CEDIA has opeened up voting for the 2018-2019 board of directors. Below is a letter from chairman-elect David Humphries, followed by bios of the seven home-technology professionals on the docket.
As our industry comes together this week for CEDIA 2017 in San Diego, we are calling upon you to help shape the future of CEDIA by casting your vote in the 2018-2019 Board of Directors election. This is an incredibly important decision, as these members will serve a two-year term, influencing the direction of the industry, governing the association's activities, and representing the residential technology profession to the outside world.
The 2018-2019 board, including existing and new directors, will reflect one-third EMEA directors and the remaining directors representing members across the globe. There are seven home technology professional members in contention for the three open elected positions. The vacancies this election cycle may be filled by CEDIA home technology professional members outside the EMEA region. Each of our seven candidates brings different skills, knowledge, goals, and vision to the table. To help you in this important decision, we have compiled key details on each candidate.
Each member company may cast one ballot. As CEDIA has transitioned to a single board representing the global CEDIA membership, it is important to note that regardless of where you are located you are eligible to vote for up to three candidates in the election.
Since you are listed as a company administrator, you are being sent the link to the voting site, but please note that there may be more than one company administrator for your company: In that case, only the first ballot cast by each company will be counted. If you are joining us in San Diego, you may choose to vote in the CEDIA booth, #3635.
Voting opens today, and will remain accessible until October 16, 2017. Elected Directors will be announced immediately after and are seated on January 1, 2018.
In parallel to the election process, the CEDIA Governance Committee is reviewing applications and conducting interviews with the 28 potential appointed candidates. Appointed Directors are chosen from amongst all member types (manufacturers, service providers, home technology professionals, etc.) There are two open appointed positions for the 2018-2019 term – one to be filled from the EMEA region, and the other from the entire global membership. These two positions will be voted on by the newly seated board at the first board meeting in January 2018.
The board election process is governed and outlined by CEDIA's bylaws.
I would encourage you to take this opportunity to review the information that we have provided on the seven candidates, and vote for the three who you believe will best represent the interests of you and your colleagues, and provide strong leadership for CEDIA. Make your voice heard on what is one of the most critical decisions affecting CEDIA, its governance, and future direction.
Best Regards,
David Humphries
CEDIA Board of Directors, Chairperson-Elect
CEDIA Governance Committee Chair
The Candidates
KEN ERDMANN
Erdmann Electric
Springville, Utah, USA
Industry experience: 38 years
As co-founder and part owner of Erdmann Electric, Inc. Ken Erdmann ran the low-voltage and systems integration component of the company. A CEDIA volunteer since 1994, Ken has served as an instructor, committee chair, subject matter expert, and volunteer leader, and currently serves as the Certification team leader. In 2005, he was elected to the CEDIA Board of Directors, ultimately serving a two-year term as Chairman. Ken is a past CEDIA Volunteer of the Year, a CEDIA Fellow, and a recipient of the CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award. Ken enjoys travel, which he says helps inform his view of what is necessary to be successful and serves as a reminder that to understand others’ needs, one must see them on their terms in their own homes and places of business.
What is your vision for CEDIA to ensure that it remains relevant and prominent in how it services this fast-paced industry?
CEDIA must continue to find and develop relationships that benefit the integrator/member. As disruptive technologies continue to enter our space we must find ways to profit from the changes and be able to reassure our customers that we are prepared to take advantage of the new technologies and that they will be best served by staying with an integrator with a proven track record. As new distribution models take hold of our customer's attention we must ensure that the integrator is part of that.
What goals would you expect the board to prioritize over the upcoming years?
First help the integrator to take advantage of the IoT revolution by building education that is locally focused but globally relevant. Second CEDIA must cement the value of the integrator by establishing relationships with industry partners including those in the custom builder, real estate and developer communities. Finally the board must reenforce the fact that while CEDIA is an industry association the first priority must be to the membership, that means all the members, integrators, trade suppliers and associate members. Understanding and addressing their needs must be highest priority.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
We will see the continued refinements of existing control interfaces, voice, touch, presence awareness will be part of new control technologies. Machine learning, artificial intelligence and mixed, augmented and virtual reality will be components of the systems we design and install. The consumer will insist on access to home systems from anywhere at anytime. They will expect content delivery at will and on demand. All of these will place serious pressure on the network, thus providing opportunities for the integrator. Apple, Google, cable, security will all offer services in our space we will need to offer superb customer service to compete with these 800 pound gorillas. Customer services and associated recurring revenue will be a larger profit center for the integrator than selling boxes.
RIC JOHNSON
Right at Home Technologies
Ada, Ohio, USA
Industry experience: 45 years
Ric started in the building trades as a young boy, working with his grandfather on carpentry projects around the farm, and was many of the basic business and construction paths he follows today.
