CRN

BCDVideo Named To 2018 CRN Fast Growth 150 List

Posted by Jay Bartlett August 9, 2018 1:45 am Categories: Corporate News. Tags: bcdvideo, Bob Skelley, CRN, Jeff Burgess.

CRN has named BCDVideo to its 2018 Fast Growth 150 list. The list is CRN’s annual ranking of the North America-based technology integrators, solution providers and IT consultants with gross sales of at least $1 million that have experienced significant economic growth over the last two years. The 2018 list is based on an increase of gross revenue between 2015 and 2017. The companies recognized this year represent a remarkable combine total revenue of more than $50 billion.

Eagle Eye Networks Named To CRN’s 25 Coolest Emerging Vendors For 2014

Posted by dtaitano July 27, 2014 10:14 pm Categories: Corporate News, Surveillance. Tags: Coolest Emerging Vendors, CRN, market, video management system.

Eagle Eye Networks, Inc., announced that the company was selected by CRN as one of the top 25 startups in 2014 making an impact on the IT channel. CRN’s criteria for the top companies were “startups that were established no earlier than 2008 and know the value of good channel partnerships; a strategy to leverage […]

Son of a Salesman

For a lot of us who have made the jump to starting our own business, there’s a foundation of knowledge that came from those who mentored us before our journey began. When reflecting my own journey in the alarm industry, it’s abundantly clear that my foundation is my father. I’m the proud son of an alarm salesman. My dad sold alarm systems door to door, and he sold a lot of them. Aside from being a very personable guy, Dad knocked on more doors, walked into more papered storefronts, and chased more U-Hauls than anyone else I know. He hustled hard and he built lasting relationships along the way. It was not only a recipe for success, but also an example of s stick-to-itiveness for me and my siblings to follow. As kids, we would sometimes watch from the backseat as Dad “walked up deals” whenever a new family or business moved into the neighborhood. He’d walk right up and introduce himself, and would always smile and listen along with caring, thoughtful eyes. It never seemed like a salesman pitching to prospects. It was like he was talking to new friends. When he was invited to go inside the business or home, we would wait in the car with anticipation. More often than not, he returned with a signed contract in hand and the whole family cheered for his victory. It wasn’t uncommon for us to run into those same folks at the local grocery store, church, or a restaurant and he would go out of his way to greet them warmly--never missing the opportunity to introduce us kids with a proud smile. His interactions with his customers outside of their normal business dealings were always returned with warmth—there were lots of hugs, back pats, and double-handed handshakes. Not only were they his customers, but more importantly to him they were friends, too. Our favorite restaurants who were also his clients always welcomed our family on Friday and Saturday nights. Dad often paid the check with gift cards the restaurateurs traded for their alarm system and cameras. He was always sure to tip the waiter separately in cash. Over the years, Dad sold thousands of alarm systems and along the way, he demonstrated to me how to build a successful business through strong relationships, extraordinary service, and an outstanding reputation. Dad also taught me that doors open for those who knock. Throughout the years, the lessons he taught me about persistence, integrity, and relationship-building have helped me in my own career. While I long ago decided not to join the family alarm business, I did become an alarm salesman. Today, I own a national security distribution company where we sell alarm systems to thousands of alarm dealers nationwide. Like my dad with his customers, many of mine have become great friends, some of which I consider family. When people ask me why I didn’t join the family business, I explain that if I was to stand any chance of selling more alarm systems than my old man, I knew I’d have to sell them wholesale! Jake is the Founder and President of SS&Si Dealer Network, an independent distribution company that offers competitive pricing, private labeling, fast shipping, marketing support, vendor programs, and funding options. He also serves as the Associate Director for the Integrators Association of Florida (IAF) as well as the on the Marketing and Communications Committee for The Monitoring Association(TMA). He completed his Bachelors of Arts from Rollins College.