John Lupear

John Lupear – Luxury AV, Leadership, and Lessons From Billionaire Clients

John Lupear is the Founder and President of Prodigy, a smart home technology and AV solutions company. The company specializes in home automation, entertainment, and security systems. Under John’s leadership, Prodigy offers commercial and residential AV services.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

[1:43] John Lupear’s first entrepreneurial endeavor in Indianapolis and his interest in audio and video
[6:03] How John launched Prodigy and the company’s innovations in the industry
[8:25] John shares his decision to close his Indianapolis business and rebuild in Nashville
[11:56] Pivoting from semi-custom to luxury residential projects
[16:31] Why John joined EO and how it energizes his leadership and decision-making
[19:11] John’s approach to navigating crucial business decisions

In This Episode

Entrepreneurs sometimes face the difficult decision of whether to push through tough economic downturns or close shop and start fresh. When financial collapses hinder opportunities in various markets, moving forward can feel daunting. How do business leaders know when it’s time to pivot, rebuild, and embrace a new market?

After closing his first company during the 2008 recession, AV integration expert John Lupear relocated to a new city, rebuilt his career, and launched a thriving business. He carved a new path in a booming market, designed cutting-edge systems, and built trust with clients who expected the best. Along the way, John navigated employee layoffs and learned that resilience and creativity matter just as much as technical skills. He recommends staying adaptable and developing a strong workplace culture.

In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline interviews John Lupear, Founder and President of Prodigy, about rebuilding after economic crises. John shares the lessons he’s learned from serving billionaire clients, the innovations shaping the AV industry, and how EO has shaped his leadership.

Quotable Moments:

“I like the idea of having more employees. Right now, we’re at about 50, but I’d love to have 100 people.”
“You never know — a guy could hire you to come hang a TV, and it turns into a 30,000 square foot project.”
“When you’re a business owner, you’re never off the clock, right?”
“I’ve always been [a] pretty good designer of integrated systems and pretty good at lighting design.”
“Most people love technology. We really don’t love it when it doesn’t work.”

Action Steps:

Know when to pivot your business model: Recognizing when a market has shifted can save you from prolonged losses. By making timely changes, you can protect your company’s future and open new opportunities.
Invest in workplace culture: Covering benefits and creating a supportive environment helps employees feel valued and motivated. A strong culture fosters retention, loyalty, and top-notch service for clients.
Balance small and large projects: Taking on smaller jobs keeps your team active and can lead to unexpected long-term opportunities. Mixing quick wins with long builds provides cash flow and stability.
Delegate to reduce stress: Building specialized teams for service or support prevents burnout and allows leaders to focus on growth. Effective delegation meets client needs and protects leadership energy.
Keep learning from peers and competitors: Visiting trade shows and other dealers provides fresh insights into evolving industry practices. Continuous learning keeps your company innovative and ahead of client expectations.