In a tightening economy, it’s not enough to do great work — you need to make sure you get paid for it. In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton speaks with Angela McDonald, Managing Director of Optimum Recoveries, and Craig Mason, Principal of SMS Law, about how smart home integrators can legally and financially protect their businesses.

From tightening your terms and conditions to using tools like the PPSR and trade credit insurance, Angela and Craig share clear, practical advice for avoiding bad debts before they start. They also break down common mistakes integrators make — like relying on handshake deals or trying to recover gear after non-payment — and what to include in your contracts to ensure you have legal recourse.

Whether you're running a growing integration company or you're sole trader just starting out, this episode will help you build smarter systems — not just for your clients, but for your business.

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For Integrate Unlimited, visit www.iunlimited.au

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For more information about the podcast, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au or email info@masterintegrator.com.au

In this debut episode, Paul sits down with Stuart Robertson — one of Australia’s original smart home integrators and a current member of CEDIA’s Certification Commission. Stuart reflects on the early days of the industry, what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and why certification and standards matter now more than ever. It’s a conversation about legacy, leadership, and raising the bar.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

What if the systems we install are doing harm... without us even realising? Shannon Marsh from eQ Technologies introduces integrators to the concept of Value Sensitive Design, which is a practical framework for thinking about ethics in technology. In this episode, we explore how values like autonomy, consent, and dignity show up in everyday projects… and why ignoring them is no longer an option. It’s not the most comfortable conversation but it’s one this industry needs to have.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

The Australian smart home industry has been talking about apprenticeships for more than 20 years. Now, it’s finally happening. In this episode, Paul Vivian from Skills Recognition International joins us to unpack the work happening behind the scenes to create the country’s first national qualification for smart home technology. We talk about education reform, workforce development, working with regulators, and what needs to happen next — from manufacturers, employers, and integrators themselves. If you’ve ever said this industry needs more structure, this episode is your blueprint.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

Most integrators are great at what they do but terrible at telling anyone about it.

In this episode, communications strategist Salvatore di Muccio joins Paul to talk about why small and family run businesses need to stop waiting for recognition and start making noise. From the difference between branding and personal identity, to the real value of PR, to why doing great work quietly isn’t enough, this episode breaks down marketing into clear, honest terms. Whether you’re a one-person operation or running multiple crews, there’s something here for anyone ready to grow their profile — and their pipeline.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed. Visit kolosseum.io today!

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

Chris McCormick started as an electrician with a love of lighting control. Seventeen years later, he’s built one of Sydney’s most respected integration businesses — and rebranded it to reflect where he’s headed next. In this episode, Chris shares the honest story behind stepping away from the tools, what he learned from hiring a business coach, and the discipline it takes to grow something that lasts. From cash flow panic to confidence, it’s a real look at the work behind the work — and why most integrators don’t need better tech. They need better systems.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed. Visit kolosseum.io today!

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

To register, for the Ethical Technology Design Conference, visit https://cedia.swoogo.com/ausetc/register

When Steve Thomas received a call to help automate lighting for a man with motor neurone disease, he assumed it would be just another small job. But that moment - and the client’s simple but powerful feedback - would spark a complete career transformation.

In this heartfelt episode, Steve opens up about his transition from high-end home automation to founding Geohaven, a business dedicated to assistive technology and specialist disability accommodation. He explains how working with vulnerable Australians has challenged his definition of good system design, and why integrators need to think differently when the user experience literally defines someone’s independence.

We also discuss his work with occupational therapists, the NDIS, the shortcomings of the SDA Design Standard, and why the industry must start preparing now for a future where technology and disability intersect more than ever before.

It’s a powerful conversation that brings meaning back to integration—and underscores why ethics matter.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

Thanks to our sponsor, Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed. Visit kolosseum.io today!

To register, for the Ethical Technology Design Conference, visit https://cedia.swoogo.com/ausetc/register

At 12 years old, Michael Daly built his first pair of speakers. Now, as the man behind Wired by MJD, he’s helping a new generation rediscover the magic of 2-channel audio. In a market dominated by multi-room and cinema installs, this episode explores why stereo never really went away — and why it matters now more than ever. Paul and Mick discuss integration challenges, streaming quality, nostalgia, design, and what integrators can do to reconnect clients with the art of listening. Whether you’re a hi-fi tragic or just stereo-curious, this episode hits all the right notes.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed. Visit kolosseum.io today!

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

To register, for the Ethical Technology Design Conference, visit https://cedia.swoogo.com/ausetc/register

To find out more about Connected magazine, visit www.connectedmag.com.au