by KMB Communications | Aug 27, 2025 | Illuminated Lighting Design, News
Insightful, information-rich sessions led by Illuminated Lighting Design lighting experts equip attendees with practical strategies to elevate lighting design, improve project outcomes, and unlock new business opportunities.
FORT MYERS, FL – August 27, 2025 — Illuminated Lighting Design, founded by a team of seasoned professionals with more than a century of combined industry experience, will present two expert-led education sessions at CEDIA Expo 2025. Designed to equip integrators with real-world strategies and practical knowledge, these sessions tackle two of the most critical and complex areas in lighting design today: managing design integrity throughout the construction process, and executing visually stunning, technically demanding under-stone lighting systems.
In “Best Laid Plans: Managing Lighting Designs That Survive the Project Gauntlet,” Illuminated Lighting Design’s Lynne Stambouly and Bruce Clark dig into the common pitfalls that plague even the best lighting plans—value engineering, trade misalignment, last-minute changes—and offer a roadmap to preserving design intent and project profitability.
Meanwhile, “Under-Stone Lighting Systems: How to Design and Install with Confidence,” led by Curtis Searles and Stambouly, demystifies one of the most show stopping yet challenging applications in luxury lighting. From glowing kitchen islands to backlit walls, attendees will learn how to specify, detail, and coordinate these systems with precision and confidence.
Leading these sessions are Illuminated Lighting Design’s founding partners: Lynne Stambouly, principal founder, who brings nearly four decades of experience across lighting design, sales, procurement, and project management; Bruce Clark, design principal, known for combining technical precision with creative insight to elevate integrator capabilities; and Curtis Searles, managing principal, whose 25+ years in lighting and construction have earned him a reputation for excellence in both technical execution and trade coordination.
Together, this accomplished team will share valuable lessons drawn from years of field experience, offering integration professionals the guidance they need to deliver sophisticated, reliable lighting solutions that meet the high expectations of luxury residential and boutique commercial projects.
“With demand for high-impact lighting rising across the luxury market, integrators have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to elevate their game,” says Stambouly. “Understanding the complexities of lighting design, from implementation challenges to coordination with multiple trades, is essential to creating environments that not only look stunning but function seamlessly.”
CEDIA Education Sessions from Illuminated Lighting Design:
“Best Laid Plans: Managing Lighting Designs That Survive the Project Gauntlet”
Thursday, September 4, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, Room MH 4A
This real-world session confronts the challenges that arise when design intent meets field execution. From value engineering compromises to coordination mishaps, presenters Lynne Stambouly and Bruce Clark offer tools to navigate stakeholder influences, maintain design integrity, and protect project margins. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to anticipate, address, and resolve issues before they derail the lighting vision.
“Under-Stone Lighting Systems: How to Design and Install with Confidence”
Friday, September 5, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Room MH 4C
Backlit stone and underlit surfaces are among the most visually striking lighting applications—and the most misunderstood. Curtis Searles and Lynne Stambouly provide a systems-based breakdown of how to evaluate, plan, and execute these complex applications from start to finish. From illuminated kitchen islands to vertical stone features, this course covers everything from CAD planning and LED specification to coordinating across five or more trades.
Key Takeaways from Illuminated Lighting Design’s CEDIA Expo 2025 Courses
A properly designed lighting system is one of the most impactful of all smart technologies, yet the complexities and collaboration required can often dissuade integrators from taking on lighting-intensive projects. Yet, there’s no denying the demand for distinctive lighting in the luxury home market. In both Illuminated Lighting Design sessions, attendees will gather inspiration and advice to take their lighting installations to the next level with poise and precision. Key takeaways stress the importance of and offer best practices for:
- Evaluating materials and planning for aesthetic performance
- Specifying proper lighting, dimming, and power systems
- Coordinating across construction, millwork, and AV disciplines
- Building redundancy and serviceability into the design
To register for “Best Laid Plans: Managing Lighting Designs That Survive the Project Gauntlet” and/or “Under-Stone Lighting Systems: How to Design and Install with Confidence”, go to https://cediaexpo.com/show/schedule/#schedule.
