The Design Perspective

Five years ago when I got this crazy idea to throw away my 17+ years experience in pharmaceutical control systems and start DistinctAV, we did a lot of research into the industry. We were told we needed a big “lifestyle” showroom to compete with the big box stores on one side and what the industry calls “trunk slammers” on the other side.

Now in our 3rd year, I can say that the showroom helped get us started, but really wasn’t necessary. What did grow the business was our uniquely integrated solutions and being a “one-stop-shop” resource for almost every Tech system installed in a home. Our client-centered approach to designing systems based on understanding the specific needs and desires of each homeowner, then selecting just the right combination of products necessary to make their dreams a reality, spoke for itself. 

Of course, the success of this process is based on two factors: education and trust. Not just our own education and intimate knowledge of the available components, but the education we provide to our clients as they travel down their exciting journey of discovery.

It may sound hokey, but how else do you describe it when our clients say “wow!”, “cool!”, “that’s really slick”, “very nice”, or simply grin and nod like a proud parent as they experience all the conveniences of their new systems.

Now that we’ve “hit the nail on the head” by the clever implementation of the features that homeowners desperately desire…it’s time to take this show on the road! (well, at least the Internet).

We’re developing a website that will educate and demonstrate. It allows new homeowners and renovators to quickly see through all the hype in the industry, and focus on the features that really matter most when designing and selecting all the electronics for a home.

Best of all, it provides budgeting estimates so we can pass on even more savings by keeping our sales overhead down. This tool also allows me to personally review projects with clients from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection and a phone.

We’re also taking the best of our designs and packaging them into complete solutions. These complete “DIY-kits-on-steroids” are great for builders, smaller custom installers, and homeowners building their own home. Complete with detailed instructions, project management tools, and access to our experts when you need advice. We even partner with local experts so you always have a friendly face to call in case on-site support is needed.

These advanced packages are anything but limited. They are still customized, built, tested, and delivered with complete documentation, change control tracking, and quality control procedures. The resulting systems are even remotely monitored to ensure they continue to operate 10 years from now just as they did when first commissioned.

I guess all those years working in the pharmaceutical industry weren’t wasted after all!

Please look for announcements of the new site in future issues of The Design Perspective. If you’re building soon or even in the middle of a construction project, give us a call! Adding these features after the walls and trim are up can be very costly.