; 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 To get transcripts, resources o...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with John Campbell; 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 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au206 SHO...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Travis Leo; Cinergy and the professional alliance that it creates for integrators Challenges of running a business and how business owners can benefit from listening to the experience of others. Benefits of having a team-integrated business consultant and group facilitator To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Wade Stephens; Techniques to successfully manage projects affected by supply chain issues How the Entrepreneurial Operating System can benefit a team and its development. How marketing helps drive referral sales To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au204 SHOW NOTES Wade St...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Blake Urmos; How Low Voltage Nation became the largest online community for the low voltage industry The role of social media and the importance for businesses What is Web 3 and where it's headed for the near future The importance of video in social media platforms, and how it can be used to leverage your business To get transcrip...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Keith Esterly; HTSA’s mission and commitment to the ongoing education of their member dealers Different resources provided by HTSA, including Keith’s Relationship Science Program Different strategies and tactics used by a successful salesperson To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefir...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Mike Sajecki; The art and science of consultative selling The importance of a CRM and ERP system in tracking and managing a sales team What makes for a successful salesperson Potential challenges ahead in the economy To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au201 SHOW NOTES Mi...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Lee Travis Update from Lee since the Feb 2020 recording of Automation Unplugged show #100 CES 2022 Update - Live from Vegas The importance of video in marketing Lessons learned from years in business To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au200 SHOW NOTES Lee Travis got his...

Here are some of the topics Ron and Taylor had the opportunity to discuss during this episode 2021 Highlights from  Automation Unplugged One Firefly’s achievements during 2021 Goals for 2022 and upcoming industry trends To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au199 SHOW NOTES Automation Unplugged is a live show recorded weekly, hosted by me,...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Michael Libman Why integrators should consider getting into the lighting fixture business How to choose the right manufacturer to partner with in your business How lighting will likely grow in significance within our industry To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au198 SHOW...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with George and Kassa Harrison How EOS, entrepreneurial operating system has made a positive impact on the company Vital Management and systematically reviewing financials with set goals The importance of marketing and original photography for an integration firm To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Brenna Basden The role of a copywriter and their impact in marketing Trends in copywriting and SEO it’s role within a website SEO bad practices to avoid. Fitness trends and their health benefits To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au196 SHOW NOTES Brenna Basden graduated...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Bill Simpkins Customer focused marketing vs custom builder driven lead generation Working on international projects Potential industry changes in 2022 and how to plan for the new normal supply chain challenges After-sales service business model and how it relates to customer relations and happiness To get transcripts, resources of...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ron Wanless: Lessons learned over the 40 years in the CI industry How to build a business model to withstand economic recessions The importance of updating and communicating price changes The benefit of certifications and credentials in the CI space To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: o...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Theo Tsavoussis: What is Bitcoin and how does it work How Bitcoin promotes the development of renewable energy sources Centralized vs Decentralized Blockchains The future of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au193 SHOW NOTES In 1997, T...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Paul Starkey: Aspire Liquidity Partners, a guided partnership designed to position your company for maximum value extraction PrepTech, a job program dedicated to training and connecting qualified talent to businesses in the CI industry How Paul and his wife are fighting against sex trafficking through their organization, Building...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jeff Costello: The 2021 Fall Azione Conference in Nashville The recent acquisition of Nortek Control The importance of feedback and how to successfully grow partnerships Jeff's novel, Surfing With the Bishop The latest issue with shipping delays and product shortages To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show,...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Scott Abel: The experience gained and lessons learned while working in Silicon Valley The importance of brand consistency and how to avoid brand confusion Using criticisms as motivation to grow and improve Building relationships with photographers and videographers Creating and maintaining a social media presence To get transcript...