About Illuminated Lighting Design (ILDS)
Founded by lighting veterans Lynne Stambouly, Bruce Clark, and Curtis Searles, Illuminated Lighting Design brings together more than 100 years of combined industry experience across lighting design, integration, and construction. The Florida-based firm partners nationally with AV integrators, architects, and designers to deliver lighting strategies that are both visionary and executable. Illuminated Lighting Design specializes in supporting projects from concept to completion, with a refined methodology that ensures accuracy, efficiency, and stunning results.
To learn more, visit www.illuminatedlightingdesign.com or contact info@illuminatedlightingdesign.com.
ILDS Media Contact
For more information about Illuminated Lighting Design contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications by calling (406) 446-1283 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
by KMB Communications | Aug 27, 2025 | Daisy, News
At Booth #1738, Daisy demonstrates how its proven business model, centralized services, and powerful tech platform help integrators scale with confidence, serve clients better, and reclaim work-life balance.
DENVER, CO — [August 27, 2025] — At CEDIA Expo 2025, Daisy, the fastest-growing national home and small business technology services company, invites integrators to stop by Booth #1738 and see how partnering with Daisy can make running a business easier, more profitable, and more valuable.
Many integrators work long nights and weekends trying to balance client needs, billing, hiring, and everything else that comes with owning a business. Daisy’s mission is simple: Relieve the stress of running a company while helping owners unlock growth and realize the full value of what they’ve built.
CEDIA Expo attendees are invited to explore the following at the Daisy booth:
- Hands-On Support: Learn how Daisy helps with recruiting, training, marketing, sales, and 24/7 tech support, even nights and weekends.
- Better Service = Happier Clients: Daisy’s programs deliver higher customer satisfaction scores than the industry average, double, in fact.
- Real Owner Stories: Meet Daisy branch leaders and see how they’ve grown faster with less stress.
- Vegas Fun: Play blackjack, roulette, and slots; enjoy food and drinks; and win prizes throughout the show.
Daisy will also be offering free business valuations at the booth so owners can get a clear picture of what their company is worth today and what it could be worth with Daisy’s help.
A Smarter Service Model: DaisyCare
One of the biggest highlights this year is DaisyCare, a new way to deliver ongoing service that grows recurring revenue and keeps clients happy:
- Quarterly in-home maintenance visits
- Upgrade recommendations to keep systems up-to-date
- Easy-to-read monthly performance reports
- 24/7 remote support
DaisyCare has earned an NPS score of 80+, more than twice the industry average.
Powerful Tools: Bloom Platform
Daisy will also present Bloom, its business management platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365. Bloom brings together CRM, quoting, invoicing, inventory, service tracking, and analytics—all in one place—so owners and their teams can save time, reduce mistakes, and focus on clients.
Marketing That Works
Daisy invests heavily in marketing so integrators don’t have to figure it out alone. This includes:
- Local websites designed to drive leads
- SEO and online visibility support
- Customer re-engagement campaigns
- Professional sales collateral and event support
Daisy’s marketing team comprises experts with experience at brands like Peloton, Warby Parker, Nike, and Starbucks, a powerful combination of talent and insight designed to help integrators grow their businesses.
Learning Sessions & Events
In addition to a strong booth presence, Daisy leaders will speak in two educational panels:
- “Showroom Strategies: Insights from Experts on Building it Right”
Room 402 | Wed, Sept. 3 | 1–2:30 p.m.
Learn how to design showrooms that bring in real business.
- “The Perfect Exit: A Conversation with Integrators Who Sold and Haven’t Looked Back”
Room 402 | Wed, Sept. 3 | 2–4:30 p.m.
Hear from former owners, including Gordon van Zuiden, about selling, succession, and exit value.
Daisy is also sponsoring the second annual CEDIA Expo Pickleball Tournament, with proceeds going to the CEDIA Foundation.
Where to Go for More Information
To discover how to join the Daisy team, visit Booth #1738 at CEDIA Expo or go to 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.
