CEDIA Smart Home Awards: A Guide by Barrett’s Technology

Why We Entered a Business Category

We were involved with the CEDIA Smart Home Awards a number of years ago and were successful in winning a Level II Bronze Technical Design award for a home theater project years ago. We have remained interested in this member benefit program ever since then, but the challenge has been not having the bandwidth to consider the submissions, get the photography, and write up the entry. It’s unfortunate as we always known that our work has always been worthy.

What made us submit an entry last year was the combination of having a new member of staff on board who could dedicate time to this, but also seeing that CEDIA had introduced business categories.

As we reviewed the criteria for the Excellence in Business category, we quickly realized how well it aligned with our company’s journey and evolution. With nearly 59 years in business, our history is rich and compelling. We are not the same company today that we were when we first opened our doors in 1966, and we felt that our journey from a retail store to a smart home integration company was a story worth telling.

Beyond our business model, what truly made the business category special for us was its emphasis on the entire team. Our company is filled with experienced and dedicated professionals who take immense pride in delivering exceptional work. The recognition from CEDIA acknowledges the expertise and passion that each member of the Barrett’s Technology Solutions team brings to their work every day.

I would encourage other integrators to consider the business categories, which recognize the strength of a company rather than just individual projects. The business category speaks to the quality of people, core values, and reputation. For Barrett’s Technology Solutions, it was an opportunity to showcase not just what they do, but who they are as a company.

Lessons Learned for Future Submissions

Having submitted an award entry last year, I now understand the importance of thorough preparation. In previous years, our submissions were often rushed at the last minute, making it difficult to compile the necessary materials effectively. With my colleague, Coley Holland, leading the charge, we took a more strategic approach by planning ahead, ensuring quality photography, and gathering input from team members at all levels. This experience underscored the value of starting early, being meticulous, and dedicating sufficient time to crafting a compelling entry.

With our accolade from last year, we are now more motivated than ever to continue participating in the awards. I am determined to remain a regular award entrant and not to let so much time pass before our next submission. With our team-driven approach and commitment to excellence, we are well-positioned to continue being a standout force in the smart home industry. We aim to celebrate this with more CEDIA Smart Home Awards in the future.

The Value of the CEDIA Awards

Beyond the personal and team recognition, we understand the importance of the CEDIA Smart Home Awards as a whole. It gives the entire community and industry an opportunity to celebrate their work. The awards program not only highlights business and installation excellence but also serves as an inspiration for integrators across the industry. Seeing the work of others pushes companies like Barrett’s Technology Solutions to continue improving and innovating.

If you want to enter the 2025 CEDIA Smart Home Awards, visit www.cedia.org/awards. The CEDIA Smart Home Awards program will remain open for entries until April 11 for Integrator categories and June 6 for Business, Individual, and Manufacturer Product categories. The early bird deadline for Manufacturer Product categories is May 6, 2025.