Just the very beginning

Home Technologies sets first move of expansion BELLEVUE, Wash. - Home Technologies, a provider of home automation and security solutions for the low voltage market has made its first move in a three-part growth strategy that includes creating a dealer program by acquiring residential systems integrator Digitech Home Systems. Home Technologies plans on building its name through additional acquisitions (see related story), adding franchise locations and implementing a dealer program focused on low-voltage residential installations. Lee Travis, chief executive officer of Home Technologies, said the market is ripe for the company’s plans. “We’ve been working on it since 2001,” Travis said. “The timing is right in the market because you are starting to see the consolidation period begin.” As of press time, the company had not set a goal in regards to the number of dealers it is looking to bring onboard, but Travis said interest has been high. “I can say that there is a lot of interest and we are meeting with a lot of dealers,” he said. Home Technologies’ dealer program model targets companies with approximately $1 million to $1.5 million in yearly revenue. It will focus on expanding the program in the Northwest and the western United States. According to Travis, this is the right time for installers to join forces with larger organizations to increase business opportunities in new areas. “It’s hard for a dealer to know everything in a system,” Travis said, “and they are seeing the value in linking up.” The company plans to partner with dealers through their own dealer program. Home Technologies will provide the marketing and sales support along with simplified installation packages - enabling installers to focus on increasing revenue without worrying about which products to use. “Our business is to make it simpler for the integrator to focus on the three Bs: business, building and bidding,” Travis said.