Business Support

Distributors Expand House Brands to Pump Up Integrator Margins

Distributors invest in house brands and add products from Apple, Bose and others to stem the growing retail/etail buying trend.

Jul 05, 2016

Inside Maverick Integration’s New World-Class Showroom

Maverick Integration's new showroom in Nashua, N.H., features vignettes featuring Bang & Olufsen, Lutron shades and Millson Custom Solutions, as well as a dedicated theater and rack-building facility.

Jun 28, 2016

Want to Build a Strong Social Media Presence? Follow These 10 Steps

Custom integrators can win back that influence in the marketplace with this blend of ten offensive and defensive social media tactics to promote their business.

Jun 27, 2016

Article NewsOperations

How Tracking Technicians’ Time Helps Calculate Your Hourly Labor Rates

Using time-tracking software enables integrators to determine employee utilization rate to help set your hourly rates, but integrators also need to calculate 'urgent' vs. 'normal' hours.

Jun 24, 2016

Study: Electricians Swarm to High-Tech Commercial Jobs, Smart Homes Amid Unrest

Study by Klein Tools shows strong uptick in electricians working on 'high-tech' commercial projects and 'home technology' installations in 2016, as growing unrest from the recession still lingers in the field with 42% looking to move into related fie

Jun 22, 2016

Houzz Study: 33% of House Buyers Plan ‘Home Automation’ Upgrades

Massive study by home remodeling website Houzz reveals home automation is third most planned system upgrade, but still less than 1% of homeowners plan to hire a 'media' contractor; however, 4% are seeking 'window treatment' professionals.

Jun 22, 2016