Podcast
Automation Unplugged Podcast
Hosted by Ron Callis · EN
Automation Unplugged is a Facebook Live show recorded weekly with our host Ron Callis, Owner and CEO of the digital marketing agency, One Firefly. In each Automation Unplugged episode, Ron speaks with leading industry personalities and technology professionals to discuss all things business development, technology trends, and more. These interviews are designed to help our clients and members of the custom integration industry keep up-to-date with the latest news as well as learn from experts in the field.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#360: Speed, Precision, and the Business of Custom Integration with Jonathan Smith
1w ago00:59:14Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES In this episode, Jon and I discussed: How his experience in NASCAR shaped the way he approaches precision, pressure, troubleshooting, and entrepreneurship in the integration world. Why professional design documentation, outsourced engineering partnerships, and strong project planning are critical. And how Jon is building Fusion Automation through relationships with architects, designers, and builders, while leaning into high-growth categories like lighting, shades, invisible audio, and digital displays. Whether you’re interested in building stronger relationships with architects and designers, growing a design-forward integration firm, or hearing how lessons from NASCAR translate into business ownership, you’re going to enjoy this conversation. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Jonathan Smith. Let’s get started! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au360
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#359: Blake Urmos on Building AI Tools for the Low-Voltage Industry
2w ago00:31:44Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES In this episode, Blake and I discussed: How one simple ChatGPT project opened his eyes to the business potential of AI and led him to start building his own software tools. Why Claude Code, AI skills, agentic coding, and tools like MCP are helping non-traditional developers solve real business problems faster than ever before. And how Blake built LVN Signals, an AI-powered platform that helps contractors uncover commercial low-voltage opportunities before they hit the bid boards. Blake brings a unique mix of field experience, community building, software development, and hands-on AI experimentation. This conversation is a real-world look at what’s possible when integrators stop treating AI as a buzzword and start using it to solve practical business challenges. Whether you’re already experimenting with AI or just trying to understand where to begin, you’re going to get a lot of value from this conversation. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Blake Urmos. Let’s get started! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au359
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#358: From $4M to $20M- David Wexler on How EOC Audio Built a Powerhouse Culture
3w ago01:07:38Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES In this episode, David and I discussed: How EOC Audio grew 400% in six years by prioritizing "buying right," leveraging the power of buying groups, and hiring talent in advance of growth. Why long-term success comes from "saying yes" to clients and builders alike, and how David used 12 years of live radio hosting to build a legendary reputation in his market. And A look at the rising demand for sophisticated lighting design, motorized window treatments, and the high-growth world of professional golf and shooting simulators. David brings over five decades of wisdom and a deep passion for the "human" side of the technology business. Whether you’re looking to scale your own integration firm or simply want to hear from a true industry legend, you’re going to love this conversation. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with David Wexler. Let's get started! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au358
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#357: The Missing Layer of the Smart Home: How to Position and Sell Smart Ceiling Fans
4w ago01:04:13Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES We cover: Why smart ceiling fans represent a growing opportunity for integrators — from comfort and energy savings to aesthetics and whole-home control integration The evolution of ceiling fan technology, including DC motors, airflow optimization, and smart controls How AI search and large language models are changing the customer journey — and why integrators need to rethink their online visibility strategy to stay competitive in emerging categories like smart fans Practical marketing strategies to improve AI visibility, including building authoritative FAQ content that helps prospects discover your business online Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording, full transcript, and video of the original webinar. Now let’s tune in and learn how smart ceiling fans have evolved into a meaningful business opportunity for integrators. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au357
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#356: Revolutionizing MDU Solutions and Embracing the AI Frontier with Hally Patel of RDB Energy
Jun 301:03:00Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES In this episode, Hally and I discussed: The power of peer groups and why her V11 group in ProSource has become her most valuable business asset for vulnerability and growth. How she saved a client over $120,000 by re-engineering a high-voltage lighting hurdle into a low-voltage solution. And the AI revolution in integration and her journey from "just an email helper" to using Claude for site readiness analysis and meeting accountability. Hally brings a "yes to everything new" attitude that is infectious. Whether she's talking about the complexity of a 1,000-unit project or her mission to visit 40 countries before she's 40, you're going to find plenty of inspiration here. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Hally Patel. Let’s get started! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au356
Transcribe →#355: From Pro Golf to Pro Integration with Jeremey Jeansonne
May 2000:56:09Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES In this episode, Jeremey and I discussed: His journey from the pro golf circuit to tech inventor, including the wild story of pitching a helmet-cam prototype to investors in a wedding buffet line. The strategic decision to "throttle" growth by raising prices, ensuring his team maintains a high standard of quality and reputation without burning bridges by growing too fast. How he is leveraging a new 4,000-square-foot showroom to create emotional experiences for clients and build stronger partnerships with local designers and architects. Jeremey brings a one of a kind perspective on persistence, innovation, and the discipline required to transition from a solo athlete to a team-leading entrepreneur. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Jeremey Jeansonne. Let’s get started! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au.
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#354: AI Is Deciding Who Gets Found Online. Will It Recommend You?
May 1301:05:49Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES We cover: How AI search is changing the way prospects research integrators, compare companies, and decide who to contact Why foundational SEO strategies — like Google Business Profile optimization, on-site content, backlinks, reviews, and technical SEO — still matter in the age of AI And what business owners can do now to help AI tools understand, trust, and recommend their company when potential clients are searching online Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording, full transcript, and video of the original webinar. Now let’s tune in and learn how to deliver the big screen experience, and grow profits while you do it. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au354
Transcribe →#353: Leading Through Innovation: AI, Video Walls, and Servant Leadership with Shawn Hansson
May 600:58:06Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES In this episode, Shawn and I discussed: How implementing a structured operating system and focusing on core values allowed Shawn to step back from the "trenches" and empower his team to lead. The specific strategies Logic uses to maintain a six-minute response time and build a "sticky" recurring revenue model that keeps clients for life. And Shawn’s insights on how AI is streamlining internal operations and what high-growth categories like LED video walls mean for the next era of integration. Shawn brings a lot of knowledge and a genuine heart for servant leadership. Whether you're looking to scale your team or refine your service model, you're going to find a ton of value in this conversation. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Shawn Hansson. Let’s get started! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au353
Transcribe →#352: Lighting That Sells: How to Sell the Experience, Not Just the Fixture
Apr 2201:12:32Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES We cover: The Four Experiences of Light — and how each plays a distinct role in how people live, relax, and interact with their spaces How to sell lighting without selling products, using real-world examples like restaurants, hotels, spas, and homes to help clients emotionally connect to the value of great lighting How to market lighting effectively, with strategies that help prospects understand why lighting matters, not just what it costs Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording, full transcript, and video of the original webinar. Now let’s tune in and learn how to deliver the big screen experience, and grow profits while you do it. To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au352
Transcribe →#351: Stepping Out of Your Own Way- Corby Vickers on Scaling Through Service Plans and Smart Marketing
Apr 1501:02:47Tap to summarizeSHOW NOTES In this episode, Corby and I discussed: Why trying to handle your own marketing and web design is often the worst business decision an integrator can make, especially when trying to scale. How shifting from "free courtesy support" to tiered recurring service contracts can transform your cash flow and strengthen client satisfaction. Why Micro LED technology is the most significant advancement since plasma and how sophisticated, integrated lighting is now a primary driver for generating "awe" with clients. Corby brings tons of "in-the-trenches" experience, sharing candid lessons on what it takes to step out of your own way to truly scale a business. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Corby Vickers. Let’s get started! To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com.
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