by Kyle Glass | Jan 29, 2025 | News
Celebrating the official launch of new Daisy branch, led by industry pioneer, Bert Herrero
Ocala, FL, January 27, 2025 — Daisy, the first national home and small business technology installation and services company, has officially opened its new location in Ocala, Florida, led by technology integration pioneer Bert Herrero. Daisy Ocala launched on January 25th at the Ocala Home & Garden Show.
From Left to Right: Bert Herrero, Ocala branch owner; Sean Williams, Jose Zapata (Daisy Ocala); Suzanne Keoghan, corporate partnerships marketing
Herrero, a decades-long leader in the home technology space, is best known for founding First Priority Audio in Pompano Beach, Florida, where he set the benchmark for innovation and service, paired with support of local communities. With First Priority Audio now part of the Daisy network (acquired in July 2024), Herrero has branched out to establish a new location, hired an initial team and is already bringing cutting-edge smart home solutions to Ocala, one of Florida’s most dynamic and fastest-growing markets.
“Opening in Ocala is an exciting milestone,” Herrero shared. “It’s the perfect time to bring our vision of seamlessly connected living to this vibrant community. We’re thrilled to be able to offer local homeowners and builders technology solutions and ongoing service for their homes.”
The Ocala branch marks a significant step in Daisy’s strategic expansion, showing how committed Daisy is to supporting the entrepreneurial goals of its new franchisees. In this case, the franchisee is an experienced CI professional who is excited about building a new business from the ground up, using the full suite of Daisy tools to build a business even better than the one he had before.
Hagan Kappler, Daisy’s co-founder and CEO, shared, “Our team worked closely with Bert to help him launch the Ocala branch on time. Bert is an incredible leader, not only driving his team to success but also within the Daisy organization. We’re really excited for Bert to bring his leadership to this team and our solutions to clients in The Villages and the surrounding area.”
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, architect 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.
Daisy Media Contact
For interviews or more information please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing [email protected].
All brands, products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved
by Kyle Glass | Jan 23, 2025 | D-Tools, News
At ISE 2025, D-Tools will demonstrate D-Tools Cloud with its new Inventory Management and Job Costing modules and the recently released D-Tools System Integrator (SI) v22 software platforms. Both solutions now with international distributor pricing.
23 January 2025 – D-Tools, the worldwide leading provider of core business management software catering to the needs of the systems integration market for over 25 years, will be showcasing its latest software innovations and broader international presence at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 at the Fire de Barcelona, Gran Via from 4-7 February 2025.
On the exhibit floor, D-Tools will showcase on Stand 2L500 both of its award-winning business management solutions: the latest Version 22 (v22) of its flagship System Integrator (SI) on-premises software with a slew of new innovations, and the next-generation D-Tools Cloud with its just-released Inventory Management and Job Costing modules.
D-Tools’ Expanded International Distribution Partnerships
Both D-Tools System Integrator (SI) and D-Tools Cloud software solutions support more than 300 suppliers representing 1,200 product brands and more than 1.5 million products with integrator-level pricing in the vast D-Tools Integrated Product Library. D-Tools has completed or will soon complete unique-pricing integrations with numerous international distributors, including Habitech, Invision, Pulse Cinemas, Avoke, DbM, ADI-UK, Exertis, AWE, Northamber, Indigo and Ivory Egg. The company is working to bring the other key international distributors on board as well soon.
Moreover, the international distributor pricing integration enables integrators to create proposals and order products in local UK Sterling Pound, as well as in Canadian dollars and Australia/New Zealand dollars. This ensures that pricing is automatically adjusted for these regions, reducing the risk of errors and making your proposals more competitive and relevant in international markets.
International Debut of SI v22
ISE 2025 will also mark the international debut of D-Tools System Integrator (SI) v22, which launched in October 2024 with several additional productivity features designed to improve workflow efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and enhance the overall user experience. D-Tools SI is the most respected end-to-end business management software for the integration industry with more than 8,000 integration company users over its 26-year history.
In addition to the aforementioned international pricing update, other enhancements to SI v22 are:
Customer Portal Enhancements, including multiple signatures & counter-sign, and expanded notifications. This ensures all relevant parties can sign off, streamlining the approval process and reducing delays. The ability to counter-sign enhances trust and legal compliance, providing a robust framework for documentation.
Gantt Chart Enhancements that include a new Successors Column to better manage task dependencies, and the ability to add lag times to tasks for more realistic scheduling and resource planning.
Reports Improvements such as custom cover pages and more detailed scopes of work in proposals.
Automated Resource Assignment that enables users to automatically assign resources to projects, tasks, and service orders.
Change Order Improvements allow users to gain greater control over project costs with the ability to lock or unlock individual model/unit costs within change orders.
