09.11.2009
Coming to CEDIA Expo 2009 is a time for integrators to get excited about new business opportunities.

The trouble is that before the show even started, I was bombarded by several integrators telling me how bad business is. It sucks.

One very successful integrator told me this fall is going to "make or break" many custom retailers in his market. He said many companies in his area have already been through massive layoffs and don't have anymore to cut.

"They have one foot in the grave and they don't even know it," he says, "because they are continuing to conduct business as usual."

Other guys are telling me lessons they have learned, including not to rely on contracts with homebuilders, but make all contracts directly with the homeowners, using builders only for access to the account.