Automation Unplugged Podcast
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.
Episodes
SHOW NOTES
In this webinar, we’ll cover:
- What effective onboarding really looks like — and what it’s not
- How to start creating a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding plan for new hires
- And actionable tips for creating a welcoming environment and preparing your existing team and new hires for success
Whether you’re onboarding your first employee or looking to refine your existing process, you’ll find valuable takeaways in today’s ...
SHOW NOTES
For this milestone episode, Lee and I covered some great topics, including:
- How Wipliance has grown into multiple markets and the impact of lighting and shading on their success
- How Wipliance uses video content to educate clients and strengthen industry relationships
- Their work on the historic Taliesin West Frank Lloyd Wright home, in partnership with Lutron
I appreciate you joining us for this special episode. Wheth...
SHOW NOTES
In our chat, Sam shares valuable insights on:
- How to build a sustainable talent pipeline.
- The power of company culture, mission, and values in attracting top talent—and how to communicate them effectively.
- How integrators can think outside the box when sourcing candidates, from leveraging industry networks to monitoring layoffs in tech and retail sectors.
If hiring is on your mind this year, this episode is packed wi...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, we discuss:
- Azione’s evolution and how it’s redefining what a buying group should be.
- Mergers & acquisitions in the CI space—what they mean for business owners.
- The power of community and education in helping integrators grow and scale.
Patrick’s passion for innovation and building strong industry relationships makes this a must-listen. So, sit back and enjoy my conversation with Patrick McCarthy. Le...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, we discuss:
- Extreme ownership in business and how Brad’s team lives by Jocko Willink’s leadership principles
- Navigating economic shifts with rising tariffs, shifting budgets, and staying ahead of industry challenges
- The power of peer collaboration and why networking with fellow integrators has been a game-changer for business growth
Brad shares some incredible insights on leadership, business strateg...
SHOW NOTES
During this episode, we’ll cover:
- The importance of regularly updating your website with new content, service offerings, and images, plus how frequently you should be making website updates
- Why integrators should have dedicated solutions pages on their websites to showcase current service offerings
- Six expert tips for dealers to make immediate improvements on their website
I really enjoyed this conversation, and I ho...
SHOW NOTES
In the webinar, we’ll cover:
- Strategies for creating a structured interview process, and the types of screens and interviews you may use to evaluate candidates
- The importance of evaluating for both skills and culture fit during interviews
- Tips on how to ask tough, insightful questions that go beyond surface-level responses and help uncover a candidate's true potential
Visit the episode page on our website to get the ...
SHOW NOTES
During the show, the conversation covered:
- Challenges and disconnects between sales, marketing, and leadership, and how to bridge the gap with better communication and collaboration
- The value of trade shows for business growth, and each department’s unique perspective on their primary goals: from sales looking to close deals, marketing looking to increase brand presence, and leadership looking to build strategic partner...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, we covered:
- How ProSource has grown into a leading group with nearly 600 members.
- Jim’s lessons from scaling businesses and navigating challenges.
- Tips for integrators to stay competitive with smart power and controlled lighting.
Jim’s expertise and vision for the future make this a must-listen for anyone in the integration industry. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with the one and only Jim Pe...
SHOW NOTES
Here are a few of the key topics we covered:
- How major life events—like buying a home, starting a family, or retiring—open doors for AV integrators to connect with customers in impactful ways.
- Creative partnerships that help integrators align their services with life’s key milestones.
- Practical strategies to shift your messaging focus from technical specifications to showcasing the lifestyle benefits that AV solutions de...
SHOW NOTES
During our conversation, Frank and I explored some interesting topics, including:
- How his journey from electrical engineering to launching Atlantis UGS shaped his approach to the AV industry.
- The impact of evolving AV technology and the hybrid work revolution on commercial spaces.
- His strategy to building and managing a team of over 100 full-time AV professionals across the U.S.
I’m confident you’ll enjoy this conver...
SHOW NOTES
In the webinar, we’ll cover:
- How to define and document your ideal candidate profile in order to source individuals who meet your needs for skill set requirements, experience, and culture
- How to leverage your existing team and personal networks to seek new talent
- Best practices for sourcing talent through social media, job boards, industry events, technical and vocational schools, and more
Visit the episode page on ...
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-on learning, inspiring panels, ...
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 your digital marketing strateg...
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 gifting campaigns that build strong rela...
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 transcript, and the full video reco...
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 conversation and Jamie’s inspiring i...
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.
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 peer networks and buying groups.
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 of the original webinar. Now l...
Popular Podcasts
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.