Strategy in TECH...
Goldman Sachs, a leading American-based global investment bank, earlier this month recognized Hagan Kappler, CEO and Co-Founder of Daisy, as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2025. This recognition was announced at the Goldman Sachs Builders + Innovators Summit 2025 held in Healdsburg, California.
CEDIA Expo 2025 wrapped last week, and show-owner Emerald Exposition’s Group Vice President Jason McGraw gave the event a solid thumbs up. In an email to Strata-gee, McGraw told me that, “All reports we’ve received from exhibitors have been positive and we’ve had a very successful rebooking for next year’s show.” But my survey of exhibitors and attendees – and my own observations – uncovered some dark and disturbing undercurrents that – absent any corrective action – portend a troubling future for the event.
Daisy, the new national brand that is both acquiring and franchising custom integration businesses, announced today that it celebrated the Grand Opening of its newest franchise location in Ocala, Florida on January 25th. This new location, owned and operated by Bert Herrero, joins the ever-expanding Daisy universe.
But wait! That name…Bert Herrero…sounds familiar. Isn’t he already a part of the Daisy organization?
It was a cool fall morning as I headed into New York City for a meeting that I’d been anxiously anticipating for weeks. The skies were gray and rain was definitely threatening, but nothing could dampen my interest in meeting with one of the newest key executives already exerting significant influence in our industry – Hagan Kappler, CEO of Daisy.
