https://www.sdmmag.com/rss/2598 en-us hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) The 2025 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year prides itself on its ability to tackle highly complex problems at a moment’s notice, doing what it takes to protect customers and ensure its employees are well prepared.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104688 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104688-standing-at-the-ready hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) The 2024 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year excels at its three top priorities: employee & community connection; a customer approach with cutting-edge technology; and financial success that feeds directly back into the company and the communities it serves.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/103571 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/103571-triple-threat-chimera-integrations-path-to-integrator-of-the-year hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) With an intense focus on people and relationships, the 2023 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year relies on its core principles of professionalism, grit, right, intelligent thought and trusted advisors to propel its success.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/102431 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:55:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/102431-how-pref-tech-won-integrator-of-the-year-with-people-power hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) In an era of constant change, this year’s SDM Systems Integrator of the Year organizes big changes like few others — tackling enormous challenges without compromising customer service or employee satisfaction, all while rolling out new offerings, systems and a new name. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/101251 Fri, 07 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/101251-protection-in-motion hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/99978 Tue, 05 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/99978-systems-integrator-of-the-year Unlimited Technology Team From left to right, David Fernandez, Emma Ubiera, John Palumbo, Jim DeStefano, Ted Rechner, Charlie Von Stetten, and Mike Lagala lead the Unlimited Technology team. PHOTO BY EMILY FRANCES OLSON FOR SDM Working-on-a-new-system.jpg Unlimited technicians set up a new system at a customer’s site.IMAGE COURTESY OF UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGY Manhattan-West.jpg (Left to right) Dave Swartz, Bob Smith, Seth Wallach in front of an ongoing Unlimited project.IMAGE COURTESY OF UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGY Innovation-Group-3.png The Innovation Department consists of the cloud-based Exero business intelligence; network health monitoring; managed and cybersecurity services; and its latest offering, the Enterprise Security Program Review (ESPR).IMAGE COURTESY OF UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGY Exec-Teams-Call.PNG During the pandemic Unlimited Technology leadership discovered the power of Microsoft Teams to stay in touch with each other, the entire company and customers.IMAGE COURTESY OF UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGY IMGL0333.JPG Mike Lagala (left) and John Palumbo review current project plans. PHOTO BY EMILY FRANCES OLSON FOR SDM IMGL0365.JPG Regional sales manager, Seth Wallach (left), and project manager, Shaun Ortiz, get ready to go on site. PHOTO BY EMILY FRANCES OLSON FOR SDM hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) They say a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. So perhaps it was fortuitous that the founding partners of Stone Security — all members of the Edmunds family in Salt Lake City — had no background in security integration when they formed the company in 2006. Steve Edmunds, a retired Air Force captain and Delta Airlines pilot, started the business with his sons and son-in-law after a brief foray into residential security, which they quickly discovered wasn’t for them.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/98666 Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/98666-systems-integrator-of-the-year BS9A3261 PHOTO BY NICHOLAS SOKOLOFF FOR SDM    Stone Security credits both teamwork and strong partnerships with its success. Pictured at left are: top row from left to right are Chris Grayson, Dave Maynes, Patrick Kilbourn, Aaron Simpson, Carly Maynes, Joey Edmunds, Brandon Fleming, Andy Schreyer; seated left to right are Mark Monfredi, Brent Edmunds, Enrique Melena. BS9A3302 PHOTO BY NICHOLAS SOKOLOFF FOR SDM    Two brothers and a brother-in-law helped start Stone Security in 2006. Pictured left to right are Joey Edmunds, Aaron Simpson, and Brent Edmunds. BS9A3344 PHOTO BY NICHOLAS SOKOLOFF FOR SDM    Stone Security’s approach to evaluating new technology is test, test and test some more. BS9A3350 PHOTO BY NICHOLAS SOKOLOFF FOR SDM    Partners such as Anixter’s Scott Young and Tyler Bannon often “hang out” at the office.  BS9A3361 PHOTO BY NICHOLAS SOKOLOFF FOR SDM    Stone calls its new office space “weaponized” for sales. Here, Aaron Simpson (right) demonstrates a camera system. BS9A3376 PHOTO BY NICHOLAS SOKOLOFF FOR SDM    Andy Shreyer shows of two of the many “partner of the year awards” the company has received. techs - working IMAGE COURTESY OF STONE SECURITY Stone Security’s close partnerships with single suppliers of their technology offerings allows all of their techs to become deeply knowledgeable on the products. hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) As one of six distinct security-related divisions of a global powerhouse, this year’s Systems Integrator of the Year draws on the history of not one, but two long-standing companies, along with a deep commitment to its employees and customers, and a strong understanding of technology to distinguish itself from the competition.