Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanad Affara
Sanad, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for technology began in the 80s when my dad brought home our first IBM computer. This early fascination with electronic devices grew throughout the 90s as technology evolved rapidly, with brands like Sony, Panasonic, IBM, and Macintosh becoming my favorites. This passion for electronics stayed with me through high school and college, where I continued to explore the latest trends and help friends with their tech needs.
In 2017, 14 years into my career, I decided to take on a side job with a local company installing smart technology in homes. This role allowed me to work with the technology I loved and kept me relevant in the hobby I cherished. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that I decided to merge my professional skills with my passion for technology. I founded Detroit Smart Home to help local residents and businesses integrate smart technology into their lives and businesses.
Since then, the journey has been incredible. Detroit Smart Home has flourished, allowing me to combine my lifelong passion with my career. We’ve grown to work with some amazing brands and manufacturers to help incorporate technology. I love working with the latest technology while providing my clients with effective solutions for their technological needs, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to close the gap between tech advancements and consumer understanding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No journey comes without its bumps. When we first started, we had no idea how far we’d go. It took a lot of perseverance, venturing into unknown territory, and learning from our mistakes. The learning curve was steep, both in running the business with its licensing and code regulations, and trying to understand the diverse technologies our clients needed and what we were able to provide. We took some hits early on, but those experiences taught us valuable lessons and eventually led to some big wins.
One of the toughest challenges has been keeping up with the fast pace of tech advancements and the variety of our work—from access control and network setups to alarms, audio/video systems, and security surveillance. Just as we get the hang of one thing, something new comes along. But that’s what makes it fun and exciting. Starting later in my career allowed me to blend professionalism with my passion for technology, helping us navigate these hurdles. We still face obstacles, but each day brings new opportunities for growth, making the journey more rewarding and exciting.
As you know, we’re big fans of Detroit Smart Home. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Detroit Smart Home brings innovative technologies into homes and businesses, covering everything from security cameras and alarm systems to custom audio and video setups, telecommunications, and networking infrastructure. What sets us apart is our ability to weave these diverse technologies into a seamless system that truly enhances our clients’ lives and businesses. We offer a one-stop solution, simplifying the entire process for our clients.
It takes years to master the different aspects of these technologies and package them seamlessly. Our clients are often amazed at how we can integrate their alarm system, music, lights, thermostat, and door locks into one easy-to-use app on their phone or tablet. For our business clients, we use technology to boost customer experiences with high-speed internet while keeping internal networks secure, utilize cameras to provide insights into customer behavior, and set up access control to manage who can access different parts of the building. We work with top brands in the industry because of their ease of use and reliability, ensuring smooth integration and ongoing support for our clients.
Our extensive experience and professional approach help us deliver these solutions effectively. We take pride in making technology simple and accessible, whether our clients need smart home features or advanced business solutions. Choosing Detroit Smart Home means avoiding the hassle of multiple vendors and trusting us to handle all their tech needs. Plus, we offer managed services to support our clients afterward. You don’t need an IT department—we can be that for you.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Besides having a great professional network that we lean on for help in various aspects of our business, from finances to design applications and marketing material, I would have to say our clients and social media supporters are our biggest cheerleaders. Their open feedback and support have been invaluable. They consistently provide insights and suggestions that help us improve our services and grow as a company.
Our clients’ input has helped shape Detroit Smart Home into what it is today. They are not just customers; they are partners in our journey. Their willingness to share their experiences and expectations has allowed us to fine-tune our offerings and deliver solutions that truly meet their needs. Their satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals have been crucial to our growth and success. To date, we haven’t spent any money on marketing; word of mouth and reputation has kept us extremely busy and provided a continuous stream of projects.
Additionally, social media has been a great asset. It allows us to connect with others in the industry worldwide and see how they approach similar challenges, what’s new out there, and sharing their struggles too . This exchange of knowledge and ideas has given us valuable insights and a place of belonging in this industry. We also appreciate our industry peers who are always excited about their products and eager to see us succeed as intergrators. They work closely with us, teaching us about their products and showing us innovative ways to enhance our services. many providing their guidance and advice have been instrumental in navigating the challenges of running a technology business. Together, these supporters have been the backbone of Detroit Smart Home, helping us achieve our goals and pushing us to continually innovate and excel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.detroitsmarthome.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroitsmarthome/
