CEA: Mark of Excellence

2006 Mark of Excellence Judges

The Mark of Excellence Awards recognizes products and companies in the forefront of innovation in the home automation industry. The judges for 2006 are listed below. �

Thomas Ardolf Cybermation President		Tom co-founded Cybermation with his wife, Susie, in 1996. In addition, Tom is the President of RT Enterprises, a software services firm he founded in 1986. His experience began with 4 years in the Intelligence and Security Command of the U.S. Army, from 1979-1983, working with various high tech projects as an electronics technician. Upon discharge, Tom joined Sanders Associates, a leading defense contractor based in Nashua, New Hampshire spending 3 years working on classified projects in an R&D environment, primarily specialized airborne platforms that were deployed for special projects throughout the world. Returning to Minnesota, Tom completed a Bachelors in Engineering Technology from 1985-1988 at St. Cloud State University while simultaneously founding RT Enterprises in July of 1986. Tom continued working on an MBA at SCSU, graduating in 1993. Due to lack of any available custom installers, Tom and Susie founded Cybermation in 1996 when building their home. Spending the next 5 years gaining education and experience in custom electronics and home systems, Tom and Susie continue to participate in the strategic planning of both firms, and some active daily participation as required to foster each firms' growth. Tom, as well as other members of Cybermation participates in a range of community and industry events to better both local associations as well as the custom integration industry. Today, Cybermation has become Central Minnesota’s premiere custom installer, representing a wide range of mid and upper level AV products, home automation and security. Cybermation now has the first full home theatre and showroom in the area, outfitted with a range of gear for the discriminating consumer to experience prior to purchasing their custom system.

Oscar Ciornei The OAC Group Sr. Partner		Oscar A. Ciornei, principal partner and founder of The OAC Group, has lead a distinguished thirty-year career as a visionary and proven leader in the consumer electronics, professional audio, music and recording industries. Oscar has served in nearly every executive capacity and sector of those industries, including company president, CEO, distributor, music producer, sales representative, consultant, dealmaker and board member. A former singer & brass player and an audiophile and music lover since age 14, Oscar’s lifelong love of music and sound technology feeds the tremendous passion that has been the cornerstone of his personal and professional success. He and his wife are both avid music lovers & home theater enthusiasts who have made their home a technology showcase. The OAC Group is a well-regarded consulting firm offering its clients emerging technologies, premier designs, brand identity, astute marketing and management coaching. Over its history, the OAC team has managed, consulted, and assisted in the growth of over 100 companies primarily in the music and video delivery business. Most notably are its involvement with A-BUS, Atlantic Technology, DTS, GRP Music, Imax, Russound, SpeakerCraft and Telarc. Their product, design and management skills have received global recognition and their leading edge products & designs have been awarded numerous patents.

Joseph Cornwall Impact Acoustics Buisness Development Manager		Joseph D. Cornwall is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Cincinnati. He has been involved in the consumer electronics industry for more than two decades. As a small business owner, Cornwall was a pioneer in home theater design during the early 1980s. Well before the introduction of residential THX technology, Cornwall was already working to combine front projection video, surround sound audio, custom furniture, home automation and lighting with interior design and construction trends. From 1996 through 2003 Cornwall served as the National Sales Manager of the C-Band Products group of Motorolas Broadband Communications Sector. Cornwall also served on the Board of Directors of the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association, where he created the Building Excellence in Satellite Technology C-Band training and certification program still in use today. Cornwall was also a founding member of the C-Band Industry Users Group. A long-time audiophile, Cornwall has authored columns for Ultimate Audio magazine and is a regular contributor to the Audioholics on-line e-zine. Today Cornwall holds the position of Business Development Manager of the Impact Acoustics division of Lastar, Inc.

