Leadership = Success

By Paul Fitzgerald - H2 Systems Inc. Of Burlington Wins a 2014 Business Excellence Award from Burlington Chamber of Commerce

H2 Systems Inc. of Burlington, ON, has just joined the elite ranks of companies which have been recognized as demonstrating the best in business leadership.

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce announced that the well-known home theatre and home integration company on Harvester Road have won a 2014 Business Excellence Award.

Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc., and his team, will be formally presented with the unique accolade at the Chamber’s Annual Gala Awards on April 10, 2014 at the Burlington Convention Centre.

Howell is elated that his company has been recognized for its excellence in leadership. After all, the long list of nominations are from his clients and which speaks volumes to the company’s innovative and forward thinking approach and its staunch commitment to its clients.

“We are tremendously proud to win the 2014 Business Excellence Award from the Chamber,” says Howell.

“Winning this award speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication our team provides and our promise of loyalty and top notch service to each and every client we work with.”

He adds with a smile, “And when you when an award like this it simply means you are doing things just right.”

Howell has built more than just a successful home theatre and home integration company here in town. Simply put, he evolved the company from a small "mom and pap" shop to a growing first class business that is a household name here Burlington and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Howell’s expertise for homeowners is second to none on many levels. He is also a popular media figure as news outlets including The Toronto Sun, The London Free Press, The Burlington Post, The Oakville News, HOSS Magazine, WOW Magazine, The Examiner and the Digital Journal, rely on his experience and insights when it comes to home theatre and integration solutions.

His company has just announced that are part of the Baeumler Approved contractor network. H2 will soon be showcased on Bryan Baeumler's House of Bryan 3.

The home electronics entrepreneur has been in business since the mid 1990’s and each year his company only continues to grow. He was the founder of Howell & Associates Inc. (H&A) in 1995, and after a decade of growing and developing the business, he sold Howell & Associates Inc. to Best Buy Canada. Best Buy worked directly with Howell to leverage his experience and knowledge to consult on the design and implementing of a home theatre installation program for Future Shop. Following this dynamic project, he negotiated the re-purchase of all of the business assets of H&A. With a fresh new vision, heightened focus and an optimized business model Howell launched a new chapter in his career, H2 Systems Inc.

Under his leadership, his roster of staff have grown through new job creation and his locale on Harvester Road in Burlington is now being expanded due to the ever-increasing volume of business from existing and new clients. The company’s facility even houses a dynamic state-of-the-art Entertainment Room like no other.

As well, under Howell’s leadership, H2 Systems Inc. has won seven CEDIA Electronic Lifestyle Awards in its past four years of operation; two in 2010 and two more in 2011, one in 2012; and two in 2013. Between H2 Systems Inc. and Howell & Associates they have 17 awards to date for home theatre and integration which is more than any other company in Canada.

Source: Examiner

Rev up your engines for Easter Seals

By Paul Fitzgerald - H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada host fundraiser for ‘boys and their toys’

H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada are staunch believers in community outreach.

Giving back to the community is a first and foremost priority for these two popular businesses in Burlington.

Their commitment to helping others is solidified in an upcoming major fundraising event they are hosting for Easter Seals, a leading foundation devoted to helping kids with physical disabilities succeed.

On Saturday, May 3, 2014, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, H2 Systems Inc. andSupercars Canada will hold its Boys and their Toys fundraiser at 3245 Harvester Road, Unit 4 (H2 Systems Inc. Headquarters).

This is the chance of a lifetime as car lovers will get to test drive the finest of wheels for $100.00. All proceeds go directly to Easter Seals.

Here are the mint wheels each guest gets to test drive: Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C, Lamborghini LP560 Spyder, Aston martin Vantage Roadster, and Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

Models from Fit Bunnies Fitness will be on hand for photo ops with each and every guest who test drives any vehicle.

Each guest will also have the chance to enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a tour of H2 Systems Inc. and its new Experience Centre, a first of its kind in Canada. Of course, projected on the big screen will be electrifying car races.

Shaz Samji, Founding Member of Supercars Canada states, “We are thrilled to be hosting a huge event that will no doubt attract tones of car enthusiasts. And most of all, we are so pleased to be giving back to the community in which we live and work, and we know our efforts will have a positive impact for Easter Seals.”

Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc. echoes his view. “Easter Seals holds a special place in our hearts,” says Howell. “We know our event will be a big hit as each guest gets the chance to test drive their dream cars, and most of all our Boys and their Toys fundraiser will help children with physical disabilities on many levels.