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97191 Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:59:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97191-sdm-2019-systems-integrator-of-the-year 20190816_130606 SES President and CEO Tony Byerly (pictured in the Customer Engagement Center) says the key to success is a programmatic, disciplined approach. “Every piece fits together and it is one big puzzle that is a beautiful picture when it is put together well. We are continuing to piece together what an integrator is and the disciplines around serving the client and being client-centric.” 20190816_114520 The Customer Engagement Center highlights SES’ strategic partners’ products and technology, as well as SES capabilities and services. 20190816_105955 The new SES University, led by Senior Director Corporate Training & Development, Debra Moran, features specialized training rooms for field technicians, call center representatives, customer experience teams and account managers. 20190816_104542 At the Engineering Center of Excellence Hub in SES’ Uniontown headquarters, Tony Byerly and Damon Kanzler show a typical design schematic that is included along with extensive documentation on most of the company’s installations. 20190816_093737 At its three Five Diamond UL/ULC certified Alarm Monitoring Centers located in Uniontown (pictured), Ballantyne, N.C., and Honolulu, SES offers intrusion, fire, disaster recovery, hold-up, duress, critical condition, alarm verification and response, hosted and managed services and multi-location standardized solutions. 20190905 cit 00073_edited The SES team (pictured left to right: Damon Kanzler, Kevin Englehardt, Tony Byerly, Nelson Barreto and Rob Raymond) led SES to invest more in its organization than ever before, including expanding its headquarters to include a new SES University to offer training and expanded certification of all its employees; a Customer Engagement Center and Technology Evaluation Lab; and the launch of a new application designed to solve a unique problem for its customers. 20190816_090102 At the remodeled headquarters of Securitas Electronic Security, in Uniontown, Ohio, the entire look and feel is open, transparent and collaborative. Conference rooms such as this one are named rather than numbered. This one, called “WTC,” commemorates security projects done at that site, post 9/11. 20190816_085610 Damon Kanzler, senior vice president of central services and business operations, demonstrates how the desks at Securitas Electronic Security’s remodeled headquarters can be raised (so team members can stand while working) and lowered. Everyone has a laptop so they are not tethered to their desks, and there are ample common areas and places to meet and collaborate. During the remodel, employees were given the opportunity to test the furniture under consideration and weigh in on which pieces they liked. 20190816_091042 Brooke Smith, senior marketing specialist at Securitas Electronic Security, designed the logo for Café 3800, an on-site cafeteria available to the 275 team members who work in the Uniontown office. Notice the carrot used as an accent mark! 20190816_091101 Café 3800 is Securitas Electronic Security’s very own cafeteria-style restaurant, serving affordable hot breakfasts and lunches, as well as snacks through a self-serve option. Located at the company’s headquarters in Uniontown, Ohio, it is open 24/7, which is especially appreciated by monitoring center employees who work in three shifts around-the-clock, as well as by attendees of training classes at SES University. 20190816_105248 Jeff Mozen, vice president of centralized services and monitoring operations, shows Securitas Electronic Security’s remodeled headquarters in Uniontown, Ohio, with plenty of natural light, noise-filtering, and lower cubicle walls and open meeting areas for fostering teamwork and collaboration. The entire headquarters is about 70,000 sq. ft. 20190816_094445 Josh Long (right) manages SES advanced technical support, a group of 27 people cross-trained in three different functional groups comprised of a programming team that helps technicians get new systems online; a technical support team for both customers and technicians; and a support team for SecureStat customer-facing web portal. He is posed here with Michael DeWalt (left), technology manager evaluation and research. 20190816_114425 Opened in January 2019, the Securitas Customer Engagement Center at the company’s Uniontown, Ohio, headquarters, is designed to allow customers to touch and feel the security products they may purchase frequently but never get to actually see, or are considering purchasing in the future. It’s a place for customers to ask questions and get engaged in their security projects. The center includes all of the different disiplines of intrusion, fire, video, access control, and the company’s own SecureStat customer portal; there is also a table for integrated systems and one that can be customized with products for specific customers. Informational videos play at the heads of each table. 20190816_114644 Opened in January 2019, the Securitas Customer Engagement Center at the company’s Uniontown, Ohio, headquarters, is designed to allow customers to touch and feel the security products they may purchase frequently but never get to actually see, or are considering purchasing in the future. It’s a place for customers to ask questions and get engaged in their security projects. The center includes all of the different disiplines of intrusion, fire, video, access control, and the company’s own SecureStat customer portal; there is also a table for integrated systems and one that can be customized with products for specific customers. Informational videos play at the heads of each table. 