by KMB Communications | May 5, 2025 | Illuminated Lighting Design, News
Differentiated offering combining extensive industry expertise, effective and efficient resources, and purpose-built processes will help simplify projects, strengthen partnerships, and elevate every space.
FORT MYERS, FL – MAY 6, 2025 — Founded by seasoned lighting professionals, Illuminated Lighting Design is a purpose-driven lighting design services firm built to elevate the experience of light in luxury environments. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, Illuminated Lighting Design partners with discerning integrators, architects, builders, and designers both locally and nationally to deliver lighting solutions that are personal, purposeful, and practical. With a refined, process-driven approach, the Illuminated Lighting Design team ensures each project is expertly tailored, accurately specified, seamlessly integrated, and delivered on time and on budget.
“At Illuminated Lighting Design, we believe that exceptional lighting doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of a clear, intentional process that makes the entire experience better for everyone involved,” said Lynne Stambouly, Principal Founder of Illuminated Lighting Design (ILDS). “We created ILDS to provide a higher standard of service, one where design, specification, project management, and client experience are handled with the professionalism and precision our integration partners deserve.”
Built on the expertise of accomplished industry veterans who come to lighting design from mutually complementary perspectives, founding partners Lynne Stambouly, Bruce Clark, and Curtis Searles bring together decades of design, integration, and project delivery experience to ensure flawless results for every project. Their method prioritizes clarity, communication, and collaboration, offering integration professionals a trusted lighting design partner who truly understands the pressures and expectations of the luxury residential and boutique commercial markets.
“We recognized a real need for a firm that can be counted on to support integrators, builders, architects, and designers in a way that not only elevates their projects but also makes their jobs easier,” added Bruce Clark, Design Principal. “Illuminated Lighting Design streamlines the process, mitigates risks, and enhances the client experience through intentional, well-executed lighting strategies that make a meaningful difference. And we do it in a way that makes the process enjoyable for everyone involved.”
From beautifully understated residential designs to fully tailored commercial installations, Illuminated Lighting Design’s offerings include comprehensive services that address every phase of a project—from concept through to completion. Their proprietary processes ensure design excellence while maintaining transparency, responsiveness, and predictability throughout the entire project lifecycle.
“Our goal is simple but powerful: to remove the guesswork and frustration from lighting design and deliver solutions that exceed expectations,” said Curtis Searles, Managing Principal. “We work hand-in-hand with integration firms, fellow designers, the trades and project clients to ensure that lighting is not just a finishing touch, but a foundational element that contributes to the successful execution of any space.”
The Illuminated Lighting Design team is uniquely qualified to lead the market:
- Lynne Stambouly brings almost four decades of client-facing expertise, having occupied just about every role in the lighting industry, including sales, design, product procurement, and project management, now delivering lighting design that is rooted in both artistic and functional wisdom.
- Bruce Clark adds a diversely creative, and technically innovative background to lighting design with exceptional technical depth, compassionate imagination, with a lighting career focused on developing the lighting capacity of the custom integration and system design community.
- Curtis Searles offers extensive industry knowledge with over twenty-five years in the lighting and construction industry developing a well-earned reputation for ensuring that projects are executed with timely and budgetary precision. He brings his mission-focused passion and deep, hands-on experience to both the technical and implementation sides of the business.
With a philosophy anchored in passion, partnership, and professional results, Illuminated Lighting Design is setting a new benchmark for lighting design collaboration. Integration professionals seeking a reliable, talented, and trustworthy partner team will find a seamless and supportive experience when working with the Illuminated team.
To learn more about Illuminated Lighting Design, visit www.illuminatedlightingdesign.com, contact [email protected], and listen to Lynne and Bruce discuss ILDS on a recent episode of the AV Trade Talk podcast on Spotify.
Download images here.
About Illuminated Lighting Design (ILDS)
Illuminated Lighting Design transforms residential spaces with custom lighting solutions that balance style, functionality, and innovation. Backed by more than a century of combined experience, our award-winning team partners with homeowners, designers, and integration firms to create lighting designs that elevate ambiance, lifestyle, and property value. Based in Naples, Florida and serving projects around the world, we deliver exceptional results through a proven, process-driven approach. Visit illuminatedlightingdesign.com to learn more.