About Daisy
Daisy is a national network of locally owned and operated smart home integration businesses, backed by a shared services platform that helps integrators grow faster and operate more efficiently. By offering centralized support, a unified tech stack, structured talent development, and powerful marketing, Daisy empowers its partners to deliver outstanding client experiences—while building thriving, scalable businesses.
For more information, visit www.joindaisy.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Katye McGregor Bennett
KMB Communications
(406) 446-1283
katye@kmbcomm.com
by KMB Communications | Aug 27, 2025 | D-Tools, News
D-Tools set to unveil major new features – built-in AI, native mobile app, and Interconnect diagrams – along with prizes, happy hour, education/training sessions and Opening Party sponsorship.
CONCORD, Calif. – August 27, 2025 – D-Tools, the leading provider of end-to-end software solutions for the professional integration industry, will take center stage at CEDIA Expo 2025 in Denver, September 4 – 6. Under the theme Ignite Growth, D-Tools will unveil powerful new software innovations for its Cloud and System Integrator (SI) platforms, while also hosting engaging activities, educational sessions, and networking events in Booth #3133.
These announcements follow D-Tools’ recent $12 million Series C investment by StellarIQ, led by technology executive and investor John Heyman, former CEO of Snap One, with support from Greybull Stewardship. This funding strengthens D-Tools’ position as the industry’s source of truth for data-driven insights, while accelerating innovation in AI-powered solutions.
D-Tools Product Debuts
In Booth #3133, D-Tools will showcase several transformative features:
- D-Tools AI: Embedded AI capabilities that streamline quoting, design, and documentation, enabling faster, more accurate workflows.
- Native D-Tools Cloud Mobile App: A full-featured iOS and Android app that empowers technicians and project managers in the field to manage schedules, tasks, and jobsite details, even with limited connectivity.
- Native D-Tools SI Mobile Install App: The new D-Tools Mobile Install app for SI is an update of the existing SI Mobile Install functionality. With the app, integrators now have enhanced tools for publishing tasks, service orders, and project documentation to technicians in the field.
- Interconnect Diagrams: An intelligent system connectivity toolset built directly into D-Tools Cloud provides a dynamic, interactive environment for mapping out how devices are wired across a project by system, phase, or room, fully integrated with the BOM and product catalog.
D-Tools Booth Activities and Events
$10K Prize Giveaway: September 4 at 2 p.m., featuring $10,000 in prizes from Cleerline, Wisdom Audio, WAC Lighting, NICE, Legrand, Bluesound and Ring in Booth #3133. Attendees can try their luck on the D-Tools Plinko machine for a chance to win.
CEDIA Opening Party: September 4, 8-11 p.m. at the Cervantes Ballroom, with live music from the CE Pro All-Star Band, cocktails, food, and giveaways.
Happy Hour: September 5, 3-5 p.m., D-Tools will host its famous Happy Hour in Booth #3133, sponsored by StellarIQ and Somfy.
D-Tools Ramps Up Education
At CEDIA Expo, D-Tools will be participating in several educational sessions designed to help integrators run their businesses better.
CEDIA Panel: “Maximize Efficiency with Processes” on September 4, 1-2:30 p.m., Room MH3A, featuring Jason Knott, D-Tools Data Solutions Architect & Evangelist. This session will review how to track key processes that drive productivity, profitability, and team accountability.
Smart Stage Panel: “How Software Tools Help Integrators Run Better, More Profitable Businesses” on September 5, 11 a.m., featuring Randy Stearns, D-Tools CEO. The discussion will touch on tools for proposal creation, drawings and documentation, service management, and back-office efficiencies.
Manufacturer Product Training: “Get Started with D-Tools Cloud” on September 4 and 5, 9-10:30 a.m. These 90-minute sessions will cover basic on-boarding, generating a quote, sharing a proposal, and touching post-sales processes.
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools, Inc. is a global leader in business management software for system integration firms. Its System Integrator (SI) and D-Tools Cloud platforms streamline sales, design, project management, and service operations. Serving over 8,000 companies in 90+ countries, D-Tools helps integrators increase efficiency and drive growth.
