According to a recent ranking of companies in the audio/video industry, while only 14 companies increased their sales revenue in 2009, 11 of those 14 companies also offered security services. Audio/video installers and home automation specialists that also offer security products and services, as well as security companies that have added audio/video, home control, and other offerings, are proving to be more resilient than more narrowly focused companies.
More and more, customers are looking for a single contractor to meet all of their needs. Michael Pope, owner of Safety Technologies, the security division of Audio Video Interiors in Medina, Ohio, says, “Clients are so time-starved. If they can meet with one contractor they can trust, that’s a big benefit to the client.” Indeed, most integrators report that client demand is the driving force behind the move to diversify.