Politically, these are interesting times with a new, old president taking back the Oval Office, and the country seemingly more divided than ever along political lines. Putting the politics and opinions aside, however, is the grassroots industry organization BIG AV.
BIG AV is an integrator-run industry group whose sole mission is to foster and promote members’ careers regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and political beliefs.
The peer-to-peer network of professional integrators was started by Charles Rudolph, founder and owner of Indianapolis-based Geeks with Hammers, back in 2020 after seeing a Facebook group post that simply asked, “How many people of color are in the custom installation industry?”
Coming up on the fifth anniversary of the organization in October, the dealer network group now includes a diverse range of members from across the country with different backgrounds that share Rudolph’s vision.
Providing Unbiased Peer-to-Peer Support
Rudolph recalls reading the mixed reactions to the Facebook question. He notes that when he read those responses, he knew there was a need in the industry for an environment where diversity could be celebrated and openly discussed without bias.
“Our long-term goal is to increase awareness and representation of people of color in custom installation while building a substantial peer-to-peer network of integrators committed to supporting and uplifting one another,” comments Rudolph. “Together, we aim to foster industry diversity, innovation, and excellence.”
Rudolph estimates that BIG AV boasts one of the smart home industry’s largest collections of minority-owned businesses. Dave Silkin, president and CEO of the rep firm Digital Sales Group Metro and the distributor DSG Distributors, suggests BIG AV is soon to hit the 500-member plateau.
“This is happening organically; from social media and a few events we attended,” notes Silkin. “These connections range from basic guys to serious residential and commercial professionals, and [integrators] are simply helping one another.”
The group has seven official members that make up its leadership team. Through an array of market connections, the organization has been able to engage with a range of business owners, all with unique perspectives. Rudolph’s near-term plans are to have a better idea of exact membership numbers by CEDIA Expo.
To become a member, all a prospective integrator needs to do is place a call with a founding member. Once the call is made, interested dealers will be paired with a BIG AV integrator that’s local to their business to foster connections and mentoring. Rudolph emphasizes the group prioritizes quality over quantity.
“There is a $1,500 yearly membership fee, which can also be fulfilled through volunteering time and resources to BIG AV. These dues directly support our efforts to host exclusive events, facilitate industry training sessions, and advance the future growth of the BIG AV network. I aim to meet every network member, ensuring our community remains strong, connected, and focused on its purpose,” Rudolph notes.
“I would like to emphasize that I want to know everybody. They can call me; members can reach me on Facebook. My wife says I may be a little too accessible. I want it to be a group where everyone knows one another.”
Addressing the Challenges of Minority Business Ownership
Owning a business in the electronics industry is not much different than starting and owning a business in any other industry. Rudolph states that access to education and resources is at the top of the list of hurdles.
“Many minority business owners enter the field as TV mounters, often unaware of the broader opportunities within the smart home and custom installation space. They see the possibilities through platforms like social media and BIG AV and realize they can do much more,” he remarks.
“Attending events like the CEDIA Expo can be transformative. It is an incredible moment to watch someone step onto the showroom floor and experience cutting-edge technology firsthand, seeing their faces light up with inspiration.”
Rudolph emphasizes that BIG AV plays an important role in bridging the disconnect to provide its members with the necessary support infrastructure to build their businesses.
One example he cites is when the group connected Maurice Javois, a network member, and owner of Sturdy Hands TV Mounting & More with Corey Smiley, owner of Clear Vision Designs. Both businesses are based in Las Vegas.
Smiley is a veteran business owner with a company that focuses on high-end smart home projects. Thanks to the connection Rudolph and BIG AV facilitated between Javois and Smiley, the Sturdy Hands owner is now being mentored and introduced to projects in $20-million homes.
The exposure Javois has received from Smiley’s mentorship, Rudolph says, is opening doors into the luxury smart home category that Javois may have never envisioned.
Reflecting on his own career journey, Rudolph says he was fortunate to meet CEDIA educator Jeff Gardner. He notes that Gardner helped to jump start his career in the custom integration industry. “Here I am 12 years later, I’m still here, working on groundbreaking projects and creating solutions, often the first of their kind,” he shares.
“At the same time, I’ve seen individuals enter this space and thrive, building successful businesses from the ground up. Now more than ever, I believe the smart home industry has an incredible opportunity to welcome anyone passionate about consumer technology and custom installation.”
Opening Potential Paths to Foster Careers
One of the biggest issues the smart home industry faces is finding qualified labor. Rudolph and BIG AV members have some ideas to help fulfill these needs.
He suggests the CEDIA trade group can play a pivotal role in attracting labor, including minority candidates. Some of his ideas include the organization offering scholarships, mentorship programs, and performing targeted outreach to underserved communities.
