Connect
To Top

Inspiring Conversations with Nick of Connected Shop Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick.

Hi Nick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a serial tech entrepreneur spans over 16 years, including ventures in global e-commerce, mobile applications, and international real estate. I didn’t start this company just to sell products; my mission is to deliver a complete, high-impact connected solution for everyone, from individual customers to our valued business partners. Drawing on my deep experience in sourcing and smart technology integration, I personally ensure that our product catalog is curated for quality and impact. My commitment to you is backed by our full support system, which includes knowledgeable tech assistance and virtual video support. This guarantees that whether you are installing one device at home or scaling a solution across a business, you have both the best technology and the full expertise needed to achieve maximum efficiency, sustainability, and real value.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and we didn’t expect it to be. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating how quickly the smart home space changes, especially as expectations around reliability and ease of use continue to rise.
On the product side, building smart door locks that work consistently across different door types, hardware standards, and installation environments is complex. What looks good on paper doesn’t always translate cleanly in the field, so a lot of time has gone into testing, refining, and sometimes rethinking decisions based on real-world use.

There’s also been the challenge of growth itself, scaling partnerships, support, and operations without losing the hands-on approach that shaped the business early on. Balancing speed with quality has been a constant consideration.

Overall, the challenges have reinforced the importance of staying close to the field, listening carefully, and being willing to adjust. Those lessons continue to shape how we move forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Connected Shop is a smart home technology company focused on smart door locks and connected access solutions. We operate at the intersection of hardware, software, and real-world installation, but what truly defines us is how closely we stay connected to the people who actually work with doors every day.

From the beginning, my goal was not simply to sell smart products, but to build practical, reliable connected solutions that homeowners, locksmiths, installers, and builders can trust. Smart locks have evolved from being optional upgrades to becoming core elements of modern homes, and we’ve focused on making sure our solutions are dependable, compatible with real-world door configurations, and supported by real expertise.

What sets us apart is how deeply we engage with the field. Our product decisions are not made in isolation. They are shaped by direct conversations with locksmiths, distributors, door manufacturers, and installers. Last year, we took this commitment a step further through our Smart Door Lock Roadshow. For four months, we were on the road, traveling from South Florida all the way to Vancouver, Canada, meeting partners face-to-face. We visited teams like At Your Service Windows & Doors, Euro-Wall, Tab Glass, Doors & Hardware of Tampa Bay, Pella partners across multiple regions, Windsor, Weathershield, and many others.

Those meetings weren’t sales stops, they were working sessions. We discussed multipoint systems, regional climate challenges, installation realities, customer expectations, and long-term service considerations. We listened more than we spoke. That time on the road reinforced something important: smart security only works when it works in real conditions, on real doors, installed by real professionals.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the trust we’ve built. Our team operates with a strong spirit of collaboration, both internally and externally. We stay accessible to our clients and suppliers, we support them during installations, and we remain involved long after a product is shipped. That closeness creates better products and stronger partnerships.

The Connected Shop isn’t just about connected devices. It’s about building long-term relationships, creating solutions that stand up to real-world use, and helping shape the next phase of smart access in a way that’s practical, thoughtful, and sustainable.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in France in a multicultural and academically strong environment that shaped both my curiosity and ambition early on. Personality-wise, I was independent, observant, and naturally entrepreneurial. I was always interested in how things worked not just technically, but commercially. I liked understanding systems: how businesses operated, how value was created, and how ideas could scale.

During high school at Lycée International des Pontonniers, I developed an international mindset and strong adaptability. I was drawn to leadership and initiative, which continued during my time at KEDGE Business School, where I was involved in university promotion and organizing campus events. I enjoyed bringing people together around projects and ideas.

My curiosity about global markets eventually led me to continue my studies at Tongji University in Shanghai, China. Being immersed in one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economies had a profound impact on me. It exposed me to innovation at scale and strengthened my interest in entrepreneurship, emerging business models, and the digital economy. Through the V3 student entrepreneurship club, I deepened my passion for building ventures rather than simply joining them.

Even growing up, I was less focused on following a traditional career path and more driven by the idea of creating something of my own. I was fascinated by new business innovation, sales strategy, real estate, and the evolution of the digital economy. That combination of international exposure, entrepreneurial curiosity, and hands-on experience ultimately shaped my path as a serial entrepreneur and led me to found The Connected Shop, where I focus on delivering practical, high-impact connected solutions for homes and businesses.

Pricing:

  • Smart Locks price range: $289.90 – $949.90

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Connected Shop Inc.

Suggest a Story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories

  • Community Highlights:

    The community highlights series is one that our team is very excited about.  We’ve always wanted to foster certain habits within...

    Local StoriesSeptember 8, 2021
  • Heart to Heart with Whitley: Episode 4

    You are going to love our next episode where Whitley interviews the incredibly successful, articulate and inspiring Monica Stockhausen. If you...

    Whitley PorterSeptember 1, 2021
  • Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories: Episode 3

    We are thrilled to present Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories, a show we’ve launched with sales and marketing expert Aleasha Bahr. Aleasha...

    Local StoriesAugust 25, 2021