Daisy, a national smart space and installation services company, is continuing to expand with the opening of a new branch in Ocala, Fla., an expansion that comes after Daisy acquired First Priority Audio a few months earlier.
Bert Herrero, founder of First Priority Audio, is opening the location as a Daisy franchise in the growing metro area that includes new families and retirees. The location is set to formally open in January 2025, marking Daisy’s seventh franchise location and 13th overall branch, which includes the First Priority Audio (FPA) location Daisy acquired in July.
“Ocala and The Villages, in particular, are prime areas for growth, with a rapidly expanding population eager to adopt the latest smart home solutions,” says Bert Herrero, Daisy Ocala founder and CEO.
“We’re excited to bring cutting-edge technology and our unique recurring service model to a community ready to embrace it. Our new venture aligns perfectly with this region’s evolving needs and population boom.”
According to the announcement, Herrero is an entrepreneur who has been building businesses for decades that revolve around technology and home services. Prior to acquisition, First Priority Audio operated in Pompano Beach, Fla. for 20 years, and Herrero’s company and soon-to-be-Daisy franchise location now gets to leverage Daisy’s branch support systems to grow the business in Ocala.
2024 Lighting Controls and Fixtures Report
Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.Download your copy now!
Herrero says his approach at FPA focused on customer service.
“My approach centered around not only integrating cutting-edge solutions but also ensuring our clients were fully supported long after installation, making leading-edge technology both accessible and easy to use,” Herrero says in a statement.
The Daisy franchisee says he was also able to build a high-performing team and foster a culture of collaboration.
“By empowering my team to embrace new technologies and take ownership of their roles, we were able to scale the business and consistently exceed client expectations,” Herrero says. “This foundation of trust and expertise was key to our growth and operational excellence, and it remains a core principle in everything I do.”
Latest Daisy Ocala Branch Leverages Infrastructure & Resources
Herrero says the growth potential of Daisy franchisees is fueled by access to its sales and marketing programs, talent recruitment and training solutions, product and supply chain support, integrated technology infrastructure to run the business end-to-end, and more.
“This, combined with a track record of 96% client retention and a 5-star rating at FPA gives me the confidence to deliver the same exceptional experiences to the residents of Ocala and The Villages,” he says.
According to Daisy, the company will introduce tailored technology and recurring services that cater to the needs of Ocala residents, while investing in the community by providing new jobs and partnering with schools and technical training centers to cultivate local talent.
“Our mission is to not only improve the homes and lifestyles of our clients but to also make a lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve,” Herrero concludes.
Daisy CEO and co-founder Hagan Kappler says the service requirements in the Ocala community are significant, as clients expect high-end technology solutions with strong support. Herrero’s experience and Daisy’s support operations should meet those expectations, she says.
Kappler told CE Pro at CEDIA Expo 2024 that the company plans to continue expanding this year, and may have around 20 locations by the end of 2024.
“The franchise business model is a true win/win for both our clients and business partners,” Kappler says in a statement.
“We are involved in many discussions to add new locations across the U.S. that will provide large-company backing with small-company feel and service. Our national brand presence gives us the ability to bring reliable home technology solutions to clients across the country as we launch new businesses across the nation. Together, we can ensure our customers are happy and our partners can build their businesses with more support and less risk.”
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our digital newsletters!
