Rob Stott: All right, we are back on the Connected Design Podcast. And it’s not often I get like gear jealous of other people doing a podcast. Because usually when I’m talking to integrators or, you know, our manufacturer partners, anyone in this industry, you don’t really often find them with that type of gear. We’re tech people, but they don’t have the type of gear on camera that you’d expect for a podcast. So it’s not often I get jealous of those that are you know, I’m interviewing for this Connected Design Podcast, but Mr. Chris Oram. General manager out there at a brand-new Audio Advice in Las Vegas. Appreciate you joining us. And we’re just going to have to talk about it right off the bat because you do have one heck of a setup out there. So tell us what’s going on, man.
Chris Oram: Awesome, Rob. Really appreciate you inviting me out to the Connected Design Podcast, man. It was great to meet you face to face in Las Vegas when you’re out here. But yeah, I do have a sick home setup here. I think it all comes down to presentation, how you present yourself. I think online persona is huge. I think having high quality audio and video equipment, even for your studio, is super important. And, you know, obviously I’m looking at you. You got a nice home studio there yourself. So
Rob Stott: I appreciate it, man. No, it’s good to you know, be with someone that also knows the art of podcasting too. So I know you want to talk about you could, you know, plug your show a little bit if you want about what you do out there because you do have a pretty cool podcast going on yourself. Yeah.
Chris Oram: Cool, appreciate that. Yeah. So for the last couple of years, I’ve been running my podcast, Elevation, with Chris Oram, the show where we talk to individuals who have climbed the ladder of success. And it’s just been a really great way to kind of network with other people, have conversations on the record, and really just share kind of our voice and our conversation with the world. But today we’re here to talk about the new baby, and that’s Audio Advice Las Vegas. So Audio Advice Las Vegas is the sixth location of the Audio Advice brand.
Rob Stott: Yeah. Yeah.
Chris Oram: It’s a ground up location. We have a great showroom that we’re building out. We’ve kicked off construction and I am sure that Audio Advice Las Vegas is going to be the best showroom in the Las Vegas market.
Rob Stott: Heck yeah. And you mentioned the chance meeting. You know, we were I was just I had a planned trip to Origin Acoustics out there. Got a you talk about showrooms, theirs just being redone is pretty awesome. I’m sure you’re familiar with the old one and kind of what they’ve done to upgrade it and they’ve they’ve created quite the experience there. So I you know, I’m on my way out, you’re on your way in. So it was just kind of funny to bump into you there. So talk about we’ll dive into what you’re building with Audio Advice, but You know, talk about just what you were doing there at Origin. And I think that kind of plays into it, right? As part of what you were doing.
Chris Oram: Yeah. Yeah. So it was super random to see you there, but I was super excited. I said, my God, is that Rob? You and I have been talking online for several months now. So it was cool to meet you face to face. But yes, was doing some business at Origin Acoustics. So, you know, one of the early announcements that we’re going to have for the Audio Advice Las Vegas location is that since Origin Acoustics is based out of Las Vegas, Audio Advice Las Vegas is now here. It seemed like a great time to kind of start that partnership. For years, Origin Acoustics and Audio Advice leadership have been talking, trying to find the right fit for how we can work together. And the time has really finally come together. So I know there’s going to be a lot of Origin Acoustics equipment in the showroom. I know Audio Advice Las Vegas is going to be installing a lot of Origin Acoustics equipment. In my day, I’ve sold and installed quite a few Origin Acoustic speakers. So I love the brand. I’m familiar with the brand Really, there’s great people behind that brand. So the synergies are just really all coming together. And I think along with their great product, I think it’s going to be great for our clients.
Rob Stott: Yeah, and I know they talk about the experience, right? Like we just got done talking to Marc Fisher and Todd Anderson, you know, a couple of weeks ago on the podcast. And, you know, one of the things that Marc brought up was like you can’t really explain good audio. You can try. Like there’s words you can use. We’re kind of word people being podcasters. You know, so we could try to explain what a good audio experience is, but like it’s one of those things it’s an audio experience for a reason. You have to experience it. So their showroom is kind of a masterclass, I think. And I know being there, it wasn’t your first time there, I imagine, but you’ve seen that experience and gone through it because they’ve got all those different rooms, the speakers are set up in different ways and they’ve got different product and sort of different presentations. So talk about that like not that you guys are going to try to carbon copy, but like I’m sure you can learn a lot from what they’ve done in their space and apply it to what you’re trying to build.