For more information, visit www.d-tools.com or follow D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts:
Tim Bigoness, D-Tools, (925) 270-4102, timb@d-tools.com
Katye McGregor Bennett, KMB Communications, (406) 446-1283, katye@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Aug 22, 2025 | Blog
A Food, Wine, Beer, and Music Lovers Guide to Denver, CO
Industry Veteran Joins Company to Fuel Coast-to-Coast Growth and Strengthen Manufacturer Partnerships.
By Katye McGregor Bennett, KMB Communications
If there’s one thing the #AVFoodies crowd knows, it’s that trade shows aren’t just about the gear—it’s about the people, the conversations, and yes, the food and drink that fuel all those late nights and early mornings. With CEDIA Expo landing in Denver again, we tapped our friend and fellow foodie, Elizabeth P. Lord-Levitt, for her best local recommendations. Whether you’re looking to grab dinner with your team, impress a client, or sneak off for a post-show cocktail, this list has you covered.
Wine Bars: Because We All Know Katye Loves Wine
Denver has a lively wine scene that makes it easy to unwind after a long day on the show floor. Barcelona Wine Bar is a staple, with a sister location Corsica Wine Bar also in Denver that delivers the same warm, rustic vibe and an outstanding wine list with small plates to match. For something a little more adventurous, check out Noble Riot, a RiNo neighborhood favorite that mixes eclectic pours with a cozy, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Sunday Vinyl has caught my eye and my ears’s attention and La Bouche has also. Definitely want to scope those out. Beyond what I’ve listed here, Denver offers a growing list of wine-forward hangouts—perfect for #AVFoodies who’d rather swirl than sip cocktails.
Drinks & Speakeasies: Where Conversations Flow
Denver knows how to do a cocktail. If you want your night to feel like an experience, head to Williams & Graham, a true speakeasy that nails both the drinks and the vibe. For whiskey lovers, Seven Grand is a must—think extensive selections and bartenders who know their stuff.
If you’re in the mood for something elegant, sip your martini in style at The Cooper Lounge, perched above Union Station. And if your crew is up for a moodier, cocktail-forward spot, Death & Company delivers an unforgettable experience (and makes you look like you know all the cool spots).
Dinner: Deals Over Plates Worth Sharing
If you’ve got time for a proper sit-down, make reservations now—these spots fill up fast during Expo week. Work & Class is a local gem serving up comforting, hearty dishes in a no-fuss, always-delicious way. If you lean more toward elevated farm-to-table, Mercantile at Union Station is a stunner, perfect for catching up with industry friends over small plates and wine.
Tavernetta is where Italian cravings are satisfied in style, and if you want something a little trendier with a New York-meets-Denver flair, book a table at The Greenwich. Pro tip: don’t skip dessert.
But wait—there’s more. Denver’s food scene has some can’t-miss spots that deserve their own spotlight:
- Cholon – Downtown Denver, serving Asian fusion so good you’ll be dreaming about it later. Must orders: onion soup dumplings and kimchee fried rice (trust us).
- Hop Alley – Bold Asian fusion just outside downtown. Must orders: La Zi Ji, bone marrow fried rice, and the Beijing duck roll.
- Guard & Grace – A Troy Guard steakhouse that nails it. Elevated and polished, with five sister restaurants around Denver worth exploring if you want something more casual.
- Shells & Sauce – Quaint, family-run Italian in SE Denver. Off the beaten path and deliciously worth it.
- Uchi – As Barrie McCorkle of D-Tools put it: “Epic sushi.” Enough said.
- Matsuhisa – Another Barrie McCorkle recommendation for sushi that rivals the best in the world.
Rooftops: Where the View Steals the Show
When the Colorado sunshine hits just right, there’s no better way to toast the day than on a rooftop. Avanti F&B is a collective of food stalls and bars that makes it easy for groups to find something they love. For an iconic Denver rooftop with a bit of whimsy, Linger is a can’t-miss. And if you find yourself in Cherry Creek, the Rare Bird rooftop is as chic as it gets—perfect for snapping a shot for your own Expo highlight reel.
