New Space for New Tech
Eyehear Technology Group Opens Whitefish Showroom
by Danielle Vigueria
With a 22-year history in the Flathead Valley, Eyehear Technology Group understands the importance of adapting to the ever-changing landscape of home technology to meet client needs. Historically, they have been known as a provider of quality home theaters and audio visual systems—and that hasn’t changed. But a few other things have.
Expanding from two full-time employees to more than 25, Eyehear has experienced a natural evolution and growth, while still maintaining a true family-oriented culture in which they support their team members. Their in-house resources now include a fully dedicated project management team as well as a design and engineering group to ensure the health and quality of every job. They also have a committed client services department that can deliver support remotely, speed testing and rebooting without having to arrange an in-person visit.
But one of the most exciting additions is their new Hi-Fi Audio store and showroom located at 22 Lupfer Avenue in Whitefish. The space, which opened in late spring of 2022, allows clients to experience the technology that Eyehear offers in a way that a website or video just can’t capture. Whether it’s soaking in the calming light of evening at noon or listening to the sound reproduction of a McIntosh music system, the showroom emphasizes the powerful impact that technology can have on everyday life.
“This kind of experiential retail environment is rare today with so much focus online.”
–Matt Grant, CEO, Eyehear Technology Group
“We wanted to use this new space to showcase the technology, but do it in an elegant way that blends into the design,” says Matt Grant, CEO of Eyehear Technology Group. “We have all of the most relevant tech on display so people can come and experience the products within a lifestyle setting. They can hear it, feel it, and see it in a comprehensive way that mimics what it would be like in their homes. This kind of experiential retail environment is rare today with so much focus online. The ability to provide this level of a showroom experience in our small town is quite special, and something we are proud of.”
Music systems, lighting solutions, motorized shades, home security, and advanced home automation—the new space gives the team a great canvas for displaying a wide variety of industry leading products in these state-of-the-art categories. Matt, who has more than 25 years in the industry, says that over the last few years he has seen a considerable increase in demand for all tech that enhances life at home, with a particular resurgence in excitement around home music systems.
Music and audio systems have always been at the heart of the Eyehear business. The new showroom features a dedicated surround system with 100” Sony 4K Display, and three stunning hi-fi music systems including a legendary McIntosh-based system with turntable and mono block tube amplifiers.
“We wanted to use this new space to showcase the technology, but do it in an elegant way that blends into the design. We have all of the most relevant tech on display so people can come and experience the products within a lifestyle setting. They can hear it, feel it, and see it in a comprehensive way that mimics what it would be like in their homes.
–Matt Grant, CEO, Eyehear Technology Group
And with the surprising renewed interest in vinyl that is happening across the country right now, the team has found that home entertainment systems with turntables are making a big comeback. Clients, especially families with teens, are excited about music in a way that is reminiscent of the 1990s. Buying a high-quality turntable is a great way to connect over an old vinyl collection. And those looking to add to their vinyl collection can visit Slow Burn Records in Whitefish, where Eyehear has partnered to supply all of the in-store turntables and house sound.
Technology tours through the new showroom not only demonstrate these world-class entertainment systems, but they also highlight several designer technology options such as invisible speakers and digital art that doubles as a TV. Clients can view speakers that are blended behind the sheetrock of the walls, some that match the size and profile of the small aperture lighting, and others that are hand-crafted from Italian wood.
In addition to music, lighting has a starring role in the new space as well. Motorized Lutron window coverings and controls work in conjunction with a Ketra intelligent lighting system that draws on circadian rhythms to bring the beauty of natural light into the space. With millions of color choices and flawless dimming down to less than 1%, homeowners can have their lighting change color temperature throughout the day to simulate sunsets, brighten a workspace, or dim to the perfect level for movie watching.
“The ability to provide this level of a showroom experience in our small town is quite special, and something we are proud of.”
–Matt Grant, CEO, Eyehear Technology Group
Safety is also a high priority for many clients and Eyehear has a dedicated security team that was recently voted Flathead’s best security contractor. With commercial fire and life safety certifications and 24-7 service and support, they provide the latest in smart home security, camera systems, and environmental/safety monitoring.
For the ultimate convenience, the experts at Eyehear can coordinate all of these leading technologies to be managed through one comprehensive app. And with sleek in-wall touch panels and intuitive handheld controls, they make the most advanced technologies easily operated and accessible. They also blend effortlessly into the background until they are wanted.
As homeowners continue to seek more integrated solutions that make life easier, Eyehear is ready to help them explore the possibilities. They are currently working on many new projects that incorporate several designer technologies. From elegant lighting that dims with no flicker and smart TVs that look like works of art to stylish control pads and invisible speakers, the team can seamlessly combine tech into one immersive home experience.
“We are excited to continue to invest in the community,” says Matt. “We are truly grateful for the relationships we have with industry-leading builders, architects, and designers in this valley, and will work to keep strengthening those partnerships. We are committed to staying on top of the latest developments in technology through continuing education opportunities for our technicians and design team so we can provide the most reliable and relevant solutions to our clients.”
“From Eureka down to Polson, we want to be the go-to resource for advanced home technology. Our innovative showroom and our amazing team really set us apart in the market. Whether new builds or remodels, we strive to provide an unmatched experience that exceeds all expectations.”
–Matt Grant, CEO, Eyehear Technology Group
Some of those newest trends that the team will master include advances in voice controls, integration of electric vehicles into home automation systems, and complex intelligent lighting systems for in and outside of the home. While deeper integration of tech systems into day-to-day life is a common theme, Eyehear refuses to implement technology for technology’s sake; it must meet the goal of enhancing a client’s lifestyle. Reliability, ease of use, and functionality in the environment will always be top-of-mind.
“We feel a great dedication to the clients, families, and the community we serve,” says Matt. “From Eureka down to Polson, we want to be the go-to resource for advanced home technology. Our innovative showroom and our amazing team really set us apart in the market. Whether new builds or remodels, we strive to provide an unmatched experience that exceeds all expectations.”
