In 2019, I found myself at a job interview that would not only alter the course of my career but also rekindle the fervor I had nurtured since childhood. Little did I fathom that this local smart home company wouldn't just extend an employment offer but would usher me into the realm of "Custom Integration" — a domain where my lifelong fascination with technology would seamlessly converge into a career that felt like an incredible stroke of luck.
My upbringing was steeped in my father's deep affection for technology, with our household welcoming its inaugural personal computer in 1982. This marked the genesis of my exploration into programming languages and boundless possibilities. As a child grappling with ADHD, those hours spent engrossed in technology served as an unconventional form of control and focus.
While my formative years were dominated by computers, adolescence witnessed a shift towards another fervor: music. A Christmas gift in 1991, my first "Boom Box," catalyzed a fresh journey of exploration. I found myself dissecting internal wiring, delving into the nuances of OHM loads, and elevating the sound system to create a room-shaking experience. This fascination organically extended to cars when I reached driving age, but that's a narrative for another occasion — a tale involving Missoula and an indelible drive at the age of 14.
Piece by piece, I continued to fortify my understanding of what would eventually morph into the intricate tapestry of Home Technology. At 19, I designed and constructed my inaugural home theater, transforming my living space into the definitive destination for movie nights among friends. The internet became an indelible aspect of my life from 1995 onward, and the unmistakable chime of "you've got mail" still resonates in my ears. As modems made way for Wi-Fi, my relentless pursuit of knowledge led me to optimize and extend its reach, ensuring a seamless connection across devices.
MartinLogan Home Theater
MartinLogan Towers
Fast forward to 2019, and my passion received an invigorating surge as I delved into the world of Custom Integration. This role not only allowed me to apply the knowledge amassed over the preceding two decades but also introduced me to facets of technology that had previously eluded my consideration. Security systems and surveillance cameras swiftly became my newfound fascinations, adding another layer to the multifaceted world of home technology.
Immersing myself in the intricacies of Custom Integration, I unearthed how companies seamlessly melded various elements into tasteful displays for homeowners. The art of fusing technology with aesthetics emerged as an enthralling challenge, and I realized that I wasn't merely working a job but sculpting an experience that would forever alter the lives of those embracing smart home solutions.
Little did I envisage that this journey, commencing with a childhood love for technology and a Christmas gift, would evolve into a career affording me the opportunity to blend passion with profession. In the ever-evolving panorama of Custom Integration, I find myself not merely keeping abreast of trends but actively shaping the future of home technology — a journey that feels akin to coming full circle to the awe and excitement of that pivotal 2019 job interview.
Next Blog I will be discussing what products I started with, changed out and currently love!