Femi Ekisola Total Home System Electronic Architect		Architect Femi Ekisola (aka Eki) is the visionary behind Total Home Systems Control (THSC), an Electronic Custom Design and Installation Firm located in Laurel Maryland since 1990. THSC has been recognized as CEPro Top 50 Integrators in Year 2000 and Dealer of the Month - November 2001. Eki's architectural background, combined with his extensive electronic knowledge, has earned him the title of "Electronic Architect" in the consumer electronic industry. For more information on Eki and THSC, visit www.thcontrol.com or email info@thcontrol.com

Rob Enderle Enderle Group Principal Analyst		Rob is President and Principal Analyst of the Enderle Group, a forward-looking emerging technology advisory firm. With over 25 years experience emerging technologies he has provided regional and global companies with guidance in how to better target customer needs; create new business opportunities; anticipate technology changes; select vendors and products; and practice effective low budget marketing. Before founding the Enderle Group Rob was a Research Fellow for Forrester Research and the Giga Information Group. While there he worked for and with companies like Microsoft, HP, IBM, Dell, Toshiba, Gateway, Sony, USAA, Texas Instruments, AMD, Intel, Credit Suisse First Boston, GM, Ford, ROLM, and Siemens. Prior to that he worked for IBM and held positions in Internal Audit, Competitive Analysis, Marketing, Finance, and Security. Currently Rob writes on Emerging Personal Technology, Security, and Linux for a wide variety of publications including TechNewsWorld, CMP, and Computer User. Rob also does a weekly radio spot for Wall Street Journal radio on consumer technology. Rob sits on the advisory councils for IBM, AMD, HP, Dell, Clear Cube, Comdex, and TCG. renderle@enderlegroup.com

Daniel Fulmer FulTech Solutions, Inc. President		Dan Fulmer is president and founder of FulTech Solutions, a home automation installation firm headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., and the College of Smart, a dealer licensing and training program. FulTech is an industry-leading pioneer and nationally recognized expert in home automation that specializes in whole house automation and integration. FulTech developed and implemented its own patent-pending structured cabling system, called the Universal Cabling System (UCS), which allows for complete growth and expansion at any time after construction. FulTech also opened Northeast Florida's only fully equipped and fully functional home automation model home in Ponte Vedra, Fla. Dan has more than 15 years of computer control experience, and 10 years in the home automation industry. He holds a BS from the University of Central Florida, where he studied computer science and engineering. In 2002, Fulmer joined the CEA's TechHome Education and Training Committee and in 2003, he was elected to the CEA's TechHome Division Board. He has been a speaker at several Electronic House Expos and a guest speaker for many local events relating to home automation. In addition, Dan wrote a regular column in EH Magazine on structured cabling, and has also written articles in publications such as Buildor(sic) News, the monthly newsletter of the North East Florida Builder’s Association, the NEFBA Buyers guide, and more. He regularly contributes to EH and other industry magazines, writing regular product reviews and published opinions in CEPro. More recently, Dan represented the United States and CEA at the Home Networking Global Summit in Seoul, Korea.

Rob Gerhardt Group Gerhardt Owner		In 1989, at the CEDIA formation meeting, Rob was elected to the first board of directors. Since then he served as CEDIA's treasurer, vice-president and president. Rob conceived and ran the first CEDIA Expo serving as Expo Chairman in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994. In a co-conspiracy with then CEDIA president, Tom Doherty, Rob and Tom transformed the Expo into the large scale format familiar to all today. That single action converted CEDIA into a solvent undertaking and insured its survival and current prosperity. As a trainer, Rob has made over 143 presentations at CEDIA Expos, CEDIA Regional Training, International Security Conference, Habitech, Security Associates and the Consumer Electronics Show as well as Custom Seminars for select clients. Rob's company, Group Gerhardt ( www.groupgerhardt.com) supports a growing dealer network and will process and design over 30 million dollars worth of systems in 2005. Rob has written or been featured in articles in The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Popular Science, Audio Video Interiors, Electronic House, Security Dealer and Audio Video Retailer. He is currently the featured columnist in the internet magazine "RaveHome.com" As a dealer, Rob has been involved in over 900 installations over a 29-year career. Since 1994, Rob has sold over 27 million dollars in custom systems primarily in the $80,000 to $150,000 range. Rob has dedicated his career to the study and science of sales to individuals. He has focused on the development of repeatable and successful strategies for prospecting, design, presentation, proposal creation, contract administration and getting paid. Rob feels that there are no "sales secrets" or "born salesmen". A sale is an exercise in "human engineering" that must be learned, understood, studied and practiced. Rob lives in Atlanta with his wife Rae Ann and their four children.

