Lockmasters Acquires Allied Locksmith Supply
In an effort to expand its automotive and locksmithing product offerings, Lockmasters announces its acquisition of Allied Locksmith Supply, with long-time Allied Locksmith Supply employees, Jim and Anna, joining the Lockmasters team.
Allied is a distributor of approximately 9,000 automotive and commercial locksmith products consisting of automotive remote and transponder keys, locks, and related products as well as residential key blanks and accessories. The company has been in operation for over 40 years and is based out of Youngstown, OH. As of closing, Allied's operations have been successfully integrated into Lockmasters' headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
Lockmasters’ customers will gain:
- Access to new manufacturers including: ASP, BlueDog, Howard Keys and Pro-Lok
- Over 5,000 new parts, including full lines from ILCO, STRATTEC and Lucky Line
- Vast assortment of stocked keys, remotes and automotive parts
- Specialized automotive and locksmith customer service representatives
"We are looking forward to carrying the torch on Allied's core automotive remote and transponder keys distribution business as the 40-year family owners transition into retirement. Now that all operations are integrated into Lockmasters and the product offerings have been made available on our e-commerce platform, we will be able to focus on delivering the best possible technical sales and rapid order fulfilment that customers have come to expect at both Lockmasters and Allied," said Joe McCormack, Lockmasters' CEO.
LTI and Q Security Acquire NL Lock
LTI and Q Security announce the acquisition of NL Lock, the brainchild of legendary inventor and entrepreneur Klaus “Nick” Gartner.
“I look forward to carrying on the Miller family tradition of innovation in and service to the security industry,” said Clay Miller, CEO of LTI and Q Security. “Nick and I first worked together at Sargent & Greenleaf in the early 1970s and have remained close friends - and sometimes competitors - in the ensuing decades. Nick has always had a knack for seemingly simple yet elegant product design. Fewer parts mean fewer problems, as the NL Lock product line aptly demonstrates.”
Following the sale of LaGard Inc., Gartner founded NL Lock in 2003 with a line of cost-effective, easy-to-use and easy-to-service electronic locks. Says Gartner, “I have always strived to produce high-quality security locks that will still be in service decades from now. Clay and his team have the knowledge and ability to continue my legacy.”
Concurrent with the acquisition, LP Locks will merge with NL Lock. Susan Gartner Papa will continue to represent the brand as she has since 2007.
For further information, email Deanna DeBorde at [email protected].
School District Secures Activity Center with Paxton Net2
As an integral part of the Huntsville School District’s future sports complex, the new activity center serves as the hub for student activities across the district. Located on a remote site that’s home to the Huntsville Eagles Sports Complex, it will house the district’s football and track stadium, baseball facilities, activity center, and other buildings that will be used to host activities and high school graduations.
Safety was the top priority when considering an access control solution. Having used Paxton’s Net2 since 2015 on other school buildings elsewhere, the district had a pretty good idea of what style and method of access control they wanted. Their main goal was to secure the premises while channeling people in and out of various activity center areas.
The district installed Paxton’s Net2 access control solution, which is a user-friendly and flexible networked access control system. It is designed to make the management of any site straightforward and that’s exactly what the district found when they installed and configured the system.
Net2 allowed the district granular control over its security, especially when it came to access control. They can manage who has access to certain doors at specific times. For instance, they can limit access to contractors who work from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no access on weekends or evenings.
With the addition of PaxLock, the wireless, electronic battery-powered door handles have also been beneficial. The activity center contains specific areas where installing a traditional hardwired system is not convenient or feasible. PaxLock makes securing those areas easy.
Bailey Cotton, Director of Technology at Huntsville School District, said: “I appreciate everything Paxton has offered us in terms of security and access control. We highly recommend Paxton, and any time a school asks what we use for access control, we encourage them to explore Paxton because it's been such a great solution and experience for us. The flexibility of integrating other features and systems with Paxton is a no-brainer.”
Visit www.paxton-access.com for more information.
Genetec Opens Washington DC Facility
Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, has opened a new office and state-of-the-art experience center in Washington, D.C.
Named DCXC, the experience center showcases innovative solutions from Genetec and its large ecosystem of industry-leading technology partners. The on-site Technology Center operates as a fully functioning Security Operation Center (SOC), providing an immersive experience for customers in any industry to see how Genetec solutions can directly enhance their security and operations. Other features include a Learning Center for training, partner meeting spaces, and office space for the fast-growing Genetec US-based team.
