For Azione Unlimited President, Richard Glikes, it is “hard to believe” that it was a year ago that the Smart Home Association he leads guided members though unknowns, such as PPP loans, cash-flow forecasting and the numerous challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although it was a tumultuous year, Glikes says that 2020 “ended on a high note” for his members. With this celebration of “resiliency and endurance,” the organization looks optimistically to 2021, proudly wearing the year’s slogan, “Better Than Best.” 

Azione Unlimited’s mantra “Better Than Best” was inspired by basketball superstar Lebron James, who said, “Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been the best player. I love being a leader, and I love being the best. I just want to get better.”

The “Better Than Best” mantra, inspired by a statement from basketball superstar, Lebron James, “signifies the Smart Home Association’s drive to stand out as thought leaders in the custom integration industry, providing deeper value for its members, and making them more profitable,” Azione Unlimited said in a statement.

Regarding profit, Azione Unlimited has recognized members who, within a challenging year, were able to achieve success. The association awarded 10 vendors with “Monstrous Growth” awards; five vendors were awarded year-over-year growth of 30 percent or more; and the “Business Doubler” award was given to four dealers while one was awarded the “Business Tripler” recognition.

Winners include: 

  • Murray Kunis, Future Home, CA – Business Tripler
  • Chase Isaminger, Home Protection Systems, LA – Business Doubler
  • Mike Baker, BryComm, TX – Business Doubler
  • Eric Knez, eDesign Group, HI – Business Doubler
  • Scott Hudson, Integration Techs, CA – Business Doubler
  • JL Audio
  • BARCO Residential
  • Access Networks
  • Lyngdorf Audio
  • Vantage

Members have remained connected through Azione Unlimited’s virtual events, like February’s two-day conference, “Interesting Interlude,” and the upcoming “Expedient Exposition” set for late April. According to the association, the virtual conferences have succeeded in “keeping dialogue, education, and community together during times of social distancing.”

A blend of roundtable-style workshops, keynotes, and speed networking comprises the virtual conferences. A member favorite, speed networking, “is a roulette-style meeting with a random match between dealers and vendors for a brief 5-minute conversation,” the association reported.

Azione Unlimited is planing an in-person fall conference, “Hallelujah, Hats, and Horns!” to take place in Nashville, TN.