Chris Oram: Yep. So I mean, Origin has a great showroom space. I think they show exactly kind of what their products are. They can show the difference. They have a great wall that shows the different size speakers and, you know, the different quality that comes out of them. So being able to A/B test, being able to listen to find what’s going to be right for you, have real smart people explaining, you know, in a room where you’re going to be hanging out a lot and you’ll probably want better audio than in your hallway. I mean, these things just kind of make sense. But Origin has one brand, they can kind of like consolidate it, you know, they can keep it within theirs. But you know, Rob, there are tons of manufacturers, especially in the audio space. So it’s like you can’t explain to someone the difference between the top 10 brands. It’s something that you really have to listen to. And people that don’t know much about audio, they’re not going to know the horn, the tweeter. They don’t know what that means. So they need to see it in person and that’s why the experience center, the showroom model, I think is really successful.
Rob Stott: Yeah. No, that’s awesome. And before we dive too much deeper into it, I want to give people a chance because you’re very well versed you know, in this space. I know you are. So tell us a little bit about your background and kind of you know, how y you know, you grew up in the industry and got to kind of where you are with Audio Advice today.
Chris Oram: Yeah. So I my first kind of career for the first part of my early career was actually in the lifeguarding industry. So my first job at 16 years old was a lifeguard. I ended up kind of working, getting a supervisor job, a leadership position, ended up growing with that company, became the director of operations for Desert Lifeguard Management. I was pretty much the right-hand man for the owner over there. And we basically staffed Las Vegas casinos with over 200 lifeguards per summer. So I learned a lot about people management, especially young people, 16, 17, 18, who didn’t want to come to work. So we had to motivate them. And that was part of my early career, but I fell in love with the smart home in 2019 when I got my first Alexa device. So I probably just triggered some people’s homes. But you know, I wanted to do more with my device than say, tell me a joke or turn on a light. So at that point, I really just went down a rabbit hole of what devices
Rob Stott: Yeah, right.
Chris Oram: I could connect with that. And like the audio topic, I went down the rabbit hole of video doorbells. There’s 20 good quality video doorbells. So how do you choose the right one? And I started looking at content creators. I started making content. I tried to really learn everything I could about the industry. And the big turning point is when I went to CES in 2022 and I went to a matter seminar actually. And Mitch Klein was there and I stayed after to ask him a great question. And this question ultimately changed kind of my life. And I said, Mitch, like I want to be in the smart home industry. What can I do to do the next steps to become involved in the smart home industry? And he told me go to CEDIA. And the rest is history, Rob.
Rob Stott: Yep. That’s well, what a couple crazy points there. One, CES 2022, you got, like CES Lite going to that. Because that’s coming out of COVID and everything. So, like, still a great show, but like it, you know, everyone was obviously excited to get back out there on the road. What a person to bump into, too. So Mitch is a phenomenal individual, you know, has been involved with the CEDIA channel for decades. I know he just put out I think as we’re sitting here like yesterday, you know, he’s retiring from CEDIA as a company, but I know he’s got some things planned and you know, look forward to maybe having him on and down the line here to talk about that. But like awesome individual to bump into and get advice from. So that’s really cool to be able to do that. And it’s was that like your introduct was he your introduction to the CEDIA channel? Like did you know about it before then?
Chris Oram: Yeah. Yes. I didn’t know what CEDIA was, Rob. Like what is a CD? So I paid my own way. It was in Dallas that year. And I think what made me really successful at that first CEDIA is that I didn’t know these brands. I didn’t know the people. So I really just talked to whoever I could to learn. I was a sponge, and everyone who I talked to could kind of see that within me. They were introducing me to people. So
Rob Stott: Yeah. That’s awesome.
Chris Oram: Rich Green actually introduced me to one of my first mentors, Helen Heneveld. And she was in the back of one of the rooms. He said, Rich said, you got to meet Helen, man. And ultimately I did some work with Helen. She mentored me and Paul Starkey at the PrepTECH. So I was involved with PrepTECH for a little bit, but really they just I got in the PrepTECH program to try and become a technician. Ultimately, I probably wasn’t well versed to be a technician. I wasn’t Handy, I didn’t really know how to use tools. And then I jokingly told you before the show, Rob, that, you know, I have my MBA too. So when I applied for an entry level technician job, I think they were like, This is probably not the right position for you, man.