20190816_120038 Michael DeWalt, technology manager evaluation and research at Securitas Electronic Security, shows the company’s Technology Evaluation Lab, which is used primarily for evaluating video system performance and comparing brands, including in low-light and no-light conditions; however, the lab also can be used for evaluating other products such as intrusion and access control. “Think of it as kind of a shoot-out lab for technology,” DeWalt describes. 20190816_125947 Ina Staris, vice president legal and general counsel at Securitas Electronic Security, shows the company’s Customer Testimonial volumes and electronic visual display. The company receives upwards of 100 letters of commendation each year, and they are displayed in the Customer Engagement Center. 20190816_130103 Ashwin Kataria, vice president of finance and controller at Securitas Electronic Security, shows the array of technologies that customers can expect to find in the Customer Engagement Center. 20190816_130149 Felix Gonzales, senior vice president strategy and business development at Securitas Electronic Security, says much of the management of SES comes from some of the most respected leaders in the security industry. “The difference with Securitas is it is a security company from top to bottom, right to left. Being part of a company where every single [division] is thinking about security really is a great feeling.” 20190816_132118 Integrity, vigilance, and helpfulness are the three founding values of Securitas Electronic Security. They are represented in the corporate logo by three large red dots above the company name. hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) LVC Companies Inc. (formerly Low Voltage Contractors) began as it would continue — as an entrepreneurial leap of faith brought about by a customer’s need.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/95747 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/95747-sdm-2018-systems-integrator-of-the-year-lvc-companies-inc 20180911_LVC_077 LVC management team members (left to right Robbie Danko, Brian Gould, Dave Miller, Bert Bongard, Jeff Nelson, Keith Kranz) stand in front of the historic Mill Ruins in Minneapolis. Photo by Dave J. Turner for SDM 20180911_LVC_258 LVC views training as a reward, and prides itself on its employee’s industry and manufacturer certifications. Photo by Dave J. Turner for SDM 20180911_LVC_911 The Minneapolis headquarters houses some of LVC’s more than 200 and growing employees in several offices, spread over three states. Photo by Dave J. Turner for SDM 20180911_LVC_568 Bert Bongard, president and CEO, describes his leadership style as very transparent, open and methodical. Photo by Dave J. Turner for SDM 20180911_LVC_386 A recent customer request led LVC to start a third-party commissioning service, ensuring everything is done to code on behalf of the client. Photo by Dave J. Turner for SDM 20180911_LVC_210 LVC, founded in Minneapolis in 1982, is the fire alarm and security provider of choice for many of the city’s commercial office buildings. Photo by Dave J. Turner for SDM hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/94415 Tue, 10 Oct 2017 14:55:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/94415-nextgen-wins-sdm-2017-systems-integrator-of-the-year 01 NextGen The company management team consists of Steve Greis, Dwight Smith, Ryan Rieger (seated L-R) and is led by Ryan Loughin and Frank Brewer (standing, L-R). Photo by Dave Moser for SDM 02 NextGen NextGen’s employees are a mix of nearly all the former SST group and new employees, often hired out of college or recruited by friends already working there. Photo by Dave Moser for SDM 03 NextGen The management team. 04 NextGen A permanent power substation demonstration area in the new offices provides a place for current and prospective customers to come view technology options as well as troubleshoot existing problems and test new technology. Photo by Dave Moser for SDM 05 NextGen NextGen sponsors several charity events throughout the year, and gives around 1 percent of its net profits to nominated charities at the end of the year. Photo courtesy of NextGen 06 NextGen NextGen makes a concerted effort to attract younger employees, and designed its new office space to reflect that, including a shuffleboard game, as well as many informal meeting areas and a “Google-esqe” feel. Photo by Dave Moser for SDM hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Imagine what you would do if you had the opportunity to create your ideal security integration company from scratch.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/92943 Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:03:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/92943-securadyne-systems-earns-sdms-2016-systems-integrator-of-the-year the Securadyne executive operating committee (EOC) Taylor Carr, Bruce Pontier, Carey Boethel, Russ White, Chris Young, Glen Weston, and Ernest Martinez (from left to right), along with Jeff Holland (not pictured) make up the Securadyne executive operating committee (EOC). PHOTO BY WILLIAM MORTON VISUALS FOR SDM SD-Logo 2016 Systems Integrator of the Year: At a Glance Five-Year Revenue Snapshot After a “regrouping” year that included a downturn in a key vertical and a large back office rollout, Securadyne is on track to grow steadily over the next two years, more than doubling revenue within a five-year time period. The Management Team The Executive Operating Committee meets weekly to discuss key issues, major