From the Editor
Features
The Sorry Optimist
Why a typically 'let's-lower-expectations' person is feeling good about the custom integration industry right now.
Features
Finishing Strong
With the end of the business fiscal year — and the end of the calendar year — now is a good time to make...
Features
I Read the Newsletter Today, Oh Boy
Thinking about how we consume delivered content — and how we create it for our audiences.
Features
Leadership Lessons From Lindor
Management takeaways from the all-star shortstop for the NY Mets.
Features
Roll With the Changes
There is no doubt that tariffs will have an effect on our businesses — integrator, manufacturer, distributor, and consultant alike.
Features
For the Love of Movie Theaters
A robust commercial cinema environment opens the doors to more opportunities for CI dealers.
Features
Annoyingly Inundated
We seem to have passed a threshold of overexplaining AI to the masses.
Features
Forget Me Nots
Wouldn’t you feel better knowing that every job you completed and customer interaction was stored deep in your DNA and able to be accessed...
Features
Discussing Daisy
Daisy is having one heck of a year, adding franchises in key areas across the country and enlisting a who’s who of industry luminaries...
Features
Only the Best
There is one thing that has not changed in this industry — and that is the wealthy’s need to have the very best.
Features
All About AV
The custom installation industry is nothing if not ambitious. Looking back at the industry 20 years ago — filled with audio and video experts...
Features
Pivoting While on Top
A great man once said, “Some people have a way with words, and other people…oh, uh, not have way.”
Features
Mind the Curiosity Gap
There is nothing inherently wrong with teasing out some tantalizing information and leading the audience to a deeper answer elsewhere.
Features
The Kids Are Alright
The CTA presents its research on Gen Z and how they interact with technology.
Features
The Center of the Design-Build Universe
Custom installers are the glue that holds the modern home design-build team together.
Features
RMR: In or Out?
Snap One's recent customer service options generated some interesting industry discussions.
Features
Still the Center of It All
TV is on its way out, right? Gen Z likes to watch content on their phones and tablets, or so the pundits tell us....
Features
Breaking Through
Looking back, 2023 was a breakthrough year for the industry in a few key areas.
Features
For the Love of Demos
I don’t know how you all feel about giving them, but I love sitting through a demo.
Features
Remember When…
The tech comes, the tech goes, but the memories and the feelings those experiences created remain.
Features
The Lure of the Franchise
The attraction behind the concept of opening a business backed by a solid corporate entity that can cover all the knowledge the owner may...
Features
Shining Those Forks
Although about a restaurant, 'The Bear' celebrates the same qualities that custom installation pros exhibit.
Features
Doing It Better
When a custom integration company takes over the role of another professional, it made the process — and the project — better.
Features
Showroom Week: No Two Alike
Despite the similarities in gear, trends, and installations, no two showrooms are alike
Features
The Magic Eye of the Ears
Trying my best to hear immersive sound out of single Dolby Atmos-capable smart speakers.
Features
Bad Management in Action
If you do watch 'The Recruit' and you recognize any business practices shared with your own, it is time to rethink and retool.
Features
Inspirational Electronics
After attending CES 2023, I was overtaken by a somewhat surprising feeling for someone leaving Las Vegas — hope.
Features
Sharing Is Caring
Altruism is certainly alive and well in the custom installation industry.
Features
Surround Pro 2.0
The advances in tech have again pushed us to the point where immersive sound will be ubiquitous.
Features
A Tale of Two Shows
I recently had quite the week — starting it off in Dallas at CEDIA Expo 2022 and wrapping it up at the NY Comic...
Features
Maybe Even a Great Steer
After more than 65 years of serving the area, the Good Steer decided to close its doors for good on a recent Saturday. It...