Rob Stott: No, that’s awesome. But have grown up in this space and I the cool thing too, I know we talked a little bit about you know, kind of your chance meeting with audio. A lot of chance meetings, you know, in your life, man. That’s pretty cool to hear. So talk about how that came to be and sort of what you know, because it’s a leap to take, a leap of faith to like, you know, they’re not in your market, so they’re like looking to expand your market. Some really cool opportunities, but like talk about that experience and why you felt comfortable sort of making the jump to help them come to where, you know, they hadn’t been before.
Chris Oram: Yeah, so this is an absolutely incredible story. Like everyone who we tell this story to, it’s like a Disney story. It’s like literally a dream come true. So I went out to Audio Advice Live last year. So just under a year ago, and I paid my way out there. It’s the largest home theater show in the US. I want, you know, I love home theater. It makes me like really get in the moment when I watch a good demo of The Greatest Showman. Like I get it, I get in my feels.
Rob Stott: Don’t get me started. I mean, you know, Hugh is he’s got pipes, man.
Chris Oram: Yeah. Totally, man. So I really get in my feels for the home theater demo. So I flew myself out to Raleigh, North Carolina. First time going out to North Carolina. And again, same thing. I really just wanted to soak up everything that I could. And I was there in the 15th floor in the Perlisten listening room with my friend Walt Zerbe, who now leads Perlisten. And The owner of Audio Advice, Scott, walked in. And it’s one of those things, it’s like, everyone wants to meet the owner, just shake their hand, you know. So I said, Hey Scott, real nice to meet you. I’m Chris. Like, really have a respect and admiration for your company. And those were the words that I use. I respect and admire Audio Advice. They do great quality work on YouTube, quality installation, really kind of a market leader. And you know, we shake hands, but interaction was almost going to end. And In my mind, the interaction was not done. So I said, hey man, like I am really here to meet you. And I had something in my pocket and it was a handwritten card basically stating the same thing like, Scott, I really respect and admire your organization. And I handed him this card. And, you know, from what I’ve heard from Scott’s perspective, it kind of like blew him away. Like it was really creating a wow moment in a way that I didn’t necessarily expect it to be a wow moment. I did not expect it to. Take off like it did, but in hindsight, that was the biggest decision I made last year and it paid off tenfold.
Rob Stott: That’s awesome. I just writing a card, right? Being a little bit personal, right? Creating an experience. No.
Chris Oram: Literally. Yes. And I think you can take aspects of that to see how I could become the general manager. It’s it’s making those wow experiences. And let me tell you how I came to create wow experiences. So I was telling you my first job was at MGM Resorts as a lifeguard at 16 years old. And they have some really great training for all new employees. So they talk about their core values, and one of them is like wow the customer. So at the highest level in Las Vegas, you s you can do some crazy things. You can have, you know, a private table with, you know, a Wolfgang Puck, a Michael Mina. You can go swim with the dolphins. And these are just like over-the-top wow experiences. And part of the culture that I’m bringing to Audio Advice Las Vegas is really creating those wow experiences. So, like I talk with a handwritten card. For all of our projects that we finished thus far, the general managers sent a handwritten card to all the you know, homeowners, the clients, just to say thank you for choosing Audio Advice. So it’s everything has been growing in my career to get me up to this point.
Rob Stott: No, that’s awesome. And so I know you guys are building a showroom. How long has because I d it’s less than a year ago, right? That we’re talking about you introduce yourself to the owner and meet Scott and you know, things progress. You know, so how like what was… Were they looking to come to Vegas Was this conversation? I don’t know if you can even get into this. If I’m if I’m pushing buttons I shouldn’t be, let me know. But like I’m I’d love to learn their origin story of coming out. Because yeah, you’re right. They’re North Carolina, right? So they have been very much, I don’t think they, I think the furthest west is like Tennessee, if I’m not mistaken. So like, yeah, right. But like they haven’t leapt over, really, the geography class, my like middle school teacher’s going to be upset at if I get this wrong. But like I don’t think they’ve leapt over the Mississippi to come out, you know, that way. So like Vegas is a big leap for them. So talk about that.
