All posts by Salamander Designs

It’s A Wonderful World Wish Day for 7-Year-Old James, who Receives His Own Dream Home Theater and Gaming System

Thanks to the Passion and Teamwork of JDAV, George to the Rescue, Make-a-Wish and Salamander Designs, Boy Sees His Dreams Come True on The Big Screen.

Every once in a while, a story comes along that warms you deeply from the inside and makes you smile bigger than you thought possible. And this is one of them. Fittingly, this story also happened to air recently on NBC on World Wish Day, Saturday, April 29, 2023, on George to the Rescue.

13-season NBC TV show “George to the Rescue” was looking to do a first time-ever collaboration show with the Make-a-Wish. Since 2010, George to the Rescue (GTTR) has been NBC’s Emmy-winning human interest and home renovation series that elevates the human spirit while celebrating and showcasing the power of community. Featuring George Oliphant’s design-build transformations, the series has supported countless individuals, families and organizations in need.

For this special episode, GTTR and NBC contacted Gabriel Karlis, CEO of JDAV Design, an AV Integration & Technology company, to design a home theater and gaming room for a family that had two young children, James and Rose, that have both been diagnosed with congenital muscular dystrophy. And JDAV Designs and Salamander Designs stepped up to help make that happen, bringing together a passionate, big team to fulfill a big screen wish.

With no boundaries to his imagination, James made a wish for an accessible home theater and gaming room that would allow him to play games with friends and enjoy movie nights with family. GTTR host George Oliphant brought in a team of experts and designers to renovate the Popelka’s living space, and create a new, immersive theater room to provide them comfort, excitement and entertainment for years to come.

The integration firm, JDAV Designs, is a top integration company that serves New York, New Jersey and Florida. Their generous team took the lead to design and deliver the complete cinematic system with smart controls for all of James entertainment. This new room features a remarkable variety of leading audio and video systems that all come together for James and his family.

“Our goal at JDAV was to design a Home theater gaming environment that would accomplish James’ wish and also provide a level of control and future independence using voice control technology,” shared Gabriel Karlis, CEO of JDAV Design.

The JDAV team designed a Samsung short throw projector that’s fully integrated into the Salamander Designs Custom Credenza that, together, project a video image on a 120” Screen Innovations screen. Salamander donated the Ultra Short Throw Projector Cabinet in a beautiful black oak finish. It houses the projector and also other components to serve as a centerpiece for the system. They selected a Sonos 5.1 surround sound system, and the team also incorporated an automated Lutron lighting and shading system and a smart thermostat for comfort. All aspects of the new room are fully functional through voice recognition technology controlling the music, video, gaming, lighting, shades and HVAC thermostats.

Now James has seamless access to being immersed in movies, TV shows, video games and any entertainment that he wants. Adding to the joy, his wish was revealed to him on his seventh birthday! And, along with his sister Rose, they enjoyed a day full of fun that was capped off with a special concession stand full of goodies.

“JDAV is proud to have had the opportunity to use our expertise and experience in our field to create a special environment for the Popelka’s family,” added Gabriel Karlis. “We are grateful to be a part of this and help make James’s wish come to true. We hope everyone will take the time to join us in watching this special episode.”

George Oliphant of GTTR shared, “With JDAV, Salamander Designs elevated this George to the Rescue/Make-a-Wish exceptional collaboration. The beautiful, functional media credenza really brings James’ immersive entertainment space together. It was an honor to team up together while granting a deserving child’s wish. We hope the Popelka family’s gratitude, positivity, resilience and togetherness inspire all who watch the program.”

“Being able to donate something to make a child’s dream a reality is one of the most rewarding things we do,” said Scott Srolis, SVP of Sale and Marketing for Salamander Designs. “In the full spirit of ‘World Wish Day,’ we are honored be a part of James’ wish and provide a Salamander Cabinet for his new theater and gaming system. We hope it will bring great enjoyment to him and his family, and we are extremely proud of our Dealer JDAV, who brought us into this heartwarming project and freely contributed their time and expertise.”

See the full reveal from Season14, Episode3 here on George to the Rescue’s YouTube.

It’s also available for streaming on Peacock.

Try Salamander Entertainment Furniture Today – See Our New Look Book for Inspiration

Golf Simulator Leads to Exceptional Entertainment Retreat for BRAVAS Colorado Client

This exiting entertainment project all started when the client came to BRAVAS in Littleton, Colorado for a golf simulator. This story reminds us that you never know where a job—even a relatively smaller scope job—may lead. Hesitant about smart home automation at first, the client did not want a lot of complicated technology in their home. But as mutual trust and confidence grew, the project also grew into adding Lutron Palladiom for centralized lighting, a full-blown home theater, music in other areas of the home and more. 

