About Blake Schemmel — Straightforward Smart Home

Blake Schemmel

Founder & Lead Installer

I started Straightforward Smart Home because I was tired of watching people get overcharged for work that wasn't done right. After spending over a decade running and building infrastructure that doesn't get to go down — datacenters, broadcast networks, critical government systems — I decided to bring that same standard to the places people actually live and work.

When I install a UniFi system in your home, I'm building it the same way I'd build it in a datacenter. Clean cable runs, properly terminated, tested, and documented. No shortcuts, no loose ends.

I'm based in Elizabeth, Colorado, and I serve the Front Range and surrounding areas. If I can get to your location, I'll take the job.

Credentials

Why You Can Trust This Work

Real infrastructure experience from organizations where failure is not an option.

Critical Facilities Engineer

Tierpoint — 33,000 SqFt Colocation Datacenter

Managed day-to-day operations of a Tier III colocation facility — power, cooling, physical security, and network infrastructure for enterprise clients who depend on five-nines uptime.

Datacenter Operations

Social Security Administration — Denver

Operated and maintained datacenter infrastructure for a federal agency serving millions of Americans. Zero tolerance for downtime, zero margin for error.

Support Engineer

Applied Materials

Oversaw day-to-day datacenter operations for a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Precision environments where every cable and connection matters.

Logistics Manager

WBL Services — NFL & MLS Events

Directed local and international logistics for critical broadcast and infrastructure assets deployed to NFL and MLS events — including on-site logistics for Super Bowl LII.

Broadcast & OSP Engineer

Midcontinent Communications

Fiber splicing, dark fiber deployments, outside plant engineering, and broadcast infrastructure. The foundation of everything I do with cable today.

Education & Certifications

Training Behind the Tools

Information Assurance

Dakota State University — focused on network security, penetration testing, and systems hardening.

Telecommunications

Associate's Degree from Mitchell Technical Institute — structured cabling, fiber optics, and copper installation.

DEFCON Volunteer

12 consecutive years volunteering at the world's largest hacker conference. Deeply embedded in the security community.

OSHA Certified

OSHA 10-hour safety certification. Every job site is a safe job site — no exceptions.

3× Gaffing Certified

Three-time certified for climbing utility poles and aerial infrastructure. Comfortable at height, experienced with overhead work.

Property Maintenance

Maintained 9 residential complexes for Essex Property Trust — plumbing, electrical, appliance repair, and structural work.

Our Promise

Straightforward Means Straightforward

No jargon. No upselling. No mystery charges on the invoice. I'll tell you exactly what you need, what it costs, and how long it takes. If you don't need something, I won't sell it to you.

Every install comes with a full walkthrough when we're done. You'll understand your network, your cameras, and your access points — because it's your house.

Honest, itemized quotes — no hidden fees
Datacenter-grade cable management in your walls
Every run tested and documented
Full walkthrough and handoff at project completion
Colorado local — Elizabeth, CO and the Front Range
Owner on every job site, personally

"I build your network the same way I'd build one in a datacenter. The only difference is the view."

— Blake Schemmel

Built by Someone Who's Been There