Inside Integration

What’s Inside This Episode:Thanksgiving traditions: The MVPs of the holiday table.Gratitude for the amazing people who make our jobs fun—vendors, dealers, and teammates alike.Hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from the podcast and beyond.A glimpse at what’s coming next for Inside Integration.

Show Notes:The overwhelming calendar of trade shows and their impact on the industry.Breaking down the ROI of events like CEDIA, CES, and regional expos.Personal stories from Chris and Jayson’s first trade show experiences.The value of regional tech summits for localized networking and training.Why Lightapalooza stands out with its hands-on, manufacturer-neutral education.Tips for making the most of trade shows and maximizing your time investment.

Show Notes:Intro – Election recap and what it means for CISegment 1 – Tariffs and cost managementSegment 2 – Housing market impacts and interest rate changesSegment 3 – Labor shortages and workforce adaptabilitySegment 4 – Building client trust through transparencySegment 5 – Service-driven revenue for uncertain timesListen in for: Insights from past economic challenges, proactive strategies for maintaining client trust, and ways to secure your business amidst policy shifts.

In this episode: • Meet Keith and Amy: We join Lucetta’s Keith Ziebert and Amy Dorado as they near the finish line of their Topgolf training tour, a unique hands-on roadshow designed to educate integrators on linear lighting solutions. • Training Highlights: Hear about what goes into these events, where integrators gain practical knowledge on Lucetta’s lighting solutions while enjoying the relaxed Topgolf setting. Keith and Amy share how their training focuses on application-first techniques to maximize profit for integrators without overloading them on the technical details. • Industry Camaraderie: One of the tour’s best outcomes has been connecting integrators across the country, allowing everyone to swap stories, advice, and a few laughs over a game of golf. • Stories from the Road: From the ‘mac and cheese balls’ staple at Topgolf to a legendary cheeseburger dubbed “Jeff” at a remote spot near Mt. Rainier, Keith and Amy have racked up some memorable moments during their travels. • Upcoming Events and Future Plans: As they prepare for their 2025 schedule, including “Lightapalooza,” Keith and Amy hint at more Topgolf dates and even bigger plans for the coming year.Join us for an inside look at how Lucetta CI is supporting integrators nationwide with effective training, a touch of humor, and a lot of fajitas.

In this episode:Project Backstory: I take you back 20 years to a pinnacle project in Midtown Manhattan—a huge tech installation in a luxury penthouse, filled with tech marvels that were ahead of their time.Ambitions vs. Reality: How cutting-edge tech and a steep learning curve turned what should have been a highlight into a frustration. From a massive plasma lift to the surprising problems that emerged, this project tested us like none before.Lessons Learned: This project wasn’t just a test of skills but a crash course in project management, team dynamics, and knowing when to adapt. Those lessons have influenced my approach to integration ever since.The Takeaway: Tune in to hear how this project shifted my career trajectory, why it’s okay to admit when a project is over your head, and how facing challenges head-on can shape you as a professional.Join me as I dig into the story behind one of my most challenging projects—a story about resilience, tech integration, and the sometimes messy reality of turning vision into reality.

Key Topics: • The driving forces behind industry consolidation • The challenges and opportunities for regional rep firms • How integrators can stay ahead in a changing market • The future of distribution and product representation

What You’ll Learn:The evolution and impact of each benchmark productWhy these devices were game-changers for custom integratorsFun anecdotes from Chris and Jayson’s personal experiences with these productsListen now and take a walk through AV history!Keywords/Tags:#CustomIntegrators #AVIndustry #Denon #PioneerElite #PhilipsPronto #Sony4K #EscientFireball #PanasonicPhones #HomeTheater #SmartHome #AVHistory

• The advanced capabilities of Josh.AI in smart home control • How AI tools are changing the way proposals are crafted and optimized • The rise of AI in digital marketing for integrators • Using AI for remote monitoring and predictive maintenance • AI’s future role in the custom integration landscape

Tune in for: • Tips on creating a showroom that meets modern client expectations • Insights on how integrators are leveraging their showrooms for education and training • Real-life examples of integrators using creative showroom setups to win clientsSubscribe for more insights into the world of smart home technology and integration!

In This Episode: • How to handle ongoing supply chain issues • Finding and retaining top talent in today’s labor market • Strategies for staying ahead of rapidly evolving technology • Managing shifting client expectations and delivering more value • Competing with DIY systems and proving your worth as an integrator