The Master Integrator Podcast

Paul Skelton
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS

The Master Integrator Podcast is where Australia’s smart home technology industry gets real. Hosted by Paul Skelton — a longtime industry journalist and current Regional Development Consultant for CEDIA in Australia and New Zealand — this series goes beyond product hype to explore the people, policies, and practices shaping the future of home integration. Each episode features candid conversations with integrators, educators, builders, designers, and policy leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a more professional, sustainable, and inclusive industry. Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, designing the systems, or shaping the rules — this podcast is for you. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just honest, grounded conversations about what it takes to make this industry better.

  1. Doing Good with AV - with Ian Morrish

    1D AGO

    Doing Good with AV - with Ian Morrish

    What happens when an AV industry veteran watches a terminally ill child light up in front of a donated cinema system — and decides to do it again? In this episode of Master Integrator, host Paul Skelton sits down with Ian Morrish — founder of Together for Cinema and the driving force behind the new GivingBack.Tech platform — for a conversation about purpose, industry generosity, and what happens when you point the skills of our trade at something that really matters. Ian has spent 35 years in the AV industry — including long stints with CEDIA and the ISE show — and in 2009, he started something he didn't quite have a name for yet. Today, Together for Cinema has installed 58 fully donated cinema rooms across children's hospices, adult hospices, hospitalwards, and respite care centres in the UK, with a combined value of over £1.55 million. Every install. Every piece of gear. Donated. Every integrator. Volunteered. Now Ian is turning his attention to GivingBack.Tech — a new platform designed to redirect second-hand, discontinued, and B-stock AV equipment from industry warehouses to registered charities and community interest companies across the UK. Launching to beneficiaries in May 2025, it's a simple idea with enormous potential, and it's already attracting support from some of the biggest names in the business. This episode covers: How Together for Cinema started with one phone call and a donated 35,000-pound systemThe moment Ian knew he had to keep going — watching a little girl called Bethany watching SpongeBob SquarePantsHow CEDIA integrators across the UK became the backbone of every installWhat it's like emotionally to run an organisation operating inside children's hospicesThe launch of GivingBack.Tech and why our industry has a landfill problem worth solvingIan's succession plans for Together for Cinema — and why the mission will outlast him  Connect with Ian Morrish Together for Cinema: www.togetherforcinema.comGivingBack.Tech: www.givingback.techIan is open to conversations with anyone in the industry who wants to get involved — in the UK or beyond. Reach out via the websites above or contact Master Integrator.   This Episode is Proudly Supported By ADI Global Distribution One of the world's leading distributors of security, AV, and low-voltage products. Trusted by integrators across Australia, New Zealand, and globally. Visit: www.adiglobal.com  Sonance — Distributed by Amber Technology The gold standard in architectural audio. Sonance loudspeakers are engineered to disappear into your design while delivering exceptional sound. Distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Amber Technology. Visit: www.ambertech.com.au   Kolosseum Specialists in high-performance home cinema, lighting and automation system design and documentation. Kolosseum partners with integrators to deliver world-class experiences for their clients. Visit: http://kolosseum.io   Connected Magazine The essential publication for the connected home and building technology industry in Australia. Stay current with the people, products, and projects shaping our industry. Visit: www.connectedmag.com.au   Subscribe to Master Integrator wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Paul Skelton on LinkedIn for industry news, industry updates, and new episode announcements. #MasterIntegrator #AVIndustry #TogetherForCinema#GivingBackTech #HomeAutomation #CustomInstall #AV

    57 min
  2. Service That Sells: Building Recurring Revenue and Happier Clients – with Sarah Bradsell

    MAR 29

    Service That Sells: Building Recurring Revenue and Happier Clients – with Sarah Bradsell