During his final years in high school and college, Ric joined Don Fagaly, a general contractor in White Oak Ohio. Working with Ray and Don Fagaly, Ric built his first house in 1968. During this construction, Ric worked with a local electrical contractor, which peaked his interest in electrical and electronics. In October 1968, while attending the University of Cincinnati’s Engineering College, Ric purchased the assists of Oakeana Electrical.
In 1978, R L Johnson Construction Services, LLC was established with Ric proving carpentry, electrical, and electronics services to local and regional builders and remodelers. Today, Right at Home Technologies, Ltd. is the parent company with six operating divisions.
Ric has served seven terms as President of the West Central Builders Association in Lima, Ohio, currently serving as immediate Past President. He continues to serve as their State and National Director. He is currently the Chair of the Custom Home Builders, Home Technology Work Group, is a member of the Energy and Green Codes and Standards Subcommittee, and Business Management and Technology Committee. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator of home technology, having served as Content Provider for NAHB’s University of Housing’s IRM Home Technology Course and as SME fir the latest Advance Certified Aging In Place course. He has served as IT Consultant to the Executive Committee of the Ohio Home Builders. He was the recipient of the 2015 Garrison-McDaniel Memorial Award from the Ohio Home Builders Association.
Ric serviced eight years as a Board member of the Consumers Technology Association’s TechHome Division, seven years on the CTA’s Small Business Council and seven years on the CTA’s Multi-Room Audio/Video Council. In March 2010, he was awarded the CTA’s Mark of Excellence Leadership Award. He serves as a Mentor for CompTIA and has served as Chair of CTA’s TechHome division’s Builder Initiative. Ric has also been named a CEDIATweep, promoting his expertise at the annual CEDIA show. In December 2013, Ric was included in the first class of CEPro magazine’s Masters of the CE industry for his forty plus years of service.
Ric, a Master Electrician, carries a State of Ohio Electrical Contractors license, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music in Broadcast Arts/Production, Minor in Musical Theater Vocal, Master of Electrical Engineering – Power Systems from the University of Cincinnati, College of Engineering.
What is your vision for CEDIA to ensure that it remains relevant and prominent in how it services this fast-paced industry?
To continue to be THE industry organization that serves the entire marketplace, from entry level through to luxury markets, and to provide both networking opportunities and educational objectives for our members. We need to continue to expanding our certification and industry-leading outreach to other associated trade groups, and maintain our legislative programs to protect our industry from unnecessary and expensive regulation.
What goals would you expect the board to prioritize over the upcoming years?
Membership, educational opportunities, and new technologies.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
I see some consolidation coming in both the installation and manufacturing side. Today, we are seeing an ever expanding market of DIY and GAMA players in the home technology market and there will be a shakeout in the near future as competing platforms merge or fail and others rise. Just as networking started slowly, it is now covering most, if not all, segments of our markets. The same will continue with additional technologies.
SCOTT MCALLISTER
Electronic Systems Architects
Gold River (Sacramento), CA, USA
Industry experience: 26 years
After very successful careers with AT&T Information Systems and Digital Equipment Corporation, Scott began 10 rewarding years with Soundstream Technologies, Snell Acoustics, and both AMX Subsidiaries of PHAST and Audio-Ease. In 1999, he started MediaWorks in Sacramento with a focus on luxury home integration. During those years, he served as a Board Member and Volunteer for CEDIA, while also writing articles for various industry publications.
When faced with a major downturn in the construction of luxury homes, Scott began working with SMUD, one of the most innovative energy companies in the United States, with a goal of helping the management team develop a “smart home” strategy for their customers. As that program evolved, Scott was drawn to his spirit of entrepreneurship, and founded Electronic Systems Architects.
As regulation, health, and labor laws have continued to evolve in the State of California, Scott has aligned himself with a consortium of other successful complementary players in the market. This group now focuses its energy on delivering world class customer experiences to luxury homeowners in the area. Scott is actively involved in other community organizations, and has served on various board positions, including Sacramento CASA and Alzheimer’s Awareness.
What is your vision for CEDIA to ensure that it remains relevant and prominent in how it services this fast-paced industry?
I think that it is very important that the Board and the Organization Management come from diverse backgrounds and experience. The mix of our membership and the firms that we would like to see join CEDIA are very diverse; not only from a technological perspective, but also from a much wider spread of ages and backgrounds. Twenty years ago, the age spread of the typical member was perhaps 10 years. Now, it might span over 40 years.
What goals would you expect the board to prioritize over the upcoming years?
