In Part 2, we’re zooming out to look at the broader industry picture: how Apple might enter this market, their potential strategy upon their entrance, and the effect it could have on how alarm dealers and integrators could approach their existing and potential customers. There’s plenty to unpack, and even more reason to keep your eyes on what’s going on in Cupertino, CA.

Our team was represented well as we kicked off our (and many others) week hosting ISC/SIA’s Got Talent at the ROCKHOUSE, where more than 650 guests attended thanks to the extraordinary sponsors.  As it turned out, yes, some of those who braved the stage to karaoke that night did have talent.

Credit card processing fees have traditionally been seen as a cost of doing business, with the benefits outweighing the associated costs.  The benefits of receiving Recurring Monthly Revenue (RMR) payments by credit card includes timely payment by the customer, increased cash availability, reduced collection costs, and reduced attrition due to non-payment.   Many Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) merchant payment processors also offer the ability to automatically update credit card expiration dates, effectively preventing failed transactions which often resulted from those change in dates.  Offering a credit card payment type was also seen as a competitive advantage over companies who did not offer this benefit.  This was all true while inflation was kept at bay.  

Taking on a sales role in the electronic security industry, or any industry, is not for the faint of heart. It requires persistence, confidence, and a deep belief in the value of the solutions we offer. And yet, even the most seasoned sales professionals can find themselves paralyzed by fear – of rejection, of not knowing enough, or of failure.

Running a business is often a rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and stressors that can lead to sleepless nights. Business owners juggle multiple responsibilities, from managing finances to ensuring customer satisfaction, and the weight of those duties can create significant anxiety. Each month, I have the pleasure of speaking with many of these owners who are willing to share what is causing them to lose sleep and how they are working to overcome it. 

Valuing an alarm company is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of both the industry and the financial landscape.  In this interview, Rory Russell sheds light on common pitfalls, strategies for growth, and how to ensure a company’s long-term success post-sale.

In this continuous series, I share the experiences of business owners as they reveal their biggest concerns—and the strategies they use to overcome them. This month I spoke with Jeff Handy, President and CEO of Detroit-based FSS Technologies, a family-owned business with over forty-five years of experience as a leader in fire protection contracting and providing security system service and life safety solutions.

Everon, a leading security integrator and premier provider of commercial security, fire and life safety solutions in the U.S., announced that David Charney has joined the team as Sr. Vice President, Video Command Center.

In the security industry, where the stakes involve the safety and security of people, assets, and data, establishing trust is not just beneficial – it is imperative. One effective strategy to enhance this trust is by highlighting relationships with well-known entities or high-profile customers that are already in the public eye. Mentioning these esteemed clients not only serves as a strong endorsement of your company’s reliability and professionalism but also significantly boosts its credibility in the eyes of potential customers.

Nice, a global leader in Home and Building Management solutions, announced the appointment of Jeff Shaw as its Chief Product Officer (CPO). With over 20 years of experience in product management and marketing, Shaw brings a proven track record of driving innovation, developing award-winning products, and shaping industry-leading solutions.