Interview: Ray Delfi, Owner, Teatrograde

Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
We work with a CAD designer in order to give you a three dimensional blueprint the design you imagine. We offer advice and training for equipment we install or even equipment you already have in your home. Having trouble setting up your Super Bowl event or a movie night with friends? Call us and we can come and help.

What do you like most about your job?
The satisfaction of a job well done. I love to see a satisfied customer. Call me a geek, but I love to learn and experiment with all the new technology that comes out every year. This industry is evolving so much and for most too fast. I also like to simplify the customer's lives so that they could live their lives the way it's intended.

What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
The question I often hear is, “how I get all of my electronics to work on a single remote.” The answer is you can! There is a control system that can tie all our gadgets together, including TVs, surround systems, cable or satellite boxes—even lights, shades, or fireplaces! If it can be controlled, this system can control it. The program uses your Wi-Fi network, your equipment can be behind closed doors, in a closet, or in a whole different room. Everybody in the house can have their own custom user interface, complete with favorite channels and only the equipment they want to control.

If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
Secrete is, anyone can do what I could do. There are so many resources online through Youtube, HGTV, Electronic Websites and I'm even sure Wiki even has a page. However, not everyone has the time or the patience. I have a great playlist on my YouTube channel for those "do it your-selfers". So, a better answer to the question is, I have no secrets.

Do you have a favorite story from your work?
I want customers to know that this industry is not a trend or a fad, Home Electronic Solutions is the wave of the future. Most of the products out there are working together to become compatible and integrate with other software and hardware throughout the home. You could buy almost any combination of products, including products that you may already own and integrate them to your Home automation system. I'm very excited with the teamwork between companies to ensure the customer can easily automate their home.

What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?
Be sure that they specialize in just this field. I've seen a lot of handy-man contractors that are masters in construction and carpentry, but offer home electronic design services. You may have heard the phrase, "Jack of all trades, but master at none". While at the grocery store you wouldn't ask the Butcher which melon is the ripest, you would ask someone that works with produce right? Why ask a carpenter to help you calibrate your home theater equipment. I’d be afraid he try to fix it by hitting it with a hammer.

How did you decide to get in your line of work? 
Since I was a child I was always into technology, computers and most of all watching movies. Science fiction is one of my favorite genres. If you watched The Jetsons while growing up you can understand why I'm excited about my line of work. I'm able to create what was once imagined into reality.

Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
It could be as simple as mounting a television or calibrating existing hardware to increase its effectiveness or as complex as rewiring an entire home for Home automation and security solution.

Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.
I can't say I have found my crowned jewel as of yet. It's out there I'm just waiting for someone to ask for it. My dream job will be to work with a contractor to build a home from the ground up. I want to be able to be involved in the planning design of a home to be able to fully wire a home before the works

Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?
You have to in this field! Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association or CEDIA, provides training workshops, seminars and brings all the latest developers and designers to a EXPO annually to share new products and services in our field. The key in this business is always stay current and knowledgeable on the newest trends and products out there. It would be embarrassing if a customer knows more about a new product than you do.

Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field? Optional
You have to in this field! Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association or CEDIA, provides training workshops, seminars and brings all the latest developers and designers to a EXPO annually to share new products and services in our field. The key in this business is always stay current and knowledgeable on the newest trends and products out there. It would be embarrassing if a customer knows more about a new product than you do.

What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?
For years, people have been talking about home automation. There are universal remotes, digital wall panels and apps that let you control the devices in your home. But a thermostat company has revolutionized the field. They have developed more than just an on/off switch. It’s about making your house a more thoughtful and conscious home.

Nest makes it possible for its devices to securely interact with the things you already use every day, both inside and outside of your home. Because when they connect these different parts of your life, they can work behind the scenes to deliver personalized comfort, safety and energy savings. Effortlessly.

Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.
Believe it or not most of my customers only needed a TV wall mounted. Though it's a simple project, if done incorrectly you may potentially damage expensive equipment and the wall it was mounted on. I charge only $50 dollars to mount a television, provided the mounting bracket is already purchased. Mounting brackets range from $30-$150 dollars or more. However, the $30 mounting bracket could hold up to 160lbs. This job could take me no more than 30min to an hour depending on what type of wall I’m mounting the television on and if I need to conceal the wires inside the wall.

If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.
It's actually simple, the hardest part is finding the customer's home. I use software that could create the required contracts and invoices right on an iPad. All we do is ask a few questions, take a few measurements and do our part on our device and have it ready for signature right on the device. We could email you the contract and invoice and even take a down payment if applicable on the spot. No need to leave your house, find a pen, book an appointment at an office and wait in a waiting room.

As far as the products to be installed, the customers fell more confident with purchasing the products they want or what we recommend and have them shipped directly to their home. As the product arrives the customer gives us a call and we come and install it. You only pay our agreed upon hourly service rate.

We also work with electronic distributors and we pass down our discounts to our customers. We may even be able to match your price on the equipment you want to buy.


If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?
Go to every Electronic Trade show, webinar, EXPO, and training there is out there. Always stay current with the trends and the newest equipment. Study how different products can be compatible, if they aren't, figure out how they can be. There is always a solution to any problem, which is why we are here.

What questions you would you ask yourself and answer it.
Q: Where will your company be in ten years?
A: I will have several offices spread throughout the tri-state area (New York, Connecticut, New Jersey) and have several showrooms available for customers to test the products available. I also want to develop a training program for DIY online to help them through trouble shooting and installing equipment in their home.

What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?
Customers need to know what their budget is, and that's it! We are here to help through the brainstorming of the project. We could help spark your imagination. I could also suggest researching some of the home theater websites to know how much you should expect to pay for our services. Though my goal is to offer the best prices, it helps to know what the going rate for the services we provide. I offer some links and Ideas on my website and YouTube channel to help lead you in the right direction.

What is your greatest strength?
Patience. No human likes change. It's like having to jump into the shower on a cold day. It takes a lot to jump in, but once you’re in you don't want to get out. I work through the questions and understand the uncertainty. I don't get discouraged if I don't get the job and make myself readily available if they were to change their mind as if they were a repeat customer.

What are you currently working on improving?

We are currently integrating Security systems in our services. We are currently working on our license to install security systems. We are currently a sub dealer with ADT systems and currently training with them as of the fall of 2014 to be ready to install Security systems by summer of next year.

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