SIA New Member Profile: Security Technologies Inc.

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Security Technologies Inc. (STI) provides cutting-edge electronic security services for businesses. The company is headquartered in Vernon, Connecticut, serving clients both in the New England region and multinationally.

SIA spoke with Taylor Meacham, director of business operations at STI, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Taylor Meacham: Security Technologies Inc. began in 1995 out of Neal Kerr’s pickup truck! Neal found a passion for electronics, security and problem solving at an early age and upon graduating high school decided to make a career out of his passions. STI started in the residential market, slowly picking up commercial clients. Over 20 years we have grown and now specialize in many verticals: universities, utilities, finance, Fortune 500 companies, government and much more! We would not be where we are today without our core leadership team consisting of Neal Kerr, our president; Mark Wollen, our vice president; and me as director of business operations, along with many other dedicated employees.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings or your company unique?

TM: We have always recognized that one size does not fit all within the physical security industry. We assess each customer, evaluate their specific needs and provide the solution best suited to them. Our core offerings include access control, video surveillance, license plate recognition, intrusion detection and intercoms. Our core principles are focusing on what is best for the client, quality workmanship and reasonable cost. These three pillars have helped us to establish long-lasting relationships with our clients.

What’s something we might not know about your company – or something new you’re doing in security?

TM: The physical security industry as a whole is seeing a large push towards the cloud. While many are slow to adopt the new technology, we are excited to embrace it. At our core, we have always believed in doing what is best for the customer. This has been the foundation of our business since 1995 and is what has led us to having some of the most loyal customers out there! We are not abandoning this philosophy as we move towards newer technology. We recognize that every customer has different physical security needs, and we provide the solution that is best for them, whether that be cloud, hybrid or on premises.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

TM: Cloud has been the buzzword in the industry for several years, and the adoption of cloud technology is accelerating. This offers a huge opportunity for security integrators to capitalize on the recurring monthly revenue that comes with this technology. With this being said, it is important to assess each customer’s needs. The future of the physical security industry is not one technology – it will be a blend of cloud, hybrid and on premises.

What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

TM: The security industry is very niche – no one grows up saying “I want to work in the security industry when I grow up!” Most people do not even have a concept of what we do. Personally, I never expected to work in this industry, and every day I am thankful that I chose to work at STI. Every day is different, the people we have the opportunity to work with are one of a kind and there are constantly new challenges. My favorite part about working in this industry is the relationships we are able to build. Our clients are not just people we sell to – we become a trusted advisor invested in their success. I am hopeful that through SIA I can help reach out to other young professionals who do not know anything about this unique industry.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

TM: I have been in the security industry only four years, during which time I have been fortunate enough to grow and learn within our company. Establishing a relationship with SIA is important for me to continue this growth within the industry. I am excited to be involved with SIA programs such as RISE and the SIA Women in Security Forum. Programs such as these will help accelerate my professional growth and afford me networking opportunities that I otherwise would not have had access to. The physical security industry is small but mighty; we all go through similar struggles and have a different approach to the challenges that arise along the way. SIA offers a space for integrators small and large to meet, share ideas and, most importantly, learn from one another.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.