Bradley Zimring
CEO/Founder
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Originally from Chicago, Illinois by way of Boca Raton, Florida, Brad earned a BS in Computer Science and BA in Economics from Emory University, and received his MBA from The Marshall School of Business at The University of Southern California. He also completed a Masters program at Stanford University in Music, Science & Technology.
Brad first began his career as a programmer at Stereo Exchange in Manhattan. This was his introduction to the world of audiophile sound systems and smart home system programming. He went on to gain more experience as a programmer and project manager working at the top home automation businesses in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
In 2010, Brad partnered with the owner of Audio High in Northern CA, to build the Los Angeles-based arm of the company, which focused on home theater and audio. Brad then helped both locations add advanced automation systems to the services they offered. In 2019, Brad bought out his business partner, and changed the company’s name to Symphony.
Symphony is the culmination of Brad’s 20+ years of smart-home automation experience in concert with his deep commitment to using the most reliable, user-friendly and aesthetically harmonious technology possible.
Enrique “Kiki” Blanco
Senior Installer
A proud graduate of Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights, Kiki returned to school to both tutor and coach within the LAUSD school system early in his career. He then moved on to work in construction and this knowledge of how a home is built from the ground up gave him a good foundation to build off when wiring an open framed structure as well as how to best retrofit an already existing home. Kiki leads Symphony’s largest pre-wire projects while also tackling some of the most difficult and complex installations. Kiki has worked with Brad since 2011, and his attention to detail and incredible work ethic has led him to rise to the position of senior installer. Despite his abilities as a problem solver, he still hasn’t figured out how to channel his all-encompassing love for the Dodgers into the energy they need to win the World Series. He also enjoys golfing and spending time with his new baby girl.
Michael Capello
Sales, Senior Project Manager, Senior Programmer
Michael was born and raised in the suburbs outside of Cleveland, OH and attended Columbia College in Chicago where he concentrated in Architectural and Environmental Acoustics with the addition of other audio classes such as Sound System Design and math/modeling-related coursework. While studying, he transitioned from being a trained drummer to a synthesizer and modular collector, as well as an audio gear enthusiast. Within his coursework, he completed projects using C#, Python and Matlab as well as various acoustical modeling programs. During college and right after graduation Michael worked part time as a bike mechanic where he honed his skills working with his hands and mechanical tools – a crucial part of the custom projects that make up a big part of the work at Symphony.
In 2014, Michael joined Symphony and was thrown quickly into installing and programming Crestron automation systems. His love of computer gaming as a kid and his constant desire to build bigger and faster computers gave him the foundation to build up a strong IT/networking department at Symphony as well. For the past several years Michael has been working hand in hand with our clients in designing, budgeting, and winning projects, which he also manages through every phase of the build. He also enjoys the satisfaction of taking the project all the way to the finish line when he programs, calibrates, and hands off the completed system to the home-owner. In his free time Michael enjoys surfing, grilling, and watching every single second of Housewives based video footage ever recorded.
Niko Zaglaras
Service Tech
Niko was born and raised in Hammon, Indiana, outside of Chicago. While in high school, Niko worked at Dunkin Donuts, a small Ice Cream Shop and Papa John’s pizza – serving in the fast food industry while in school seems to be a Symphony requisite. After graduating from Lake Central High School, Niko attended Columbia College and earned a BFA in Audio Arts and Acoustics with a concentration in live sound reinforcement – graduating in 2012.
Niko worked as a freelance audio engineer and performed as a guitarist for the first few years after college. He also had an internship at Audio Integrated Services – a live event audio/video company. In 2015, Niko moved to Los Angeles and began working in the smart-home & audio/video industry installing systems and programming universal remote. In 2016, Niko joined Symphony as a service technician and has now worked his way up to programming Crestron automation systems and servicing some of our largest projects. In Niko’s free time, he still enjoys producing and recording music as well as building computer and computer gaming.
Jacob Jacobs
Technician
Born and raised in central North Carolina, Jacob attended East Carolina University to study Music as a saxophone player, with a focus on Jazz . At ECU he had the opportunity to work for the audio/video production service department, installing and operating production equipment at events around campus.
