Always on the Hunt with Leo Golubitsky

Ep. 22 - The Integrator's Edge: Vin Bruno on Trust, Simplification, and Future-Proofing Your AV Business

How do you lead global marketing for a giant like Crestron, steer an industry association like CEDIA through massive change, and help build a 65-year-old ESOP company for the future? The answer, according to veteran AV leader Vin Bruno, always comes back to two things: people and simplicity. In this episode of Always On The Hunt, Vin shares his incredible journey from fixing mixers to shaping the AV industry. He opens up about the pivotal lessons learned from working with industry titans, the strategy behind consolidating CEDIA into a global entity, and why the simplest solution is almost always the right one for clients. Whether you're an integrator, manufacturer, or just interested in leadership, this conversation is packed with wisdom on building trust, fostering talent, and navigating the complex human dynamics of technology. Connect with Vin: Vincent Bruno [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinbruno/] on LinkedIn avservices.net [https://avservices.net] Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com [https://birddogtalent.com/]

Ep. 21 - Building Premium Sound, Authentic Culture, and a Bohemian Community: Noah Kaplan's Journey with Leon Speakers

In this episode of Always on the Hunt, we sit down with Noah Kaplan, the visionary founder of Leon Speakers—a company that has redefined the intersection of art, design, and audio technology. Noah shares his unconventional journey from artist and musician to pioneering entrepreneur, who made the bold move to build high-end speakers in Michigan while his competitors moved overseas. Discover how Leon Speakers blends Bohemian creativity with cutting-edge AV solutions, from custom soundbars to one-of-a-kind trade show booths. Noah dives into the importance of authenticity, the challenges of balancing artistry with business, and why staying true to your vision matters—even when the industry pushes conformity. Whether you're an AV professional, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great origin story, this conversation is packed with inspiration. Tune in and get ready to rethink what's possible in technology and design! Connect with Noah: linktr.ee/noah_kaps [https://linktr.ee/noah_kaps] leonspeakers.com [https://leonspeakers.com] Noah Kaplan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-kaplan-b039ab1a/] on LinkedIn Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com [https://birddogtalent.com/]

Ep. 20 - Brandy Alvarado-Miranda: Marketing Superhero, AV Industry Advocate, and Champion for Inclusion

In this episode of Always on the Hunt, we sit down with Brandy Alvarado- Miranda—founder and CEO of BAM Marketing and PR, co-founder of WAVIT, and former chair of the AVIXA Women's Council. Brandy shares her incredible journey from the "boring" world of insurance marketing to becoming a powerhouse in the pro-AV and digital signage space. Discover how Brandy's fearless approach led her to launch her own agency during the pandemic, her passion for mentorship and inclusion, and the founding of WAVIT to empower women in AV. We also dive into the importance of authentic storytelling in marketing, the challenges of personal branding, and why the AV industry needs to do a better job of marketing itself to attract fresh talent. From getting thrown into her first InfoComm with zero AV knowledge to building a thriving business and advocacy platform, Brandy's story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community. Tune in for actionable insights on marketing, leadership, and how to make a lasting impact in any industry. Connect with Brandy: Brandy Alvarado-Miranda [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-alvarado-miranda/] on LinkedIn https://www.bammarketingagency.com/ [https://www.bammarketingagency.com/] https://www.womeninavit.org/ [https://www.womeninavit.org/] Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com [http://birddogtalent.com/]

Ep. 19 - Lights, Camera, IoT???: Michael Bailey Smith remarkable journey from Hollywood to IoT

In this episode of Always on the Hunt, Leo sits down with the multi-talented Michael Bailey Smith, a man who's lived multiple dreams. He's landed roles in iconic films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Men in Black 2, and the new Fantastic Four. He's jumped out of planes as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper. He's played Division I football and chased an NFL career. And he's had a long and successful career in the IoT industry. Michael's life has been anything but ordinary. Today, Michael is the founder of IoT Powerhouse, where he helps companies achieve massive growth in the cutting-edge IoT space. How did a Hollywood actor become a tech industry dynamo? What lessons from his unbelievable journey? And what's his secret to turning "no" into "next opportunity"? Michael shares his incredible journey, full of hard-won wisdom, audacious goals, and the mindset that keeps him winning in every arena. Whether you're in tech, sales, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable insights on resilience, trust-building, and the whirlwind that is ever-present in the journey towards success. Check out iotpowerhouse.com [https://iotpowerhouse.com] to see how Micheal can help your business! Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com [https://birddogtalent.com/]

Ep. 18 - Turning the Tables: Leo's Story, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of People with Randy Blanchard

In this special episode of Always On The Hunt, Randy Blanchard turns the tables and takes the interviewer's seat to chat with Leo Golubitsky, founder of Birddog Talent and a longtime leader in the AV industry. From Leo's early days launching S.M.I.L.E., Inc. (an AV integration company focused on customer experience over tech specs) to his transition into recruiting and launching this very podcast, this conversation dives deep into lessons learned, industry evolution, and the importance of relationships. Plus, Randy and Leo reminisce about their 25-year history in the industry, discuss the crossroads AV faces today, and reveal their favorite (and least favorite) products they've ever sold. Whether you're in AV, recruitment, or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with authenticity, humor, and actionable insights. Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com [https://birddogtalent.com/]