December 2008

PepperDash Gets Clearance

With the addition of two more top-notch personnel to our team, PepperDash is now able to participate in projects requiring US government clearance. The Secret and Top Secret clearances allow us to assist with a wide variety of secure government, military and commercial environments. This will make PepperDash a more valuable programming partner to many of our clients, and enable quick turn-around in live service situations, where taking a room off-line is not an option.

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November 2008

PepperDash email News Launched

At PepperDash, we feel that improving communication is the best way to work through these challenging economic times. To that end, we have launched a monthly email newsletter. These messages will include information about PepperDash, our take on the industry, and profiles of the people who work here. There’s even a monthly trivia contest with prizes! Feedback and suggestions about future articles are encouraged. Click here to sign up now for the PepperDash Newsletter!

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September 2008

CEDIA Gold for PepperDash Client Image Tech Design

PepperDash client, Image Tech Design, Inc., flew home from Denver this year with a CEDIA Lifestyles Gold Award for best Integrated Home Level III ($230,000 to $290,000). PepperDash provided the Crestron programming and graphics for this project, which included full home integration (lighting, climate control, access control, CCTV, and distributed audio and video), plus a variety of advanced features such as party modes, garage door management, kitchen timers, doorbell integration and ice melting. CONGRATULATIONS IMAGE TECH!

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PepperDash at CEDIA

Look for PepperDash at CEDIA in the Crestron System Programming and GUI Design Gallery. PepperDash has been part of the “GUI Gallery” since its inception at InfoComm several years ago. According to PepperDash President/CEO Howard Nunes: “The GUI Gallery is a great way to give people a sense of our graphic design capabilities and to support Crestron’s efforts to build a strong programming community.” The PepperDash GUI Gallery kiosk will feature Crestron’s latest touch panel, the sleek new TPS-6X, as well as a TPMC-15. PepperDash will show a selection of residential and commercial examples. Please stop by, have a look and say hello!

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August 2008

PepperDash named to Inc.5000

How fast is PepperDash growing? Every year, Inc. Magazine ranks the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. And this year, PepperDash was recognized as a hot one! We have joined the ranks of the Inc.5000 at an impressive 1399th overall, 52nd for Boston metro area companies! Not too bad for the first year we were eligible! The Inc. ranking was based upon an amazing 270.3% growth rate from 2003 to 2007. Thanks to everyone on the hardworking PepperDash team, and to our excellent clients, who make it all possible.

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July 2008

PepperDash Scores an “A” at Campus Tech 2008

PepperDash exhibited at Campus Technology 2008 on July 29 and 30, 2008, adjacent to Crestron.  Attendees visiting the booth discussed their campus technology needs (and our hot sauce give-away raffle!).  Topics included big-picture planning, unified user experiences, centralized management and reporting with RoomView™, and the latest in room-control technology.  Congratulations to Anna Clifford of Union University for being the lucky winner of a collection of our favorite hot sauces!

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June 2008

Howard Nunes Offers More MDU Advice

PepperDash President/CEO Howard Nunes reflects on the challenges and complexities of working with multi-dwelling unit (MDU) automation in "High-Level Control," a July 2008 article in CE Pro magazine. MDU's are a relatively new area for control automation, and there are elements that should be considered for anyone thinking of getting involved. MDU's are a hybrid between commercial and residential. Inside the unit, it can be much like a single family home, but centralized systems that tie units together, or connect units to building services, are more like distributed commercial environments. Nunes suggests keeping the potential home-owner's lifestyle in mind when getting involved with MDU's. A consultative sales process will drive your costs up, so you need to be prepared. Other advice includes leaving extra time in the implementation cycle to deal with unforeseen variables, such as equipment manufacturers dropping or changing their lines in the middle of the project. To read the full article, click here.

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PepperDash at InfoComm08 GUI Gallery

For the third consecutive InfoComm convention, PepperDash appeared in the Crestron System Programming and GUI Design Gallery.  Traffic in the Gallery was brisk due to the great design of the display and its central location in the main lobby, not to mention the outstanding examples shown by the many Crestron Authorized Independent Programmers (CAIP's) who participated.   As part of this year’s Gallery, PepperDash was provided an early-release of Creston’s latest touch panel, the TPS-6X to use in the Gallery. This sleek new touch panel offers wireless and high res capability in a compact package.  PepperDash took advantage of the TPS-6X to display two of its commercial and residential templates, with high praise from visitors. Click here to view photos of PepperDash at InfoComm08.

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Howard Nunes Quoted on MDU Automation

In a June CE Pro article about multi-dwelling unit (MDU) control installations, PepperDash CEO Howard Nunes was quoted on two key points.  MDU’s are a cross between residential and commercial, and require experience with both for a successful result.  The article provides 12 tips by various experts for meeting the unique challenges of an MDU.   Nunes’s advice?  Unless you have done an MDU before, assume that your costs will be higher than you expect, and include a substantial buffer.  Also, don’t select equipment because you can get good bulk pricing; select equipment that is appropriate to the complexities of the MDU’s environment.   To read the article, click here.

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Intellectual Property Rights Class at InfoComm08

PepperDash’s own Howard Nunes will be teaching “Intellectual Property Rights for the AV Professional” at InfoComm08, in Las Vegas, NV, Thursday June 18 at 8:00 AM.  While this class will build on presentations previously made at Crestron Independent Authorized Programmer meetings, it is not just for programmers.   The class will explain relevant legal principals, challenge attendees with business cases taken from real-life experience, and offer practical solutions to protecting your intellectual property.  Are you covering your hide?  Come find out!

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March 2008

Howdy, y'all!

PepperDash has acquired the assets of Austin-based Independent programming company AV Controlwise, its first programming company acquisition to date.   PepperDash welcomes AV Controlwise principal Tammy Prince to the team, and establishes a critical programming presence in the Southwest.  Tammy’s client-centric personality, and strong AV and control programming background, will go a long way in serving the needs of our national clients.   Hey Austin, add some PepperDash to your great barbeque and live music scene!

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Boston Office Breaks Down Walls

With a single push of a cut-away in the wall, PepperDash doubled the size of its Boston Head Quarters.  Taking the additional space next-door was necessary to accommodate our growing operations.  The new space includes a formal reception area, administrative space, and many individual offices.  Our Head Quarters includes a number of meeting areas, and a large multi-purpose room that is fully equipped as a multi-media training center.  If you’re in the area, don’t forget to stop by and visit. Lunch is on us!

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January 2008

BU/MassTLC Student Design Project Launch

The Mass Technology Leadership Council, in partnership with Boston University, has created the Student Design Project.  Boston-area companies act as clients who task participating BU design students with challenging and unique projects.  PepperDash has assigned its team of designers with defining the next-generation of thinking in touch panel user interfaces.  PepperDash is eager to get inside the minds of tomorrow as part of our commitment to thought-leadership in the AV industry.

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