Jason Knott EH Publishing/CE Pro Magazine Editor		Jason Knott, editor, CE Pro and TecHome Builder magazines. Jason has covered low-voltage electronics as an editor since 1990. He joined EH Publishing in 2000, and before that served as publisher and editor of Security Sales, a leading magazine for the security industry. He served as chairman of the Security Industry Association's Education Committee and sat on the board of that association from 1998-2002. He is also a board member of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation. Jason graduated from the University of Southern California.

Joe Lautner HomeLogic - Entertainment and Home Control Soluti Vice President of Marketing and Sales		Joe is VP of Marketing and Sales for HomeLogic, a leading provider of IP-based Entertainment and Control Solutions. HomeLogic develops and markets OneHome Entertainment and Control Solutions. The OneHome suite of embedded hardware and software products connect and integrate the industries leading third party systems including home theater, digital and whole-house audio, security, climate, lighting, video surveillance, irrigation, pool & spa, and more. HomeLogic develops turnkey solutions to manufactures (OEMs) like Research Products (Aprilaire climate control) and Pentair Water (Pentair Pools, Intelletouch controls). HomeLogic IP-enables these control products providing simple to deploy and use interfaces to monitor and control their systems on touch screens, computers, and over the Internet. Joe has 20 years of experience in sales management, marketing, and product management in industries including factory, payment, entertainment and home automation.

Andreas Melder Intellon Corporation Senior VP, Strategic Buisness Development		Andy Melder Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Devlopment Intellon Corp. Andy Melder joined Intellon as senior vice president of sales, marketing and business development in April of 2004. With more than 25 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, he has a proven record of success. Previously, he was chief operating officer of Clarisay Inc., a developer of uniquely manufactured integrated SAW filter modules for the cellular handset market. He was also a founding member of Microtune Inc. (NASDAQ:TUNE), a developer of broadband, wireless RF and analog-intensive integrated devices, and a member of the mgmt team that took Tripath (NASDAQ:TRPH), a fabless semiconductor company focused on the consumer electronics and telecommunications markets, public.

Mark Sipe Abacus Prime, LLC Consultant		Mark Sipe is a Principal of Abacus Prime L.L.C., a consulting and training group created to support the low voltage industry. Mr. Sipe and his wife Susan saw a need in the industry for specific trainings focused on a systemic approach to business, database, software and engineering. Training dealers nationwide and seeing the state of the industry over the last 17 years gives Mr. Sipe a unique perspective on the low voltage Business. Having owned and operated a High end System integration company for 15 years Mr. Sipe knows what concerns a dealer. The problems faced by dealers are common regardless of location. Too many people are looking for a "fix" for their business when they already have the tools. Mark Sipe teaches how to value"your greatest asset-"Knowledge". Once a dealer recognizes their experience and the value it adds to a project so will their clients! Mark also creates software applications that work with D-tools for speciality applications dealers may require such as the latest offering SalezToolz. Other areas such as industrial design products for the construction industry include Xspot products, locator tools

Alan Snyder Out-of-Sight Service President		Alan is the founder and president of Out-of-Sight Service, a home technology consulting, installation and support firm based in Fairfax, VA. Out-of-Sight is focused on deploying technology in the home to improve quality of life, productivity and security. Before founding Out-of-Sight, he served as president and CEO of Idea Integration, a business unit of MPS Group and multi-national provider of e-business development and systems integration solutions. In addition to leading the company through several successful acquisitions, he helped Idea generate $240 million in revenue in 2000. Earlier in his career Alan was a principal with IT consulting firm Perspective Technology, where he provided hands on leadership to successfully grow the company until it was acquired by MPS Group. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Bucknell University.

David Terrett Preeman Labs VP Technology		Dave Terrett is presently Vice President Technology Services for J.P. Freeman Laboratories, LLC (JPFL). Dave came to JPFL from Interlogix (now part of General Electric) where he was Vice President Technology. Formerly Dave was Director of R&D at ADT. He has served as a Director on the Board of the Security Industry Association and on various UL and NFPA Industry Advisory Councils. He worked on a broad range of home automation, energy management, security, access control, video surveillance and life safety product development programs including computer based automation and monitoring systems.

