Welcome to our 2nd Quarter 2025 newsletter! There’s a lot of news to share!
We’ve been very busy the past few months, and I have a lot to share with you – So let’s jump right to it!
We have a new testing protocol for the Centor screen, and you can check out the video below to see the screen and the motor running it. Also, see below for links to both a quick overview and a more in-depth look at all the features our 12-in-1 new product offers.
Summit is growing not only domestically, but internationally as well. We are in the process of translating our instructions into Spanish and many are available on our website now.
We’re working on a lot of cool products. Next generation products we are working on in the 3rd quarter include a barn door application.
In May, we supported AIA and CRL Lawrence with the automated door system in their booth. It performed as expected and the booth visitors were impressed. Last month, we also completed the final trim for a 5-foot by 5.5-foot vertical lift window accenting an attic, and it’s working fantastically!
We also recently worked with Marvin installers to provide on-site training in the field for automating some doors, which also went great! Since our last newsletter, we also took on a pretty large Pella door system in Nashville – it was 40 feet! It went well, and the Customer is really excited and happy.
In the last quarter, we also removed and replaced about a dozen systems from other automation providers, because their systems just didn’t meet the Customers’ needs and quite simply just didn’t do what they were advertised they could do. It’s a travesty because the homeowners had to spend money twice on the automation, but after we installed our system, the expected performance is exceeded, and the homeowners are now happy.
We have 28 more of these types of jobs scheduled within the next several weeks (removing inferior systems of competitors and replacing them with our automation). While we are happy to provide these Customers with our superior products, we feel bad that they were disappointed, and the fact that we even have to do it. We want Customers to feel their standards and expectations are being met or exceeded, which is why we encourage you to work with us from the beginning of your project to make sure that your standards and expectations are met from the start.
The second quarter of 2025 was another great time for us. It’s an interesting time in the world right now, especially with the tariffs. Because Summit Automation only uses parts and components made in the USA, Customers who use us for their automation aren’t seeing the effects of tariffs. Some of the Suppliers of our raw materials are trying to pass on tariff surcharges, but we are digging our heels in and resisting this. We ask, “Why would we pay for tariffs since our products are US-made?”. It doesn’t make sense to us, so we are holding the line and not jumping on the bandwagon that charges our Customers for tariffs. We believe in keeping our costs down and passing savings along to our Customers!. We’re fighting hard with all of our Suppliers to make sure we continue to provide you with our excellent products and Customer service at the right price.
We hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter, and please let us know how Summit Automation can assist with your upcoming projects.
The New Frontier of Luxury: Adding Home Automation
If you own a luxurious home, you’re likely facing a unique challenge. Luxury properties today represent the pinnacle of architectural excellence and premium finishes, but where do you go from there?
Most of the time, it’s challenging to move upward. High luxury homes are in limited supply. That’s why many people are opting for intelligent upgrades that can transform their existing sanctuary into a cutting-edge smart home, one that’s functional, convenient, elegant, and beautiful.
The Evolution of Luxury Living Standards
High-end homeowners today expect their residences to anticipate their needs, respond to their preferences, and seamlessly integrate technology without compromising design appeal. That’s why luxury homes are no longer determined only by square footage, premium materials, or prestigious locations. It’s the intelligence and responsiveness to human behavior that truly makes a difference.
The shift has changed the way we conceptualize high-end, luxury living. Traditional markers of affluence—like marble countertops, imported fixtures, and custom millwork—are now baseline expectations.
But what really sets things over the edge are the things under the surface, small elements that really make your property pop. Imagine living in a house that learns your daily routines, anticipates your comfort preferences, and adapts to your lifestyle without requiring conscious interaction.
Revolutionary Technologies Transforming High-End Homes
Cutting-edge technology has completely transformed high-end homes. Automation has become increasingly standard, and countless new technologies are now available.
Intelligent Climate and Environmental Control
Advanced HVAC systems now incorporate machine learning algorithms that analyze occupancy patterns, weather forecasts, and individual preferences to optimize temperature, humidity, and air quality. Automation can also allow for specific predetermined zones of the house based on your calendar.
