Automation Unplugged Podcast

Automation Unplugged Podcast

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Automation Unplugged Podcast episodes

  • #363: How to Get Out of the Sales Seat — Ollie Tuffney's Blueprint for Building a Sales Machine

    SHOW NOTES

    In this episode, Ollie and I discussed:

    • Why founder-led sales eventually becomes the ceiling on your growth, how the "founder advantage" makes it unfair to expect your salespeople to sell like you do, and the path to getting off the hamster wheel.
    • The five-pillar operating system Sales Velocity uses to build scalable sales machines—positioning, process, people, performance, and planning—and how to find the key constraint holding your team back.
    • And practical tactics you can implement right away: how to attract, assess, and onboard sales talent without falling for the "black book" myth, why public dashboards tracking percentage of time gone versus target achieved create ownership and urgency, and how to structure your weekly accountability and coaching meetings.
    • Whether you're the owner still carrying your company's sales on your own back or you're looking to build a repeatable sales engine, you're going to love this conversation. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Ollie Tuffney. 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/au363

      1 hr 5 min
    • #362: The Power of Vulnerability: Jason Zuniga on Peer Groups and Second Chances

      SHOW NOTES

      In this episode, Jason and I discussed:

      How he scaled Austin Home Systems from a three-person shop to 26 employees and over $7 million in revenue.

      How reading Traction helped him define his target market of custom home builders and break through the million-dollar ceiling.

      Why joining a ProSource peer group and learning to “be vulnerable” with fellow dealers has been, in his words, life-changing for his business.

      Jason is known for his hands-on approach and for building a company focused on quality, service, and long-term relationships. Whether you’re building your own integration firm or just want to hear how a values-driven leader scales a business, you’re going to love this one.

      So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Jason Zuniga. 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/au362

      1 hr 1 min
    • #361: The Authority Engine: Using Video, Case Studies, and Imagery to Prove Your Premium Value

      SHOW NOTES

      We cover:

      • How AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity are changing the customer research journey — and why integrators need to rethink how they present themselves online
      • The concept of EEAT — Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust — and how businesses can use content to strengthen their online visibility and credibility
      • Practical strategies for capturing and creating content, including project photography, video, case studies, reviews, social media, and websites
      • Visit the episode page on our website to get the audio recording and video of the original webinar. Now let’s tune in and explore how great content can help your business stand out and attract more of the right customers online.

        To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit the podcast page on our website at onefirefly.com/au361

        1 hr 9 min
      • #360: Speed, Precision, and the Business of Custom Integration with Jonathan Smith

        SHOW 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

          1 hr
        • #359: Blake Urmos on Building AI Tools for the Low-Voltage Industry

          SHOW 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

            32 min
          • #358: From $4M to $20M- David Wexler on How EOC Audio Built a Powerhouse Culture

            SHOW 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

              1 hr 8 min
            • #357: The Missing Layer of the Smart Home: How to Position and Sell Smart Ceiling Fans

              SHOW 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

                1 hr 5 min
              • #356: Revolutionizing MDU Solutions and Embracing the AI Frontier with Hally Patel of RDB Energy

                SHOW 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

                  1 hr 3 min
                • #355: From Pro Golf to Pro Integration with Jeremey Jeansonne

                  SHOW 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.

                    57 min
                  • #354: AI Is Deciding Who Gets Found Online. Will It Recommend You?

                    SHOW 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

                      1 hr 6 min

                    About Automation Unplugged Podcast

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Since its launch on Facebook Live in 2017, Automation Unplugged has become the leading podcast for AV and custom integration professionals. Now pre-recorded and produced in both audio and video…

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