Custom Electronic Supply, a wholesale distributor of security electronics based in San Jose, Calif., was acquired on August 30 by security distribution veterans Jason Dennis, Lannie Green, Matthew Green and Danny Cranford. 

Dennis, along with Matt and Lannie Green, have deep distribution roots. They are the former owners of San Antonio-based Security General International, a privately held solutions provider specializing in the distribution of emerging technology products and connectivity solutions, established in 1984. They sold Security General International to Tri-Ed in 2012. Cranford also brings to the venture extensive industry experience and has worked in security distribution since 1987. He served as co-owner of Security Data & Cable (SD&C) since its inception in 2001 before selling to Tri-Ed in 2010. 

The acquisition of Custom Electronic Supply was an amicable one, catalyzed by the retirement of one of its two owners, Charlie Cohen. Dave Kelly, its other previous co-owner, will continue to oversee all California operations and the company will continue to do business as Custom Electronic Supply. All employees will also remain on-board, making the transition a seamless one for loyal customers who have come to rely on Customer Electronic Supply as their distribution partner for many years. Product lines span access control, burglary, fire, video surveillance, integrated systems, low voltage residential systems and installation tools and supplies. 

For the new owners, the time to return to their distribution roots seemed spot on. 

“Wholesale security distribution has undergone many changes over recent years,” Dennis said. “My partners and I were not actively looking to get back into distribution. But, we’ve been hearing a lot of dissatisfaction from people in the industry recently. Customers, employees and vendors have all been voicing their desire for a new alternative. We felt the time was right to offer one and provide the good, old-fashioned personalized service that should never stop being synonymous with a trusted distribution partner. Acquiring Custom Electronic Supply was the right decision that came along at the right time.”

The four partners who together own Custom Electronic Supply under the name Lone Star Systems Supply LLC look forward to announcing additional new branch openings in the near future. 

Custom Electronic Supply has locations in San Jose and Manteca serving all of northern California and northern Nevada.