Trifecto aims to make home automation easy
Two suburban men who formerly worked for the electronics retailer Tweeter, where they installed entertainment and environmental systems in homes, have launched their own company with the same focus.
Chad Arbogast of Round Lake and Chris Brenner of Mount Prospect own and operate Trifecto Audio Video. The Des Plaines company designs, integrates and installs one-touch home theaters complete with plush movie theater seats, pop and popcorn machine, candy counter and ticket booth.
They also tackle multiroom music, smart lighting, advanced temperature control, safety and security and green technology.
"We cover it all," Arbogast said. He added that the two men consider themselves audio and video designers, as each product is different and customized to the client's needs.
"We create a whole lifestyle and customize the home," Arbogast said.
All elements of the home-automated systems are linked to one another by cutting-edge technology and controlled by one central source, Brenner said. He added that the systems provide convenience to homeowners while saving them energy, time and money.
The entrepreneurs often partner with designers and architects on projects. They say word-of-mouth and referrals have worked best for their growth over the past year.
"We look to have clients for life," Arbogast said.
Before launching the business, Arbogast, 35, was working at a Tweeter store in Las Vegas. Brenner, 27, started working as a stock boy for a TV shop years ago. He worked at Tweeter for the past seven years.
Brenner noted that because theirs is a small company, they are able to offer more one-on-one contact with the customers. The price to set up a basic home automation system is about $15,000, he added. For information, call (847) 296-6767 or check out www.trifectoavp.com.
Have a ball: Lakeside Family Sports Complex in Lake Zurich, in connection with the World Bocce League, is hosting the grand opening of four new indoor bocce courts.
A celebration takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the facility at 143 E. Main St.
Phil Ferrari, U.S singles champion, gold medalist and 2008 national champion, will be at the facility for the event.
He served as the team captain of the 2008 U.S. Bocce Federation's National Championship team in Punta Raffa Volo bocce ball.
Leagues are currently being formed. For more, call (847) 550-9750.
Giving credit: CMS Group Inc. based in Naperville has recently registered with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations as a continuing education sponsor.
CMS provides credit hours to individuals who enroll in their educational classes. This allows CMS to provide Continuing Professional Education credits to certified public accountants.
Illinois requires all CPAs licensed in the state to renew their licenses every three years. To do so, they must obtain 120 hours of continuing professional education during that three-year period.
CMS Group specializes in helping select the right software for construction companies' needs.
The firm has more than 20 years of experience working with accounting software for the construction industry, and with construction estimating software.
New designer: Kitchen Discounters in Lake Zurich announced that Ron Jenisch has joined the design team.
Having 21 years of experience in all aspects of kitchen and bath design, Jenisch also has a great deal of experience with the Fieldstone line of custom cabinetry.
The Lake County store at 177 S. Rand Road, is the newest Fieldstone dealer in the area.
Jenisch most recently worked for KDA in Crystal Lake. Kitchen Discounters are assisting homeowners or contractors left in a lurch when KDA closed all locations.
Years of service: The Illinois Funeral Directors Association honored Vernon H. Hultgren of Wheaton as a 50-year licensee of funeral service. Hultgren was recognized for his contribution to funeral service and to the community.
kmikus@dailyherald.com