Caroline Wallace, Senior Development Officer, Easter Seals, Ontario, says her organization is delighted to be the charity of choice for this exciting fundraiser. My deepest gratitude to Shaz from Supercars Canada and Clinton from H2 Systems Inc. for helping to raise awareness and much needed funds for physically disabled children in our community,” she says. “Easter Seals has been helping kids with physical disabilities for over 90 years and we rely fully on public donations to offer our programs and services. Children with physical disabilities are the same as other kids: they just want to be kids. The money raised through this event will continue to make a difference in the lives of physically disabled children. I look forward to seeing everyone on May 3rd and I thank Shaz and Clinton for this unique event idea and their extreme generosity.”

Supercars Canada is a membership club and a car enthusiast's dream, located in Burlington.

H2 Systems Inc. is an award winning and leading home theatre and home integration company with clients in Burlington and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Source: Examiner

H2 Systems Launches Major Expansion, First of its Kind Experience Centre

By Paul Fitzgerald - H2 Systems Inc. has plenty of bragging rights with awards, accolades from clients, growth, and for becoming a household name here inBurlington and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Evidence of this was clearly defined this past Thursday night (March 27, 2014) as the popular home theatre and home integration company unveiled its new expansion and its new Experience Centre for the media.

Members of the press had the chance to have a sneak peak at the company’s newly renovated facility that is spacious and wired with the best in home theatre and home integration technology. The new Experience Centre, unrivalled in every sense, brings the home theatre and entertainment experience to a whole new level.

Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc., is thrilled that his company is growing and that they are now offering a new Experience Centre, a first of its kind in Canada.

“We have spent the last year working hard to expand our facility which now includes a dynamic state-of-the-art Experience Centre,” says Howell. “The result of our growth stems directly from the ever-increasing volume of business from new and existing clients and most of all the tireless efforts of the H2 team who are committed to customer service on every level.”

H2 Systems Inc. is now part of the Baeumler Approved contractor network. H2 will soon be showcased on Bryan Baeumler's House of Bryan 3.

The expansion, growth and popularity of H2 Systems Inc. are also clearly evident in the prestigious awards the company has recently won.

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce announced that the well-known home theatre and home integration company on Harvester Road have won a 2014 Business Excellence Award.

And this past fall H2 Systems Inc. walked away with two major awards at the CEDIA (The Custom Design & Installation Association) Manufacturers’ Awards event held in Denver, CO.

The annual CEDIA awards show is considered the Oscars for the home theatre and home integration industry worldwide. Hundreds of people attended the major awards show that was full of style, pizazz and applause from start to finish. H2 Systems Inc. won the Gold Award for $101,000 to $150,000 in Best Technical Design, and they scooped up the Bronze Award for $100,000 and under in Best Technical Design.

This is not the first time the Burlington based home theatre and home integration company has won CEDIA Electronic Lifestyle Awards. They scooped up one award in 2012, two in 2011 and two in 2010, which is unprecedented for a local home theatre company.

Between H2 Systems Inc. and Howell & Associates (former company) they have 17 awards to date for home theatre and integration which is more than any other company in Canada.

Howell himself, hailed as a leader in every sense, has been instrumental in turning his one-time “ma and pa shop” into a major empire.

Howell’s expertise for homeowners never goes unnoticed. He is a popular media figure as news outlets including The Toronto Sun, The London Free Press, The Burlington Post, The Oakville News, HOSS Magazine, WOW Magazine, The Examiner, CNN iReport, and the Digital Journal, rely on his experience and insights when it comes to home theatre solutions.

“The expansion of our facility and our new Experience Centre marks a unique chapter for H2 Systems Inc.,” says Howell. “We are proud with our growth, but the real reason we have grown is stems directly from our commitment to our clients and for being innovative and forward thinking.”

Source: Examiner

Get your outdoor home theatre ready: Summer will soon be here

One thing is these days is that we all know the reality of high gasoline prices, hefty airfare rates and hotel rooms, and the costly fees of just getting into amusement parks.

Getting away for the summer with the family seems more difficult than ever these days.

However, curing the family disconnect can be done quite easily, according to Clinton Howell, a popular home theatre expert.

You see, Howell indicates that you can create an adventure like no other right at home or at the cottage with an outdoor home theatre system. At first thought the task may seem daunting and expensive. But, think again.

With a little ingenuity and for a much lower cost than sending your family away for a couple of weeks, you can combine your home-bound summer activities of backyard BBQs and pool parties with your own outdoor home theatre.

“More families now are enjoying the outdoor home theatre experience,” says Howell. “It’s a new trend and it’s a great way to bring families, friends and even your neighbours closer together. And having an outdoor home theatre is less costly than going on expensive trips or taking part in ongoing outings of sorts,” says the owner of H2 Systems Inc.

First thing first, select the right spot for the screen as this defines the focal point for the true entertainment experience.

“Pick a spot that has room and will ensure quality for viewing,” says Howell. “In the backyard, this can be done in an area on your back deck, or against a back fence. Choose your space wisely and work from there.”

