Automation Unplugged Podcast Ron Callis

Welcome to Episode #263 of Automation Unplugged. Today’s show features John Rudolph, President of PCD Audio & Video System Integration.

John started his career in consumer audio in 1976, working first at Shoreline Stereo managing the Santa Rosa store, then moving to Pacific Stereo from 1977-1979. He then moved into the professional audio world at Sound Genesis in 1979–1983, where he helped design and build radio stations, recording studios, broadcast TV and private production systems, as well as commercial audio video systems.

After that, John returned to the consumer AV industry to work for The Good Guys, where he started as a store manager and later headed the development of the company’s custom installation business. In 1999, he joined PCD as General Manager and Vice President, then President. Since then, John has continued to build and develop the company culture into a well-respected and thriving AV system integrator in the northern California market.

We live-streamed this interview on social media on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 12:30 pm EST.

Welcome to episode #262 of Automation Unplugged. Today, we’re switching things up to bring you a special Tech Women Takeover episode in celebration of International Women’s Day.

I’m passing over the mic to Kat Wheeler, long-time industry veteran and Account Executive here at One Firefly, to host today’s show. Kat is joined by a panel of accomplished professionals in our industry:

Amanda Wildman, Owner of TruMedia
Maryellen Oswald, Business Development Manager - Partnerships at Somfy
Jody Larsen, Director of Business Development and Sales at CEDIA, and
Erica Carroll, Director of Product Marketing & Training at Mersive Technologies

This is an amazing lineup of women who have helped propel our industry forward, and each of them serves as an inspiration for what women are accomplishing in the tech industry. We’re thrilled to have them all together here on AU to share their insights.

We live-streamed today’s interview on social media on Friday, March 8th at 12:30 pm EST.

Show #261 features Ryan Lee, Owner of Landscape Lighting Secrets.

Ryan Lee is an experienced landscape lighting designer and business owner with 16 years of experience in the industry. He started and grew a multi-million dollar landscape lighting company (Majestic Outdoor Lighting) in Fort Worth, TX.

In 2019, he sold his lighting business and is now focused full-time on coaching other landscape lighting businesses to help them go from business operator to business owner through his program Landscape Lighting Secrets. He is also the host of the #1 landscape lighting podcast in the world, Lighting For Profits.

Ryan holds a Bachelor degree in Marketing and an MBA from Utah State University. He has personally designed and sold millions of dollars of landscape lighting.

Show #260 features Kendall Clark, Director of Sales of One Firefly.

Kendall Clark is One Firefly’s pioneering and creative sales leader. As Director of Sales, Kendall is responsible for overseeing the account executives and all sales activities, providing leadership focus and priority guidance for the department. Kendall previously led the Digital Media department, and oversaw the production of hundreds of industry-focused websites for our clients. Kendall has also been instrumental in developing and launching several of One Firefly’s award-winning products, as well as managing One Firefly’s video shoots.

Show #259 features Joaquin Rivera, Founder of ByDesign Vision and Sound Marketing.

Joaquin's immersion in the industry traces back to his upbringing, with a remarkable fifteen-year journey as an integral part of the team at Stewart Filmscreen, a leading force in video projection screens. Commencing his career in production at Stewart Filmscreen, Joaquin swiftly transitioned to various pivotal roles, including Marketing, Inside Sales, International Sales, Factory Liaison, National Sales Manager, and ultimately becoming the first VP in Stewart's history not bearing the Stewart surname.

When faced with the loss of Stewart's longtime representative in California, Arizona, Vegas, and Hawaii, Joaquin, along with his co-worker and friend Benito, decided it was time for a change. In 2014, they took the bold step to establish ByDesign Vision & Sound Marketing Inc. Joaquin's unwavering dedication has earned recognition within the industry, manifested through several awards bestowed upon him over the years.

Show #258 features John Heyman, Chief Executive Officer of Snap One.

John has worked in the technology industry for over 30 years, including as the CEO of Radiant Systems, Inc., a publicly traded business until its $1.3 billion sale in 2011. Since joining Snap One in 2015, John has led the company through explosive growth via new product introductions, entry into new markets, key strategic acquisitions, and an IPO in July 2021.

John has also been a successful investor in a number of software firms across many sectors. He served as Executive Chairman of Influence Health, the Board of Directors of Manhattan & Associates and Dinova, LLC, and Chairman of Impact Innovations. He has also served the non-profit sector, in various roles at University of Georgia, the Metro Atlanta YMCA and Holy Innocents Episcopal School.