Photos by: Jess Blackwell Hohman

New Technology, New Construction.

Mac Saad, with the BRAVAS Colorado branch was the lead designer and technology architect on the project with the backing of BRAVAS Colorado’s extensive Engineering team. BRAVAS has offices and representatives in 15 cities across the US and completes more than 3500 integration projects around the country each year. BRAVAS sells and supports everything from lighting, shades, and A/V to networking, security systems, and power management. They also provide high-quality entertainment furniture from Salamander Designs.

The project at hand was new construction. The BRAVAS team was fortunate that the builder was happy to closely coordinate efforts and work together to ensure optimum outcome for the client. One example of this collaboration, the BRAVAS team was brought in early when they were building the theater.  

Photo by: Jess Blackwell Hohman

“We had a very large Barco Projector going in for video in the theater area of a room,” Mac explained. “This basement room shared both the golf simulator and the home theater. Because we were brought in early, we saw that if the soffit was extended just a small amount, we could put the projector entirely into it so that it’s quiet and always out of sight. We worked together with the builder, and the client was extremely happy about this adjustment.”

Challenges and Covid Didn’t Stop Them.

Most every custom project has some challenges. In this case, the golf simulator was a key component and created some additional work. BRAVAS had to try several layouts, and in the end, were able get this accomplished for the client.

As for many integrators over the past year, COVID-19 was a challenge, too. The BRAVAS team started the project during the pandemic and encountered some natural inventory delays. Fortunately, they were able to source suitable alternative choices. In this case, the client wanted consistent black products and looks such as speakers, wall switches and more. Mac shared, “The original seating was to be a black microfiber. With Covid-related delays, we were able to find a faster—and actually better—solution for this client by working closely with Salamander Designs.”

Photo by: Jess Blackwell Hohma

Challenges and Covid Didn’t Stop Them.

At the time, the black microfiber seating was on backorder, which is uncommon. But Salamander Designs worked with BRAVAS and their client to find similar fabrics and other options that were more readily available. With a curated, very wide assortment of upholstery including 45 seating covers to choose from, the Salamander team went into design and service mode for the dealer and their client. They had to satisfy a client who was very sure about his vision. After sharing more readily available options, the client selected a highly unique, two-tone Salamander Talia Seating that could be secured more quickly and even elevate the room. Mac said, “It was pretty great how Salamander could still provide furniture that was custom built and quickly delivered during this time. Most importantly, they did so with products that worked the best for durability and fit this home theater in the way our client envisioned.”  

“Salamander Designs— and everyone who works there, actually—was very accommodating to us and the client’s requests. Even smaller things, like providing special awesome piping on the seats. Salamander was able to do this for us. Our customer got exactly what they wanted, customized, with special piping and in a great color that would work—even during the Covid crisis.”

Photo by: Jess Blackwell Hohman

BRAVAS is in a class by itself: After-Sale Service.

We went on to find out that this BRAVAS location is really all about providing the best in white glove service and going in after the design and installation. The company sees after-install support as very key to the client and our company because unlike other things such as a floor that is put into a home, the customer must interact with home technology every day and it is integral to convenience in their lives. BRAVAS Colorado views the installation as really the beginning of the relationship, and they make sure customers have ongoing , never-ending satisfaction and that technology is always seamless and easy-to-enjoy for everyone.

Salamander Seating Satisfied Other Client Requirements.

“Our customer loved the ability for everyone to have the same great movie viewing experience,” the Dealer said. “Build-quality was a major part of this project. The client wanted the best quality and when he saw and understood that this was a 1000-pound couch/row seating, they understood this seating was different.”

Another objective, this client wanted either entertainment seating or a couch setup where the kids would not fight over who got which seat during a movie or show. He wanted all seats to be equal so to speak. The Salamander Talia seating included motorization and butt shakers in every single seat so that everyone had the same experience.

Photo by: Jess Blackwell Hohman

The Real Reaction?

BRAVAS saw the seating before the client family did and was a bit uncertain about the two-tone seating choice because the two tones were similar in color. Two-tone is usually the more expensive option, and the BRAVAS team wanted it to be exactly right.

The good news? This client was thrilled and loves the outcome. “The two-tone looks very, very slick!” it was reported. “Best of all, everyone in our family has the premier seat in the house in our new home theater and entertainment space.”

Other Equipment in This Perfect Project.

The overall project included Lutron Palladiom lighting, Control4 for control and several Sony TVs including an 85-inch above the fireplace upstairs. Speakers included James Loudspeakers, a small Sonance aperture system and Kef Speakers in theater/golf simulator space. And yes, there is also a Salamander Designs Media Stand for components in the home theater. “We sell other furniture, but Salamander is my go-to because of how easy it is to customize and how very helpful their team is.”

