5 minute read
I AM CEDIA
MEET HAILEY & MICHAEL DALY
WITH WIRED BY MJD
What is your background, and how did you become interested in technology?
Michael Daly | Managing Director: Michael is a passionate technology-minded craftsman with 20+ years’ experience in the electrical industry. He prides himself on offering bespoke technological installs in homes. His passion began as a child, and he started the business on his 18th birthday, completing his first custom installs.
Dr. Hailey Daly | Senior Operations Manager & Systems Integrator: Hailey has always had a passion for technology and science. She holds a PhD in Minerals Processing and Industrial Chemistry and has worked alongside industry partners and academics. At Wired By MJD, she designs and programs all KNX Automation projects and offers her services to electrical contractors wanting to implement KNX automation systems.
How did Wired By MJD get started and how has itevolved since its founding?
Wired By MJD originally started with the sister company Good Vibrations Sound Installations, which was born out of a passion for all things audio visual. After qualifying as an electrician and obtaining his Registered Electrical Contractors License, Michael established Wired By MJD.
Over the years, the two businesses worked together servicing both electrical and AV installations, eventually merging into the company HM Daly Pty Ltd. Today, we trade solely under the name Wired By MJD. Our business has evolved from a company that provided only electrical and AV to now providing complete solutions for full home integration services.
What’s your favorite part about working in the industry?
The industry is constantly changing and advancing, so there’s always something new to explore and recent innovations to assist our clients. One of our favorite parts is at the end of a project when everything comes together on one a simple platform, and you can show the client how to control their home. Seeing dreams come to reality and the client realizing their life will be easier because of our work is satisfying.
We also love bringing our day-to-day technologies onto one platform. Executing the client’s ideas and coordinating the project isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding.
What compelled you to join CEDIA?
Integration is a fast-growing, niche industry in Australia, so to have an organisation that can provide small businesses with professional contacts around the globe is a huge advantage. It also allows us to see trends and projectswe may not otherwise be privy to.
Individuals in the CEDIA community volunteer their time to better the industry for everyone, whether it be awareness to other industry professionals or providing better education pathways to those wanting to get involved in this industry.
Being a member also makes us stand out amongst our competitors. Having been recognised for excellence is valuable when potential clients review their options because it makes them comfortable placingtheir trust in a systems integrator.
What does it mean to you that you were named a CEDIA Member of Excellence in 2021? And to be a finalist in the 2021 CEDIA Awards?
2021 was the first time we entered the awards, so to be named finalists was an honour. We’ve been avid viewers of the awards for years, so for our project to be held in high regard was a proud achievement for the entire team.
Being named Australia’s first CEDIA Member of Excellence was a truly humbling experience. To receive recognition at this level justifies the long hours of hard work and dedication. It was a huge accomplishment for our team. We respect any integration business that reaches this level because we understand the effort it takes.
From your experience, how does the Australian market differ from other parts of the world?
Australia is a large country with a low population per capita. The distance from tech manufacturing hubs puts us behind the eightball compared to most developed countries.
There’s poor internet connection and mobile reception, and our power source is traditionally a mix of electricity from power plants and natural gas, although renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular. This creates technological challenges, stock limitations, and increased pricing compared to other parts of the world. This is changing as “high tech” homes become popular.
The culture on building sites is different, as well, because there’s a mix of builders and architects on residential sites. Knockdown rebuilds are common, as are new homes, so retrofitting technology isn’t a challenge we face every day. Wireless tech is also on a completely different frequency range to most parts of the world, which means we don’t have as many wireless solutions available for overcoming cabling issues and restrictions.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
knowing your product, knowing your market, and always looking for what’s next. One of the keys to being successful is gaining a thorough understanding of integration and the various systems on offer. Being a systems integrator requires a broad range of knowledge and is best suited to those who like challenges. Find yourself a mentor and learn from their experiences working with technology.