In terms of selecting screens, there are many affordable options in purchasing ready-made portable screens and inflatable screens that come in an array of sizes.

When it comes to watching movies outdoors, using a video projector is one option to consider and these are no longer as expensive in price as they used to be. Before show time, you will need to experiment with the projector’s distance in order to get a good quality picture and this doesn’t take long at all.

While the projector/screen combo is a popular method in offering the right outdoor home theatre experience, Howell explains that more people now are utilizing self-contained outdoor TVs. “There are many types and sizes to choose from. The LCD or LED/LCD TVs range from 32 inches to 80 inches in size. And believe it or not all are now quite affordable,” he says.

On the higher end side, there are also other options for outdoor TVs that are weather and temperature resistant, and some are also rain-resistant. Also, to compensate for temperature variations, some also incorporate both cooling fans and/or heaters, which means they can be used all-year round in many locations. In addition, some specially designed outdoor TVs also have anti-glare coatings so that, unlike video projectors, they can be viewed during daylight hours which is most practical with a covered patio, slightly overcast day, or away from direct sunlight.

When it comes to watching movies, the options are endless when in purchasing Blu-ray players, up-scaling DVD players, as well as converter boxes and network media players, and these can be easily purchased as well without breaking the bank.

The same holds true with choosing the right kind speakers and receivers in fashioning the right outdoor home theatre adventure.

Building stands, wall mounts and mobile racks for all your gear are also very affordable. And if you are feeling creative, you can build your own. There are also wireless options when it comes viewing your movies, shows or sports events on flat screen TVs and specially designed outdoor TVs.

And for those who desire the outdoor home theatre adventure but don’t have the time, hiring a professional home theatre and home integration company to get the job done is also a great investment.

“Having an outdoor home theatre is a great family bonding experience,” says Howell. “And this is now a new way to entertain at home. In all, having an outdoor home theatre is more than doable. All’s you need to do is define your space and work with what suits you budget and in no time it’s movie time.”

By Paul Fitzgerald
Source: Digital Journal

Out at the Movies in Your backyard

By Paul Fitzgerald - Clinton Howell of H2 Systems Inc. offers tips on how you can enjoy the great outdoor home theatre experience

Sure, we all know the reality of high gasoline prices, hefty airfare rates and hotel rooms, and the costly fees of just getting into amusement parks.

Getting away for the summer with the family seems more difficult than ever these days.

However, curing the family disconnect can be done quite easily, according to Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc. in Burlington, ON.

You see, Howell indicates that you can create an adventure like no other right at home or at the cottage with an outdoor home theatre system.

At first thought the task may seem daunting and expensive. But, think again.

With a little ingenuity and for a much lower cost than sending your family away for a couple of weeks, you can combine your home-bound summer activities of backyard BBQs and pool parties with your own outdoor home theatre.

“More families now are enjoying the outdoor home theatre experience,” says Howell. “It’s a new trend and it’s a great way to bring families, friends and even your neighbours closer together. And having an outdoor home theatre is less costly than going on expensive trips or taking part in ongoing outings of sorts.”

First thing first, select the right spot for the screen as this defines the focal point for the true entertainment experience.

“Pick a spot that has room and will ensure quality for viewing,” says Howell. “In the backyard, this can be done in an area on your back deck, or against a back fence. Choose your space wisely and work from there.”

In terms of selecting screens, there are many affordable options in purchasing ready-made portable screens and inflatable screens that come in an array of sizes.

When it comes to watching movies outdoors, using a video projector is one option to consider and these are no longer as expensive in price as they used to be. Before show time, you will need to experiment with the projector’s distance in order to get a good quality picture and this doesn’t take long at all.

While the projector/screen combo is a popular method in offering the right outdoor home theatre experience, Howell explains that more people now are utilizing self-contained outdoor TVs. “There are many types and sizes to choose from. The LCD or LED/LCD TVs range from 32 inches to 80 inches in size. And believe it or not all are now quite affordable,” he says.

On the higher end side, there are also other options for outdoor TVs that are weather and temperature resistant, and some are also rain-resistant. Also, to compensate for temperature variations, some also incorporate both cooling fans and/or heaters, which means they can be used all-year round in many locations. In addition, some specially designed outdoor TVs also have anti-glare coatings so that, unlike video projectors, they can be viewed during daylight hours which is most practical with a covered patio, slightly overcast day, or away from direct sunlight.

When it comes to watching movies, the options are endless when in purchasing Blu-ray players, up-scaling DVD players, as well as converter boxes and network media players, and these can be easily purchased as well without breaking the bank.

The same holds true with choosing the right kind speakers and receivers in fashioning the right outdoor home theatre adventure.

