Besides all the Snow–Spring is Near
Every imaginable type of snow: wet, fluffy, icy, thick and thin. We’ve had it all this winter. If you are in Wisconsin’s Madison area—how are you doing with the record-breaking 80-plus inches as this issue went to press?
Thankfully, we turn to March and thoughts of renewal and spring. This issue is one of our largest and we’ve gone to great lengths to bring the latest and most timely information to our readers—security dealers and integrators, manufacturers and distributors. It’s the ISC West issue (April 2 through 4 in Las Vegas) and there’s tons of information on the show, the Security Industry Association’s New Product Showcase, product previews and much more. Maybe you’re just reading this as you walk the show aisles or attend one of the educational conferences. ISC West is the place for security professionals to fine-tune their skills and bring greater profitability to the industry. Look for us at our booth and stop by to say hello—we’d love to meet more of our readers and find out what you are up to.
Inside, there’s more on alarm dispatch, training for central station operators, false alarms and our exclusive insider report on the Foxwoods Casino installation, expertly handled by Red Hawk (ACP) a UTC Fire and Security company. Also see inside for our roundtable on leaders in research and development, including some of the most highly recognized manufacturers in the industry. Take a look at the special coverage on security systems 30 years ago to see how far security identification and badging solutions have come during three decades. Scope out the business management story on how to manage your credit line and don’t miss Fire Expert Greg Kessinger’s ‘hot topic’ as he explores: “Are You Prepared to Protect Your State from Faulty Fire Alarm Codes?” It’s a story you won’t be able to put down.
Security dealers and integrators are working to be a success and it isn’t unobtainable, considering the strong track record of the industry. At the recent Barnes Buchanan Conference in Palm Beach, Fla., (see News inside for more) the central station and alarm industry was keeping pace with growth logged in 2006, not missing a beat, besides the economic downturn witnessed in most other business sectors. Of course it’s not all rosy ahead as the housing market is expected to continue to reap losses, but integrators know what to do. Integrators like Dennis Mason, president and COO of Kings III of America Inc., Coppell, Texas, whom I met at the Barnes Buchanan conference. Mason said he was attracted to the recurring revenue the industry had to offer but came from a different side some three years ago. He started in the elevator industry and has now extended that—and quite logically I might add—to emergency communication solutions. He manufactures his own equipment, has a national footprint (handling installs locally as much as possible and using integrator partner subcontractors at other times) and uses alarm central station software to monitor companies and their equipment.
That’s what an integrator is today. Not a cookie-cutter entrepreneur but one who finds a niche and pursues it with excellence.
Deborah O’Mara, editor
SECURITY Dealer & Integrator magazine
[email protected]
