Shawn Hansson

Building a successful integration firm rarely follows a straight line. What starts as a small operation, often driven by technical skill and a strong client instinct, quickly runs into the realities of pricing, staffing, scope control, and long-term sustainability. For many CEDIA members, that journey is shaped not just by experience in the field, but by access to shared standards, education, and a network of peers facing the same challenges.

Hear from CEDIA members who embody the tenacity, creativity, and dedication required to grow a dream into a functioning, profitable business. This conversation centers on the moments that actually changed their trajectory. Early bets that paid off or didn’t, mistakes that forced a reset, and the shift from figuring it out alone to building with more structure and perspective. Expect honest reflections on what it takes to move from scrappy to sustainable.

We’ll unpack:

Decisions that set the foundation: pricing strategy, service mix, and when to narrow focus
Where outside perspective changed the game: learning faster through shared experience, not just trial and error
Scaling without breaking the business: hiring, delegation, and maintaining quality as project volume grows
Lessons worth borrowing: missteps, recalibrations, and what they would approach differently today

As the lines between residential and commercial spaces continue to blur, many residential integrators are stepping confidently into the world of ""resimercial""—a growing market that includes everything from home offices turned hybrid workspaces to tech-enabled small businesses like boutique fitness studios, local restaurants, and small commercial offices.

In this session, you’ll explore the real-world crossover opportunities and challenges of expanding from residential into light commercial integration. We’ll discuss:

Outfitting home offices and small conference rooms with professional-grade solutions

Designing and deploying AV and automation systems in small bars, cafés, and retail environments

Key differences in code, product selection, and client expectations between resi and commercial

How to assess when to take on a project solo—and when to partner with a commercial integrator

Join us to learn from industry peers who’ve successfully made the leap and walk away with insights to help you grow into this hybrid market with confidence and strategy.