QuickBooks Improvements include the ability to export purchase order receipts directly to QuickBooks Online as bills.
Mobile Install Enhancements allow users to view previous versions of documents and have the option to delete or replace them with current versions, ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information.
SI Homepage Customization for setting a custom URL for quicker access to key resources.
D-Tools Cloud Debuts Inventory Management Module
The newest feature for D-Tools Cloud is the just-released Inventory Management functionality that provides integrators with a seamless solution for tracking and managing inventory. Effective inventory management leads to on-time and on-budget project completion, the efficient use of labor resources, and improved cash flow.
Among the features of this new module are streamlined purchasing workflows, enhanced receiving processes, real-time inventory tracking, efficient re-ordering and precise location management. The new Inventory Management capabilities offer benefits for every team member, including the business owner, project manager, purchasing manager, field technician and accounting manager.
With the addition to the new Inventory Management feature, D-Tools Cloud, which has now been available in the UK for more than one year, continues to build on its robust, end-to-end platform which already includes:
- Sales pipeline management and CRM administration
- Intelligent visual quoting and system design
- Multimedia proposals with e-sign and payment collection
- Project management
- Service management
- Project procurement using supplier-authorized integrator-specific pricing
- Scheduling, time tracking, and task management for field technicians
- Back-office management, accounting integrations, and reporting
Accurate Business Reporting Starts with Job Costing
Business management reporting enables business owners to build and operate more effective and profitable businesses. In particular, accurate job costing leads to more precise labor estimation, a reduction in design oversights, and more profitable projects over time. By accurately allocating burdened labor and landed material costs and comparing these actual costs against budget estimates in proposals, D-Tools Cloud faithfully exposes whether projects, even individual phases of projects, are under or over budget and by how much.
Further, D-Tools Cloud now allows system integrators to look at financial performance across projects to uncover and correct estimating deficiencies. The first in a series of business reporting tools, Job Costing offers business owners the ability to see the business more clearly and make better business decisions.
Where to See D-Tools at ISE 2025
To request a live demo of SI v22 and Cloud on the show floor, email D-Tools at [email protected] and stop by ISE Stand 2L500. To learn more about D-Tools software and sign up for free trials, visit www.d-tools.com
About D-Tools
D-Tools, Inc. is a leading provider of business management software for electronics systems contractors worldwide. For more than 25 years, D-Tools’ award-winning solutions have empowered thousands of low-voltage systems integrators to streamline their business operations for greater efficiency and improved profitability. Boasting an integrated product library complete with up-to-date specifications and unique dealer-specific pricing, the D-Tools Cloud and System Integrator™ (SI) platforms enable end-to-end management of the systems integration project lifecycle. From sales and system design through installation and ongoing service, D-Tools’ purpose-built software products ensure accurate detail that directly benefits the bottom line. For more information, visit www.d-tools.com.
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.
by Kyle Glass | Jan 23, 2025 | Daisy, News
Newest franchise location taps into Scottsdale’s booming luxury home market
Costa Mesa, Calif., January 22, 2025 – Daisy, the first national home and small business technology installation and services company, continues its rapid expansion with the launch of its first branch in Arizona. Opening in March, the new Scottsdale franchise is well-positioned to deliver professional integration services to the region’s thriving luxury home market. With this latest addition, Daisy continues to redefine the smart home industry, bringing cutting-edge technology and recurring services to tens of thousands of clients through its network of company-owned and franchise branches.
Daisy_L to R_Steve Stary,Sales Leader Daisy, Gavin Lantzy, Franchise Development at Daisy, Jessica Thumati, Controller, Jim Schoene, Owner Daisy Scottsdale, Brian Wiersma, Operations Leader Daisy
Spearheading the Scottsdale branch is seasoned leader Jim Schoene, whose extensive experience spans 20+ years at multiple successful companies with oversight across operations, logistics, sales, program implementation, and IT. Schoene’s passion for technology paired with his strategic business acumen make him a natural fit for the Daisy network. “I’m excited for our upcoming opening — I see such a big opportunity for Daisy to service my community,” says Schoene. “With the support of a national network and Daisy’s team of smart home and franchise experts, we are well-positioned for success. Their experience in finance, sales, marketing, client services, recruiting and training will be invaluable”
“Jim’s entrepreneurial vision and operational expertise make him a great addition to our, network,” says Daisy CEO Hagan Kappler. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jim to the team and are confident in his ability to bring Daisy’s exceptional client services to this dynamic region.”
Scottsdale represents Daisy’s 15th location in its sixth state, with all locations launched in under a year.
To learn more about becoming part of Daisy’s team visit daisyco.com. To learn more about converting your 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 us at [email protected]
Download image here
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 to 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.
