Always on the Hunt with Leo Golubitsky

In this episode of Always on the Hunt, Leo sits down with the multi-talented Michael Bailey Smith, a man who's lived multiple dreams. He's landed roles in iconic films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Men in Black 2, and the new Fantastic Four.  He's jumped out of planes as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper.  He's played Division I football and chased an NFL career.  And he's had a long and successful career in the IoT industry.  Michael's life has been anything but ordinary. Today, Michael is the founder of IoT Powerhouse, where he helps companies achieve massive growth in the cutting-edge IoT space. How did a Hollywood actor become a tech industry dynamo? What lessons from his unbelievable journey? And what's his secret to turning "no" into "next opportunity"? Michael shares his incredible journey, full of hard-won wisdom, audacious goals, and the mindset that keeps him winning in every arena. Whether you're in tech, sales, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable insights on resilience, trust-building, and the whirlwind that is ever-present in the journey towards success. Check out iotpowerhouse.com to see how Micheal can help your business! Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

In this special episode of Always On The Hunt,  Randy Blanchard turns the tables and takes the interviewer's seat to chat with Leo Golubitsky, founder of Birddog Talent and a longtime leader in the AV industry. From Leo's early days launching S.M.I.L.E., Inc. (an AV integration company focused on customer experience over tech specs) to his transition into recruiting and launching this very podcast, this conversation dives deep into lessons learned, industry evolution, and the importance of relationships. Plus, Randy and Leo reminisce about their 25-year history in the industry, discuss the crossroads AV faces today, and reveal their favorite (and least favorite) products they've ever sold. Whether you're in AV, recruitment, or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with authenticity, humor, and actionable insights. Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

This week on Always on the Hunt, Leo sits down with Vince Schuster, Senior Vice President of Sales at Neoti and a well-respected leader in the Pro AV industry. With decades of experience across major and emerging AV brands—including Electrograph, Planar, and more—Vince shares his unique perspective on industry trends, leadership, and the evolving landscape of professional AV. Vince and Leo dive into what made this year's InfoComm so great, and the re-normalization of an industry rocked by events such as the tariffs and COVID. They also dive into the importance of mentorship and collaboration in shaping the future of AV. Whether you're an AV veteran or new to the industry, Vince's insights on business resilience, relationship-building, and industry advocacy are invaluable. Tune in for a must-listen conversation on where Pro AV is headed—and how to thrive in it. Connect with Vince:  LinkedIn | vince.schuster@neoti.com Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

This week on "Always On The Hunt", Leo speaks with Alesia Hendley, Business Development Manager at Sennheiser, Social Media Influencer, blogger, story teller, advocate for diversity in AV, and at her core, a highly capable sound engineer and technician who still knows how to get hands-on and make systems work.  In this episode, Alesia unpacks how social media and storytelling are reshaping B2B engagement, proving that even in a hardware-driven industry, personality opens doors. From her InfoComm panel engagements to sneaker meetups, Alicia's take on "unconventional" paths will make you rethink how to stand out, and why diversity isn't just a checkbox, but a competitive edge.  Alesia dives deep into the evolving landscape of AV and tech, sharing hard-earned wisdom on why relationships and authenticity matter more than specs alone. She highlights the shifting dynamics between manufacturers, consultants, and end-users, and why getting a seat at the design table early is the future of integration. If you are an AV pro, an advocate for change, or interested in joining this ever evolving industry, you'll want to tune in! Connect with Alesia: LinkedIn thesmoothfactor.com @thesmoothfactor on Instagram @thesmoothfactor on X/Twitter   Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

Join us on Always on the Hunt as we sit down with industry veteran Michael Lakhter— a true rainmaker with over 25 years of experience transforming startups into industry leaders and leading industry leaders in Sales, with his powerful outlook and performance. In this insightful episode, Michael shares his journey from humble beginnings in Ukraine to becoming a top sales force in the AV world, revealing the mindset, strategies, and relationship-building secrets that keep him at the top of his game.  We discuss the importance of proactive leadership, the power of trust and responsiveness, and how to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Whether you're an aspiring sales pro or a seasoned industry expert, Michael's stories and lessons will inspire you to elevate your approach and embrace the hunter mindset. Tune in for a masterclass on sales, resilience, and building lasting success in the AV industry no matter what hand you were dealt. Are you on the hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

