How do you lead global marketing for a giant like Crestron, steer an industry association like CEDIA through massive change, and help build a 65-year-old ESOP company for the future? The answer, according to veteran AV leader Vin Bruno, always comes back to two things: people and simplicity. In this episode of Always On The Hunt, Vin shares his incredible journey from fixing mixers to shaping the AV industry. 

He opens up about the pivotal lessons learned from working with industry titans, the strategy behind consolidating CEDIA into a global entity, and why the simplest solution is almost always the right one for clients. Whether you're an integrator, manufacturer, or just interested in leadership, this conversation is packed with wisdom on building trust, fostering talent, and navigating the complex human dynamics of technology.

Connect with Vin: Vincent Bruno on LinkedIn avservices.net

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In this episode of Always on the Hunt, we sit down with Noah Kaplan, the visionary founder of Leon Speakers—a company that has redefined the intersection of art, design, and audio technology. Noah shares his unconventional journey from artist and musician to pioneering entrepreneur, who made the bold move to build high-end speakers in Michigan while his competitors moved overseas.

Discover how Leon Speakers blends Bohemian creativity with cutting-edge AV solutions, from custom soundbars to one-of-a-kind trade show booths. Noah dives into the importance of authenticity, the challenges of balancing artistry with business, and why staying true to your vision matters—even when the industry pushes conformity.

Whether you're an AV professional, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great origin story, this conversation is packed with inspiration. Tune in and get ready to rethink what’s possible in technology and design!

 

Connect with Noah:

linktr.ee/noah_kaps

leonspeakers.com

Noah Kaplan on LinkedIn

 

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In this episode of Always on the Hunt, we sit down with Brandy Alvarado- Miranda—founder and CEO of BAM Marketing and PR, co-founder of WAVIT, and former chair of the AVIXA Women’s Council. Brandy shares her incredible journey from the "boring" world of insurance marketing to becoming a powerhouse in the pro-AV and digital signage space.   Discover how Brandy’s fearless approach led her to launch her own agency during the pandemic, her passion for mentorship and inclusion, and the founding of WAVIT to empower women in AV. We also dive into the importance of authentic storytelling in marketing, the challenges of personal branding, and why the AV industry needs to do a better job of marketing itself to attract fresh talent.   From getting thrown into her first InfoComm with zero AV knowledge to building a thriving business and advocacy platform, Brandy’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community. Tune in for actionable insights on marketing, leadership, and how to make a lasting impact in any industry.   Connect with Brandy: Brandy Alvarado-Miranda on LinkedIn https://www.bammarketingagency.com/ https://www.womeninavit.org/   Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

In this episode of Always on the Hunt, Leo sits down with the multi-talented Michael Bailey Smith, a man who’s lived multiple dreams. He's landed roles in iconic films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Men in Black 2, and the new Fantastic Four.  He's jumped out of planes as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper.  He's played Division I football and chased an NFL career.  And he's had a long and successful career in the IoT industry.  Michael’s life has been anything but ordinary.

Today, Michael is the founder of IoT Powerhouse, where he helps companies achieve massive growth in the cutting-edge IoT space. How did a Hollywood actor become a tech industry dynamo? What lessons from his unbelievable journey? And what’s his secret to turning "no" into "next opportunity"?

Michael shares his incredible journey, full of hard-won wisdom, audacious goals, and the mindset that keeps him winning in every arena. Whether you’re in tech, sales, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable insights on resilience, trust-building, and the whirlwind that is ever-present in the journey towards success.

Check out iotpowerhouse.com to see how Micheal can help your business!

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In this special episode of Always On The Hunt,  Randy Blanchard turns the tables and takes the interviewer’s seat to chat with Leo Golubitsky, founder of Birddog Talent and a longtime leader in the AV industry. From Leo’s early days launching S.M.I.L.E., Inc. (an AV integration company focused on customer experience over tech specs) to his transition into recruiting and launching this very podcast, this conversation dives deep into lessons learned, industry evolution, and the importance of relationships.

Plus, Randy and Leo reminisce about their 25-year history in the industry, discuss the crossroads AV faces today, and reveal their favorite (and least favorite) products they’ve ever sold. Whether you’re in AV, recruitment, or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with authenticity, humor, and actionable insights.

