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Automation Unplugged Podcast

Ron Callis
Automation Unplugged Podcast
Latest episode

301 episodes

  • Automation Unplugged Podcast

    #371: Patrick Martinez on Building Sales Certainty in Your Business

    2026/09/16 | 1h 1 mins.
    SHOW NOTES
    In this episode, Patrick and I discussed:
    The five sales roles every business has, and why an owner trying to cover all five statistically caps out between $1.5 and $2.5 million
    His sales certainty framework and the three things that get in the way
    And why fewer than 5% of technology contractors have a sales playbook that is actually written down, and how AI has changed the way those playbooks get built
    Whether you are the owner still closing every deal yourself or you are building out a sales team and trying to get everyone selling the same way, there is something here you can put to work this quarter. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Patrick Martinez. 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/au371
  • Automation Unplugged Podcast

    #370: Own the Night: How Integrators Can Go to Market with Landscape Lighting

    2026/09/09 | 1h 4 mins.
    SHOW NOTES
    We cover:
    Why landscape lighting is a natural extension of the custom integration business — and how dealers can add it without competing with builders or electricians
    Practical design, installation, and sales strategies, including recurring maintenance opportunities, partnering with landscapers, and positioning yourself early in the construction process
    Marketing tactics to help dealers build awareness, educate homeowners, and generate new opportunities through websites, email, social media, SEO, and AI search
    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 landscape lighting can help you create unforgettable outdoor experiences while growing your business. 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/au370
  • Automation Unplugged Podcast

    #369: Kayla Steinberg on Turning Events Into Your Best Business Development Tool

    2026/09/02 | 1h 6 mins.
    SHOW NOTES

    In this episode, Kayla and I discussed:

    The three Ps of event planning: planning, process, and promotion, and why most events fail on the first one

    How to set a real, measurable goal for an event before you touch a single logistics detail

    And why an omni-channel promotion strategy, not one email and a social post, is what actually fills the room

    Whether you're gearing up for Control4's C4Yourself event this October or planning your own customer or trade partner event, this conversation will change how you think about the investment. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Kayla Steinberg. 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/au369
  • Automation Unplugged Podcast

    #368: Jason Barth on Turning AI From Cheap Hacks Into Real Company Standards

    2026/08/26 | 38 mins.
    SHOW NOTES

    In this episode, Jason and I discussed:

    Why AI felt like a pile of cheap hacks for a year, and what finally made it meaningful

    Building the foundation first: a common language document, a company taxonomy, and an org chart his AI tools can actually use

    How Premier structures its Claude workspaces around the project life cycle, from marketing through customer service

    The install-to-service handoff that now produces a personalized client letter and full warranty documentation in about 30 seconds

    Whether you have been putting AI off or you're already deep in it and looking for a model that scales past you to your whole team, Jason lays out how he got his company aligned and what he would tell you to do first. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Jason Barth. 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/au368
  • Automation Unplugged Podcast

    #367: Brian Perreault on 35 Years of Change, Growth, and Building Barrett's for What's Next

    2026/08/19 | 1h 8 mins.
    SHOW NOTES

    In this episode, Brian and I discussed:

    Why Barrett's built a separate small projects team, and how those smaller jobs still fuel cash flow and client loyalty.

    Their approach to educational events, from an AI workshop to a new lighting lab built for specifiers.

    What's next for the industry, from video walls to energy storage to the wellness trend that never quite took off.

    Whether you're figuring out how to serve both your legacy clients and your biggest projects, or you're looking for new ways to build relationships with the design community, you're going to get a lot out of this one. So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Brian. 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/au367
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About Automation Unplugged Podcast
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 formats, episodes are released across our website, social media, and all major streaming platforms. Our content spans engaging interviews with industry leaders, in-depth discussions with One Firefly’s marketing experts, and insightful education on marketing & business growth strategies. From industry trends and business development to marketing, hiring, and beyond, Automation Unplugged delivers the knowledge and perspectives you need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving technology landscape.
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