“Initiatives like subsidized training, networking events, and partnerships with manufacturers to provide resources for minority-owned businesses can help level the playing field,” he recommends. “Additionally, CEDIA could partner with organizations like BIG AV.”
For its part in helping foster industry diversity, Emerald, the owner of the CEDIA Expo, as well as dozens of other trade events and CE Pro, is supporting BIG AV’s push for increased career opportunities. Rudolph notes that at CEDIA Expo 2024, Emerald enabled a BIG AV meeting.
“Emerald has already demonstrated initiative, and by continuing to work with BIG AV, they can further support outreach efforts and help address key areas where smaller businesses often need assistance, such as staffing, marketing, and gaining manufacturer support,” he comments.
Rudolph adds that BIG AV can tackle the major issue of the industry’s labor shortage.
“While many of us are busy with demanding projects and don’t always have the time to teach basic skills, BIG AV addresses this through mentoring and hands-on training opportunities for its members,” he emphasizes. “By providing practical experience and peerto-peer support, we’re helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals.”
Further underscoring the grassroots organization’s ability to help with the labor challenges, is the group’s loyalty and willingness to collaborate further to assist with employee recruiting, hiring, and retention.
“If you’re in a bind, fellow members will attend your job site, wear your company shirt, and work alongside you to get the job done,” Rudolph enthuses. “There’s no competition — only collaboration. This spirit of unity and support is a powerful way to overcome labor challenges while strengthening the community.”
Differentiating BIG AV from Other Industry Groups
For those interested in joining BIG AV, Rudolph says that becoming a member means becoming a member of a diverse group of integrators that range in background and skill levels. The core mindset is to help other members, he asserts.
Rudolph explains that because BIG AV’s leadership encourages networking and mentorship, members benefit from the group’s culture of respect and growth to help everyone navigate the challenges they encounter as small business owners.
He notes that while BIG AV was founded by integrators of color, the organization is open to everyone regardless of color, religion, and sexual orientation.
“After all, it would be contradictory to advocate for diversity in the industry while discriminating against anyone who isn’t black. Our Facebook group is a testament to this inclusivity. It’s a space where people who love their work can connect — whether to vent, seek help, share their latest projects, or exchange ideas,” he says.
“BIG AV fosters a sense of community and mutual respect, bringing positivity to the smart AV industry by creating a supportive environment where dealers can grow together, regardless of background. The problem I want to solve is I want to show the industry can be more diverse. I want to take pride in saying I have the most diverse team. I want it to be everybody, because everyone brings different experiences.”
Platforms like Facebook and other modes of communication are intended to spur teamwork among members. The group’s app provides 24/7 support to users whenever they need it, and to foster group participation, BIG AV has implemented a point system that rewards member activity.
The organization also hosts monthly roundtables where members can discuss a variety of topics; they can ask questions; and simply collaborate in an open forum.
The app includes a search function through which members can locate fellow members based on parameters such as region, expertise, and knowledge of specific control systems. These search tools, he notes, make it easy for users to find members with skills that fit their needs, while encouraging collaboration, which makes the peer-to-peer network serve in its intended purpose.
Managing Growth & Forecasting the Future for BIG AV
As BIG AV continues to grow, Rudolph admits that he would be happy to align with other industry organizations that include CEDIA. He points out that CEDIA’s resources, training and industry influence could amplify BIG AV’s efforts to provide members with education, mentorship, and other business opportunities.
He says that his organization is interested in partnering with trade schools, manufacturers, and community organizations that are focused on workforce development.
“These partnerships would help us create pathways for new talent to enter the industry while providing our members access to tools, training, and insights that enhance their businesses,” he suggests.
“Additionally, BIG AV believes in working with other professional networks within and outside the AV space to share knowledge and create a more inclusive and innovative industry. By fostering these partnerships, we can expand opportunities for our members and help shape the future of the custom installation field.”
Examining some of the business opportunities that await BIG AV members, along with the rest of the smart home market, Rudolph estimates that lighting represents an exciting category for group members. He says that attending events like Lightapalooza can help members learn about how they can incorporate lighting into their system installations and grow their revenues, while tapping into the latest market trends.
Rudolph adds that besides participation in social media and reading industry publications can be helpful to members and enable them to keep up on emerging trends, technologies and best business practices.
“The world is changing, and so is the smart home industry. The images representing this industry today will look vastly different in the coming years. As awareness and exposure to the opportunities within the smart home market increase, we’ll see more diverse faces and voices joining and shaping the field,” enthuses Rudolph.
“The continued emphasis on inclusivity, education, and outreach will create opportunities for minorities, women, and other underrepresented groups to thrive. Events like the CEDIA Expo and platforms like BIG AV are already working to expose more people to the possibilities of this industry. Over the next several years, I envision a more vibrant and inclusive industry that reflects the diversity of our world — an industry where talent, passion, and innovation take center stage, regardless of background.”