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This week on Always on the Hunt, Leo sits down with Vince Schuster, Senior Vice President of Sales at Neoti and a well-respected leader in the Pro AV industry. With decades of experience across major and emerging AV brands—including Electrograph, Planar, and more—Vince shares his unique perspective on industry trends, leadership, and the evolving landscape of professional AV.

Vince and Leo dive into what made this year’s InfoComm so great, and the re-normalization of an industry rocked by events such as the tariffs and COVID. They also dive into the importance of mentorship and collaboration in shaping the future of AV. Whether you're an AV veteran or new to the industry, Vince’s insights on business resilience, relationship-building, and industry advocacy are invaluable. Tune in for a must-listen conversation on where Pro AV is headed—and how to thrive in it.

Connect with Vince:  LinkedIn | [email protected]

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This week on "Always On The Hunt", Leo speaks with Alesia Hendley, Business Development Manager at Sennheiser, Social Media Influencer, blogger, story teller, advocate for diversity in AV, and at her core, a highly capable sound engineer and technician who still knows how to get hands-on and make systems work. 

In this episode, Alesia unpacks how social media and storytelling are reshaping B2B engagement, proving that even in a hardware-driven industry, personality opens doors. From her InfoComm panel engagements to sneaker meetups, Alicia’s take on "unconventional" paths will make you rethink how to stand out, and why diversity isn’t just a checkbox, but a competitive edge.  Alesia dives deep into the evolving landscape of AV and tech, sharing hard-earned wisdom on why relationships and authenticity matter more than specs alone. She highlights the shifting dynamics between manufacturers, consultants, and end-users, and why getting a seat at the design table early is the future of integration. If you are an AV pro, an advocate for change, or interested in joining this ever evolving industry, you'll want to tune in!

Connect with Alesia:

LinkedIn

thesmoothfactor.com

@thesmoothfactor on Instagram

@thesmoothfactor on X/Twitter

 

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Join us on Always on the Hunt as we sit down with industry veteran Michael Lakhter— a true rainmaker with over 25 years of experience transforming startups into industry leaders and leading industry leaders in Sales, with his powerful outlook and performance. In this insightful episode, Michael shares his journey from humble beginnings in Ukraine to becoming a top sales force in the AV world, revealing the mindset, strategies, and relationship-building secrets that keep him at the top of his game. 

We discuss the importance of proactive leadership, the power of trust and responsiveness, and how to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Whether you're an aspiring sales pro or a seasoned industry expert, Michael’s stories and lessons will inspire you to elevate your approach and embrace the hunter mindset. Tune in for a masterclass on sales, resilience, and building lasting success in the AV industry no matter what hand you were dealt.

Are you on the hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

In this episode of Always on the Hunt, host Leo welcomes special guest Matt Bernath, a powerhouse in the luxury home services industry and president of VITAL. Together, they dive deep into the core challenges and opportunities facing business owners, from team building and company culture to financial mastery and personal leadership. Matt shares his inspiring journey, marked by growth and a passion for impact, showcases his financial expertise, strategic vision, and knack for asking bold questions. Matt shares insights on transforming struggling businesses into thriving, profitable ventures, all while emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, trust, and self-awareness in leadership.  Whether you're an integrator, entrepreneur, or industry professional, discover actionable strategies to elevate your business, cultivate a healthy culture, and unlock your full potential. Tune in for honest insights, practical tips, and a dose of motivation to help you lead with purpose and confidence.

Are you on the hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

In this week’s episode of Always on the Hunt, we’re thrilled to welcome Nick Begleries, a seasoned expert in the audiovisual (AV) industry with over 20 years of experience. As the VP of Commercial Sales at Philips Professional Display Solutions, Nick has an impressive track record of leading sales teams for top manufacturers, including Planar, Samsung, and NanoLumens.

Join Leo and Nick as they delve into the changing landscape of the AV industry, discuss effective sales strategies for both channel and distribution, and share insights on what it takes to succeed in a competitive market. 

Tune in to learn how to maximize opportunities in the ever-evolving AV ecosystem, and build concrete sales strategies all right here on Always on the Hunt!

Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com