People and Places May 2012

Nisse is also responsible for making keys; he is able to hand punch as many as 450 keys in a single day.

For nearly half a century, Nisse has and continues to exemplify a devotion to the locksmith profession unlike any in the industry. Regardless of his seeming physical incapacity, he has proven his talents as a remarkable asset to Best Las & Sakerhetssystem AB, and serves as an inspiration for the international locksmith community.

Audax Group Acquires Tri-Ed/Northern Distribution

BOSTON, MA – April 4, 2012 – Audax Group announced it has completed the acquisition of Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution. Headquartered in Woodbury, NY, Tri-Ed / Northern Video is a leading independent distributor of low-voltage electronic security products including video, intrusion, access/fire, and other ancillary products. With 47 locations across the United States and Canada, Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution serves both commercial and residential markets through its branch and technical sales business units.

Geoffrey S. Rehnert, Co-CEO of Audax Group, said “Tri-Northern is a leading distributor of electronic security products with a best-in-class distribution model and an industry-leading management team. We look forward to working with Steve Roth, Pat Comunale and their team to build the company through add-on acquisitions, greenfield expansion, and building out the organization.”

Steve Roth, Chairman of Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution, said “We are excited to have Audax Group as our new partner. Their success sourcing and integrating add-on acquisitions along with their distribution experience will be key resources for us as we continue to build Tri-Ed / Northern Video into a national player in the electronic security industry.”

Pat Comunale, President and CEO of Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution, said “This transaction positions Tri-Ed / Northern Video to build on our past success. Audax Group’s proven track record building middle market distributors into national leaders will be a great asset as we embark on our next stage of growth within this fragmented industry.”

TLA Elects Officers

The Texas Locksmiths Association would like to announce the election of John C. Helweg  as president. Helweg. is a second generation locksmith. He has been active in his regional association the Greater Houston Locksmiths Association serving as Editor, Parliamentarian and Treasurer and served as Editor for the Texas Locksmiths Association for the past couple of years. He has been actively involved legislatively for the past two terms (2009 & 2011) at the State Capital in Austin, TX.

Additional officers are: Don Hiser, First Vice President; Steven Sharp, Second Vice President; Jason Stewart, Secretary; Billy Garrett, Treasurer; Mark Dawson, Membership Director; John Laughlin, Sergeant-At-Arms;’ Troy Maynard, Chair, Board of Trustees; and Glenn Koons, Webmaster.

For more information, visit www.texaslocksmiths.org.

LaserKey Names Sales Manager

Jim Hetchler has been named national sales manager. LaserKey. Hetchler has extensive experience in the automotive locksmithing industry. He owns a company called Key Pro LLC and website www.keypro.com and is half-owner of the Just Cars LLC tradeshow.

Hetchler can be reached at phone  281-339-3501 or e-mail Jim@laserkeyproducts.com.

OnSSI Names Sales Manager for North Central U.S.

Pearl River, NY  – OnSSI, a market leader in open-architecture, intelligent IP video surveillance and security software, has named Russ Caldwell as regional sales manager, North Central United States.  Caldwell will manage key relationships in the region, including the certified dealer channel, distribution and key technology partners. He will also focus on architect and engineering (A&E) firms and end-user relationships, and coordinate product demonstrations and territory events in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and northern Illinois.