About

Ted Sprague showed his interest in technology, telecommunications and high fidelity audio at an early age: having dismantled telephones, tape players and cameras at age five. (Telephones generally were put back into working condition…). His father worked in the newspaper business and thus it was much later in life before he developed an appreciation for high end video; a 13″ black and white TV was as much of a foothold as his father was willing to give the competition until the 1990′s. Luckily, Ted had friends with color TV’s AND Cable!

Ted is currently Project Engineer for SoundVision in Novato, California.

Prior to joining SoundVision, Ted was Sales Manager at Vail Electronics where he was involved in business development, marketing, sales, and design. Vail Electronics’ business model is primarily geared towards commercial and residential fire and security alarm systems. While working there, Ted gained two new perspectives on the electronic systems contractor business. The first notable experience was seeing things from the perspective of a salesman; the second was learning more about the security and alarm side of the industry.

Having worked in operations and design departments for a few companies, moving to the sales department gave Ted valuable insight into how the business operates from the other side of the desk. As our industry pursues the recurring revenue possibilities of alarm systems, Ted’s experiences at Vail Electronics  gave Ted valuable insights into the fundamental technical and operational procedures of an alarm company and he made many valuable industry contacts.

Prior to joining Vail Electronics, Ted was a Lead System Designer for Paragon Technology Group from March 2005 to August 2009.  While there, he took an active role in supporting the Sales and Installation Departments for Paragon’s Vail and Steamboat (Colorado) Offices.  Paragon is a custom integration company and Ted’s designs covered all aspects of structured wiring, telecommunications (phone and network), audio and video distribution, security, lighting control, HVAC integration, home theaters and whole home control.

Ted served on Paragon’s Product Development Committee, which was formed to evaluate new and existing manufacturers’ offerings, evaluate emerging technologies, promote innovation and standardization, and provide technical training within the company.  Ted also served on a sub-committee to create and maintain Paragon’s Eco-friendly internal standards and keeps tabs on “Green” business opportunities and offerings for our clients.

Ted is an active volunteer instructor for the industry trade association CEDIA (The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association).

Prior to working in the home systems integration industry, Ted was a professional sailor.  Ted’s sailing career began as a launch driver for the New York Sailing School (at their previous City Island, NY location) where he became an ASA Certified Sailing Instructor.  While attending college, Ted attended the Sea Education Association where he quickly realized that sailing, rather than Geology, was his future.

Ted’s sailing career includes:

Instructing at the New York Sailing School

First Mate on the Schooner Argia out of Mystic Connecticut with Voyager Cruises

First Mate on the Heritage of Miami during it’s summer season with the Florida Sea Base

First Mate of the Schooner America

Second Mate on Spirit of Massachussets

First Mate and Relief Captain of the Skipjack Sigsbee with the Living Classrooms Foundation

Captain of the charter boat Rosa del Mar in the Florida Keys

Ted holds a BA from Colgate University, is a CEDIA Certified Designer and Installer, and is also certified in a variety of manufaturer design, control, and programming platforms.  He lives in Sonoma County, California with his wife and son and tries to find time to pursue his hobbies: skiing, biking, writing, and philosophizing.