Owner of Port City Smart Home growing business by making homes smarter and more secure
By Stefan Yablonski
Q: When did you start Port City Smart Home?
A: I’ve been thinking about doing some sort of side jobs for a while now. I have skills with a computer. So I built up a website. It’s been up for a year now. I wanted to kick things into high gear so I put a couple advertisements up. I’ve done a couple different things. I put up a video doorbell at someone’s house.
Q: Why this type of business?
A: Where I come from, we’re passionate about helping residents of Central New York transform their living spaces into havens of automation, security and personalized control. I am very passionate about technology. It’s what makes me happy. This is something that I am capable of doing and there are people around here that need it.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: You can ditch Google and Alexa and control your devices from your own fully local voice assistant. It prevents your personal data from being sent to the cloud. I can install and manage security cameras and systems. And install and manage mesh WiFi access points to increase coverage. Also fully install and manage the most popular free and open source home automation system (home assistant). That is the main thing I am trying to focus on and highlight. As a local Oswego business serving the entire Central New York area, I take pride in offering personalized service with a friendly face.
Q: So it is more convenient?
A: Yes. Imagine controlling your lights, thermostat and appliances with just your voice or a tap on your smartphone. No more scrambling for light switches or adjusting the thermostat manually. Imagine a world where you never have to stumble around in the dark searching for a light switch; a world where you can adjust the lighting in your home from the comfort of your couch — or even while you’re away on vacation. It also means enhanced security. We keep your home safe and secure with smart cameras, motion sensors and automated door locks. You can monitor and control everything remotely.
Q: What else?
A: It’s personalized comfort and energy efficiency, too! You can create customized automation routines that fit your lifestyle. Smart thermostats and lighting systems can learn your habits and optimize energy usage, saving you money on your utility bills. Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your home is secure and you can always check in, even when you’re away.
Q: Just residential or businesses, too?
A: I’m searching for both home and business clients in the area who are looking for solutions to a variety of technical problems, namely networking, IT systems management and automation.
Q: What did you do before this?
A: I work retail. I’m a sales associate at Oswego Thrifty Shopper.
Q: Has it been tough to get going?
A: A little. I do business under my own name. I don’t have a DBA or any paperwork like that. When things get going more I’ll think about scaling up.
Q: How much have you invested?
A: I have spent a couple hundred dollars on cables, connectors, network switches and other equipment.
Q: Do you have any plans to expand?
A: Oh, yes. Once I get going more, definitely. I have some people in mind that could help me.
Q: How big a staff?
A: Just me.
Q: What is the best part of the job?
A: Like I said, I really like working with technology — sitting there and messing with it until it clicks and does what I want it to do. It’s satisfying.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?
A: I would tell them to be persistent because it is tough, but it is worth it. It’s not the default path; you’re taking a different path in life and it can be difficult at times. But if it’s something you are really passionate about keep at it. Be persistent, don’t back down, keep on your path.
Q: If you weren’t doing this — what might you be doing?
A: If this didn’t work out, my uncle has been talking to me. He works at Novelis and he says he could get me in working there.
Q: How can people contact you?
A: As this is a small business just starting out, I don’t have a brick-and-mortar location currently. Customers can get a hold of me via the phone number and email listed on my website. There’s also a form they can fill out and select a time-date that works for them if they want to schedule a visit.
For more information about Port City Smart Home, visit https://portcitysmart.com