initiatives and other areas that need to be addressed. PHOTO BY WILLIAM MORTON VISUALS FOR SDM The Management Team The Executive Operating Committee meets weekly to discuss key issues, major initiatives and other areas that need to be addressed. PHOTO BY WILLIAM MORTON VISUALS FOR SDM Carey Boethel Carey Boethel Securadyne takes training Christopher Kieta, senior director of strategic sales, leads an education session. Securadyne takes training and employee career development very seriously even branding it with a name: Expedition Securadyne. PHOTO BY WILLIAM MORTON VISUALS FOR SDM Where You’ll Find Securadyne Systems Offices With a strong presence in the South and East regions of the United States, Securadyne is about halfway to its goal of having offices across the entire U.S. The Importance of Mentoring The mentoring program pairs EOC leaders with employees that show strong potential and interest in learning about how to be a good leader and manager. PHOTO BY WILLIAM MORTON VISUALS FOR SDM the company opened new branches At the end of 2013 Securadyne had eight branches. By the end of 2015 it had 18. Most recently, the company opened new branches in Cincinnati, New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale. PHOTO COURTESY OF SECURADYNE Systems-Integrator-of-the-Year-2016 hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) The SDM Systems Integrator of the Year award is based on a host of criteria including unmistakable success, a high level of innovation, best practices, growth and the unique ways they’ve approached their business, the industry, and the community around them.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/92963 Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:01:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/92963-nextgen-security-named-sdms-systems-integrator-the-year-honoree Dwight Smith, Ryan Rieger, Ryan Loughin, Frank Brewer and Steve Greis (pictured left to right) founded NextGen Security in 2012 Dwight Smith, Ryan Rieger, Ryan Loughin, Frank Brewer and Steve Greis (pictured left to right) founded NextGen Security in 2012. IMAGE COURTESY OF MLR IMAGES NextGen-Security-logo hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) At Kastle Systems, the service mantra gets far more than lip service. It is at the core of everything the company does.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/91708 Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:55:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/91708-at-kastle-systems-their-service-mantra-gets-more-than-lip-service hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Kastle Systems was founded on core principles of service and innovation, and in 2007 new owners expanded on that. Today, their commitment to constantly improving customers’ experiences and their delivery of exciting new technologies win them SDM’s 2015 Systems Integrator of the Year award.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/91702 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 23:50:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/91702-kastle-systems-wins-sdms-2015-systems-integrator-of-the-year-with-their-strong-platform-for-success scallyt@bnpmedia.com (Tim A. Scally) SDM Systems Integrator of the Year honoree acts like a small company and thereby creates customer intimacy while at the same time functions like a large, mature company in terms of processes and standardization.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/91719 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:50:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/91719-securadyne-recognized-as-sdm-systems-integrator-of-the-year-honoree Unlimited Technology, SDM’s 2014 Systems Integrator of the Year, knows it can handle anything and everything its customers and projects demand, because it is built upon a foundation of strong engineering capabilities and internal processes it has developed over the last year.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/90588 Sun, 09 Nov 2014 00:01:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/90588-fine-tuned-fitness stepanekl@bnpmedia.com (Laura Stepanek) G4S Technology, SDM’s 2013 Systems Integrator of the Year, plans to triple its services revenue using its new National Services Division as the engine, by leveraging the company’s strengths as an integrator.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/89679 Tue, 01 Oct 2013 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/89679-systems-integrator-of-the-year-leveraging-all-strengths http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/88460 Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:59:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/88460-agile-competitor stepanekl@bnpmedia.com (Laura Stepanek) http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/88459 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:02:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/88459-a-proven-model-for-growth-enterprise-integration http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/87108 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:59:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/87108-innovation-delivered stepanekl@bnpmedia.com (Laura Stepanek) http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/85656 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:36:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/85656-sdm-systems-integrator-of-the-year-2010-sustainable-value stepanekl@bnpmedia.com (Laura Stepanek) http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/85302 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:46:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/85302-sdm-systems-integrator-of-the-year-2009-trusted-advisor