Media Contact
For more information about Illuminated Lighting Design contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications by calling 406-446-1283 or emailing [email protected].
by KMB Communications | Apr 30, 2025 | Daisy, News
New franchisee brings significant business experience and knowledge of smart home sector to Boulder and Castle Rock, CO communities
Costa Mesa, Calif.—April 30, 2025 – Daisy, the first national home and small business technology installation and services company, is expanding its footprint in Colorado with a new franchise that complements its existing company-owned location in Denver. A.J. Kuhrmeyer will lead Daisy’s newest branch, servicing Boulder and Castle Rock. Previously a franchisee with SaaviHome, a company acquired by Daisy in September of 2024, Kuhrmeyer has recently converted his business to join the Daisy network—now nearly 20 locations strong. While at SaaviHome, Kuhrmeyer leveraged his passion for technological advancements to help local families integrate innovative solutions into their homes.
“I’m thrilled to help expand Daisy’s presence in Colorado, a state with immense opportunity in the smart home market,” Kuhrmeyer said. “My mission is to enhance the quality of life for members of our community by making Boulder’s living spaces smarter and more efficient. With Daisy’s support, we’re already delivering innovative solutions to our clients and looking forward to setting new benchmarks for success in this dynamic industry.”
Thanks to his initial growth since launching in July of 2024, Kuhrmeyer is already servicing clients in the region while bringing valuable insights and expertise to his new role with Daisy. Moving forward, the substantial resources provided locally by the Daisy Denver branch, paired with Daisy’s national support systems, position the new franchise for continued expansion. Since joining Daisy, Kuhrmeyer has already seen an expansion of his team, which now includes a Project Manager and Business Development Manager—supporting the business’s continued growth.
“A.J.’s proven leadership and rapid learning curve is a great example of the potential for future entrepreneurs entering this industry,” said Hagan Kappler, co-founder and CEO of Daisy. “It has been great seeing how A.J.’s talented local team, combined with the Daisy resources and franchise support team, can lead to rapid success. We’re very excited to be serving Boulder customers under A.J.’s leadership.”
To learn more about becoming part of Daisy’s team visit daisyco.com. To learn more about converting an existing custom integration company to a Daisy franchise, visit daisyco.com/for-integrators, or to start a new business, visit daisyco.com/franchising. For interior design firms looking to expand their presence in cutting-edge technology as part of their design solution, contact [email protected].
Image: Download images for this announcement here.
About Daisy
Daisy is the national brand leader in the home and small business technology installation and services space, providing regularly scheduled onsite technology support services. Daisy partners with builders, architects, designers, and homeowners to install and service optimal audio visual, lighting, motorized shades, security cameras, and control systems that enhance their clients’ experiences in their homes and offices. For more information, visit daisyco.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Katye McGregor Bennett
KMB Communications
[email protected]
406-446-1283
All brands, products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
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by KMB Communications | Apr 30, 2025 | D-Tools, News
CONCORD, California – April 30, 2025: D-Tools, the leading provider of core business management software catering to the needs of the systems integration market for over 25 years, today announced the release of System Integrator (SI) v23. The latest version of D-Tools’ award-winning platform introduces multi-office functionality, expanded project and change order management, faster analytics, and numerous new productivity features designed to improve workflow efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and enhance an integrator’s overall workflow.
“D-Tools continues to be dedicated to its mission to help system integrators, large and small, run more efficient and profitable businesses with the latest update to our flagship platform,” said Randy Stearns, CEO of D-Tools. “System Integrator v23 builds on the foundation of what has long been viewed as the gold standard in software for the industry by delivering powerful new capabilities, all based on direct feedback from our loyal and trusted user base.”
Key Enhancements in System Integrator v23:
Improved Multi-Office Functionality – SI v23 enables businesses with multiple locations to share settings and catalog data across SI servers, ensuring consistency in product information and operational efficiency across the entire organization.
Expanded User Permissions – More granular user-group permissions provide executives the freedom to set more restrictive access, giving them greater control over which employees can perform which functions within the organization.
Faster Analytics – Business analytics speed improvements deliver expedited insights for data-driven decision-making.
Enhanced Project Management
- Editable Project Templates now include checklists, submittals, and Gantt charts.
- Status Color Indicators in Project Explorer provide at-a-glance project tracking.
- Convert Unit-Based to Quantity-Based Projects to enable greater flexibility in project pricing and billing structures.
- Partial Project Approval – Select which items to approve and the rest are added to a pending change order.
- Change Order-Specific Payment Terms empower you to modify financial terms on a per-change order basis.
Deeper QuickBooks Integration
- QB Estimate number tracking for Service Orders – prevents double-ordering of items on extended service orders when syncing with QB.
- Ship To from SI now mapped to the Ship Via field for QuickBooks Online purchase orders, reducing shipping errors.
