Automation Unplugged Podcast

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Paul Bochner: 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 Socia...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Susan Cashen: 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 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Aaron Cowden and Andrew Wactor: 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 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au163 SHOW NOTES Aaron...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Ryan Davis: 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 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au162 SHOW NOTES As founder o...

In this week’s After Show, we chat with Chris Worthington, CEO at Personal Technology. Chris shares his transformational “Day 1” strategy with us on how he prepares his projects for completion to help promote overall customer satisfaction. If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to check out show #161 here on the podcast or over on our Facebook page at facebook.com/onefire...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Chris Worthington: The current state of the custom installation marketing in California Chris' excitement around energy automation and battery storage His move from lighting control into lighting fixtures and human-centric lighting How the maturation of the industry may affect the stratification of firms To get transcripts, resour...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Matt Coxon: What led Mark from pursuing veterinary school to working at a residential integration company The future of work as companies begin to bring employees back to the office Mark's approach to human-centric design and how the modern office will look like in the years to come Mark's creative endeavors, including a book he's...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Shawn Lemay: Shawn’s origin story and how he went from creating an ISP company competing with AOL to venturing into the smart home automation space Consumer behaviors based in the Buffalo, New York marketplace and how 2020 treated Sound & Theater How his business has weathered the storm caused by vendor supply chain issues. Shawn’...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Matt Cwiokoski: What ultimately led Avidia to have a 35% YOY growth in 2020 How a re-brand in 2018 and strategic marketing helped raise the company's brand awareness and overall visibility Avidia's pivot to an RMR-based approach for system service support Ways Matt has made it possible to enjoy a healthy work-life balance as a bus...

This week’s After Show features Jeff Galea, Founder and President at Boca Tech and Automation. Jeff reflects on his approach and mindset behind his most recent rebrand. If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to check out show #156 here on the podcast or over on our Facebook page at facebook.com/onefireflyllc . Okay, let’s jump into my conversation with Jeff Galea.

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jeff Galea: How a COVID inspired look behind-the-scenes for the design community turned into a successful weekly seminar series The importance behind educating consumers to improve sales and communication Jeff's showroom powered by Rosewater Energy and his take on battery storage technologies Jeff's business outlook for 2021 and w...

Here are some of the topics Chris had the opportunity to discuss with Ron Callis: How Ron found his way into the custom integration industry Ron’s unique experience being part of a human-powered submarine team while a student at Virginia Tech The One Firefly company culture and how they were able to shift to a fully remote company in 2016 Ways the structure and process of EOS helped One Firefly pr...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Adam Pauska: Risks faced by high net worth individuals The breakdown on insurance credits for smart home systems Innovative technologies that benefit both the integrator and homeowner Types of insurance products for ultra high-net-worth customers To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onef...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jason Roberts: Jason's experience buying an integration firm in 2012 The dynamics of developing a winning relationship with a custom builder The Bravas approach to manufacturer preferences throughout their different locations Jason's outlook for Bravas and our industry in 2021 To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Andrea Hoffer: Common mistakes companies make during the hiring process Best hiring practices and techniques business owners can implement What to expect when working with a recruitment agency How companies can utilize assessments both during recruiting and for ongoing team development To get transcripts, resources of what was men...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Angela Larson and Blair Piersall: Angela and Blair's backstory and how they transitioned into a career with Savant Ways Savant pivoted their focus to provide dealers more education and training during COVID-19 The idea behind creating a virtual showroom experience The process for dealers and the design community to schedule a virt...

In this week’s After Show, we chat with Marc Fulker, Owner at Greenstar Technologies. Marc shares the details of how they were able to land a recent spectacular Control4 project and the importance of communication to earn a client’s trust and partnership. He also discusses their approach to capturing beautiful project imagery. If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to che...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Marc Fulker: The state of COVID-19 in the country of Australia How Marc was able to use his showroom to change the customer experience dynamic Marc's transition from an electrician to the home automation space We even got a video tour of his new showroom which is featured on our One Firefly Facebook page To get transcripts, resour...

In this week’s After Show, we chat with Brian Perreault, COO at Barrett's Technology Solutions. Brian sheds light on the importance of relationship building and gaining the client’s trust for any successful integration firm. If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to check out show #150 here on the podcast or over on our Facebook page at facebook.com/onefireflyllc. Okay, l...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Brian Perreault: Brian's near 30-year career with Barrett's Technology The benefit of building relationships and being a resource for clients Why embracing change is crucial for the growth of a small business How integrating Google Ads into their marketing strategy has helped their business To get transcripts, resources of what wa...

In this week’s After Show, we chat with Wes Claytor, Digital Marketing Account Manager at One Firefly. Wes shares his commitment to cultivating consistency in his personal and work life through ultra-marathon running, writing, and reading. If you haven't already listened to the full interview, make sure to check out show #149 here on the podcast or over on our Facebook page at facebook.com/onefire...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Wes Claytor: Wes' transition from the health and fitness industry into digital marketing The importance of work/life balance Wes' thoughts on the future of our industry in 2021 Principles and beliefs that lead to success in running and life To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Gregg Dixon: Gregg's approach to making 2020 their most successful year What projects looked like for Gregg in 1995 Major changes Gregg made to help take AV Specialists to the next level Gregg's approach to company culture To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au148 SHOW NO...

Here are some of the topics Ron had the opportunity to discuss with Jon Robbins: HTSA's sales training approach Jon's view on how the recent 2020 election turnout will impact the custom integration space How Jon defines leadership HTSA membership growth and opportunities To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au147 SHOW NOTES Jon serves as E...

In this week's After Show, we chat with Phil Mulligan, President at Pacific Audio & Communications Hawaii, and Vice President, Pat Mulligan. Phil and Pat share with us their recruiting and hiring strategies as they have developed proof concept partnerships with local community college apprenticeship programs with a focus in Electrical and IT.  If you haven't already listened to the full interview,...