Building the Industry: Stuart Robertson on the Power of Saying Yes

“I was just a sparky who liked hi-fi,” says Stuart Robertson, the founding director of Sound Living and guest on the first episode of the Master Integrator Podcast.

In a conversation filled with honesty, perspective and no shortage of humour, Stuart reflects on how an offhand invitation to help wire up rear speakers for a surround sound system eventually became a career. What started as a favour turned into a business, evolving from hands-on installs to industry advocacy, certification, and mentorship.

“I started playing with my hobby all day and getting paid for it,” he says. “Back then, there were no control systems. No programming. Just stereo amps, add-on processors and tape loops. But the look on people’s faces when you gave them surround sound for the first time… it was priceless.”

That kind of reaction lit a spark. Over time, what began as one-off AV projects turned into whole-home audio, then multi-room systems, and eventually into lighting control, security, and advanced automation.

But Stuart isn’t interested in just telling war stories. He’s still deeply involved in shaping the future. As a member of the CEDIA Certification Commission and a volunteer on workforce development programs, he’s been instrumental in bringing formal education and certification to a sector that once ran mostly on instinct and experience.

“We really did build the industry by tinkering,” he says. “But it’s not enough anymore. If we want to grow, we need to do it properly. That means education, standards, and recognition.”

One of the biggest frustrations he sees is the slow uptake of certification by integrators who think they can do without it. “There’s always a reason. No time, no money, don’t need it. But the truth is, we won’t see value in certifications until we start to value them ourselves.”

For Stuart, the answer lies in the next generation. Through the upcoming apprenticeship program being developed with aid from Skills Recognition International and Powering Skills Organisation, he hopes to see more electricians, cablers and junior technicians upskilled into smart home professionals with formal qualifications to match.

“Workforce development isn’t just about solving a labour shortage,” he says. “It’s about raising the standard for everyone – clients, companies, the industry.”

So what’s next for him? Less time on ladders, more time mentoring, and maybe finally hanging up the tools. But not the passion. “I’ve always said, if we can make this industry consistent, if we can give people a good experience, it won’t just survive. It’ll thrive.”

Listen to the full episode here.