Daisy Media Contact
For interviews or more information please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (406) 446-1283 or emailing [email protected].
All brands, products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved
by Kyle Glass | Jan 21, 2025 | D-Tools, News
Web-based business management software adds comprehensive Inventory Management, Job Costing, and Convenience Fees, enhancing its award-winning SaaS platform.
Concord, CA – January 21, 2025 – D-Tools, a leading provider of core business management software for electronic systems contractors, is excited to announce the launch of major new features for D-Tools Cloud, including a fully integrated Inventory Management module and Job Costing capabilities. Additionally, the platform now supports the ability for users to charge clients Convenience Fees for credit card payments taken through the D-Tools Payments feature in D-Tools Cloud, offering integrators even more flexibility and profitability.
“As a complete end-to-end, cloud-based software solution for system integrators, D-Tools has moved beyond the basics of generating proposals, managing projects, and selling service plans”, said Randy Stearns, CEO, D-Tools. “D-Tools Cloud is now attacking head-on the toughest challenges facing system integrators – tracking inventory, assessing project profitability, and managing cash. The release of the new inventory module, job costing capabilities, and convenience fee option demonstrates our commitment to going the extra mile, and there’s a lot more to come in 2025. Hold on to your hats!”
Comprehensive Inventory Management
D-Tools Cloud’s new Inventory Management functionality provides integrators with a seamless solution for tracking and managing inventory. Effective inventory management leads to on-time and on-budget project completion, the efficient use of labor resources, and improved cash flow.
Key Features Include:
- Streamlined Purchasing Workflows: Simplify and optimize product procurement for both project-specific and stock items by knowing what’s on hand in advance.
- Bar/QR Code Scanning: Receive items directly into inventory via a handheld device and assign them to designated locations in the warehouse.
- Real-Time Item Tracking: Stay up-to-date as inventory moves from purchasing through receiving and staging, rack assembly, and delivery to site.
- Smart Inventory Allocation: Reserve and allocate items for specific projects to ensure availability when they are needed in the field.
- Location Management: Assign and transfer items between warehouses, vans, and job sites, for improved accessibility and organization.
- Efficient Re-Ordering: Never run out of critical stock items with automated re-order alerts whenever minimum stock levels are reached.
The new Inventory Management solution benefits every team member, including business owners, project managers, service managers, field technicians, procurement, and accounting. Inventory Management is now included in all D-Tools Cloud subscription plans.
On Tuesday, February 4 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time, D-Tools will be conducting a webinar to walk through the new Inventory Management features. Register today at Registration to reserve your spot.
Accurate Business Reporting Starts with Job Costing
Business management reporting enables business owners to build and operate more effective and profitable businesses. In particular, accurate job costing leads to more precise labor estimation, a reduction in design oversights, and more profitable projects over time. By accurately allocating burdened labor and landed material costs and comparing these actual costs against budget estimates in proposals, D-Tools Cloud faithfully exposes whether projects, even individual phases of projects, are under or over budget and by how much.
The first in a series of business reporting tools, Job Costing offers business owners the ability to see the business more clearly and make better business decisions.
Convenience Fees Protect Margins
D-Tools Cloud users requesting credit card payments now have the option to add a 3% Convenience Fee to client invoices. By enabling the 3% convenience fee on credit card transactions, integrators:
- Maintain profitability by avoiding processing fees;
- Allow clients to pay electronically without having to look up their banking information, and
- Provide transparency and compliance through clearly-written disclosures.
The new Convenience Fee feature is part of the broader D-Tools Payments* solution within D-Tools Cloud, designed to empower integrators with embedded, cost-effective payment processing and reporting while enabling a seamless workflow for clients.
*D-Tools Payments is available to U.S. D-Tools Cloud subscribers.
Expanding a Powerful Toolset
With these new features, D-Tools Cloud continues to build on its robust, end-to-end platform which already includes:
- Sales pipeline management and CRM administration
- Intelligent visual quoting and system design
- Multimedia proposals with e-sign and payment collection
- Project management
- Service management
- Project procurement using supplier-authorized integrator-specific pricing
- Scheduling, time tracking, and task management for field technicians
- Back-office management, accounting integrations, and reporting
For more information about these new capabilities or to schedule a demo, visit www.d-tools.com or contact [email protected].
About D-Tools
D-Tools, Inc. is a leading provider of business management software for electronics systems contractors worldwide. For more than 25 years, D-Tools’ award-winning solutions have empowered thousands of low-voltage systems integrators to streamline their business operations for greater efficiency and improved profitability. Boasting an integrated product library complete with up-to-date specifications and unique dealer-specific pricing, the D-Tools Cloud and System Integrator™ (SI) platforms enable end-to-end management of the systems integration project lifecycle. From sales and system design through installation and ongoing service, D-Tools’ purpose-built software products ensure accurate detail that directly benefits the bottom line. For more information, visit www.d-tools.com.
