A personalized ELAN control system and Nortek Control products automate specially adapted Texas smart home for hero U.S. Army Captain Juan Guerrero 

 

CARLSBAD, CALIF., October 19, 2021 — Nice North America today announced the completion of a project that leveraged the combined resources of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) Program, Epic Smart Homes, a dealer of ELAN® control systems, and Texas homebuilder G. Morris Homes to support and empower the daily life of retired U.S. Army Captain Juan “J.J.” Guerrero, who was gravely injured during a combat mission in Iraq. U.S. Army Captain Guerrero’s specially adapted smart home was built in Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort in Boerne, Texas through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program.  

 

Captain Guerrero’s long military career began in 1990 as part of the “Lava Dogs” based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii. From there he was deployed to Saudi Arabia. Nearly two decades later, on July 26, 2007, as a Captain in the U.S. Army, Guerrero had completed more than 350 combat missions when his vehicle was struck with fragments from an explosively formed penetrator (EFP), the single-most lethal weapon American forces faced in Iraq. Shrapnel penetrated the bottom of his door, passed through his rifle and went through his right calf. He suffered a broken tibia and fractured left ankle, and both legs were severely injured. In June 2014, Guerrero developed a rare form of skin cancer, and his left leg was amputated below the knee two years later. He is now a double amputee below the knees—but is cancer-free. 

 

An Nice/ELAN control system is the backbone of the Guerrero family’s new home. They enjoy fully automated, one-touch access to audio and video, multiple zones of lighting control, automated shades, HVAC and more. The home also features a 2GIG® security system, Panamax® power conditioners, Lutron lighting and shades and a Leon Speakers sound bar—all controlled by the world famous Nice/ELAN control systems mobile app which provides a universal and consistent GUI to all interfaces. All products were specified and installed by Epic Smart Homes. An HTA Estate Certified Dealer, Epic Smart Homes was founded in 2005 by Scott Ruzich and has completed numerous luxury residential and commercial installations across California, Texas, Nevada and Hawaii.   

 

“Our involvement with the Gary Sinise Foundation is one of the most rewarding things we do,” said Richard Pugnier, Vice President of Marketing at Nice North America. “Warfighters like Captain Guerrero, who sacrifice so dearly for our freedom and safety, deserve every effort we can make to help restore their quality of life. We are also extremely proud of Dealers, like Epic Smart Homes, who partner with us on these unique projects and freely contribute their time, expertise and full commitment.” 

 

“Nice North America invited us to help design and implement a comfortable, safe, enjoyable and – most importantly – specially adapted smart home experience for the Guerrero family,” said Scott Ruzich, President/CEO of Epic Smart Homes. “It was a very rewarding experience, and I encourage anyone who has the chance to participate in the Gary Sinise Foundation program to support these brave servicemen, servicewomen and families. It is truly an honor to give back to these heroes.” 

Download Images Here

 

About the Gary Sinise Foundation
The Gary Sinise Foundation was established under the philanthropic direction of award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, who has been an advocate of our nation’s defenders for forty years. The Foundation’s mission is to serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. Its programs—designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities—serve America’s heroes and their loved ones 365 days a year. Learn more: www.GarySiniseFoundation.org. 

 

About Nice/ELAN
The award-winning Nice/ELAN® whole-house entertainment and control solutions, by Nice North America, are distributed through a comprehensive channel of select dealers throughout the United States, Canada, and countries worldwide. The Nice/ELAN software was honored with a “Human Interface Product of the Year” award and continues to expand its intuitive functionality and customization to deliver the most personalized, feature-rich control experience available. Nice/ELAN control systems set the benchmark for today’s smart homes with a single app interface to security, climate, entertainment, surveillance and video distribution products and integrations. To learn more, visit elancontrolsystems.com. 

 

About Nice North America 
Nice North America LLC is a global leader in smart connected devices and systems for residential and commercial customers, serving the security, access, AI, health & wellness, control and power/AV markets. Nice North America and its partners have deployed more than 5 million connected systems and over 25 million security and home control sensors and peripherals. Through its family of brands, the company designs solutions for national telecoms, big-box retailers, OEM partners, service providers, dealers, technology integrators and consumers. Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., Nice North America has over 50 years of innovation and is dedicated to addressing the lifestyle and business needs of millions of customers every day. For further information, visit niceforyou.com.  

 

©2021, Nice North America LLC. All rights reserved. ELAN, Panamax and 2GIG are registered trademarks of Nice North America LLC. Other brand names and product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks, tradenames, service marks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. 

 

Press Contact, Nice North America
Cat Toomey
President and CEO, CATalyzing Communications 
317.514.5546
cat.toomey@niceforyou.com  

 

Press Contact, The Gary Sinise Foundation
Marielle Gilbert 
PR and Communications Manager, The Gary Sinise Foundation 
818.915.8484
mgilbert@garysinisefoundation.org