Andrew Guenther & Andreas Guenther

Owners of Advanced ESI

Forty years ago, when Andrew Guenther began installing burglar alarms and security systems in very high-end homes, the concept of a fully integrated smart home was in the realm of science fiction. With a natural talent for understanding how things work, Guenther has stayed at the forefront of smart home systems as the leading edge has morphed from home theaters and media rooms to fully integrated lighting, mechanized window treatments, heating/cooling, audio/video and security systems.

He and his son, Andreas, his partner in Advanced-ESI, understand that design is key. The goal is delivering aesthetically pleasing systems that are easy for clients to operate from anywhere on their mobile device. “We have been doing this the longest by far, and we start with lighting,” says Andrew, who was West Coast Florida’s first residential Lutron lighting control dealer. “Lighting showcases everything, and most homes are not properly lit. Anyone who sees a good lighting design can’t believe they were living without it.” Andrew does a lot of the design and encourages showroom visits to see the technology in action, including a fully functioning kitchen.

Andreas has worked in the business for more than 15 years, starting in the warehouse and installation and moving into sales before becoming a partner four years ago. As operations manager, he touches all areas of the business from ordering and scheduling to employee management and assisting clients. “Helping mold clients’ wish lists into real projects is fun and an accomplishment,” he says. “We are a big family here and like to spend time together. We help each other and go the extra mile for clients. We want to be sure they feel heard and are comfortable that they understand everything about their systems.”