Find product updates and related information by following D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
by Kyle Glass | Jan 17, 2025 | News, Torus Power
TORONTO, ON, CANADA (January 16, 2025) – Torus Power Inc. proudly joins the Lightapalooza 2025 exhibit hall, emphasizing to attendees the importance of clean, stable electrical voltage to the performance of advanced AV systems. For the first time at this rapidly growing conference and trade show, Torus Power will present a comprehensive lineup of isolation transformers, including models from its flagship RM and AVR series.
Torus Power AVR-2 ELITE 8 CE
Highlights include wall- and rack-mounted versions of the AVR-2 Elite Series with cloud-based control and monitoring, the compact and budget-friendly TOT series, and the top-of-the-line RM20—all purposefully designed to meet the power demands and protection needs of custom AV installations. Torus Power will also unveil the Armada Series 2+, an innovative whole-house surge protection solution.
The Value of Stable Power in AV Systems
“High-end home theaters and high-performance audio systems demand substantial amounts of electrical power. Fluctuations in power quality can degrade audio and video performance, leading to system integrator challenges and customer dissatisfaction,” says Torus Power president and COO Kevin Main. “Our isolation transformers and power management solutions are engineered to address these issues by delivering clean, stable power that enhances every aspect of AV performance. Whether it’s lowering the noise floor for improved audio dynamics or stabilizing voltage to ensure consistent video quality, we provide integrators with the tools they need to create exceptional experiences for their clients.
Torus Power RM 16 CE Silver
At the Torus Power exhibit, attendees will learn how the company’s advanced isolation transformers address these issues by electrically isolating AV components from the incoming power source. This process eliminates electrical transients, significantly lowers the noise floor, and enhances audio performance with greater dynamics, imaging, and bass response. Meanwhile, video quality benefits from sharper images, deeper blacks, enhanced contrast, and richer colors. Additionally, connected components gain robust protection from surges, spikes, and brownouts, ensuring consistent performance in the face of power fluctuations.
Torus Power Solutions on Display
- RM Series
The RM Series remains the industry benchmark for luxury home theaters and high-end home audio systems. With models ranging from 7 to 200 Amps, this feature-rich series offers toroidal isolation, noise filtering, high instantaneous current capability, and advanced lightning and surge protection.
- AVR-2 Elite Series
Designed to handle variable incoming line voltages, the AVR-2 Elite Series protects connected equipment using multiple transformer input taps to deliver stable output voltage within an optimal range of 120V (+/- 4V). Its wide operating range of 90-135VAC makes it a perfect fit for installations with fluctuating voltage conditions.
- TOT AVR Elite 10
Compact yet powerful, the TOT AVR Elite 10 offers robust power conditioning in a smaller chassis, making it an affordable alternative to Torus Power’s higher-end models. It delivers stable voltage regulation to keep equipment running optimally.
- Armada Series 2+
As the exclusive North American distributor for Armada Surge Protection’s custom integration channel, Torus Power introduces the Armada Series 2+, a whole-house surge protector for 120/240 volt installations. Featuring patented Power Pressure technology, it offers enhanced resilience and durability, attaching directly to the electrical breaker panel to safeguard entire home systems from power disturbances.
Torus Power invites attendees to visit its exhibit at Lightapalooza 2025 to learn more about its innovative power management solutions and their transformative impact on AV system performance and reliability.
For more information about Torus Power, visit www.toruspower.com and follow Torus Power on Twitter and Facebook.
About Torus Power
Toroidal isolation power transformers by Torus Power are the world’s finest clean power source for audio, video, and control systems. Dramatically increasing performance levels of connected AV components from video displays to amplifiers and powered speakers, Torus Power products utilize Plitron Manufacturing’s patented NBT technologies and medical-grade toroidal isolation transformers to eliminate virtually all power-line noise artifacts and protect equipment from potentially damaging AC power line events while increasing system reliability and extending product life. Torus Power products deliver higher levels of instantaneous current which ensures that dynamic components and high-performance systems are never compromised, nor starved for power.
Built to rigorous specifications in Toronto, Canada, Torus Power’s toroidal transformers—the heart of the Torus Power product line—utilize similar technologies as those found in leading AV amplifiers as well as in industrial, medical, broadcast, telecommunications, IT, power conditioning, and energy management applications. For additional information visit www.toruspower.com and follow Torus Power onLinkedIn, and Facebook.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
Media Contact
For interviews or reviews please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications, Inc. by phoning (406) 446-1283 or emailing [email protected].
