Acquisitions, franchise openings, and solid funding fuel fast growth.
By Andrew Carlo
Daisy, the home and small business technology franchise, continues to demonstrate rapid growth.
Specializing in the tech installation and services, the company recently expanded into Michigan with the acquisition of Automation Design + Entertainment, an award-winning technology integration business owned by industry veteran Peter Cook.
The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Automation Design + Entertainment has served residential and commercial clients in the west Michigan area for three decades.
“We are thrilled to welcome the ADE team to Daisy,” said Hagan Kappler, co-founder and CEO of Daisy. “The team’s reputation for business excellence provides a strong foundation for Daisy to build out a broader Midwest presence.”
Hagan has a deep industry background, having previously held positions at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Starbucks, Trane, Club Car, Terminix, ServiceMaster, and Merry Maids
Under Hagan’s leadership, Daisy continues to expand its position in smart home technology integration. Growth has been achieved through a strategic combination of franchising and acquisitions. With the addition of Automation Design + Entertainment, Daisy now has 20 locations across eight states.
Last month, Daisy opened its first location in Arizona. Situated in Scottsdale, the franchise is led by Jim Schoene, who brings more than two decades of experience in the electrical, electronic and security distribution industry. Schoene officially launched his business at the Maricopa County Home and Flower Show at Westworld in Scottsdale.
“Homeowners throughout our region seek innovative solutions for their audio/video, shades, lighting and security needs,” said Schoene. “We’ve built a talented local team and leveraged Daisy’s central support systems to provide clients with not only customized technology solutions, but also ongoing support services. And that’s where Daisy shines – we don’t just create seamlessly connected spaces; we continuously maintain and optimize clients’ homes as both technology—and their lives — evolve.”
This new Daisy branch works closely with local designers, architects, and builders to ensure their clients have access to the best home technology solutions and support.
“At Daisy, we are building an unrivaled network of smart home technology experts who can provide elevated solutions that exceed our client’s expectations,” Hagan said. “Jim is not only technologically proficient, but also fully committed to providing world-class service to clients and partners alike. His expertise has already been a huge asset to our network.”
The overall business model at Daisy is to work with professionals and homeowners to create, install and service optimal audio visual, lighting, shades and security designs that enhance a clients’ experiences in their homes and offices. Daisy says that it also provides “ongoing support to steward clients through their lifetime technology journeys.”
Daisy also has strong funding behind its business platform.
In March, the company completed a $15 million Series C funding round. Daisy said the new funding reinforces its continued investments in acquisitions while propelling further growth for its franchise operations. At the time, Daisy had raised $35 million in funding.
As Automation Design + Entertainment joins the Daisy network, it will continue operating under the leadership of Cook, the company’s founder and president, the tech franchise said.
“We’re excited to join the Daisy family to expand our resources and network of skilled integrators,” said Cook. “Daisy’s M&A capabilities, technology stack, marketing resources, supply chain connections, recruiting and training support, and recurring services expertise are just some of the reasons why AD+E will strengthen and grow in value through this partnership.”
To learn more about converting an existing custom integration company to a Daisy franchise, visit daisyco.com/for-integrators, or to start a new business, visit daisyco.com/franchising.