Chris Oram: Yeah, so a couple key points with this. So the good news is, I mean, Vegas is a huge market, right? It’s a top 25 market. There’s a lot of wealth growing in Las Vegas. So huge opportunity from that perspective. What we say kind of internally is that they found the GM and then they found the location. So that’s kind of what we say internally, but also we are leveraging the Las Vegas location because AudioAdvice.com does so much business. By allowing us to have a West Coast showroom, we get three more hours due to the time change. And then we’re also going to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in shipping costs to go to California, which is one of the world’s largest economies. So it made sense in a lot of ways. And it just kind of all came together.
Rob Stott: No, that’s awesome. So, I mean, getting it off the ground, you got to get like a blank slate, a blank canvas really to build what you want. So talk about yeah, I know you did a little bit in going through our meeting at Origin and kind of what you want to bring to the new showroom, but like talk about the vision of what you want to build there. Like I mean, it’s a lot so much fun to be able to like plan a showroom, I have to imagine, sort of in your vision and what you want it to be. So what is that vision?
Chris Oram: Sure. So we looked at eight buildings and we got the number one pick on the building we wanted. So at 750 Pilot Road, we are a destination location right across from the airport. It’s very strategic in the location where we can have people fly in and quickly get them out to the showroom. You know, there’s huge opportunity there. But the team has built out at this point two showrooms. Las Vegas will be the third. So we have some track record under our belt for what we did right, what we did wrong, improvements we could make. We just opened the Nashville location, which was absolutely stunning. But with Nashville, we have learning lessons as well. So we’re taking all of those, bringing them into Las Vegas, but we’ve got some incredible things coming. So basically it’s going to be a mock home kitchen, living room, outdoor area with a couple dedicated theaters, a couple dedicated listening rooms, and hopefully a golf simulator if all goes well.
Rob Stott: No, that’s awesome. And you know, the unique thing too about being next to the airport, kind of noisy, right? So you got to get to show off too, like the ability to you talk about acoustic treatments and things like that. Like if you’ve got airplanes landing and you’re in a home theater and you don’t hear an airplane, I think that tells you know, I know there’s work you can do and things like that, like a little magic you can make, but that’s magic that you guys make to block out that noise. So truly an all encompassing experience for that client that comes and experiences, you know. What daily life could be like in your showroom.
Chris Oram: Yeah. I think a lot of our clients already think of us as the tech guys, think we do some magic behind the scenes. But yeah, absolutely. I mean, we definitely have to battle some acoustical challenges throughout every you know, first our showroom and then lots of our jobs. But I think we have a good track record of figuring things out and learning through action. So I think that we have a really good strategy moving into the Vegas location.
Rob Stott: Yeah. Well, and I mean, it shows too. You said I know you mentioned that you’ve already got some projects under your belt and showroom’s not even done yet. So I think that goes to the reputation of the company and kind of you know, being able to bring them into the market physically, is a really cool opportunity and you know, to just build on that trust further than probably you guys already have.
Chris Oram: Sure. And I think within the market, a lot of people have an integrator. I think a lot of people may not be happy with the integrators. So I think that’s like an opportunity when we’re talking about the SWOT analysis. A lot of, you know, other markets, the integrators and the builders are really happy together. And I don’t think that’s the case in Las Vegas. So I just continue to see opportunity there as well.
Rob Stott: Yeah. Well, that’s a great point because I know we talked about building out the showroom. General manager, you kind of get to build out your team too, right? So like as you are doing that, is there hiring? We just had Chris Smith on a couple of weeks ago to talk about hiring and some of the things that he does, you know, with TheCoTeam. You know, as you’re looking to build your team, are there certain, you know, qualities or personalities like what do you what are you looking for as you try to bring people in and build out this Audio Advice team in Vegas?
Chris Oram: Yeah. So the number one rule is only good people, right? So we only want really, really good people with personality, who are best-in-class experts in the technology that we’re doing. So we definitely want a growth mindset. We definitely want someone who is technically savvy. We have hired our first duo of our technician staff and, you know, really happy with those two individuals. I think not only do they come well prepared with years of experience, but You know, our internal training program will get us, will get them up to where they need to be in terms of Control4 training, Lutron training, things along those lines. But we recently had Mike Kriston who ran the Charlotte branch. He is turning over to the director of technical training. And Mike Kriston’s one of the smartest guys around. So it’s a pleasure that he’ll be coming around to all the different locations, helping our technicians get better.