This job ignited his passion to work in events/production and eventually led him into the world of commercial audio/video. After graduating in 2017, he managed and directed the audio/video operations in hotels and convention centers in Central North Carolina. After 3 years of moving up the ranks at one of the top national event production companies, he moved to Los Angeles to be closer to family, friends, and diversify his career. In March of 2020, as the event circuit came to a halt, Symphony Integrated was expanding its team and hired Jacob as a Service Tech. Jacob is a quick study and is already absorbing the world of automation systems and networking. In his free time he loves to produce and record music, adding sax solos to everything. Which song DOESN’T need a sax solo?!
Lucas Caceres
IT/Service Tech
Lucas Caceres, a Los Angeles native, graduated from Arcadia High School in 2009. While pursuing his bachelors degree Lucas also worked full-time at a newly formed Pediatric Neurology office He was originally responsible for just working at the front desk and answering phones, but it quickly evolved into converting the entire hard-copy/paper based medical record system to digital records all available online. Beyond digitizing the medical records he implemented an IP phone system, built a custom website for the company, and handled all of their IT. When the practice grew too big for their 1000 sf office, Lucas was tasked with negotiating the new lease, designing the floor plans and, and coordinating all renovations.
At the same time, many other medical practices required the same kind of technology upgrades, and Lucas began taking on consulting jobs helping them with their online databases, technology and communication infrastructure. After graduating Lucas was lucky enough to travel through Europe, Argentina and the Bahamas. Upon returning, Lucas resumed his technology consulting, and in 2016 was offered a full time position with a startup fashion brand, India Hicks, and worked there for 3 years helping build their iPhone app and website, as well as maintain all office IT and video conferencing systems.
In 2019, Lucas was referred to Symphony through a mutual friend and again wears many hats as a service technician, programmer, project manager, and help supports the IT, phones, and company website. His hobbies include road biking, soccer, hiking, traveling, and of course fully automating his own home.
Matthew Johnson
Office Manager / Operations
Matthew Johnson was born and raised in Naperville, IL – just outside of Chicago. In high school he worked in his local grocery store and helped his mom with her landscaping business. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Arts Technology from Illinois State University: focused on graphic design, sound design, speaker design, live production website design and programming. After graduating he landed a job at a vinyl record distribution company and also worked on stage production for various performances throughout the city.
In 2014 Matthew moved to Los Angeles, CA and began working with a General Contractor using Building Information Modeling to better design, construct and manage their projects. Then in 2015 began working as a logistics coordinator with Amazon Prime now, and then in 2017 moved onto to a key role as an HVAC service coordinator. In 2019, Matthew joined Symphony to handle a similar role as a service coordinator, and eventually grew to handle much of the general office administration: implementing new procedures and systems to more efficiently handle these dual roles. When not on the job Matthew enjoys DJing, music production, field recording, hiking, camping and cooking.
Roberto Ramirez
Junior Installer/Senior Electirican
Robert is another Los Angeles native, graduating from James Monroe high school in the North Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. LIke many on the Symphony team, he started his career in the world of construction working with concrete and rebar building solid foundations. His hard-work and motivation landed him a job as an electrician, where he refined his craft for 5 years working on high-end residences throughout Los Angeles and Malibu. Robert is always eager to learn and is quickly developing into a great low-voltage installer with the help of our senior technicians. When Robert is able to kick back and relax he most enjoys spending quality time with his wife, two kids, and long-time friends.
Jesus “Chuey” Piedra
Junior Installer/Senior Electirican
Los Angeles native Chuey takes great pride in his work. Following in his father’s footsteps he has worked as an electrician his entire life. His first job at the age of 18 was wiring houses with a residential electrical contractor that specialized in high-end homes, and he has consistently worked in electrical ever since. He has worked with Symphony since 2019 and stands above and beyond most electricians with his mastery of centralized and smart-lighting systems from Crestron, Lutron and Control4. Whenever he has any down-time between family obligations (married with FIVE kids!!) and work, he enjoys a game of basketball.