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Staying ahead of the industry
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Providing world class training
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Creating platforms for members to network and share their knowledge and experience in a positive and open way.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
The future depends on whether or not technology solutions become so simple that anyone can implement the various solutions that our members currently now deliver.
CRAIG GRADUS SAMSON
Look & Listen
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Industry experience: 19 years
Craig is a qualified sound engineer with a passion for audio visual technology, which has seen him spend his entire career within the custom electronics industry. He believes that he is one of the lucky few who love what he does and his passion for the industry allows him to hold a high degree of product knowledge and dedication to the industry.
Craig started his career as a car audio installer, lighting engineer and a sound technician in South Africa, before moving to London to study Audio Engineering at SAE Technical College and completing his studies in Australia after relocating to Sydney.
He became a junior installer with Len Wallis Audio, and quickly climbed the ladder to senior installer. After moving to Brisbane, Craig started working as a contractor and shortly afterwards, opened Look & Listen. Initially focusing on the low to middle end of the market, Craig realized that his passion was with true integration, automation, and control, so he turned his attention in this direction. He has continued to educate himself over the years by attending CEDIA.
Being a CEDIA Board Member in Australia in 2015 allowed Craig to share his passion and views about the change needed within the industry. He now hopes to do this once again and to focus on the change that is required.
What is your vision for CEDIA to ensure that it remains relevant and prominent in how it services this fast-paced industry?
Being an integrator dealing with the mid to high end of the market, I continuously ensure I keep relevant and current.
I would like to see CEDIA bring about regulation and mandatory licensing, which ultimately ensures the true professionals of the industry are part of a recognized trade.
What goals would you expect the board to prioritize over the upcoming years?
Focusing on becoming a recognized trade and ensuring CEDIA manages the mandatory licensing of qualified professionals.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
The industry will become more niche and bespoke, with a focus on energy management and automation.
MATT D. SCOTT
OMEGA Audio Video
London, Ontario, Canada
Industry experience: 13 years
Matt started in the pro AV industry at a very early age, running his first live front of house event at the age of 12. Matt continued in the industry, starting OMEGA Audio Video in 2001, specializing in house of worship and professional audio video design and installation. He expanded OMEGA’s services to include residential AV in 2004, and continues to work heavily in both markets. Matt specializes in house of worship, live sound, lighting control, home theater design, control systems, and connected home technologies.
What is your vision for CEDIA to ensure that it remains relevant and prominent in how it services this fast-paced industry?
CEDIA needs to continue to determine its identity and how it wants to serve the community and their customers. As technology continues to evolve, it’s my belief that CEDIA needs to decide on which verticals it is going to focus on. Whether that is traditional home AV, traditional home automation, IoT, or the smart home. A silo approach is needed, as I don’t believe the blanket tactic will work. Creating segments to continue to address this may prove to be efficient, whilst also allowing members to select and pull from CEDIA the verticals that affect them.
What goals would you expect the board to prioritize over the upcoming years?
The board will need to prioritize the direction that they want to pursue. I believe that we are in the midst of the largest change to our industry (with voice, IoT, interconnect-ability, etc), and how to effectively help our members through this shift should be the board’s biggest priority.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
The industry is likely to continue to shift towards connected devices in every area of the home. The market share of our traditional AV systems will continue to become smaller as the mainstream client is comfortable with off-the-shelf simplistic systems. The high end market will continue to be interested in true custom solutions.
HEATHER L. SIDOROWICZ
Southtown Audio Video
Hamburg, NY, USA
15 years
Heather is President and owner of Southtown Audio Video, a custom installation and integration firm. Heather’s roots are on the front lines; working directly with the client, selling and designing both personalized audio video solutions, and corporate/higher education conference and training spaces.
As a female in a predominately male industry, Heather has a unique perspective, believing that technology should balance the home/workplace rather than overtake it, and it's her mission to find technology and products that improve one's quality of life.
Her previous CEDIA experience began as a CEDIATweep, before sitting on the CEDIA Awards judging panel. She became Chair of this group, crossed over to the Membership committee and is currently active on the Industry Relations Advisory Council.
Southtown Audio Video has been the Commercial Integrators Top Higher Ed Integration Firms for the past two years, and in 2015, Heather was selected at as one of their 40 Influencers Under 40. Locally, she has mentored for the University at Buffalo’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership program and also the Allstate's Minority and Women’s Emerging Entrepreneurs Program.
Heather is a weekly contributor to Residential Systems' online site where she muses about the home technology industry with a passionate and singular style. She has also written for CEDIA’s prestigious magazine, Communicates.
What is your vision for CEDIA to ensure that it remains relevant and prominent in how it services this fast-paced industry?
CEDIA can stay relevant and prominent by providing services indispensable to technology integrators across the board. Years ago, that answer was health care; today the answer is less tangible, but just as important to the life blood of the industry.