Try Salamander Entertainment Furniture Today – See Our New Look Book for Inspiration

Salamander Scores as #1 for 17 Consecutive Years in CE Pro Brand Analysis

Voted Tops Again, and up 10% as Voted by Technology Integrators

Just out in June, the 2021 CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis report shows Salamander Designs is, yet again, ranked as the #1 leading AV furniture brand. For 17 years in a row, Salamander has taken the top furniture position, which has been consistent for us every year since the beginning of the CE Pro Annual Brand Analysis voting and report. We are one of very few companies, if any, that have had the #1 spot in a CE Pro Brand Analysis category since the start.

The Numbers are in – and Up! 

The numbers associated with each manufacturer reflect the number of CE Pro 100 dealers using that brand. Salamander has increased our rank, up another 10% to 62% and has more than double the percentage of its closest competitor in the category.

These numbers are closely monitored according to CE Pro, “because these are the most successful, go—to companies in our industry”. Many professional integrators look to the brands that are being used by these companies as a signal of success in working with them, and their design and quality.

Having been consistently recognized in these categories for furniture, we hope our current integration companies and their future customers are even more confident that Salamander delivers the world-class, finest experience in home entertainment furniture. We are passionate about being the AV, technology and entertainment furniture brand that you can always trust and depend upon.

What Makes Salamander Furniture Different?

Quickly personalized, modern, stylish and always backed by Limited Lifetime Warranty – these are just some of the most desirable features homeowners seek for their daily entertainment and comfort solutions. And Salamander offers them all from media and technology cabinets to pro component racks, to TV mounts and more.

With innovative Salamander features such as fully customizable interiors with pull out storage shelves, active cooling, wire management and unique footing options, no other AV furniture brand can compare. And all our products are built to last with quality craftsmanship, premium designs and exceptional details. Dealers and customers can even easily reskin many of our products to match updated interior designs or new rooms. 

Try Salamander Entertainment Furniture Today – See Our New Look Book for Inspiration

Congrats to 3-Time Award-Winning Salamander Dealer!

Miestro Home Integration Receives Three Top Honors for Project of the Year for CE Pro’s Mark of Excellence!

Wow! Today we celebrate Miestro Home Integration of Memphis for earning not one, but three separate honors as Runner Up for Project of the Year in CE Pro’s Mark of Excellence Awards in March 2020. 

Using Salamander Sectional Seating, Jump Seats and Cabinets, Miestro set the bar for today’s home entertainment and media rooms while satisfying their customer’s every need.


Miestro’s Winning Solutions Include:

Stunning Media Room Features* Custom Salamander Designs sectional for large groups to enjoy media on large projection screen* Dedicated game center with a pair of Sony 4K displays connected to dueling Xbox units plus a beautiful pair of Salamander Jumpseats.

Dream Listening Room Features* Design that overcame room shape and size challenges to maximize the space, employed Salamander Designs Cabinet as the focal point and hb for storing records, electronics and even instruments! 

Smart Home Features* Control4, SEURA + Coastal Source for gorgeous, stunning exterior, smart security and more.


SEE FULL ARTICLE HERE


SEE SALAMANDER RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS


Salamander Shoutout goes to Miestro – and all our valued Dealer CE Pro Mark of Excellence Winners!

Scott Srolis to lead the Salamander Designs Sales Team

Salamander Designs is proud to announce the addition of Scott Srolis to lead the Salamander Designs Sales team.

Scott is a 30 year CE industry leader in B2B, B2C sales, business development, product marketing, operations and sales training. Scott has had past success as a senior executive for Tweeter and was most recently Vice President of Sales for Universal Remote Control.

Scott’s has built high performing world-class teams, dealer programs/policies and marketing strategies that offer dealers the tools needed to ensure success.

Salvatore Carrabba, Founder and President says; “Salamander is excited to add a well-respected industry veteran to our ranks. Our company is expanding into new markets and Scott’s energy and experience is sure to help us scale.”

Scott Srolis
scott@salamanderdesigns.com

 

Making sure you get your Salamander in perfect shape

Ensuring that your cabinet comes through the shipping process in perfect condition is part of our job and Salamander’s commitment to quality (and the joy of its customers).

Many of our goods are large and complex in shape and form and won’t simply “fit in a box”. What to do?  Well, if you’re Salamander – you design your own custom cartons and design ways of packaging and securing your products. Which, in short, is exactly what we’ve done.