“We look forward to welcoming channel partners, technology partners, and end users to our flagship Experience Center in the US. From the meticulous attention to detail to the full ecosystem of advanced technology, DCXC encompasses our renowned reputation for excellence and innovation,” said Kyle Hurt, Area Vice President for US and Canada. “Visitors can explore our solutions and collaborate with our on-site team to discover how Genetec best meets their security and operational goals.”
DCXC is the latest addition to the company’s existing venues in Montréal, Paris, London, Mexico City, and Singapore. The beautiful design of the 25th floor DCXC is accentuated by a 180-degree view of the D.C. skyline overlooking the Potomac River.
“With the opening of our experience center in this strategic location, we’re continuing to expand our global footprint to give our channel partners, technology partners, and end users an opportunity to experience first-hand the innovative technology and solutions that Genetec has to offer,” said Michel Chalouhi, VP of Global Sales, Genetec Inc. “Our global experience centers are designed to give visitors a glimpse of the unique innovation that has set Genetec apart for more than a quarter of a century.”
For more information on DCXC, visit http://www.genetec.com/a/dcxc.
Connected Technologies partners with Farpointe Data
Connected Technologies LLC, maker of the award-winning Connect ONE cloud management platform, has collaborated with Farpointe Data Inc. to streamline the management of Conekt Mobile Access Credentials.
Connect ONE simplifies intrusion, access control, video surveillance, critical environmental monitoring and energy management systems, with one platform and interface. Conekt consists of a line of mobile-ready readers and mobile access credentials, with mobile credentials carried in Farpointe’s Conekt Wallet App.
The Conekt Wallet App supports iPhone and Android mobile devices and uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate the Conekt mobile credentials with Conekt mobile-ready readers. When activated within the app, Conekt mobile credentials allow users to identify themselves at designated access points with the existing standard electronic access control system.
“I’m excited about the value that this collaboration offers Connect ONE users and Farpointe’s access control partners and their respective channels,” said Francisco Alcala, North American Sales Manager, Farpointe Data. “Connect ONE streamlines the enrollment and management of the Conekt mobile credentials while honoring Farpointe’s access system manufacturer-based go-to market strategy.”
This latest integration expands Connect ONE's smartphone access control, which includes ScanPass Mobile Credential (barcode-based without readers) and now Bluetooth-reader based Conekt, allowing for seamless user enrollment. Bluetooth readers may be used with traditional proximity cards and fobs as well.
Dealer/integrators who purchase Conekt mobile credentials and readers from their physical access control system manufacturers can use the supplied mass importation spreadsheet to seamlessly import mobile credentials into Connect ONE. The import simplifies enrollment since administrators now have an easy dropdown selection to assign a mobile credential to a new user.
Once a credential is assigned, the associated card number is automatically programmed into the access control system and Connect ONE sends an email or SMS message to the user with instructions on how to obtain the Wallet App and activate their credential. The Wallet App is a single-purpose app for their credential. No login is required, and it does not include any other functions to eliminate possible confusion. Credentials are purchased at a one-time cost, with no recurring fees.
“This integration is a unique and flexible solution that extends the possibilities of access control and Bluetooth connectivity without major upgrades and add-ons,” said Dan Simon, Managing Partner, Connected Technologies. “Integration with the popular Conekt mobile credential is a simple approach to credentialing that doesn’t require extensive programming for enrollment of users.”
For more information on the new integration, visit Connect ONE, call (866) 976-3520 or email [email protected].
SIW Awards Scholarships
The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named two recipients for the 2023 Denis R. Hébert Identity Management Scholarship, a program offering $5,000 scholarships for young professional SIA members to help further their education in the field of identity management. The winners for the 2023 Hébert Scholarship are Colin DePree, head of sales strategy, North America, at SALTO Systems, and Constantine Tremouliaris, integration solutions specialist, door security solutions, at ASSA ABLOY.
This scholarship program is designed to support the professional development goals of individual SIA members and student members who specialize in identity management.
DePree is a security industry veteran with a wealth of experience and a passion for improving the safety, security, health and happiness of communities through innovation and determination. Prior to joining SALTO, he held sales leadership positions at Pro-Tec Design and Floyd Total Security. DePree is an active SIA member who serves on the SIA Member Experience and Engagement Committee, formerly served on the SIA RISE Steering Committee and is still involved with the SIA RISE community and is a member of the SIA Women in Security Forum community.
