Link Moser: In this interview you're going to hear from the owner of a home automation company. Nick Mark is the president of DC Home Systems, and he has offices in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. To start off, why don't you start off by telling me how you got started in your business.
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| Nick Mark: President of DC Home Solutions |
Nick Mark: Thanks for having me, Link. My business has been around for 35 years and we started as a repair company, but we've evolved into a technology company. We specialize in home integration, home networking, and cloud-based controls. The industry calls us 'systems integrators', and that is because we tie together all of the systems in your home. We make an easy user interface so that you can control all the systems in your home with just one app. Many manufacturers provide apps for your systems, such as a thermostat app or a security system app. We take all of those apps and combine them into one single app. This has made us experts in multiple different systems, and it's allowed us to come out with an amazing product.
Link: So this is like the new version of reducing the remote control clutter?
Nick: Precisely.
Link: I imagine how much technology has changed your industry. I remember going to Radioshack to buy a thing you plugged in the wall to control your lights, but now with cloud technology I'm sure it's still revolutionizing the home automation industry.
Nick: Yeah it is. You see all of these unique products like the Nest, but they all require their own systems and their own app. They often don't play well together in the network. And that's where we come in. We'll hook up all of your systems into on spot.
Link: Yeah, so you fully integrate all of this automation into one app?
Nick: Yes, but we also make all of the system work together in a more fluid manner. We make your security system talk to your thermostat, and this makes them operate on a higher level. We architect the same system for you. For example, when you arm your security system to leave, it will send a signal for your thermostats to turn down, and your lights will shut off. It knows what you're trying to do in the home. Our system can sense when you're approaching the home and it will turn on your favorite music and it can even light the fireplace.
Link: That's awesome to hear what can be done with that kind of technology. It's interesting to hear this, especially as a real estate agent, because we always talk about how smart homes are getting. We joke that your home will one day know that it's time to sell before you know you want to sell. So, what's coming around the curve? What can we expect in the future?
Nick: There's an explosion going on in the tech field. There's been a lot of interest in the Internet of Things (I.O.T.), which is where devices communicate with each other without human intervention. As more of these devices come out onto the market it will become increasingly difficult for a user to make a seamless system out of these different products. We have a lab and we look at all of these new technologies to figure out what is practical and what is gimmicky. There's a difference between being on the leading edge and the bleeding edge.
Link: Can you tell me a little more about who your typical customers are and why they use your product?
Nick: Our typical customer sees the value in technology but doesn't have the time to sit down and make it all work together. They're busy people running businesses or households, or what have you. When they come home they don't want to think about technology, they just want it all to work properly. Our clients also value craftsmanship and are okay with paying extra for a superior service.
Link: Interesting. So where do you see your business heading in the next few years with technological advances in your industry?
Nick: Well we are expanding our operations throughout New England and we're looking at opportunities in other parts of the country. Ultimately, we're looking for a lifelong relationship with clients and we can follow them wherever they go. We want them to turn to us to figure out this 'technology soup'.
Link: I imagine that makes for a really customized, tailored experience for your clients.
Nick: Yes, we really like to partner up with our customers and learn how we can take care of them in the best way possible.
Link: Awesome, so where can people go to learn more about your business?
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| Visit our Website |
Nick: They can certainly go to our website, www.DCHomeSystems.com. We just launched a new site, but it's got a lot of pictures and descriptions of our products. You could also call my cell phone directly at (603) 321 4627. One thing that we've done a lot of is we have an 'experience center' in Manhattan, and they can see how all of these systems would play out in their home.
Link: That sounds awesome! It was great talking to you today because I'm fascinated with this. Technology is certainly evolving rapidly, and it seems like one day your home may be able to cook dinner for you! Wouldn't that be great? But anyway, thanks a lot for coming on, Nick. We appreciate your time.
