Redpath Installs become a Gold Partner
We’d like to start off by congratulating Rob Redpath – MD of Redpath Installs – on his hard work and dedication to quality smart home installations which have seen him achieve Gold Partner status with Loxone.
Rob recently came to our show facility in Reading and we caught up with him to ask a few questions about his journey to Gold.
Hi Rob, can you start by telling us about your background and how you became interested in home automation?
I started off as an electricians’ apprentice, learning the trade over the years through on-site experience. During this time, I worked alongside a few Audio Visual Companies whose job, to me, looked seriously satisfying. Inspiring data cabinets, Big TVs and great sounding multiroom audio systems, everything a young lad would want in their own home. It was from that point on I knew I wanted to progress into this field.
Back then I’d never even heard of ‘Home Automation’. Little did I know it was going to lead me to where I am today!
What made you decide to become a Loxone Partner?
Nearly 5 years ago Loxone approached me asking if I’d be interested in going on their course to learn more about what they can do and what they have to offer. At this point I was still a self-employed electrician with no company or employees to speak of. I attended the course and I distinctly remember being in absolute awe of what Loxone could do. Philipp & Omid really inspired me to commit to my career in Smart Home Installations. The rest is history.
The Redpath Installs Team
Rob – MD
When I’m not on the phone, doing paperwork or drinking coffee, I muck in with the guys on site making sure everything goes to plan and to specification.
George ‘GG’ – Electrician
George started off as my apprentice. Now a qualified electrician, he is out and about completing any task I put his way and proving to be a very skilled tradesman.
Ben ‘Beavis’ – Apprentice
Ben started as my apprentice just over a year ago. Since then he has picked up the trade quickly with a keen eye for detail and has always shown a huge interest in Smart Homes and tech in general.
Paul ‘ACE’ – Subcontractor
Paul started working for us under a year ago as a subcontractor during a busy period. He has proved to be an absolute asset to the team filling a gap I never knew existed. Nothing you ask of him is ever a hassle.
What makes Redpath Installs different?
I think being electricians with the experience and knowledge we have helps a job to run far smoother. We are able to take care of the installation right from start to finish, listening to the clients’ needs with no miscommunication between different trades along the way. By using Redpath Installs you know everything will be dealt with in-house. That’s installation, programming and maintenance.
What has your dedicated journey to Gold involved?
A lot of hard work! Starting as a self-employed electrician it has taken a lot of time and dedication to get the company to where it is now. But now that we are here I am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store.
How would you encourage other Partners to reach for Gold?
Don’t be misled into thinking you can jump straight into the world of smart home installations overnight. One of the most exciting things about this industry is the amount there is to learn, our knowledge is forever expanding keeping us constantly on our toes. However, you should not be put off by this, dedicate yourselves and aim for Gold partner status and watch what it will do for your business.
What has been your biggest/favourite project (with Loxone)? What challenges have you faced?
It would be really difficult to choose a favourite project as we have been faced with so many different tasks on so many different styles of property. One of our first projects was an absolutely stunning pool house which we found out recently has won an architectural award so we are very proud to have been a part of that. We had projects in a Victorian townhouse and also an old oak barn conversion brimming with character. It really is impossible to choose. All produce their own unique challenges!
Photographs courtesy of Hampshire Light
How have you benefitted from living in a Loxone Smart Home?
I personally benefit from Loxone heating in my home. Since living with it I would no longer live in a home without it. Not only does it save energy but each room is heated to an exact temperature and at the exact time you want it. I am able to make sure my little girl’s room is always just right. We are currently in the process of moving home and I cannot wait to fill it with Loxone products and smart home features!
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking of having Loxone installed, what would it be?
Anybody that is interested in owning a Loxone Smart Home I would advise to talk to us. Being a Loxone Gold partner shows we have the knowledge to fulfil a client’s expectations and we hope to, in some cases, exceed them. It is imperative that an installation is carried out correctly so that when a project is handed over there are absolutely no technical issues and the client is completely comfortable in their new smart home. They must 100% understand all of its features and how they are going to benefit from them, day-to-day.
How does it feel to be a Loxone Partner?
Loxone has completely changed the way I view our business. Standard electrical installs, although still enjoyable, now seem something of the past. The positive feedback we receive from our clients makes what we do so incredibly satisfying. With the smart home industry constantly expanding and Loxone forever creating new products to add to their range it means the possibilities of a smart home are endless. Seeing the rapid growth in Redpath Installs since working alongside Loxone makes for a very exciting future.
Well done once again to Rob from Redpath Installs on this great achievement! We look forward to continuing to work with you as you deliver real smart homes.