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
We cover:
- Why “design consultant” beats “contractor” — and how charging for consultation and design services can instantly elevate your role with trade partners
- How to use consistency, credibility, and branding to build trade relationships that actually pay off
- You’ll also hear tactical ideas you can put to work right away, like CEUs, lunch-and-learns, and strategic gifting
Visit the episode page on our website to ge...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Joe and I discussed:
- His transition from integrator to manufacturer — and what he’s learned on both sides of the industry
- The importance of innovation, education, and fair collaboration in product development
- And how technology and design are converging to shape the next evolution of the smart home
Joe brings a genuine enthusiasm for innovation and a deep commitment to helping the industry grow. So s...
SHOW NOTES
This episode is hosted by Kat Wheeler, and together she and Stephen dive into:
- Real-world scenarios where sales and marketing either collaborate or clash
- How shared goals and open communication help both teams win
- Practical steps integrators can take this quarter to strengthen alignment
It’s a lively, fun, and insightful conversation—with plenty of takeaways for integrators looking to maximize both their marketing in...
#340: Inside Lightapalooza 2026 with Tom Doherty — Education, Power, and What’s Next for Integrators
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Tom and I discussed:
- What's new at Lightapalooza 2026 in Austin, TX: Education and certifications, education tracks and speakers, show floor exhibitors, and more.
- Plus: How to save 25% on conference registration.
If you’re attending Lightapalooza this year, be sure to connect with the One Firefly & Amplify People teams while you’re there. We’ll be on the show floor meeting with dealers, and we’re al...
SHOW NOTES
This episode is hosted by Kat Wheeler, and together she and Andrew explore:
- What separates a company that lives its values from one that just lists them on a website
- How intentional leadership creates thriving teams
- And why investing in people is the smartest business strategy of all
If you’ve ever struggled to hire the right fit, keep your culture strong as you scale, or lead your team with more purpose, this conver...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Carley and I discussed:
- How thoughtful design and technology can beautifully coexist
- The importance of early collaboration between designers and integrators
- And Why lighting and wellness are the next frontiers in smart home design
Carley brings creativity, warmth, and a fresh perspective on where our industry is headed. Whether you’re passionate about design, lighting, or redefining the custom integr...
SHOW NOTES
We talk about:
- Key highlights, milestones, and moments that shaped One Firefly in 2025
- The successes we’re most proud of this past year and the challenges that tested us and helped us grow
- How AI is influencing our business today and what it means for One Firefly as we head into 2026
Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has listened, shared episodes, sent feedback, and supporte...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Steve and I discussed:
- How Liaison scaled from a single market to a national presence
- Lessons learned from acquisitions and building strong company culture
- And how the Lighting Dojo is empowering integrators to elevate their craft
Steve brings passion, experience, and a true builder’s mindset to everything he does. Whether you’re growing your first team or managing multiple locations, this conversati...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Kris and I discussed:
- How Red5 helps clients navigate security in an increasingly connected and vulnerable world
- Why smart home tech and AI-powered devices are reshaping the threat landscape
- And the mission behind Fox Bravo Overland and its impact on the lives of those who serve
Kris brings a rare blend of operational expertise and personal passion, and this episode offers both insight and inspiratio...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Kayla and I discussed:
- How the Certified Showroom Dealer program helps integrators grow visibility and engagement in their local markets
- Her three P’s of event success — planning, process, and promotion
- And how relationship-driven marketing and authentic leadership are transforming dealer partnerships across the industry
Kayla brings fresh energy, big-picture strategy, and a true heart for collaborat...
SHOW NOTES
This conversation is hosted by Kat Wheeler, and together they explore:
- How AV integrators can smooth out feast-or-famine sales cycles
- Why starting with revenue goals is the smartest way to set your marketing spend
- And how to measure ROI so every dollar works harder for your business
Whether you’re aiming for steady revenue or aggressive growth, this episode offers practical, proven steps to transform your marketing b...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Ari and I discussed:
- How Sonance continues to innovate, from architectural speakers to their recent expansion into amplifiers and pro audio with Blaze Audio.
- Why Ari believes AI is a tool to empower people—not replace them—and how his team is building custom apps and automations to streamline workflows.
- The importance of culture and leadership in shaping Sonance’s legacy and future growth.
Ari’s jour...
SHOW NOTES
During this panel, you’ll hear from:
- Myself — Ron Callis, CEO of One Firefly
- Matt Bernath, President of VITAL, LLC
- Joseph Kolchinsky, CEO of OneVision Resources
- David Warfel, Founding Designer of Light Can Help You
- Mark Langston, Partner & Chief Lighting Advisor of Light Can Help You
- Jason Sayen, Founder of I Am Sayen
- Josh Christian, CEO of Home Technology Association
- And Rebecca Sternlicht, Corporate Marketing Lead at One Fi...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Kathleen and I discussed:
- Her lifelong connection to the AV industry and how it shaped her leadership style
- What it means to advocate for integrators inside a global company like Sony
- The innovations driving Sony’s CI business, from projectors and receivers to cutting-edge RGB backlight technology
- And how she balances corporate leadership with her passion for creativity, community, and good food in Portla...
SHOW NOTES
This episode is hosted by Kat Wheeler, and together she and Cameron dig into:
- The difference between metrics that matter and vanity stats you can ignore
- How automation and CRM integration can boost efficiency and client experience
- And common mistakes to avoid when measuring marketing ROI
Whether you’re just starting to track your marketing or looking to sharpen the way you use your CRM, you’ll walk away with new idea...
SHOW NOTES
Together, we explore:
- Why physical marketing still resonates in a digital-first world
- How LuxePost combines luxury creative with data-driven targeting and digital tracking
- And how integrators can use this approach to elevate their brand and generate quality leads
If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out with affluent clients or create marketing that truly feels luxurious, this conversation is for you.
Let’s dive in!
...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Isar and I discussed:
- Why most leaders are still in the early stages of AI adoption
- Practical ways integrators and small-to-medium businesses can start using AI right now
- How AI will reshape customer service, design, and operations in the near future
Isar brings clarity, energy, and actionable insights that cut through the hype and show what AI really means for business leaders today. Whether you’re ...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Chris and I discussed:
- How culture, process, and profitability fuel growth at Acoustic Design Systems
- Why marketing and fun, engaging content have become cornerstones of the Acoustic Design Systems brand
- The future of integration, from lighting and panelized systems to service revenue and M&A
Chris’s journey is a candid look at what it takes to scale an integration business while keeping people, cult...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Chris and I discussed:
- The evolution of HiFi Buys from a neighborhood shop to a destination for music lovers across the Southeast
- Why cultivating entry-level customers is just as important as serving high-end audiophiles
- How YouTube, events, and a passion for education are expanding the store’s reach and building community
Chris’s journey is a reminder that Hi-Fi is about more than gear — it’s about ...
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, we talk about my journey building One Firefly over the past 18 years, lessons learned from both wins and setbacks, how to spot greatness in others, and why letting go is key to growing as a leader. We also touch on how remote work, innovation, and AI are transforming the way we serve our clients and our teams.
So without further ado, here’s my conversation with Chris Oram on Elevation.
About One Firefly
One...
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