Episodes 282
Avg. Duration 55m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (28)
Since Sep 2019
Latest Episode Apr 2026

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Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
100%
Hosting
feeds.simplecast.com

About This Podcast

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.

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Recent Episodes

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

Apr 22, 2026 1h 12m

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,…

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

Apr 15, 2026 1h 2m

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…

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

Apr 08, 2026 1h 7m

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…

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

Apr 01, 2026 1h 2m

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…

AU Special Announcement

Mar 25, 2026 4m Bonus

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…

#348: Scott Smith on Scaling Your Business through Lighting Partnerships

Mar 18, 2026 1h 3m

SHOW NOTES In this episode, Scott and I discussed: The evolution of his career from AV integration business owner, to 18 year career with Crestron and even a stint in the NASCAR sponsorship world…

#347: Owning Your Luxury Market — Strategies for Winning More High-Value Projects

Mar 11, 2026 59m

SHOW NOTES We cover: What a true “luxury experience” looks like across multiple touchpoints — from your branding, imagery, and website to in-person showroom tours, events, and white-glove…

#346: 35 Years of Aloha – The Pacific Audio & Communications Story

Mar 04, 2026 1h 14m

SHOW NOTES In this episode, Phil, Pat, and I discussed: Their 35-year journey from a startup to one of Hawaii’s most respected integration firms   How they’ve built a lasting company culture…

#345: Smarter, Not Harder: How Small Businesses Can Actually Use AI

Feb 25, 2026 33m

SHOW NOTES This episode is hosted by Kat Wheeler, and together she and Adam dive into: How to identify the AI tools that actually make a difference Simple ways to automate repetitive marketing and…

#344: Reflecting Innovation – Tony Blodgett on Seura’s Mirror Technology Evolution

Feb 18, 2026 58m

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Tony and I discussed:Seura’s evolution from outdoor TVs to its leadership in mirror technology Why lighted mirrors are becoming a must-have in luxury homes and hospitality…

#343: Get Rich Slow — How Integrators Win Trade Partner Relationships and Bigger Projects

Feb 11, 2026 1h 4m

SHOW NOTESWe cover:Why “design consultant” beats “contractor” — and how charging for consultation and design services can instantly elevate your role with trade partnersHow to use consistency,…

#342: Building Better AV Products — Joe Whitaker on Innovation, Education, and the Future of AV

Feb 04, 2026 48m

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Joe and I discussed:His transition from integrator to manufacturer — and what he’s learned on both sides of the industryThe importance of innovation, education, and fair…

#341: From First Touch to Final Sale: Marketing & Sales Collaboration

Jan 28, 2026 36m

SHOW NOTESThis episode is hosted by Kat Wheeler, and together she and Stephen dive into:Real-world scenarios where sales and marketing either collaborate or clashHow shared goals and open…

#340: Inside Lightapalooza 2026 with Tom Doherty — Education, Power, and What’s Next for Integrators

Jan 21, 2026 45m

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Tom and I discussed:What's new at Lightapalooza 2026 in Austin, TX: Education and certifications, education tracks and speakers, show floor exhibitors, and more.Plus: How…

#339: People, Culture, and Hiring- Building Teams that Last

Jan 14, 2026 36m

SHOW NOTESThis episode is hosted by Kat Wheeler, and together she and Andrew explore:What separates a company that lives its values from one that just lists them on a websiteHow intentional…

#338: Carley Knobloch on Bridging Design and Technology in Luxury Homes

Jan 07, 2026 1h 6m

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Carley and I discussed:How thoughtful design and technology can beautifully coexistThe importance of early collaboration between designers and integratorsAnd Why lighting…

#337: 2025 Year in Review — Growth, Challenges, and the Role of AI at One Firefly

Dec 31, 2025 1h 12m

SHOW NOTESWe talk about:Key highlights, milestones, and moments that shaped One Firefly in 2025The successes we’re most proud of this past year and the challenges that tested us and helped us growHow…

#336: Lessons in Expansion — Steve Weber on Acquisitions, Systems, and Leadership

Dec 24, 2025 1h 3m

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Steve and I discussed:How Liaison scaled from a single market to a national presenceLessons learned from acquisitions and building strong company cultureAnd how the…

#335: From CIA to CEO—Kris Coleman on Security, Strategy, and Service

Dec 17, 2025 1h 8m

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Kris and I discussed:How Red5 helps clients navigate security in an increasingly connected and vulnerable worldWhy smart home tech and AI-powered devices are reshaping the…

#334: Building Partnerships That Shine — Kayla Steinberg of ADI | Snap One

Dec 10, 2025 55m

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Kayla and I discussed:How the Certified Showroom Dealer program helps integrators grow visibility and engagement in their local marketsHer three P’s of event success —…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Automation Unplugged Podcast have?

Automation Unplugged Podcast has published 282 episodes since September 2019, covering topics in Business, Entrepreneurship.

Is Automation Unplugged Podcast still active?

Automation Unplugged Podcast is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 55m.

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