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Sarah Bradsell, Aftercare Manager at SMC, to explore how structured service and maintenance programs can transform integration businesses. Sarah shares her journey from reception desk to leading a 12-person aftercare team, and explains why aftercare must be designed, resourced, and sold with the same intent as projects. The conversation unpacks the realities of reactive vs proactive service, how to build service agreements that actually work, and why aftercare is fast becoming a competitive advantage for professional integrators. Topics covered include: Why service is often undervalued in integration businessesReactive vs proactive aftercareBuilding and pricing service contractsRemote support and monitoring as force multipliersSetting boundaries with clientsDocumentation and reporting disciplineHow aftercare drives upgrades and long-term revenueWhy service needs dedicated people and systemsSmall steps integrators can take to get started Guest: Sarah Bradsell – Aftercare Manager, SMC Sponsors: ADI GlobalSonance, distributed by Amber Technology Kolosseum Connected Magazine CEDIA Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    58 min
  3. Busy, Broke, and Burnt Out: Why Integrators Fail (and How to Avoid It) – with Leslie Shiner

    MAR 15

    Busy, Broke, and Burnt Out: Why Integrators Fail (and How to Avoid It) – with Leslie Shiner

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Leslie Shiner, a long-time financial management consultant to the CEDIA channel, to unpack the real financial pressures facing integration businesses. Drawing on decades of experience, Leslie explains why many integrators struggle despite strong demand, how misunderstandings around margins, cash flow, and deposits quietly destroy businesses, and what owners can do to regain control. This is a practical, unfiltered conversation about profit, pricing, estimating, labour, cash flow, and the mindset shifts required to build a business with longevity. Topics covered include: Why “busy” often means underpriced The three ways to improve profitability — and the one to avoid Why customer deposits are liabilities, not income How one bad job can erase multiple good ones Margins vs markup (and why they’re often misunderstood) Estimating mistakes that cost real money Why jobs lose profit in the final 10–15 percent Delegation, boundaries, and lifestyle vs growth businesses Raising rates without losing clients Sponsors: ADI Global Sonance, distributed by Amber Technology Kolosseum Connected CEDIA Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    59 min
  4. Leadership, Legacy, and Giving Back: A Conversation with CEDIA Chair Amanda Wildman

    MAR 1

    Leadership, Legacy, and Giving Back: A Conversation with CEDIA Chair Amanda Wildman

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Amanda Wildman, integrator, business owner, and newly appointed Chair of CEDIA’s Global Board. Amanda shares her personal journey into the integration industry, the challenges she faced building confidence and credibility, and the mentors who helped shape her path. She reflects on imposter syndrome, representation, and the realities of running a small integration business while volunteering at a global level. The conversation also explores Amanda’s priorities as Chair, including education, certification, volunteer engagement, and ensuring CEDIA remains relevant and accessible across global markets — including Asia-Pacific. This is an honest, human discussion about leadership rooted in service, not status. Topics covered include: Entering the industry later in life Confidence, imposter syndrome, and asking questions Being a woman on job sites and in leadership roles The realities of small business ownership Volunteering and professional growth What the CEDIA Chair role actually involves Global representation and emerging markets Education, certification, and workforce development Why volunteers are CEDIA’s greatest asset Guest:Amanda Wildman – Chair, CEDIA Global Board | Owner, TruMedia Sponsors: ADI Global - call 1800 990 548Kolosseum - http://kolosseum.ioConnected Magazine - www.connectedmag.com.auCEDIA - http://cedia.org/joinUni SC:To participate in the University of the Sunshine Coast's survey, visit https://tinyurl.com/ycy8cmxdContact:Email Master Integrator at info@masterintegrator.com.au, or visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

    1h 10m
  5. Cybersecurity Is No Longer Optional for AV Integrators – with Jeff Sonnleitner

    FEB 15

    Cybersecurity Is No Longer Optional for AV Integrators – with Jeff Sonnleitner

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Jeff Sonnleitner, cybersecurity educator and long-time CEDIA instructor, to unpack what cybersecurity really means for professional AV and smart home integrators. Jeff explains why modern AV systems are increasingly targeted, how everyday smart devices create hidden entry points, and why integrators can no longer treat network security as someone else’s responsibility. The conversation also explores the human side of cybersecurity, the rise of AI-driven threats, the importance of ongoing system maintenance, and how integrators can turn cybersecurity from a risk into a value-adding service. Topics covered include: Why AV systems are attractive cyber targets Residential vs commercial cybersecurity risks The hidden danger of everyday smart devices Why hardwired systems still matter The human factor as the weakest link AI, automation, and emerging threats Cybersecurity as an ongoing service, not a one-off task Why education is now essential for integrators and clients Guest:Jeff Sonnleitner – Cybersecurity Educator, CEDIA Instructor Sponsors: Kordz AustraliaKolosseumConnected MagazineCEDIA Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    50 min
  6. The State of the New Zealand Integration Market – A New Voice, with Adam Liddington.