Building stands, wall mounts and mobile racks for all your gear are also very affordable. And if you are feeling creative, you can build your own. There are also wireless options when it comes viewing your movies, shows or sports events on flat screen TVs and specially designed outdoor TVs.

And for those who desire the outdoor home theatre adventure but don’t have the time, hiring a professional home theatre and home integration company to get the job done is also a great investment.

“Having an outdoor home theatre is a great family bonding experience,” says Howell. “And this is now a new way to entertain at home. In all, having an outdoor home theatre is more than doable. All’s you need to do is define your space and work with what suits you budget and in no time it’s movie time.”

Home Theatre for the Holidays: Key things to consider when blendinghome electronics with décor

 

By Paul Fitzgerald, Special to the QMI Agency

 

A well designed family room with a home entertainment system will add value to your home,your lifestyle and décor.

 

While many may assume that having a home theatre system in the home might be ugly and unaffordable, well think again, according to Clinton Howell.

 

All homeowners need to do to get the best bang for their buck is understand what they are looking for and they, along with family and friends, will be more than entertained, says the popular home theatre expert.

 

Simply put, great solutions can be designed and you don’t need to live beyond your means.

 

Having a family room with a home theatre system is a great way to entertain, especially at this time of year where homeowners are hosting family and friends during the Holiday Season. As well, home theatre systems prove to bring families closer together. Spending time watching movies and enjoying entertainment creates a bonding experience in so many ways.

 

A home theatre system can easily be created in the living room or basement.

 

“Your space defines everything,” says Howell. “Once you identify where you want your home theatre to go, then just simply work from there,” adds the owner of H2 Systems Inc. in Burlington, ON

 

There are four pillars in creating the ideal home theatre system in an open space room: video, audio, furniture and décor.

 

The first is identifying the kind of HDTV you need and this is done based on the size of area you are working with.

 

“If you have a very large room, well then I would consider going with 60” to 80” TV, and if it’s a smaller area then go with a 40” to 55” TV,” says Howell. “Think of the TV and its placement as a work of art in terms of what size will have the right scale and work well with your space; there are plenty of options on the market that will fit your budget,” says the founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc.

 

HDTVs of all sizes can be wall mounted or placed on various kinds of shelving units, and these are fairly inexpensive.

 

On the audio side, there are many choices when it comes to picking the right speakers in order to get the best in sound. Believe it or not, you don’t need to go out and spend thousands of dollars on speakers and related gear. You would be amazed on deals out there for audio and you really don’t need to break the bank.  “Some less obvious, but very effective ideas for sound include recessed in-wall speakers which are paintable and putting the surround sound speakers in the ceiling.  Subwoofers can be hidden behind couches or other furniture and wireless speakers areanother possibility” he says.

 

For HDTV and audio, “there are plenty of ways to hide the wiring, such as fishing them inside walls and removing and reinstalling baseboards or shoe molding,” he says. “Many people don’t realize that RF remote controls work through walls and allow you to put equipment in another room, closet or basement which keeps the look of your family room clean and uncluttered.”  

 

When it comes to furniture the choices are endless, really. “Open space rooms with home theatre systems can be complimented with couches, small cushioned chairs, and even bean bags for seating,” he says. “The seating should be laid out for socializing as well as being focused on the main source of entertainment in your room: the TV.”

 

On the décor side, there is plenty that can be done without spending a wad of money. Paint your room with dark, rich colours. This helps of course with the quality of viewing on your HDTV.

 

Howell says enhancing the décor is a fun and innovative process and great examples to be inspired by can easily and cheaply be gathered by searching online for the style you are looking for and then clicking the images tab in your browser.

 

“Go ahead, add architectural details,” he says. “Try moldings and pillars that are decorative and which can be purchased at various places.”

 

Take things one step further and add in new lighting. Installing sconces on the wall adds for additional lighting and brings out that cozy feeling for when watching movies, TV shows or sporting events during the evening. Installing dimmers is also a great trick for fading out the lights before movie time.

 

As well, pick the right kind of drapery or blinds that blend in well with the room. Thicker drapes and blinds also helps keep sound in the room and more defined.  Carpets and area rugs will greatly improve the sound quality and acoustics of your space.

 

There are also motorized picture lift mechanisms that can be installed. With the click of yourremote control, your art slides up and your HDTV is exposed and ready for use, making it a real wow factor.  “Affordable luxury options for your space and can be achieved for less money than you think and far less than a custom wall unit which looks quite dated these days.”

 

“In all, follow your space and your budget when building a home theatre system in an open space family area,” says Howell. “There are many choices out there, so take your time, shop around and build for your needs.” 

 

He adds, “This is a very popular time of the year to install a home theatre system in a family area as this is the season to entertain. As well, having an open space room with a home theatre system looks impressive and shows you have made an investment in your home.”