Rob Stott: That’s awesome. One of the cool things too, this is like completely out of left field from sort of how we’ve been talking or what we’ve been talking about. Like the content has always struck me from Audio Advice, right? Like they’ve got a great newsletter. You mentioned it, I think, earlier on about, you know, some of the stuff that they create. They’ve got, you know, great YouTube videos, things like that. Content seems to be, leave it again to the content person to mention this, right? It’s the things I notice. But the effort and attention to creating good content, I think speaks to a different sort of mindset that the team at Audio Advice seems to have as far as like you know, putting some emphasis there and realizing the importance of: yes, it’s the work you do out in the field, but like you got to talk about it in some way or you got to gotta provide value to customers, clients, people coming to you for different things. They’re not always going to be shopping, right? So, I think I’ve seen like training videos or like product reviews, that sort of stuff. And like bringing in someone like you, do you see that as another benefit? Like you obviously you’re providing benefit to what’s going on there in Las Vegas specifically, but from a content perspective and being able to, I may be thinking down the line or maybe you already are thinking about it, I don’t know, but you know, doing some different types of content for, you know, Audio Advice nationally.
Chris Oram: Yeah. So I mean, Audio Advice, like you mentioned, the quality in the videos and the information is just, you know, the most important thing. So from the founder Leon Shaw, he definitely wants to preach good quality information, making sure that we are the best-in-class experts and that people are getting the information and the product installed the way it should be. So, you know, just to kind of talk it through, some people just plug in the product, don’t calibrate it and leave. And that’s not the best practice. So we have full kind of SOPs in terms of how to best set up a router, how to best set up an audio/video receiver, and really do it right. But you know, Rob, content is key. Content is everywhere. It’s how people find out about the brand. I think strategically, Audio Advice on YouTube is one of the ways that people learn about Audio Advice. I’ve had friends reach out, say, you know, love the YouTube channel. It’s a big reason why I think Audio Advice is successful. It’s how I kind of learned about them. So I think just making high quality videos and sharing best practices on the products and making sure that they’re installed 100 percent the way that the manufacturer would support. I think that is crucial and that’s kind of what we do.
Rob Stott: Yeah, and I mean, kind of unintentionally going back to this, but like to your point about that’s how you learned about them, I think that’s how a lot of people learn about them. That’s how the reputation is developed too, right? Is off of that content. Obviously the work you did like if the work didn’t stand up and you know, customers weren’t happy, then it’s a whole different story. But, you know, there’s there’s the excellent work that’s done at the end of a project and you know, customers being happy, things like that. But, you know, the finding out about you is, you know, just as important, if not more so. Because that’s that’s what people see on a day to day basis. So it’s cool to see that sort of level of effort and attention paid to creating awesome content. You know, it’s really cool. I and I hope you get, you know, knowing how much you care about and are active in creating really cool content, I hope that you get to play a part in that too. But the
Chris Oram: Yeah. I’ve seen some of the team do some of the live videos in Raleigh. They’ve got a great studio set up. I mean, everything is scripted and kind of well thought through. I want to make sure that we’re providing accurate information for the technical people because Rob, I get a lot of calls and some of these people are audiophiles who are very, very technical. And, you know, sometimes they’re like, You don’t know that. It’s like, I can’t know everything, but I’m more than happy to find out an answer for you. Let me talk to my team because we got really smart people on the team.
Rob Stott: Yeah, no, that’s so true. It’s because the authenticity, you’re dealing with a different class of people and client here. So I get that for sure. And another avenue of content, we talk about content, live events are content. And I know that’s something we’re not too far away from as we sit here, you know, recording this, Chris. But Audio Advice Live is like a big deal to this team. It’s a big deal to you personally now that you know, it was kind of your introduction to Scott and the team there. You’ve been to it, so you know what it’s like. Talk about the event itself. Do you get to go back now as a part of the team and you know, what would you tell people that haven’t experienced Audio Advice Live?
