About – Harness Automation

Our Mission

Simplifying Technology so People Can Focus on What Matters Most

Our Story

After decades of creating software solutions for the global residential and commercial properties of high-net-worth clients, we recognized fundamental flaws in existing smart home and building technologies.

Proprietary hardware—expensive, eventually obsolete, and locked into narrow ecosystems with limited device compatibility—consistently frustrated our ability to deliver optimal solutions. These platforms did not meet our security standards, which are critical as the way we live and work increasingly exposes personal data to vulnerabilities.

We set out to create something better: a truly device-agnostic platform that prioritizes security and flexibility. Our solution, GEM, emerged from this vision. It is simple yet powerful and virtually future-proof for long-lasting luxury.

Harness Automation was founded with a simple mission: to transform technology from a source of limitation and frustration to a gateway of possibility. When managing your smart home or commercial building, our solutions work seamlessly so you can focus on what truly matters.

Meet Our Leadership

We’re based in Austin, TX and happily spread the joy of simplified technology wherever our projects take us.

Managing Partner, Director of Business Development

Quan Nguyen

Quan has over 20 years of software engineering experience, excelling in the control and integration industry where he designed cutting edge control systems for Fortune 500 families and businesses. He is passionate about building relationships with clients and finds few things as exciting as the moment when they realize how well the GEM platform can meet all of their needs.

Personally, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and two wonderful kids, eating sushi, playing table tennis, and watching classic movies. He feels that life is too short. Consequently, he made it a personal mission to free up time for his clients and their families through smarter automation. As for being the former Harness Automation table tennis champion, he has yet to defeat his longtime nemesis, Nathan.

Managing Partner, Director of Product Development

Nathan Freeze

Nathan spent two decades as a software developer tasked with designing and building myriad solutions in the integration, control, finance, I.T., and hospitality industries.

Nathan enjoys solving complex problems with technology and his personal mission is to maximize the energy efficiency of our shared spaces through intelligent automation. That goal, along with the lack of capable automation products and services on the market, inspired him to partner with Quan and form Harness Automation.

Nathan enjoys spending time with his amazing wife and their three unamazing pets. He is also the one and only, undisputed and undefeated table tennis champion at Harness Automation.

Core Values

Integrity

Trust: Honest & transparent.
Reliability: Deliver on our promises.
Accountability: Hold ourselves accountable as much as anyone else to resolve issues as quickly as possible.

Ingenuity

Through tireless problem solving and advanced technical expertise, we have a can-do attitude and an open-minded, positive approach.

Empowerment

We are committed to empowering you. We remove limitations so you can use the hardware and devices you love, establish and maintain your ideal environments, and have more control over building management.

Ego-Free Decisions

We designed GEM to be so adaptable and flexible that it can be a robust primary system or fill in gaps to bolster and improve other systems. It’s not about us—it’s about ensuring you get the best solution for your situation.

Respect

We value our relationships with you above all else, and strengthen them through listening and learning. We seek to understand and respect your needs, and will keep your best interests in mind.

Our Process

From our initial contact forward, and for as long as you are our client, we stand by your side with unparalleled support and unwavering dedication to protecting your interests. Technology is our work, but it’s all about people.

1. Discovery
We Listen

We listen, ask questions, and learn about your current and potential future needs and wishes. We seek to understand what you want out of a system, how you will use it, and how it can make your life easier.

2. Design
Tailor to You

We design a system that can not only meet your current needs, but also prepare for future wishes that might have implications for your infrastructure or system requirements.

3. Installation
White Glove

We meticulously verify that our software functions smoothly with all integrated devices and they all work in harmony. We thoroughly test the GEM interface to ensure that every button serves your intended purpose.

4. Training
Get Comfortable

While the GEM interface is simple and intuitive, every new user’s experience is enhanced by training that familiarizes you with the system, offers explanations, and answers your questions.

5. Support
Here for You

We aren’t happy unless you are. We value and respect our clients above all else, and it’s our goal to exceed expectations. We are by your side after installing and for the long haul as your needs evolve.

Career Opportunities

Currently we have no open positions. However, if you're interested in working with us, please send us your resume and a note for future consideration.