Ken Uhlman OnQ/Legrand Director-Sales Development		Ken Uhlmann is Director of Sales Administration for On-Q/Legrand. With over 20 years of sales, technology and audio/music experience, Ken manages On-Q's Inside Sales Department and several National Distributor and Builder accounts. He oversees the development and implementation of field sales training with the company's CRM database, Salesforce.com, and in addition is responsible for the development and implementation of several additional On-Q/Legrand Sales integration programs. Ken started his On-Q career working as an Account Sales Manager for AMP's Building Systems Division in 1998. In 1999, AMP sold its Building Systems Division, which became On-Q Technologies under its new ownership. Ken was an original member of the formed On-Q Technologies as the company's North East Regional Sales Manager, eventually moving to the NE Director of Sales role. He is on the Product Development, Sales Training and National Account Management Development Teams - experience that gives Ken his versatile, solid background of industry skills and knowledge today. Prior to joining AMP, Ken was a sales manager for a local Custom A/V Installation company, where he garnered experience with builders and homeowners. He has owned a professional recording studio and done audio engineering for musicians in the Pennsylvania area. An accomplished guitar player and pianist, Ken is an active member of American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) a practicing student pilot.

Gordon VanZuiden cyberManor President		Gordon van Zuiden is the Founder and President of cyberManor (www.cybermanor.com), a full service home technology integrator headquartered in California's Silicon Valley, with affiliate locations in Vista, California and Woerden, Holland. He also serves as CEO of Saavihome (www.saavihome.com), a national network of professional home integrator franchisees headquartered in Louisville, Colorado. With over 15 years of experience in the sale and support of personal computer and networking products to corporate accounts, Gordon founded cyberManor in the summer of 1999, one of the nation's first custom electronic integrators to focus on IP based technologies for the home. cyberManor's mission is to design, install, and integrate Internet-empowered home networking solutions that enhance the entertainment, communications, and comfort of their client's homes. Mr. van Zuiden has served for three years as the co-Dean of CEDIA's Electronic Systems Design Track, developed the certified CEDIA ESD course on Digital Home Electronic Solutions and has consulted on the development of COMPTIA's HTI+ Network Certification program. He is also a monthly columnist on home networking topics for Residential Systems and Electronics House magazines.

Kenneth Wacks Home Systems President		Dr. Kenneth Wacks (www.kenwacks.com) has been a pioneer in establishing the home systems industry and a management advisor to more than 80 companies. Corporate managers depend on Dr. Wacks to identify business trends with clear and practical advice relevant for product and market development. He has guided clients by finding strategic business partners, financing, and new customers. His expertise ranges from communications network design to product positioning in emerging markets. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) chose Dr. Wacks to chair the international committee (ISO/IEC) establishing world standards for home and building automation. In addition, he has written American National Standards in home automation. He contributed to the development of standards for networking home appliances under the auspices of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). The Consumer Electronics Show, home systems conferences (CABA, CEDIA, Connections, Forum, IEEE, IIR), and utility trade shows (AMRA, DistribuTech) have invited Dr. Wacks as a featured speaker and panel session organizer. At the MIT Home of the Future (known as House_n), an affiliate of the MIT Media Lab, Dr. Wacks is advising the program director and staff on integrating home systems into building architecture. Dr. Wacks has a regular column in iHomes & Buildings under the byline "Ken Wacks' Perspectives". Also, he authored the book Home Automation and Utility Customer Services, distributed by Aspen Publishers. Dr. Wacks has been an entrepreneur at a venture-backed startup developing UNIX workstations for the semiconductor industry. He received his Ph.D. in communications (digital imaging) from MIT as a Hertz Fellow and studied at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Walt Zerbe On-Q/Legrand Product Manager, Audio		Walt Zerbe has been involved with the custom and commercial Audio/Video, automation, integration, recording and pro sound industries for the past 20 years. Previously Zerbe was president of a custom low voltage integration firm. In his current position he is the Audio product manager for On-Q/Legrand and Chairman of CEA R3WK7 Multi-Room Audio work group that produced CEA 2030 - Multi-Room Audio Cabling Standard.

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