Chris Oram: So the tickets are super inexpensive. So if you’re anywhere kind of in the southeast, definitely make your way out to Audio Advice Live. So it’s August 6 through 8 in Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s a great event. Really just the best-in-class brands. So every top 10, top 25 audio and video brand will be out there. So we got, you know, KEF, MartinLogan, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL. The list goes on. You know, we got all the main projection companies, Epson, JVC, Sony, you know, everyone will be coming out to show off their products. So there’s going to be some absolutely great demos. Good sense of community, good sense of camaraderie. It’s the number one kind of home theater show. And Audio Advice Live definitely does have a special place in my heart. And I can confirm, I did book my plane ticket this week. I will be in attendance. I think it’s super crucial for Las Vegas to kind of make an appearance there. I think just Showing up, kind of showing what’s happening with the expansion of Audio Advice. And I don’t know if you’ve even seen this yet, but today we announced the acquisition of our Miami location.
Rob Stott: I did. As I was sitting here on LinkedIn this morning, I was scrolling through and I saw that there was another expansion. So the team just gets bigger. So you get more colleagues to talk to and introduce, you know, them to the brand and kind of what it means. I’m sure those conversations are going on long before the actual acquisition, but you know, it just kind of shows the power of what your team there is building and it’s impressive, man. So, I have to imagine I could be wrong in this, but like A great opportunity for the Audio Advice team to come together too, right? In sort of like an annual meeting fashion and, you know, connect with one another and get that face to face time. Because you know, as you know that’s equally as important. Like I know, you know, I hate bringing up COVID because it was like six years ago now, and losing events during that time, you know, and not being able to get face to face. I think people realize what we were all sort of tired of events prior, but then not being able to was like a good reminder of like this is why we do this. So to be able to get face to face and interact with your team, in addition to all the other people that come and experience all the really cool, you know, demos that get built and technology that’s on display. So just many parts to that event that I’m sure, you know, bring more value to you guys internally and this channel as a whole.
Chris Oram: Yeah. So I’m going to be out there this year just kind of giving value. Last year I was able to, you know, take in everything that Audio Advice offers. Hopefully I can give that experience to many, many more people.
Rob Stott: Yeah, you get it from a different perspective too. Now you’ve got the job.
Chris Oram: Yeah. Yeah, I got the job. And just to be completely transparent, I did not come out there looking for a job. This was something completely organic that really just happened and it’s like a dream come true. And every day I get to go to work and smile and really enjoy what I do. And I feel a sense of purpose every day when I walk into the office that I’m actually contributing to a bigger goal and a bigger mission. From my personal perspective, it’s been really great.
Rob Stott: No, that’s awesome, man. And I, you know, I look forward to not even just following the Audio Advice story, but yours specifically, because, you know, as you’re building out that showroom, I know you guys are going to be doing a lot of really cool work, you know, obviously for your clients out there, but like for yourselves too. You’re building your home. So that’s a really cool thing that I look forward to following up with you on and just following your story, man, because it’s been a fun one. So we I appreciate you taking the time and diving into it with us because this was a chance meeting. Like it’s crazy. All from bumping into one another in Origins showroom to, you know, not too long later, landing on a podcast together. So I appreciate you taking the time, man. Yeah.
Chris Oram: It’s crazy to see how things evolve. And Rob, you’re 100 percent invited to the grand opening. VIP guest. Like we want you there. We want you to see everything that we’ve been building over the last few months. And, you know, there’s still a lot of work that’s going into this. There’s going to be a lot of hard and long days. And, you know, Scott and I talk about that this ride is a roller coaster. There’s a lot of ups, there’s a lot of downs, but you know, at the end of the day, we’re getting through this. And I think that. You know, this is a worthwhile mission and I’m just really impressed with my team and what we’re building at Audio Advice Las Vegas.
Rob Stott: Awesome. Well, they got quite the GM at the helm guiding the ship out there in Vegas. So Chris, I appreciate you taking the time and I’ll book that flight. I you know, I’ve been to Vegas like 20 times, I’ll make it 21. Let’s go, man. That’s awesome. Okay. Sweet, man. That’s awesome. Good timing. So we appreciate it. And like I said, look forward to following up with you, but this was awesome.
Chris Oram: Yep. Let’s do it. And I think it’ll be around CES, so come by. Thank you, Rob. Thank you for inviting me.