- Option to use Project Number or a combination of Project Name/Number for the Job Name in QuickBooks when creating Estimates, Purchase Orders, or Service Orders.
Laying the Foundation for a Dedicated Mobile Install App – D-Tools has introduced an API for Mobile Install, paving the way for a new Mobile Install app for Apple and Android later this year.
Advancing Business Efficiency for System Integrators
D-Tools System Integrator v23 delivers powerful new capabilities that enhance customization, efficiency, and standardization for integration firms. By streamlining operations from sales through service, SI v23 helps businesses deliver projects with greater accuracy, speed, and financial control.
With access to the D-Tools Product Library, featuring over 1.6 million products from 340 suppliers and 1,200 brands, users benefit from accurate, real-time pricing that reduces manual data entry. Integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting platforms eliminate duplicate entry and minimize human error, further improving efficiency.
SI v23 also includes built-in business analytics tools that provide insight into operational performance, helping integrators refine processes and focus on growing revenue and profits. Unlike any other solution in the industry, SI uniquely integrates with Visio and AutoCAD for comprehensive system design documentation and offers data-driven estimating and quoting tools that empower integrators to win more business with professional, accurate proposals.
Combined with mobile field technician management and support for service contracts, SI v23 enables integrators to complete jobs on time and on budget while building a recurring revenue stream. From the initial proposal through project completion and beyond, SI v23 supports the entire project lifecycle, driving greater operational efficiency and increased profitability.
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools, Inc. is a worldwide leader in accessible, highly accurate business software that caters to the unique and diverse needs of systems design and installation firms. The company’s on-premises software, System Integrator™ (SI), and cloud-based platform, D-Tools Cloud, are robust solutions that help manage all aspects of an integrator’s business, including sales, comprehensive system design, project documentation, procurement, and installation and service management. Today, 8,000 companies in over 90 countries use D-Tools’ award-winning software to streamline business processes, leading to improved operating efficiency and increased profitability.
Find product updates and related information by following D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Tim Bigoness, D-Tools, (925) 270-4102, [email protected]
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640, [email protected]
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
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by KMB Communications | Mar 18, 2025 | Kordz
Systems integrators servicing South Korea’s high-end audio and home theatre clientele can now access Kordz’ globally renowned, award-winning connectivity solutions from one of the region’s premium distributors.
March 18, 2025 – Growing demand for Kordz’ award-winning, professional-grade connectivity solutions has attracted interest from leading distribution companies worldwide and has now opened the door to a new high calibre network in Asia. The latest addition to Kordz’ expanding network of distribution partners is HIENDAUDIO, which has provided premium AV solutions to leading residential integrators in South Korea for 20 years.
Led by CEO and renowned YouTuber, Chris Lee, HIENDAUDIO offers ISF, PVA (THX) and HAA-certified design and installation resources to AV specialists building high-end home theatre and hi-fi systems across the country. With the addition of Kordz’ extensive range of high-performance HDMI, speaker and other AV connectivity solutions to their portfolio of brands, which already includes Barco Residential, Wisdom Audio, Trinnov and StormAudio, HIENDAUDIO is reinforcing its mission to provide superior products and solutions while elevating the global prominence of South Korea’s audio culture.
The new distribution partnership not only strengthens HIENDAUDIO’s capabilities, but also provides Kordz with a valuable opportunity to showcase to South Korean integrators the difference professional-grade connectivity solutions can make. This will only be amplified by Lee’s 30 years of experience reviewing audio products on his popular YouTube channel with over 200,000 subscribers. Lee’s insights and expertise promise to benefit industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, as he shares the advantages of reliable, professional-grade connectivity solutions designed to make installation easier.
“South Korea is a new market for Kordz, so having such a well-respected distribution partner with deep knowledge, technological expertise and an established network of leading dealers is imperative to establishing a strong presence in this significant region,” says Kordz Managing Director, James Chen. “With increased industry understanding about the importance of quality to a long-lasting, reliable and future-ready infrastructure, residential and commercial AV solutions are in high demand throughout the region, and we are very excited to provide the products AV integrators need to simplify installation, improve reliability and increase project profitability.”
Adds Lee, “Kordz’ professional-grade connectivity solutions are exactly what South Korean integrators and AV specialists need to elevate the performance and reliability of their installations. With the expanding demand for high-end home theatre and audio systems, the ability to provide exceptional products like Kordz further reinforces our commitment to offering the best to our clients. We’re excited to share Kordz’ award-winning solutions with the market and demonstrate how these products can make a tangible difference in system reliability and ease of installation.”
