Q&A with Peter Cook of Daisy Kalamazoo

From Heathkits to Smart Homes — Peter Cook’s Journey to Daisy Kalamazoo

When you sit down with Peter Cook, founder of Automation Design and Entertainment (AD&E), you quickly realize you’re not just talking to a tech entrepreneur — you’re hearing the story of a man whose life and work are deeply rooted in curiosity, community, and connection.

A Spark from the Start

Peter’s journey into smart home technology began with a childhood fascination for gadgets. Growing up near a company called Heath, known for its do-it-yourself electronic kits, he spent hours building transistor radios and experimenting with electronics. At just 10 years old, his mother brought home a Tandy TRS-80 computer from Eaton Corporation, and Peter dove into databases and programming. Though he initially pursued computer science, a professor’s advice to “do what you enjoy” led him to blend his love for people, gadgets, music, and movies into a career that would eventually shape the smart home industry.

The Birth of AD&E

Founded in 1992, AD&E began as Automation Design and Engineering. But as Peter’s work increasingly involved audio, video, and entertainment systems, the name evolved to Automation Design and Entertainment. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into a full-time business, built on reinvested profits and a commitment to learning.

Peter’s approach was simple: identify what he loved and find an industry that matched. “I thought smart homes would take off in five years,” he says. “It took fifteen.”

A Family Affair

Peter’s story is also a family story. He and his wife Dana met through their church youth group and have been married for 36 years. Their three children — Kendra, Caleb, and Rachel — are integral to both his personal and professional life. Kendra is married to Tyler, AD&E’s lead technician, and they’re expecting their second child this fall. Caleb, a brain cancer survivor, is now 25 years cancer-free. Rachel, a digital marketing graduate, supports AD&E and their church’s children’s ministry.

The Cook family’s lake house near Dana’s childhood home in Bangor is a cherished retreat, especially for their five Labrador retrievers.

Smart Homes, Smarter Living

Peter defines smart home tech through three key concepts: automation, integration, and connectivity. From lighting that adjusts to your presence to systems that sync across multiple homes, AD&E’s work is about making life easier and more personalized.

He’s especially excited about human-centric lighting—tunable lights that adapt to your circadian rhythm — and the growing role of AI in customizing smart home experiences. “The smarter your house is, the more it knows what you want,” he explains.

Joining the Daisy Network

AD&E’s partnership with the Daisy network has opened new doors. Peter values the collaboration, shared best practices, and the ability to support clients with multiple homes across the country. “It’s about elevating the client experience,” he says. “DaisyCare helps us do that.”

Awards and Accolades

Peter’s proudest moments include being named Dealer of the Year by Pro Source, receiving national recognition from CE Pro and Electronic House, and being published for standout projects. AD&E’s strength across multiple disciplines — from networking to motorized shades — sets them apart in a competitive industry.

Old School Meets New School

Despite his love for tech, Peter still misses the tactile joy of CDs, DVDs, and newspapers. “There’s something about holding a disc or turning the pages of a paper that’s just satisfying,” he says.

Faith, Community, and Purpose

Outside of work, Peter finds joy in his church, community outreach, golfing, and relaxing at the lake house. His faith and commitment to helping others are central to his life. “We love the challenge of making complicated tech simple,” he says. “Especially for couples where one is tech-savvy and the other just wants things to work.”