California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
Windsor-based RCA Integrated Systems is a full-service electrical and integration company in Napa Valley, California. RCA has a proven track record in the custom residential industry, specifically with smart home upgrades and new installations. The company offers a wide range of residential services to handle all facets of an electrical project, including state-of-the-art lighting technologies, audio/video/lighting control systems, and energy efficiency. Jason Nelson has been the AV Project Manager for RCA Integrated for nearly three years.
Let’s dive in!
Tell us about your company
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] We mostly work on large custom residential projects, and we do some light commercial work, mostly with wineries. Before we became RCA Integrated Systems, we were doing AV work as RCA Electric and have installed systems for cellars, vineyard estates, and wineries all through Napa Valley.
How did you get started in the industry?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] I fell into it around 2006 when trying to get a job as an audio recording engineer and producer. Once I got involved with this industry, I fell in love, and the rest is history. I love any custom aspect of the job. Anytime we have an opportunity to design custom speakers or create unique custom applications, it’s extremely gratifying.
What's the most challenging project you’ve worked on?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] In our world, when it’s custom, everything is challenging. The most difficult is typically when the General Contractor, Architect, and Interior Designer are all on different pages. What we do is not hard; it’s the process that becomes challenging, and having the correct information is critical.
What has been the most prestigious project you’ve worked on so far?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] We have some amazing clients and wineries we work with. I would say Aperture Cellars is pretty impressive in terms of a facility.
What are the common frustrations of an av installer?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] Not having the correct information or a delay in getting answers as the project moves full steam ahead.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] Honestly, the most challenging part of my job is finding the time to create a curriculum for our teams to continue education in our industry — something we really want for our employees.
What can manufacturers do to make it easier?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] Support is the most significant factor when working with vendors. When a technician is on the job and needs immediate assistance, having that at our fingertips is essential. Unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of vendors move away from that level of service.
What are your go-to songs for system testing?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] We generally cycle through genres, Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, etc., to get a good balance as all of these genres typically mix music differently, and the sound systems need to perform at all levels. Lately, something I have been listening to is Billie Eilish. She has some interesting tones and effects that only some high-end systems can reproduce. Knowing songs and what to listen for helps us sharpen our pencils when tuning a room.
How do you measure success from job to job?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] Ultimately keeping a relationship with the client and being able to help them with service and upgrades, in some cases, years down the road. Repeat clients show us that the client is happy with our work.
Why do you love this work?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] I love the creative aspect of the job. Being able to help design systems, not just selling boxes.
What's one piece of advice for others who aspire to be AV installers?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] Project management is everything. Managing schedules and expectations has to be the foremost priority — stay ahead of the schedule.
What’s one thing you always do in order to get prepared for a new install?
California AV Integrator Spotlight: RCA Integrated Systems
[JN] Internalize the scope. It’s critical to know where every device and wire is supposed to go. Have a list of RFI questions ready to fire off if you need more info. But having the information is key to starting the job on the right foot.
We’d like to thank California AV Integrator Jason Nelson and everyone at RCA Integrated Systems for taking the time to speak with us and also for working with our CONNECTSERIES amplifiers in their recent installation project in a Napa Valley Winery Smart Home Project, which you can read more about here.
If you have any questions about our CONNECTSERIES amps or would like to be featured in one of our Integrator Spotlight posts, feel free to fill out the form below or reach out to us on our social media channels.
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