Q&A with Gordon van Zuiden of Daisy Silicon Valley
From Pioneering Smart Homes to Daisy: The Story of Gordon van Zuiden and cyberManor’s Journey
In the heart of Silicon Valley, long before “smart home” became a common phrase, Gordon van Zuiden envisioned a future where technology would seamlessly integrate into daily living. That vision came to life in 1999 when he founded cyberManor, one of the first home technology integration companies in the country, to focus exclusively on IP-based solutions.
At the time, smart home technology was in its infancy. The internet was just beginning to enter homes, and most connections still relied on dial-up. But with the arrival of always-on broadband, everything changed. Gordon recognized the potential—by networking home-office devices like PCs, printers, and storage systems, families could begin to enjoy a new level of connectivity and convenience. This marked the birth of the residential network, and cyberManor was at the forefront of the movement.
Over the next two decades, cyberManor became a leader in smart home design and integration, earning national recognition for innovation and service. The company’s Control4 Certified Home Technology Experience Center in Los Gatos was named one of the top two experience centers in the U.S. by CEPro Magazine in 2020 and received the CTA Mark of Excellence Award in 2022.
Gordon’s impact extended well beyond his company. As a former Chair of the CEDIA Technology Council and a six-year member of the CEDIA Board of Directors, he helped shape the standards and educational foundation of the custom integration industry. A global speaker, published columnist, and seasoned educator, Gordon has trained integrators across the U.S. and internationally—from Russia to the Netherlands to Mexico.
But even the most innovative businesses must evolve.
Why Gordon Joined Daisy
In February 2024, after 25 successful years, cyberManor became Daisy, Silicon Valley, joining a national network of smart home integrators under the Daisy brand. For Gordon, the decision to join Daisy wasn’t just about a name change - it was a strategic move toward the future of the industry.
“At cyberManor, we could outsource services like marketing, remote support, HR, and IT—but they were all separate entities,” Gordon explains. “Daisy brings everything together under one roof. That unified support is transformative for a business like ours.”
Through Daisy, integrators gain access to:
- Live Agents 24/7
- Streamlined marketing and financial tools
- National brand recognition
- A single online learning platform
- Centralized client records and life-cycle tracking
- Expert CAD drawings, HR services, and more
“What we do for our clients—simplifying and unifying their smart home systems—is exactly what Daisy does for integrators,” Gordon adds. “It’s a natural evolution.”
Building a Nationally Recognized Brand for Smart Home Services
In today’s market, even the most successful local integrators face challenges when it comes to building national recognition. Daisy is changing that. With a growing network, a strong brand, and a unified approach to service and support, Daisy is creating a new standard for the smart home industry.
And with respected industry veterans like Gordon van Zuiden joining the mission, that future is closer than ever.
