Automation Unplugged Podcast

Hosted by Ron Callis

Technology Entrepreneurship MarketingInterviews guestsExplicit

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Episodes

287

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 20261 hr 4 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

June 3, 20261 hr 3 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

May 20, 202656 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.

May 13, 20261 hr 5 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

May 6, 202658 min

#353: Leading Through Innovation: AI, Video Walls, and Servant Leadership with Shawn Hansson

SHOW NOTES In this episode, Shawn and I discussed: How implementing a structured operating system and focusing on core values allowed Shawn to step back from the "trenches" and empower his team to lead. The specific strategies Logic uses to maintain a six-minute response time and build a "sticky" recurring revenue model that keeps clients for life. And Shawn’s insights on how AI is streamlining internal operations and what high-growth categories like LED video walls mean for the next era of integration. Shawn brings a lot of knowledge and a genuine heart for servant leadership. Whether you're looking to scale your team or refine your service model, you're going to find a ton of value in this conversation. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Shawn Hansson. 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/au353

April 22, 20261 hr 12 min

#352: Lighting That Sells: How to Sell the Experience, Not Just the Fixture

SHOW NOTES We cover: The Four Experiences of Light — and how each plays a distinct role in how people live, relax, and interact with their spaces How to sell lighting without selling products, using real-world examples like restaurants, hotels, spas, and homes to help clients emotionally connect to the value of great lighting How to market lighting effectively, with strategies that help prospects understand why lighting matters, not just what it costs 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/au352

April 15, 20261 hr 2 min

#351: Stepping Out of Your Own Way- Corby Vickers on Scaling Through Service Plans and Smart Marketing

SHOW NOTES In this episode, Corby and I discussed: Why trying to handle your own marketing and web design is often the worst business decision an integrator can make, especially when trying to scale. How shifting from "free courtesy support" to tiered recurring service contracts can transform your cash flow and strengthen client satisfaction. Why Micro LED technology is the most significant advancement since plasma and how sophisticated, integrated lighting is now a primary driver for generating "awe" with clients. Corby brings tons of "in-the-trenches" experience, sharing candid lessons on what it takes to step out of your own way to truly scale a business. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Corby Vickers. 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.

April 8, 20261 hr 7 min

#350: The Big Screen Experience for Big Profits: Why Projectors Belong in Your Lineup

SHOW NOTES During this webinar, you’ll hear from myself and Russell Warnhoff, Custom Integration Manager at Sony. We cover: Why projection is still a profit engine — and how it competes in key ways against large TVs and direct-view video walls Why the Sony brand carries weight and how to use Sony’s “Lens to Living Room” storytelling to elevate your sales conversations How to actually market big-screen solutions using the buyer journey, smarter segmentation of your customer list, and the right channel mix to drive hand-raises 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.

April 1, 20261 hr 2 min

#349: Selling Emotion, Not Gear — Mastering the Luxury Experience with Doug Dushan

SHOW NOTES In this episode, Doug and I discussed: How his background in luxury goods like wine and art allows him to connect emotionally with affluent clients and sell a lifestyle rather than just technical gear. The strategic challenge of scaling a business while maintaining the high-touch, personalized "owner experience" that luxury clients expect. Why he uses his viral social media presence as a form of "social proof" to build credibility and reach the next generation of technology consumers. Doug brings a wealth of experience in high-end integration and a unique perspective on the intersection of culture and technology. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Doug Dushan. 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.

March 25, 20264 min

AU Special Announcement

SHOW NOTES Host Ron Callis announces an exciting update to the Automation Unplugged lineup. Starting in June, the podcast's fourth episode each month will pivot from marketing segments to dedicated AI Insights. Join us as we sit down with industry experts to explore real-world AI use cases, practical applications for integrators, and what is actually working in the business world today. To get the video announcement, visit: onefirefly.com/auspecial