Music Lovers: Red Rocks & the CE Pro All-Star Band
If your idea of networking leans more toward live music, you’re in luck. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most iconic venues in the world, and its late-summer/early-fall lineup never disappoints. Check out what’s playing while you’re in town at denver.org’s Red Rocks calendar or the official Red Rocks site.
And closer to home for the AV crowd—get ready: the CE Pro All-Star Band is making its return to Denver for CEDIA Expo 2025. This group of industry rockers, beloved for their energy and throwback hits, is back for a one-night-only performance to kick off the show on Thursday night Sept. 4 at the Cervantes’ Master Ballroom on 2635 Welton Street. If you’ve never experienced the CE Pro All-Star Band, consider this your official invite to join the crowd, sing along, and maybe even dance a little—it’s a highlight of Expo week you won’t want to miss.
Your #AVFoodies Game Plan
Like any good show strategy, the key to conquering Denver’s food scene is planning ahead. Book a couple of reservations now for team dinners, and leave room for spontaneity—you never know when that hallway chat will turn into a night out at a hidden gem.
CEDIA Expo is all about connections, and what better way to connect than over good food, great drinks, or live music? See you at the show—and maybe on a rooftop with a glass of wine, cocktail, mocktail, beer, or whatever you enjoy sipping in hand.
by KMB Communications | Aug 21, 2025 | News
Industry Veteran Joins Company to Fuel Coast-to-Coast Growth and Strengthen Manufacturer Partnerships.
Charlotte, NC (August 21, 2025) – Phoenix Marketing Group, the industry’s leading national manufacturers’ representative firm, is proud to announce the appointment of Sami Al-Saadi as Vice President of Sales. This strategic addition comes as the company continues its rapid growth and expansion across the United States, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional value to manufacturers and integrators nationwide.
Founded in 2018 by Christopher Gilray, Phoenix Marketing Group has quickly established itself as an industry leader by focusing on quality over quantity—representing a select group of manufacturers with compelling stories and providing dedicated support through a unified, passionate team. The company’s unique national model, launched in January 2025, now covers 50 states and continues to attract top-tier talent and partners.
“We’ve built Phoenix Marketing Group on the principle that less is more—by carefully selecting our partners and empowering our team, we’ve been able to deliver outstanding results for both manufacturers and integrators,” said Christopher Gilray, Founder and CEO. “As we continue to scale, bringing Sami on board as VP of Sales is a natural next step. His deep industry experience, integrity, and commitment to customer relationships make him the perfect fit to help lead our team into the future.”
Sami Al-Saadi brings decades of leadership experience in the industry, having built a reputation for integrity, expertise, and dedication to both vendors and customers.
“I’ve watched Chris and the Phoenix team grow rapidly and smartly, especially in high-growth sectors like lighting and shading,” said Sami. “I’m honored to join the team and look forward to helping drive continued success for our partners and clients.”
The announcement of Sami’s appointment is being made ahead of CEDIA Expo, where he will officially begin his new role on the Phoenix team supporting its brand partners and integrators across the nation. This appointment underscores Phoenix Marketing Group’s commitment to supporting manufacturers with a truly unified and highly effective, coast-to-coast approach
Phoenix Marketing boasts an exceptional linecard of national brand partners, including [insert brands here] and a robust lineup of regional brand partners as well.
For more information about Phoenix Marketing Group, its team, and its partner brands, please visit www.phx-reps.com or reach out to Sami Al-Saadi by emailing sami@phx-reps.com to schedule time to meet during CEDIA Expo.
About Phoenix Marketing Group
Phoenix Marketing Group is the leading Luxury Technology Manufacturer’s Representative in the nation, covering all fifty states with a team of uniquely talented individuals. We believe technology should be perfectly blended within the environment, matching the client’s needs, being simple to design, install and operate. We focus on lighting, shades, smart home automation, audio, and video solutions for residential and commercial projects in any environment. Visit www.phx-reps.com to learn more and follow the company on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook.
Phoenix Marketing Group Media Contact:
Katye McGregor Bennett
KMB Communications
katye@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