    FEB 1

    The State of the New Zealand Integration Market – A New Voice, with Adam Liddington.

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Adam Liddington from Smarta Automation & AV to discuss the current state of the New Zealand smart home and AV integration market. As a newer entrant to the industry, Adam brings a fresh and grounded perspective on consumer confidence, market conditions, workforce challenges, and what integrators need to do to ensure long-term viability. The conversation explores where the NZ market feels strong, where it’s under pressure, and how education, collaboration, and industry engagement can help move things forward. Topics covered include: Entering the integration industry in New ZealandConsumer confidence and client behaviourMarket drivers and soft spotsSkills shortages and career pathwaysEducation and apprenticeshipsWhat the NZ industry needs to do nextWhy newer voices matter Guest: Adam Liddington – Smarta Automation & AV (New Zealand) Sponsors: Netvio, distributed by Kordz Australia - www.kordz.com.au Integrated Systems Europe - http://iseurope.org Kolosseum - http://kolosseum.io Connected Magazine - www.connectedmad.com.au CEDIA - www.cedia.org Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    50 min
  7. Why Growth Breaks Integration Businesses (and How to Fix It) – with Jason Sayen

    JAN 18

    Why Growth Breaks Integration Businesses (and How to Fix It) – with Jason Sayen

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Jason Sayen, founder of I Am Sayen, to unpack why fast-growing integration businesses often feel stuck, chaotic, or overwhelmed. Jason explains why most integration problems aren’t technical — they’re operational. From unclear scopes of work to broken handoffs and owners becoming bottlenecks, this conversation dives into the real reasons margin, momentum and morale suffer as businesses grow. If you’re busy, stressed, and constantly reacting, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, delegation, and operations. Topics covered include: Why integrators should think like manufacturers The four most common operational breakdown points How owners accidentally become bottlenecks Why clarity enables delegation The role of culture in making process stick Why weekly production meetings matter Progress over perfection in operations Avoiding burnout through structure, not effort Guest:Jason Sayen – Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Founder, I Am Sayen - https://iamsayen.comSponsors: Kordz AustraliaKolosseumConnected MagazineIntegrated Systems Europe (use code word masterintegrator for free registration)CEDIA Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    45 min
  8. Documenting for Growth: Paul McLean on Scalable Systems and Smarter Integration

    JAN 6

    Documenting for Growth: Paul McLean on Scalable Systems and Smarter Integration

    Paul McLean joins the podcast to share how his journey from integrator to software founder led to the creation of Kolosseum—a platform revolutionising design documentation for the smart home and AV industries. We discuss the challenges integrators face with quoting and documentation, the business risks of poor systems, and how Kolosseum’s SPARK program is bridging the gap between integrators and suppliers. What You’ll Learn: Why documentation is critical to growth How Kolosseum standardises and simplifies quoting and design The role of SPARK in helping integrators and vendors connect Paul’s advice for scaling a service business What the future of smart home system design looks like Mentioned: Kolosseum.io SPARK Program: kolosseum.io/spark Sponsors:Kordz | Kolosseum | Connected Magazine | Integrated Systems Europe | CEDIA Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    1h 2m
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About

The Master Integrator Podcast is where Australia’s smart home technology industry gets real. Hosted by Paul Skelton — a longtime industry journalist and current Regional Development Consultant for CEDIA in Australia and New Zealand — this series goes beyond product hype to explore the people, policies, and practices shaping the future of home integration. Each episode features candid conversations with integrators, educators, builders, designers, and policy leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a more professional, sustainable, and inclusive industry. Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, designing the systems, or shaping the rules — this podcast is for you. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just honest, grounded conversations about what it takes to make this industry better.

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