“I am honored to accept this scholarship, as I know what Denis has done for this industry, and receiving recognition in his name is very humbling,” said DePree. “Digital transformation is pervading through industries and sectors around the globe, and none more than access control and physical security. Access control is no longer purely about ‘control’ – it’s now about enabling access to an experience. As we move from a pure control-focused approach to an experience focus, an individual’s identity and authentication will become absolutely critical. I feel where the biggest unknown remains is who owns/manages/facilitates that identity, and I believe identity ownership and authentication of that identity will be a major obstacle that our industry needs to solve quickly to continue opening doors to opportunities.”
In his role as integration solutions specialist at ASSA ABLOY, Constantine Tremouliaris serves as a business development overlay for a regional sales team, bridging the gap between access control software companies and hardware installers/distributors. His dedication and expertise have earned him recognition, most notably as the 2023 recipient of ASSA ABLOY’s People Making a Difference Award and the Digital Access Solutions Player of the Year for 2022.
Tremouliaris’ commitment to continuous learning and professional growth is evident through his active participation in certifications and educational seminars offered by SIA. One of the initiatives he is most passionate about involves advancing SIA’s Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) standard within his company. He is a member of SIA’s OSDP Technical Subcommittee and is actively working towards utilizing OSDP not only for card readers but also for lock control and other peripheral devices at doors.
“What an absolute honor it is to receive a 2023 Denis R. Hébert Identity Management Scholarship! In the broader context of the security industry, current identity trends play a significant role in enhancing overall security. Two prominent trends that resonate with me are Increased Interoperability and Data Privacy. Achieving interoperability across the industry and reducing proprietary practices are crucial steps towards creating a safer and more open world,” said Tremouliaris. “This collaborative approach, as fostered by organizations like SIA, allows industry stakeholders to collectively work towards common goals without dictating standards. SIA’s role as a mediator ensures that the industry evolves together and addresses the challenges associated with identity management in a collaborative way.”
DEN Smart Home, creator of the first invisible, wireless communicating smart door strike – DEN SmartStrike™ – announces key personnel additions to their executive leadership team. Lew Brown has assumed the role of President of DEN Smart Home Inc., North America, and Dennis Nijmeijer has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer in the newly created Ankerslot Group.
Brown joins the DEN Smart Home team offering a deep history of executive experience as a CEO, COO, President, VP of Business Development, and VP of Sales & Marketing throughout the consumer technology sectors, with extensive expertise in IoT products and services. In his role with DEN Smart Home Inc., Brown will lead and develop the strategic plan for the company including business and product development initiatives.
“I am energized to be part of the DEN Smart Home team; it is an exciting time for the company as we prepare for our official launch. I believe in the unique solution that the DEN SmartStrike offers to the market and our team is looking forward to connecting with attendees at CEDIA Expo to showcase how the DEN SmartStrike fits into their product portfolio,” said Brown.
Joining as both a co-owner and Chief Financial Officer, of the parent company, Ankerslot Group, Nijmeijer has over two decades of finance experience most recently as a Finance Director at HSF Logistics. Robert Boensma, CTO and one of DEN’s first hires has also been named as a minority owner in DEN Smart Home.
“Rounding out our executive leadership team was an important step forward,” said Marijn van der Wal, founder and CEO of Ankerslot Group and its wholly-owned business unit, DEN Smart Home. “Having a highly talented team that is committed to our company goals will take DEN Smart Home to the next level. Between Lew’s incredibly successful track record of bringing new products to market and Dennis’ financial acumen DEN Smart Home is poised for exciting growth ahead.”
After 31+ years with Napco Security Technologies as Western VP, and later, Senior VP of Sales, Dave Sheffey will be retiring, having handed over the reins and team to VP Michael Venoit earlier this year. Sheffey has long been a key part of Napco security sales management, an accomplished leader, industry icon and driver of Napco security sales and distribution channels.
Anyone who knows Sheffey, as most in the industry do, recognizes the amiable, modest, super-intelligent guy who is comfortable speaking to virtually everyone, and always knows how to get things done and with whom. Never one to shrink away from a challenge, Dave is extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in all aspects of technology, applications, and product (as well as science, astronomy, and fine art, too). Dave’s extensive security experience and industry knowledge have served him, his accounts, and NAPCO well. But two of Dave’s idiomatic phrases, sum up much of what may be his work philosophy, “I have a curiosity”, and on the flip- side, “Don’t poke a sleeping bear.” For those of us who know Dave, the neat part is that he seemingly always knows which to apply and when.
After decades of representing Napco, attending countless tradeshows and events, and visiting and supporting security professionals and distributors, Sheffey is literally going to sail off (well, motor off) into the sunset of the Great Lakes on his boat, at least for a little while.
