Most of the major security media outlets tuned in via Web conference when ADT Security Services, Boca Raton, Fla., announced the recent acquisition of FirstService Security. Tyco International’s ADT detailed the $187 million purchase of FirstService Security, which operates under the Security Services and Technologies (SST) brand name in the U.S. and Intercon Security in Canada during the virtual press conference. Headquartered in Collegeville, Pa., FirstService has 2,400 employees and 17 locations here and at our neighbor to the north. John B. Koch, president of ADT North America and Frank Brewer, chief executive officer of FirstService Security, a division of First Service Corp. shared their thoughts.
The $187 million deal is substantial, but that’s not what caught my eyes and ears, because the security industry is known for big deals going down on a regular basis. Sure, First Service is a top systems integrator (a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner) and quite an impressive company—that’s why ADT made the purchase. But what really stuck in my mind was when Koch said: “Systems integration is a people-oriented business.”
That’s music to my ears. I think everyone in the industry agrees that large or small, independent or not, people make the industry work. Which brings us to our lead story for the issue on page 74 and the cover focus feature on the fine members of the Tennessee Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA) who for the first time will co-host with the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and the Central Station Alarm Association, the Electronic Security Expo, June 25 to 27 in Nashville. Associate Editor Greg McConnell has all the nitty-gritty on this exciting show, starting on page 76. During the ESX show SD&I is sponsoring the All-Star Performance Workshops, part of an impressive lineup of best practices by movers and shakers in the industry that focus on thought-provoking management ideas and hands-on installation workshops. TBFAA partnered with NBFAA, CSAA and ESX to bring greater value to its members. Which is a perfect segue into another focus of this month’s tome—our exclusive integrators roundtable on partnering and selling value by Karen Duane Johnson, SD&I’s veteran contributor. Sometimes an integrator just can’t cover it all properly, so they often reach out to others with the expertise and proven track record to make their installations a success.
There’s much more inside to give you both the technical and sales expertise you need—like our Then and Now on international security, and In the News, which chronicles the latest in wireless mesh networks.
SD&I is people-oriented, just like all the integration companies out there. We strive to bring tangible value to the industry by presenting the timely topics that help integrators and security installing companies do business better. Our staff works together as a team and we play off each other’s strengths. We don’t point the finger when something goes wrong, but we move on and see how we can do things better the next time around. We’re here to help. Contact us anytime and keep reading, because the best is yet to come.