For more information about Kordz and its extensive line of cabling and connectivity solutions, please visit www.kordz.com. For more about HIENDAUDIO and its leading range of professional AV products, please visit www.hiendaudio.co.kr.
About Kordz
Kordz is the connectivity brand for integrators, by integrators. A multi-award-winning global industry leader in professional-grade connectivity products, Kordz’ team of seasoned former integrators is on a mission to ‘Kordzify’ and optimise technology for professionals by designing, engineering and manufacturing products that deliver ease and profitability through a seamless installation experience with high performance results that today’s tech-savvy end-users expect. With a wide range of robust, fast and effective solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps integrators around the world meet the evolving cabling requirements of a diverse range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About HIENDAUDIO
HIENDAUDIO is a leading distribution company based in South Korea, specialising in providing high-quality audio, video and connectivity solutions to the professional systems integration market. With a commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies and exceptional service, HIENDAUDIO partners with top global brands to offer advanced products that meet the demands of integrators, installers, and technology professionals. The company is dedicated to enhancing system performance and user experience across a wide range of commercial, residential, and entertainment applications. Through strategic partnerships and a customer-centric approach, HIENDAUDIO continues to be a trusted distributor in the South Korean AV industry. For more information about HIENDAUDIO, please visit HIENDAUDIO.co.kr or follow the company on YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at (425) 328-8640 or [email protected].
by KMB Communications | Mar 13, 2025 | Daisy, News
New capital brings the rapidly growing one-year-old startup to $35 million in total funding
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Daisy, the first national home and small business technology installation and services company, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its $15 million Series C funding round. This new funding will reinforce its continued investments in acquisitions and propel further growth for its franchise operations. To date, Daisy has raised $35M, underscoring the company’s exceptional financial and operational performance in its first year in business.
The Series C investment solidifies Daisy’s balance sheet, providing significant cash resources and ensuring continued stability. By funding its operations through long-term investment partners with no debt, Daisy is building a sustainable business that can fulfill the ongoing needs of its partners, teams, and clients — encompassing home technology services such as custom audio/visual, shades, control systems, home security and smart lighting design and installation, all backed by a comprehensive service offering.
“I am so grateful to our incredible team of owners, technicians, salespeople, team members and franchisees who have continued to exceed all expectations since our launch last year,” said Hagan Kappler, founder and CEO of Daisy. “We are excited to continue to invest in this space and to provide a truly forward-thinking approach to home and small business technology installation and services.”
Daisy has invested half of each dollar raised to acquire new businesses and half to build out systems to support the integration and success of its branch operations. This support system includes its recurring services business, recruiting and retention platforms, marketing and sales support, and a tech stack to enable day-to-day business operations.
“At Daisy, delighting our clients and partners is at the core of everything we do,” said Dion Persson, co-founder and chief growth officer of Daisy. “This additional funding enables us to further invest in innovative tools and resources that enhance the experience for our local branches, their teams, and through them, the clients we serve. It’s about building a company that prioritizes both exceptional service and enduring relationships.”
“Daisy’s execution has been impressive” said Andy Spellman, Fifth Down founder and lead investor in Daisy’s Series C. “Fifth Down’s top criterion for direct investment is backing compelling founders, and Hagan and Dion exceed our views of compelling. We are excited about Daisy for all involved; especially the customers.”
Daisy recently announced its 10th acquisition, opened its seventh franchise location, and now has leading market positions in California and Florida with other locations in Connecticut, Colorado, Virginia and Arizona. To learn more about Daisy’s services, visit daisyco.com. For information on joining Daisy’s growing team or becoming a franchise partner, visit daisyco.com/franchising. For interior design firms, architects, or builders looking to integrate cutting-edge technology into their clients’ homes, please contact [email protected].
About Daisy
Daisy is a national home and small business technology installation and services company. Daisy partners with builders, architects, designers, and homeowners to create, install, and service optimal audio visual, lighting, shades, and security designs that enhance their clients’ experiences in their homes and offices. Daisy also provides ongoing support to steward clients through their lifetime technology journeys. For more information, visit daisyco.com.
About Fifth Down
Fifth Down Capital is an investment firm that focuses on private companies and investment funds in the global internet, software, consumer and fintech industries. Fifth Down’s objective is to back extraordinary individuals leveraging technology/innovation to create, reimagine, or enhance the future of our society. Fifth Down invests in venture and growth-stage businesses/funds and currently have an active roster of 100 private investments. Fifth Down invests via a network approach, and does not evaluate inbound investment solicitations/opportunities. For more information, visit www.fifthdown.com.
Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could impact actual results.
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