In this episode of Always on the Hunt, host Leo welcomes special guest Matt Bernath, a powerhouse in the luxury home services industry and president of VITAL. Together, they dive deep into the core challenges and opportunities facing business owners, from team building and company culture to financial mastery and personal leadership. Matt shares his inspiring journey, marked by growth and a passion for impact, showcases his financial expertise, strategic vision, and knack for asking bold questions. Matt shares insights on transforming struggling businesses into thriving, profitable ventures, all while emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, trust, and self-awareness in leadership.  Whether you're an integrator, entrepreneur, or industry professional, discover actionable strategies to elevate your business, cultivate a healthy culture, and unlock your full potential. Tune in for honest insights, practical tips, and a dose of motivation to help you lead with purpose and confidence. Are you on the hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

In this week's episode of Always on the Hunt, we're thrilled to welcome Nick Begleries, a seasoned expert in the audiovisual (AV) industry with over 20 years of experience. As the VP of Commercial Sales at Philips Professional Display Solutions, Nick has an impressive track record of leading sales teams for top manufacturers, including Planar, Samsung, and NanoLumens. Join Leo and Nick as they delve into the changing landscape of the AV industry, discuss effective sales strategies for both channel and distribution, and share insights on what it takes to succeed in a competitive market.  Tune in to learn how to maximize opportunities in the ever-evolving AV ecosystem, and build concrete sales strategies all right here on Always on the Hunt! Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

Welcome back to Always on the Hunt! This week, we're joined by Peter Melvin—a true rock star in the AV industry and the self-proclaimed "purveyor of fun", a title he most certainly lives up to. Peter's infectious energy and optimistic outlook have made him a favorite in the field, and we're excited to delve into his journey of building connections and fostering a positive work culture. We'll discover Peter's unique approach to sales that prioritizes curiosity over the hard sell, as well as the significance of being genuine in a corporate environment. He opens up about key figures in his career that made an impression, both positively and negatively, and how those experiences shaped his leadership style. With the AV landscape constantly changing, Peter shares his insights on navigating current industry challenges, embracing opportunities, and maintaining a fun, collaborative atmosphere at work—even during tough times and big shifts. Whether you're in the AV world or just curious about leadership and personal branding, this lively conversation is packed with valuable insights that you won't want to miss! Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

Welcome back to Always On The Hunt! This week Leo sits down with Curtiss Singleton, a man recognized by Commercial Integrator Magazine as a "Living Legend". With over three decades of experience, Curtiss has a long track record of leadership that has inspired teams, driven transformative growth, successfully navigated companies through challenging turnarounds, and he's still got plenty left in the tank! Join us as Curtiss shares insights on his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of culture, mentorship, and how to build winning teams.   Curtiss shares hard-earned lessons from the frontlines of leadership — from building high-performing teams and driving cultural change, to navigating complex turnarounds and leading companies through successful acquisitions. We talk about what it takes to be a trusted advisor, how to recognize when it's time to pivot, and why listening might be the most underrated leadership skill out there. Curtiss also offers career advice for young professionals with aspirations to lead, drawing on personal stories and candid reflections from his time in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an up-and-coming sales pro, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and practical takeaways. Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com

Welcome back to Always on the Hunt! In this episode, host Leo dives deep into the intricate world of the audiovisual (AV) industry with Kurt DeYoung, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience. As the Chief Revenue Officer at Nanolumens, Kurt has been pivotal in turning the company around, driving growth, and forging strategic partnerships across various verticals, including retail, corporate, entertainment, and healthcare.  Kurt shares his fascinating journey from starting out in a small AV manufacturer to tackling challenges in healthcare technology and his impactful tenure at Barco. With a unique perspective on how to bridge the gap between marketing and sales, he reveals the importance of understanding your customer's needs and the art of listening.  Tune in to hear Kurt discuss the lessons learned from his extensive career, the importance of building trust within professional relationships, and the strategies that have led to success in an ever-evolving market. From navigating challenges like tariffs to embracing innovations in marketing, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to thrive in the AV industry. Are You on the Hunt? Visit birddogtalent.com