Meet Rom: 2 of 100 Techs in 100 Days

Rom Pragasa has always been an AV aficiando with a deep appreciation for the people who bring technology-rich experiences to life. Over the years, that passion led him to a few career-defining moments: digital media school, a job as a sales consultant and systems designer in the AV industry, and the CEDIA Foundation's 100 Techs in 100 Days program.

Although Rom had spent the previous four years on the sales and design side of the industry, CEDIA’s free training gave him the opportunity to expand his skill set and gain a deeper understanding of the technical side of integration. In this Q&A, Rom shares his journey into the industry, how the CEDIA Foundation helped him take the next step in his career, and how the program ultimately led to a role with Origin Acoustics. His hiring manager, Jill Escol, also shares what made Rom stand out and why initiatives like 100 Techs in 100 Days are critical to the future growth of the industry.

Rom Pragasa, Account Manager, Origin Acoustics

How did you find out about CEDIA's 100 Techs in 100 Days program, and what motivated you to apply?

I discovered the 100 Techs in 100 Days program after four years immersed in the AV industry. Although I'd earned a few stripes and proved I could close sales, I still considered myself a rookie surrounded by industry titans. Hearing stories from veterans and leaders about what it took to shape their careers, I knew I needed to seize every opportunity to gain knowledge and experience if I was ever going to stand beside the people I had started looking up to. I make it a point to stay plugged into what's happening in the industry, and that's how I came across the CEDIA Foundation's program. It felt like a necessary step in the right direction.

Have you always been interested in working with technology, or did this program spark a new interest?

My interest in technology started long before any formal training. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at concerts, raves, and underground hip-hop shows, and I always found myself paying close attention to the gear and the people running it than to the performances themselves. Microphones, speakers, mixers, amplifiers, cables - the equipment was the common denominator no matter what type of event it was, and I wanted to understand how it all worked together.

That curiosity led me to a digital media school, where I earned a Bachelor's in Sound Arts. After relocating to Las Vegas, I spent four years immersed in the AV industry as a sales consultant and systems designer, where I discovered a real passion for bringing technology into people's homes and workspaces. Making clients' environments more secure, entertaining, and connected felt deeply rewarding. By the time I pursued the CEDIA program, I wasn't exploring a new interest - I was doubling down on my future in this industry.

How did the CEDIA Foundation's 100 Techs in 100 Days program help you prepare for your current position?

The program put me in the mindset of taking my career seriously and being intentional about where I wanted to go. My background was in selling and designing systems, but I never had a true hands-on opportunity to commission them at a deeper technical level. Pursuing this program was my way of closing that gap and reinforcing the foundational knowledge that would make me a more credible and capable resource for the dealers and customers I now serve every day. It pointed me in exactly the right direction.

What have you loved most about your new role?

What I love most about my role with Origin Acoustics is that it puts me in a position to serve people where I once stood. I used to be the guy calling a manufacturer for guidance, trying to figure out which components would come together to build the right system for a client. Now I'm on the other side of that call, providing dealers and sales consultants with the resources and expertise they need to bring their projects to life. That full-circle perspective is motivating to know firsthand what it feels like to need that support makes me better at providing it.

Jill Escol, EVP of Experiences, Origin Acoustics

What stood out about the candidate that made you confident in hiring them?

Rom stood out because he already had experience working within the custom integration industry and was familiar with the types of products, customers, and support expectations that come with the role. During the interview process, he came across as personable, professional, and easy to communicate with. He also had a good balance of technical understanding and customer service skills, which we felt would translate well into an Inside Sales position.

How did the candidate’s background or training prepare them for this role?

Rom’s previous experience working with custom integrators helped prepare him for the role because he already understood the industry and many of the day-to-day interactions involved in supporting dealers and customers. His installation experience also gave him practical product knowledge that has been helpful when assisting customers and answering questions. In addition, his participation in CEDIA’s 100 Techs in 100 Days program showed initiative and interest in continuing to grow within the industry.

How has the Smart Home Fundamentals course played a role in the candidate’s job performance?

The Smart Home Fundamentals course helped reinforce core industry knowledge and gave Rom additional exposure to smart home technologies and concepts. Having that foundation has supported his ability to communicate with customers and better understand the products and solutions we work with on a daily basis.

What does it mean to you that your company is one of the first to be connected with new talent through the CEDIA Foundation?

It’s encouraging to see organizations like the CEDIA Foundation creating more opportunities for people to enter the custom integration industry. Programs like 100 Techs in 100 Days help bring awareness to the industry and support individuals who are interested in building careers in this field. We appreciate being able to connect with motivated candidates who are taking steps to learn and develop professionally.