The emergence of smart glass technology has also enabled windows to automatically adjust their opacity and thermal properties to suit individual preferences in terms of sunlight, privacy needs, and interior lighting. These innovations enable you to make more efficient use of natural light and reduce energy consumption.
Next Generation Kitchen and Appliance Integration
You can now control the rest of your home from your kitchen. AI-powered refrigerators now serve as central command centers for home management. They can provide internal cameras that track inventory, suggest recipes based on your available ingredients, and automatically reorder groceries. Imagine integrating these appliances with meal planning apps that can coordinate with smart ovens to begin meal preparation before you arrive back home.
Innovations in washing machines and dryers are now equipped with fabric recognition technology that automatically selects the best cleaning cycles. Dishwashers can now adjust water temperature and cycle duration based on load sensors and soil detection algorithms. All the while, these appliances communicate with your home management systems to schedule the best times of day to operate.
Advanced Security and Monitoring Systems
The innovations also come with a state-of-the-art set of security solutions that extend far beyond alarm systems. Facial recognition cameras can distinguish between family members, expected guests, and potential intruders. Intruder records are sent via alerts and automatically adjust access permissions. On the outside of your house, perimeter monitoring systems use thermal imaging and behavioral analysis to detect any unusual activity.
Interior monitoring provides the ability to track movement patterns, identify falls or medical emergencies, and detect environmental hazards before they cause any damage. In essence, smart features in your house can prevent disasters before they occur.
Elevating Your High-End Home with Strategic Automation
High-end adjustments are relatively easy to install. And it can take significantly less time to fit them to your home than going on a new property search.
Automated Architectural Elements
The first step is to add impactful upgrades to already existing architectural features. Large windows, heavy doors, and specialty installations that were originally manually operated can now be retrofitted with automation systems virtually imperceptibly.
While installing automated windows and doors, automation technology can enhance security by enabling remote monitoring and control, energy efficiency checks through programmable operation schedules, and creating entertaining features that guests will remember. Updating a high-level home could lead to the ability to open expansive glass walls or retract large windows with voice commands or smoke smartphone apps with a level of sophistication that elevates the entire living experience.
Integration with Existing Luxury Features
Most high-end homes already feature unique architectural elements that complement modern automation. Rather than replacing expensive features, most automation systems can be designed to work seamlessly with existing hardware.
This approach is particularly valuable for historically significant properties or unique homes. Based on your aesthetic, custom automation solutions can be engineered to operate within existing frameworks while meeting current safety and efficiency standards.
Memorable Entertainment Experiences
Automated features are unique and becoming conversation starters when inviting people to your newly outfitted home. Imagine hosting a dinner party where the dining room has panoramic windows that slowly retract as the sun sets, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Now, what if you could welcome experience through grand entrance doors that automatically open when they approach?
Technological theater isn’t designed simply to impress. It more closely aligns with the integration of innovation with luxury living. The best automation systems operate so smoothly and quietly that the technology becomes invisible, leaving only the experience behind.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Luxury Home Technology
Technology has vastly increased even in the past few years. Emerging trends point toward more sophisticated integration of artificial intelligence and predictive technology. Homes in the future can automatically adjust lighting, temperature, and security settings based on your daily routines and seasonal preferences.
Voice control systems are now more seamlessly aligning with the execution of complex multi-system commands. Natural language processing can be adjusted to make requests such as “prepare for bedtime” or “set up for entertaining,” which can trigger a coordinated response across various systems, including lighting, climate, security, and entertainment.
Integrating renewable energy systems with smart home technology makes it easier for residences to not only consume energy intelligently but also generate, store, and distribute power efficiently. With the touch of a button, these systems can automatically sell excess energy back to the grid during peak demand periods while maintaining optimal home operations.
Making the Investment Decision
Automation upgrades for luxury properties should focus on solutions that enhance daily living experiences while preserving and complementing the existing beauty of a home. The best implementations are natural and intuitive, and the right systems make for minimal learning curves while delivering maximum impact for comfort, convenience, and security. Technology today is highly adaptable, making any existing structure a suitable candidate for remodeling and upgrading.
The key is selecting technologies and partners who understand that luxury automation isn’t about adding gadgets but about creating seamless experiences that anticipate needs and eliminate friction. Ongoing support and quality installation are key factors in determining the best fit for your home infrastructure.
