At CEDIA Expo CIX 2025 in Denver, Restrepo Innovations founder Michael Restrepo joined Emerald Group Editor Dan Ferrisi in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz van-turned-podcast booth to reflect on his background, his business, and the deep sense of community that defines the custom integration channel. Restrepo says his path into the industry was shaped by hard work and by mentors who helped him along the way.
“My background, self-made, kind of came up in the trenches, made the business happen,” Restrepo says.
He explained that Restrepo Innovations stands apart from traditional integration firms by functioning as a concierge-style design and build company focused on tailored experiences and high-touch service.
“We are not an AV integrator. We pride ourselves on being different,” he says.
At the center of his approach is a belief that technology is meaningful because of the joy and connection it creates for the families he serves.
“I love the smiles. I love seeing that happiness that we bring to families,” Restrepo says.
He added that AV systems often play a crucial role in multigenerational homes, supporting older adults, remote-working professionals, and kids learning and playing online. That impact, he noted, gives the work purpose.
“There is nothing better than AV where your jobs actually feel like they mean something to a customer,” he says.
Restrepo also emphasized that the heart of CEDIA Expo is the people who come together each year to share ideas, learn, and support one another.
“The people are probably the cornerstone of all this because without us all of this is just stuff,” he says.
Despite broader economic concerns, Restrepo maintains a forward-looking, optimistic mindset.
“I’m loving life and I live with that philosophy,” he says.
For Restrepo, CEDIA Expo remains the industry’s home base, delivering education, innovation, and a community that feels like family.
