I am an old-fashioned gal when it comes to technology.
If you can believe it, I don’t own a microwave or a dishwasher. I don’t even have a built-in icemaker in my freezer. If my HOA would allow it, I would hang my wash out to dry in the sun. No, I do not embrace new technology. I prefer the days before cell phones and computers. When it comes to business, I much prefer the days when we took loan applications over the client’s kitchen table. And when I bought my beloved Toyota Tundra a few years ago, I lamented over the bygone days of manual transmissions, feeling very uncomfortable with the fact I was now driving an over-sized computer that tracked my location – and my driving record – no matter where I ventured. I would never – and I mean never – have a video doorbell, wireless thermostat, or anything else tied to WiFi that controls the safety, heating/cooling elements of my home, or any devices or appliances therein. It’s bad enough I have a TV with a camera that is probably spying on me as I write this article. I won’t roll out the red carpet for any other hacker opportunities. That’s just me.
As adverse as I am to technology, even I have to awe over the improvements tech-sters are making to houses these days. Smart homes are pretty impressive! I wouldn’t personally live in one, but I can appreciate the level of ingenuity it takes to design and implement smart home features and I have become a raving fan of one company in particular.
The Experience Center
Intelligent Living Solutions is a smart home technology company headquartered in the quaint town of Zionsville, Indiana. If you haven’t visited Zionsville, it’s worth the trip. The main street is paved with cobblestones. Downtown is full of cute, artsy shops, stores, and restaurants tucked away in historical buildings. It’s no wonder I feel right at home!
Next door to the old town hall where I visit my masseuse once a month is a storefront for Intelligent Living Solutions. From the outside, it looks trendy and well-kept, but a little small. Appearances are deceiving. I first entered those doors expecting to walk into a business. Instead, I walked into what looked like someone’s home. These guys know how to build a showroom! They operate out of what is for all intents and purposes, a fully functional residential space. I was completely taken by surprise.
Through the front doors, there is a dining room and kitchen to your left with a living room to your right. As you make your way down the hallway, you will encounter a bedroom on your left and bathroom on your right. A little further down the hallway, you will – finally – run into an office space on your left and a full home theater on your right. What lies beyond, I cannot say. I didn’t explore any further.
I had booked a tour of Intelligent Living Solutions’ Experience Center, but had no idea what I signed up for. Joseph Pollard, a Custom Integration Specialist, was my host. He showed me the switches and remotes and hidden controls that adjust lights, shades, music, and temperature throughout each of the living spaces, including the shower of all places. Anyone with an appreciation for setting a mood would love this! He demonstrated safety features on kitchen cabinets to safely store liquor away from kids or prevent the elderly with dementia from getting into things that could prove a safety hazard. He showcased a hidden TV, a safe and stored firearm. Then, he delighted me by cleverly manipulating a bookcase which revealed a hidden room. The show was not over. Our last stop was the home theater room. Joseph played a clip of Top Gun: Maverick. Now that you know me a little better, you might not be surprised to learn I had no idea this movie existed. I don’t watch a lot of television and I very rarely go to a movie theater. Nevertheless, the acoustics were amazing, the chairs reverberated with the sound, and the experience topped a visit to the local cinema. I was so enthralled I ended up renting the movie later on Prime Video, so I could watch the whole thing from the comfort of my modest home.
Smart Home Contractors
I have come to know Joseph through the many networking events hosted by our local builder’s association, BAGI. I well know how difficult it is to find quality contractors and I tend to be reserved about making recommendations. But I can say with full confidence Joseph is a stand-up guy and the company he works for does an amazing job. Intelligent Living Solutions has a solid reputation in the field; builders enjoy working with them and homeowners are delighted by their ability to modernize homes through technology. I have such respect for Joseph and the company he works for, I have invited him to join me on an up-and-coming podcast episode where we discuss behind-the-scenes intel and insight on enhancements you can make to your home. Stay tuned!
While I may never embrace this particular wave of the future for my own personal use, I excitedly visit model homes and marvel over the impressive things modern technology can accomplish. It has clearly made an impression on me, because I am still talking about it several months after touring The Experience Center.
Jennifer Goldsby, NMLS #591226
VP, Renovation Lending
Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation NMLS #186805
Equal Housing Opportunity
Disclaimer: The postings here reflect my personal opinion. They do not necessarily represent the opinions of Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation and its management.
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