In this episode, hosts Jason Shearer and AK sit down with Adriaan, CTO of Chardan Capital Markets, to explore how a boutique investment firm reinvented its Manhattan office into a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)–driven smart workspace. From low-voltage lighting to AI-assisted investment strategies, Adriaan shares how converging IT and real estate creates smarter, more efficient environments.
🥃 Episode HighlightsFrom Hockey House to Wall Street CTO:
Adriaan’s unconventional path from Rutgers and NJIT to Deloitte and ING taught him the fundamentals of networking, teamwork, and translating between technical and business worlds — a skill that defines his leadership today.
The Translator Mindset:
Why generalists who “know a little about a lot” thrive in IT-OT convergence. Adrian explains how communication and empathy are now core technical skills — especially as AI reshapes every industry.
Smart Buildings Meet Wall Street:
Adriaan led a full rebuild of Chardan’s 22,000 sq ft office near Madison Square Garden — powered entirely by Cisco PoE switches, Molex sensors, and Mecho motorized shades. The system delivers massive efficiency gains:
- 40–50% lower labor costs vs. traditional electrical work
- VLAN-segmented IoT and production networks
- Remote management and OTA updates
- Five 24-port switches powering lighting, shading, and sensors for the entire floor
Construction Challenges & Wins:
Joining late in the build forced Adriaan to rethink sequencing and GC relationships. Lesson learned: Include IT from day one — not just for Division 27 wiring. Low-voltage cabling accelerated deployment and simplified the schedule.
Operational Intelligence:
From programmable light levels to occupancy-based controls, users can personalize spaces instantly. Boardrooms feature Cisco Webex Navigators with preset lighting and shade scenes for meetings or privacy — all IP-controlled.
Data-Driven Real Estate:
With occupancy analytics, firms can reduce OpEx by dynamically powering down unused floors or restacking employees based on actual utilization. Financial services and healthcare are leading this charge toward intelligent, responsive workplaces.
Future of Workspaces:
From PoE-powered sit-stand desks to fully flexible office layouts, Adrian envisions environments that reshape themselves daily based on who’s in the office and what work is being done.
💡 Key Takeaways - PoE and low-voltage systems simplify design, cut costs, and speed construction.
- Real-time data enables dynamic energy and occupancy management.
- Smart offices improve employee experience and financial performance.
- AI depends on the quality of building data — and modern infrastructure delivers it.
- Early IT involvement is essential for success.
🔗 MentionsCisco, Molex, Mecho, MHT Lighting, and the AV User Group (AVUG) community.
📍 Recorded At MHT Global Corporate Offices — New York City🎧 Listen & ConnectFind Distilled Building Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
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