Archive: May 2017
Specifically Speaking with Drew Deatherage
May 31, 2017Paul Ragusa
What is your role at the company?My role is all things business development. We are small, so in addition to being a principal and managing client relationships, I manage sales, marketing (with outside help), and building strategic business relationships.What kinds of systems do you design/specify and what services does the company provide?We provide consulting, design, and project management services to architects, engineers, property management firms and facility owners. Our areas of expertise...
How I Use My System: Jeff Kesterson
May 31, 2017Spencer Ives
Jeff Kesterson, owner of Nightwatch Security & Telephone, based in Sedalia, Mo., likes that he can access his home security system from his Tesla. In mid-April, Security Systems News talked with Kesterson about his home security system and how he has it set up.What kind of system do you have?A DMP system, a DMP security command. … I have security and fire protection, perimeter, and I have a little bit of home automation, but not a lot—pretty typical. I can control the garage door and unlock...
Five Questions: Mike Wells
May 31, 2017Paul Ragusa
Mike Wells, who has been with Midwest Alarm Services for 13 years, was recently promoted to business development manager. He is responsible for managing the direct sales staff in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Nebraska for life safety products and services. Wells holds a NICET level II in fire alarm. Security Systems News asked him five questions.Are you married? Any kids? Pets?I've been married for 13 years and we have one son. We have two dogs, a Rat Terrier and a Min Pin [Miniature Pinscher].What...
Allegion looks at consumers' experiences with security
May 31, 2017Spencer Ives
CARMEL, Ind.—Allegion, with Wakefield Research, recently surveyed about 1,000 U.S. adults to learn more about their experiences with security.The survey questions, and responses, helped Allegion in “understanding security issues that happen and how [we can] have products that solve those issues,” Ann Matheis, marketing leader, multi-family, for Allegion, told Security Systems News. The survey asked about whether survey takers worry about leaving their door unlocked, lost the key...
G4S looks to reestablish itself
May 31, 2017Paul Ragusa
JUPITER, Fla.—G4S, a global, full-service security company with North America headquarters based here, continues to reestablish itself as more than just one of the largest security guard providers in the world, according to G4S North America CEO John Kenning.“We have a very strong brand recognition and awareness in the marketplace as being one of the largest and leading security providers in the world, but when people think of us, they think security officers,” Kenning told Security...
Allied Universal acquires in Florida
May 31, 2017Paul Ragusa
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. and SANTA ANA, Calif.—Allied Universal continues to diversify with the acquisition of ALERT Protective Services, a residential community security firm based in Sarasota, Fla.
“This is a company that does most of the high-end residential communities in South Florida,” Allied Universal CEO Steve Jones told Security Systems News. “Not only are they providing the security guard services but they do it differently where they use technology to help augment that,...
Launch Security looks for cybersecurity to take off
May 31, 2017Paul Ragusa
PORTLAND, Maine—Security Systems News' “20 under 40” winner from the integrator class of 2015, Rob Simopoulos, along with company partner Andrew Rinaldi, formed Launch Security here last month with the idea of helping organizations improve their overall cybersecurity posture.Simopoulos, who prior to starting Launch Security was president of Advance Technology, told Security Systems News that the focus for the new company is to provide a cybersecurity program tailored to small businesses,...
Tech use rising among older Americans
May 31, 2017Spencer Ives
I've been hearing a lot about PERS and mPERS lately. Specifically, I've been interested to hear views on how older PERS users feel about technology.
When discussing Essence's Care@Home Active offering, which uses a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone, company head of marketing Rafi Zauer said, “The obvious question is: How many seniors have smartphones now-a-days? There's ample evidence … [smartphone use] is going to become almost ubiquitous over the next few years with seniors for several...
American Alarm purchases Security Design Consultants
May 24, 2017Spencer Ives
ARLINGTON, Mass.—American Alarm and Communications, a full-service security company based here, this week announced the acquisition of Security Design Consultants, based in Westwood, Mass.The transaction was finalized on April 28. SDC's account base is about 80 percent residential and 20 percent commercial; American Alarm's base is about 50-50, according to Louis Sampson, American Alarm's COO and co-owner."SDC operated for more than 40 years, primarily in Boston and the western suburbs of the...
ESX announces 2017 innovation award winners
May 24, 2017SSN Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Electronic Security Expo announced the winners (see list below) for its 2017 Innovation Awards, recognizing outstanding products and services that drive the electronic security and life safety industry forward.
Winners will be featured at ESX 2017, June 13-16 in Nashville, Tenn., and all entrants are listed in the ESX Product Preview Brochure, delivered to 20,000 industry professionals through print and digital distributions. In addition, the top ten category winners...