Just Sayen: Building Excellence Through Continuous Improvement
How Barrett's Technology Solutions Invests in Team Development to Deliver Better Client Experiences
Success in luxury home technology integration doesn't happen by accident. After 60 years serving Chicagoland homeowners, Barrett's Technology Solutions understands that delivering exceptional results requires more than technical expertise—it demands constant evaluation of how we work, communicate, and collaborate. Excellence is one of our core values, and we take it seriously. That means regularly stepping back to examine our processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen our team's ability to serve clients and trade partners. This past December, our team participated in a multi-day intensive session with workflow expert Jason Sayen, dedicating focused time to refining the systems that make every project successful. This type of in-depth organizational work isn't common, but it's essential for the seamless home technology experiences our clients expect.
Why Continuous Improvement Matters
Home technology integration involves dozens of moving parts. Every project requires coordination between our technicians, project managers, and service team—plus external partners like architects, interior designers, lighting designers, and general contractors. When managing complex installations that span months and involve multiple trades, even small communication gaps can snowball into larger issues.
Our goal is to eliminate those gaps before they happen. When our internal processes run smoothly, clients experience clearer communication, fewer surprises, and installations that stay on schedule. Trade partners appreciate working with a technology team that knows exactly what's needed and when. As Doug Rowley, our System Integration Manager, puts it: "Putting our complete project process under a microscope and evaluating each small step will lead to an improved client experience."
Barrett's Technology Solutions has been delivering successful projects for decades. It's about building on an already strong foundation and making it even stronger.
The Sayen Workflow System
Jason Sayen specializes in helping organizations map their workflows with precision. His framework breaks down complex processes into clear, actionable steps that everyone easily understands. During our December session, our team gathered for multiple days to examine every phase of a project—from the initial client consultation through final system handoff.
We focused on the details that matter, and came to the conclusion that communications systems are key. How information flows between departments, where one team's work begins and another's ends, who makes which decisions, and when are all equally important steps of the system that delivers an outcome greater than its parts. The goal wasn't just to document processes; it was to build shared understanding across the organization so everyone knows their role in delivering exceptional results.
This clarity becomes especially valuable when coordinating with external partners. Architects and designers need to be aware of our requirements early in the process. Builders need clear timelines for rough-in work. Lighting designers need to understand how control systems integrate with their plans. John Wettlaufer, our Senior Technology Consultant, noted: "It was invaluable to understand, from a lighting standpoint, what needs to be done and who needs to do it."
How This Strengthens Client Partnerships
The internal work we did with Jason Sayen has direct external benefits. When our team has absolute clarity on processes and responsibilities, we communicate more effectively with everyone involved in a project. Early collaboration becomes more productive because we know exactly what information architects and designers need, and when they need it.
Design professionals appreciate working with a technology partner that operates with well-defined systems. There's no ambiguity about timelines, no confusion about what happens during rough-in versus trim-out phases, and no last-minute surprises about requirements.
For clients, this translates into tangible advantages: projects that progress smoothly from design through installation, coordination with other trades that feels effortless, confidence that nothing will fall through the cracks, and technology that integrates invisibly into their home's design. As John Cook, our VP of Operations, explains: "By aligning our teams and refining our internal synergy during our sessions with Jason Sayen, we have built a stronger foundation to deliver an even more seamless and elevated experience for our clients in 2026."
Building a Culture of Excellence
The Sayen workflow system complements our existing use of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), which guides our strategic planning and execution. Together, these frameworks create a culture where improvement isn't a one-time event—it's how we operate every day.
Excellence requires continuous investment in people and processes. When you work with Barrett's, you're partnering with a team that doesn't rest on 58 years of experience—we build on it. Contact Barrett's Technology Solutions to discover how our commitment to excellence translates into exceptional results for your home.