What goals would you expect the board to prioritize over the upcoming years?
Relevance. This industry is in the state of change, so we need to approach this issue head on to stay relevant to our members. The next question is HOW. This is the issue that I would like to tackle.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
It will no longer be product driven, it will become service driven. I would love to see a software system that members can buy into to connect local companies to the online purchase; think of 1-800-Flowers. Amazon has started adding install to purchases, but not with anyone watching out for the integrators. Why can’t CEDIA start that conversation?
TED SPRAGUE
Lavish Theaters Corp.
Healdsburg, California, USA
Industry experience: 15 years
Originally from New York City, Ted began his custom electronics system integration career in late 2001, pre-wiring residential projects part-time for a CEDIA member company in Colorado. At the time, he was working in a totally unrelated industry and his passion for the technology quickly led to a full time position where he demonstrated a desire to learn more about electronic subsystems and the future of integrated controls. Ted’s experiences in the field as integrator, service technician, and project manager gave him valuable insight into systems design. From 2005 to 2016, his focus was on designing high-end integrated audio and video distribution, lighting control, HVAC, and security systems. In 2009, Ted became a CEDIA Certified Professional Designer.
Ted moved from Colorado to California in 2011 for a system design position in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2014, Ted began taking business classes through the U.C. Berkeley extension program and earned a Certificate in Business Administration (with distinction) in 2016.
Ted currently works as the Operations Manager for Lavish Theaters Corporation (DBA: Lavish Automation, Lavish Hi-Fi, and Grapevine Communications).
What is your vision for CEDIA to ensure that it remains relevant and prominent in how it services this fast-paced industry?
Over the past few years, I have heard many industry professionals question CEDIA’s relevance and prominence. CEDIA has always seemed to struggle with being known as “more than just a trade show.” While I think that the annual show will always be a part of what CEDIA is, selling the show and the related operations will allow CEDIA to focus on its education and certification offerings.
Going forward, CEDIA should continue to focus on providing high-quality educational opportunities for its members. Staying relevant will also involve continuing to provide timely information on industry trends to consumers as well as members.
Our industry needs to be better known and understood at the consumer level, and we need to continue to stress the importance of hiring trained professionals. The current trend in our industry is away from custom electronics and towards consumer electronics. We need to focus on the design and installation values that we present. This will involve getting back to our integration roots and helping homeowners figure out which of all of the consumer control options is the best and how best to tie them together. It may mean specialization around the big control manufacturers, or it may mean embracing the diversity and having knowledge of all the consumer products out there. Both can be the right answer and both can be profitable if properly trained and implemented.
What goals would you expect the board to prioritize over the upcoming years?
Certainly, we need to continue to prioritize adding value to our membership and determining what that value looks like and where it comes from. Do we need to refine or redefine our mission? What are the factors that are critical to our success, relevance, and prominence? How do we leverage those to simultaneously optimize revenue and provide value to our members?
More specifically, the goals in the next few years will need to revolve around the completion of the new headquarters building and optimizing the new space efficiently for planning/development, support, and education; further integration of the CEDIA EMEA membership and development of programs in those areas; continuing to monitor the traditional business model in our industry and suggest new opportunities for growth and profitability for our members.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
The importance of reliable network infrastructure will continue to develop as a priority, and we will need to educate consumers and place more of an emphasis on network security. The legitimate (and otherwise) use of our data and usage patterns will continue to evolve and become more and more of a revenue stream for electronics manufacturers. Will it become something that our members as retailers, designers, and installers can use as a revenue stream? Will we become resellers of our customer’s information or continue to allow manufacturers to bypass us? (I am not advocating this, merely posing questions.) Perhaps we will resell advanced security measures that will block or spoof the data-miners on our customer’s behalf.
I think our industry may hit a bit of a bifurcation point where some CEDIA members will choose to remain specialized on specific platforms and others may adopt a “technology handyman” approach and choose to focus on more readily available consumer equipment. These are very different from the “trunk slammers” we used to know, these are tech-savvy people who have a good base of knowledge across a variety of technological systems and equipment. Ikea did not put carpenters out of business, but there are a lot of people who make money assembling Ikea furniture.
The comforting thought is that as consumers become more familiar and comfortable with various control platforms and interfaces, manufacturers will continue to push the boundaries; what was esoteric 10-15 years ago is now commonplace. What are the esoteric things now from a consumer’s view: virtual/augmented reality, video wall matrices, voice control (getting better but not commonplace/reliable yet), holograms, proximity sensors, body scans? As data storage becomes cheaper and networks become more robust and reliable, maybe we will become re-sellers of “cloud” storage and start storing content for our customers.
