From time to time I have given an update of the happenings here at Connected Technologies. This year has been a rather interesting one for a variety of reasons.
First I want to address a rumor that has been floating around town that I am selling Connected Technologies and moving away. This spring I was asked by one of our industries major manufacturers if I would be interested in directing their product development. As the offer was too intriguing to ignore we discussed this possibility for almost three months before deciding that it was not going to work. It was an interesting discussion, one that made me examine my goals and the other things that were really important to me. During those three months I had to prepare both my family and Connected Technologies for the possibility that we would relocate while maintaining the distinct possibility that I wouldn’t. In the end I decided that we have too many good things in Colorado Springs to leave. So the rumor was partially true, but rest assured that I am not going anywhere.
Many of you may have noticed that the economy is struggling. It has dramatically affected new home building which has traditionally been the core of our business. I have been talking with other local businessmen and it seems while new home construction has slowed there has been an up-tick in small remodeling and landscaping projects. It seems folks are spending more time at home and are spending their money accordingly. Thanks to over 20 years of satisfied clients we still have many larger projects as well as these smaller projects. It turns out we are not struggling as much as some of our colleagues. That said we could always use a few more projects. Please don’t forget us if you are considering updating your televisions to take advantage of all the wonderful HDTV programming available. Our prices are competitive with Best Buy and you receive experience and expertise that they simply cannot match. For many of our clients we have coordinated cabinet and wall reconstruction to accommodate the new rectangular TV’s. We have relationships with quality tradesmen that can match your current cabinetry or modify the structure in a way that looks like it was built that way in the first place. A new high definition TV and the new Comcast high definition cable box with digital video recorder or a new satellite receiver makes those evenings at home much more enjoyable. We enjoy these small projects because they allow us to re-connect with our clients and improve upon systems we did years ago.
We may also have some capabilities that you may not know about. While we’re known for entertainment systems (we’re up to seven home theater awards and I’ve lost track of the number of magazines we’ve been in), we are also the place to go for lighting design, lighting control, motorized window treatments, retro-fit wiring for all types of systems, and security.
Recently we updated our corporate image. Jeff Woods of Impressive Business Image crafted our updated logo that you see at the top of this letter. It incorporates our original double swoosh (indicating the connection of technologies and design) but with a more refined look. Jeff also helped with our updated web site that was launched last week at www.connected-technologies.com. The website has many new images, lots of new information, case studies that show how we created some of our projects, and a full list of the impressive accomplishments of Connected Technologies. Please visit it when you have a chance and let me know what you think.
Over the summer we had a few personnel changes. Sean Turner, who had been with me for over five years, took a job with a government contractor. Sean was one of our all time favorite team members and we will miss him. Steve Peterson also took another job and is now working for Synthes in Monument. Steve had been with me for almost ten years, but finally couldn’t keep wiring houses in the cold. Steve was one of the best people I have ever met and I wish him well. New to the crew is Jonathan Fugate. Jonathan is the son of one our clients and is a super individual. Dave, Tom, Rick and I will be training him to do trim and finals over the next year or so. Chris Lacey has rejoined the company after a year long absence. Chris is filling a variety of positions here, from CAD operator to project manager to technician. David McGill is still the man in the technical department and Tom Wisk is also doing a great job out in the field.
My favorite new team member is Diane Casper. You’ll most likely speak with her when you call the office. She answers the phone, does the billing, coordinates our security accounts, and is great person to see when you walk through the front door. Sandee is still with us and is now completely running the business side of the operation. Unfortunately my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer so Mom has moved to Mississippi to take care of her. The good news is grandma is doing well; the bad news is that we have no idea when Mom will return. Personally, I am hoping it is a long time. Finally, Rick was prepared to step into my shoes if the product director position had happened. He has been my right hand for eight years now and remains committed to the excellence that we have a well deserved reputation for.
I realize that this letter is a little long, but the relationships I and my company have created over the last 21 years are important to me, my family and our staff. It is important to the success of Connected Technologies that our clients and suppliers understand where we are, what we are capable of and that we are going to be here for a very long time.
Please don’t forget us when you need anything electronic for your home.
Best regards,
Robert R Ridenour
President