Wrapped, packed, padded, protected and wrapped again – packaging for shipment is a science we’ve mastered.

This return shipment traveled from Connecticut to California and then back to Connecticut. It’s clear that these cabinets were fully secured and protected for their long voyage – the palette took a good hit though!

Making sure our goods get to you in perfect shape is no joke and it doesn’t happen by accident.

Making sure you get what you ordered and that it is delivered in perfect shape – is just one of the reasons why Salamander Designs is coming up on its 25th year in business.

Attention to Detail: Salamander Designs Packs, Protects & Ships

Take a good look at this shipping carton that came back to Salamander from one of our dealers. Chances are that you’ve received cartons that look similar.

When we see shipping cartons that look like this one; we can’t help but wonder the story that our “assault victim” could share.

Fragile goods need to be treated preciously if they are to arrive at their destination in one piece. Our goods are inherently fragile and so the Salamander shipping team needs to go the extra mile in terms of anticipating what type of abuse our goods will receive when they leave our loading dock.

Fork lifts, truck loading, material handling equipment – are potentially able to deliver the type of abuse we’ve all seen in the old American Tourister luggage commercial.

Remember the commercial that featured an angry gorilla beating the bejeez out of a nice new suitcase don’t you? It wasn’t a pretty sight, and we can only imagine the cringing that went on when the product development people at America Tourister saw their pride and joy being soundly thrashed by the angry Gorilla.

Well, being the Salamander-y types we are, we figure that type of treatment is in store for our cabinets, credenza’s and stands when they leave the “nest” and so we ensure that they will arrive at their new home in sparkling new and flawless condition.

How do we ensure that our goods will arrive in good shape?

We plan, we design, we anticipate – and we test… a lot. Its no mistake our goods arrive in perfect shape.

It’s why unwrapping one of our goods, is akin to a Holiday treat, its just that much fun and satisfying.

Perfect – This is how our goods look when they leave Salamander.

Salamander Designs Best of 2017 Award Winners

CEDIA 2017 is in the rearview and we are dashing towards year end. Before the memory of CEDIA fades from memory, the Salamander Designs team would like to call out and shine a light on some of our important partners who did stand-out work this past year. We honored these teams at CEDIA, but we want the world to know of them and their accomplishments. We are proud to keep such company and are happy to support great partners who are doing excellent work.

 

BEST  INSTALLATION – Audio Breakthroughs

Audio Breakthroughs installed a custom home theater project with hidden recessed JVC projector and Revel in-wall speaker system. Salamander Alex chairs provided the look the client wanted. Client wanted a home theater with comfortable seating but without the traditional theater chair appearance. The Alex chair provided the perfect solution. He loved the fit and finish, the excellent build quality and luxurious padding. The Alex fit into the room perfectly and the client was thrilled with the results!

 

BEST INTERNATIONAL INSTALLATION – High Class Technology

High Class Technology built this project on the outskirts of Medellin, with more than 900 square meters plus its own soccer field. The client and home owner, James Rodriguez, is a Colombian soccer player of the Bayern Munich team. This project featured a personalized home theater, inspired by the clients favorite character, Harry Potter. It has projection 4K, curved screen with the highest standards, Dolby Atmos sound, and of course two rows of Salamander chairs. With soft lighting, sound and motorized chairs, we create a space of comfort, technology and high-class design.

 

BEST SHOWROOM  Sound Concepts

It’s hard to tell with a state of the art, killer showroom featuring Salamander Designs seating, that Sound Concepts began in a small convenience store location with 3 employees, all still employed with the company today. It was from these early days that the foundation of values of hard work, customer service, and reinvestment was laid. Sound Concepts is known as a go-to integrator in the Northeast Arkansas area.

 

DEALER OF THE YEAR – ListenUp 


You hear a lot of talk about “custom” systems in the A/V world these  days. Talk to ListenUp co-founders Walt Stinson and Steven Weiner about the history of the company, and you’ll find out that ListenUp was custom before custom was cool. “From the very beginning we delivered and set up the systems we sold, and made sure they were properly integrated into the room,” says Steven. “We were tremendously enthusiastic about the gear – and, more importantly, the music – and we wanted to make sure everything got set up right so it would sound right. We knew if we offered this level of attention and people got a superior experience from their systems, they would become repeat customers.”

 

REP OF THE YEAR – ELITE3PRO

Elite3Pro was established in the Fall of 2005 to provide superior product representation for the CEDIA channel. We recognized a need for representation that would best support the ever-changing technology landscape, specifically with the continuous convergence occurring between residential, commercial and IT sectors. Our ability to understand and manage education of this evolving industry allows for quality expansion and newly identified opportunities for all of our partners