Tag: Custom Alarm
Women in Security: Custom Alarm looks at connected home tech
November 29, 2016Spencer Ives
ROCHESTER, Minn.—Custom Alarm's CEO Melissa Brinkman talked with Security Systems News about the company's increased approach to smart home technologies.“We're just really trying to have our team embrace it ... in particular, the locks, the lighting, the thermostats—in addition to being able to control your system remotely,” she said. Brinkman highlighted several specific technologies in the connected home space, including the Sky Bell doorbell, Honeywell's Lyric system. “We're...
How I Use My System: Bob Boland
August 24, 2016Spencer Ives
Bob Boland, customer service and operations manager for Custom Alarm, has been with the Rochester, Minn.-based business for five years. He takes care of the company's central station operation, which means there's “never a dull moment,” according to Boland. Security Systems News got the chance to talk with Boland in early August about the system he has at home.What kind of system do you have?I have a Honeywell Vista 21ip, and I have a touch screen keypad—the typical door [and] window...
Custom Alarm recognized as a women-owned business
May 18, 2016Paul Ragusa
ROCHESTER, Minn.—Custom Alarm, a super-regional security company based here, has been certified as a women-owned business on the state level and on the federal level through the Small Business Association. “Our ownership has changed over the years, so we really wanted to maximize some of the benefits of being women-owned,” Custom Alarm CEO Melissa Brinkman told Security Systems News.With its new designation and increased connected-home offerings, Custom Alarm has “seen some...
Resi grows fast at Custom Alarm
October 9, 2013Tess Nacelewicz
ROCHESTER, Minn.—Now in its 45th year, Custom Alarm, based here, is finding residential security to be one of the fastest growing aspects of its business, said Nikki Johnson, the company's vice president and director of marketing.Johnson cited interactive services as an important driver of that growth.“We've sort of changed our model like a lot of security companies have,” she explained. “Back in the day it was security alarm, fire alarm or monitoring, that was it, and now...
Custom Alarm receives Blue Ribbon Award
February 13, 2013SSN Staff
ROCHESTER, Minn.—Custom Alarm, a company that services and monitors security systems based here, was named a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winner by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the fourth straight year, according to a company statement.
Custom Alarm was recognized for its “dedication to the principles of free enterprise and its contributions to restoring jobs and prosperity,” the statement said.
“The Blue Ribbon Award winners show that, even facing uncertainty...
Custom Alarm's fire business growing
July 5, 2011Tess Nacelewicz
ROCHESTER, Minn.—Custom Alarm, based here, started out 43 years ago in the basement of the home of the company's president and CEO Leigh Johnson, whose background was in sound.
Today, the company of more than 75 employees still offers sound solutions, but also is a full-service security company and owns and operates its own UL-listed central station, and has more than 5,000 monitored accounts.
And one of the fastest-growing areas of the business is fire, according to Nikki Johnson, Custom Alarm's...
Custom Alarm hires Monica Nigon as project manager
April 29, 2011SSN Staff
ROCHESTER, Minn.—Custom Alarm/CCi, on April 26 announced the hiring of Monica Nigon as project manager. Monica is responsible for fire alarm systems design and project management in the special projects area.
Nigon comes to Custom Alarm with a great deal of project management experience, numerous relevant licenses and significant technical training.