Tag: The Protection Bureau
Surviving and thriving while adapting to the new norm
January 20, 2021Cory Harris, Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine—While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented security systems integrators with a number of challenges during these unprecedented times, many are adapting their own businesses to survive and thrive during the pandemic, changing the way they interact with customers and serve their ever-changing needs when working on projects.
In spite of the challenges that integrators are facing during COVID-19, they are meeting these challenges head-on in order to successfully operate, finding...
Securing cannabis facilities
January 6, 2021Cory Harris, Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine—The topic of legalizing cannabis in the United States has risen to the forefront in recent years as more and more states open dispensaries for customers to purchase marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes.
To date, nearly 20 states have opened cannabis dispensaries, and although marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law, facilities that sell cannabis are regulated under state and local mandates. As the number of cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. continues to increase,...
Women in Security: The Protection Bureau, 40 years and going strong
November 29, 2016Paul Ragusa
EXTON, Pa.—The Protection Bureau, a national security integration company based here, is a family-run business with more than 40 years of success serving both the residential and commercial security markets.Founded in 1975 by Keith Ladd, who passed away in 2009 at age 74, the company is now led by his son J. Matthew Ladd, president and CEO, and daughter, Karen Baker, SVP, who together continue to take the company to new heights.The Protection Bureau, which has approximately 95 employees and...
The Protection Bureau moves into Virginia
August 19, 2015Martha Entwistle
Systems integrator The Protection Bureau has opened a new branch office in Richmond, Va.
I talked to Matthew Ladd, CEO of The Protection Bureau, about the new office today. “We had an opportunity that came to us with people in Richmond who wanted to work for the Protection Bureau,” he said. The integrator has 152 clients in the area and has had “an ongoing service need in region,” he said.
“It was the perfect fit and opportunity. It made sense to open a branch office...
Force Security: Audio and video verification essential
July 2, 2014Martha Entwistle
MANASSAS, Va.—Force Security president Ken Kocher is a former cop who believes audio and video verification are essential elements of an effective security system.“If a customer doesn't want a verified system, we walk away,” Kocher told Security Systems News. If a potential customer insists on an intrusion-only system, “I make them sign a waiver that says they understand this is only a reactive system,” he said.Less than one percent of Kocher's customers opt for the...
Integrators eye iris recognition once more
September 17, 2013Martha Entwistle
YARMOUTH, Maine—Iris recognition technology is highly reliable and it's been available for years. But until recently, it's also been high priced and a technology that some people are uncomfortable interacting with. As a result, iris recognition's use in recent years has been limited to high-security locations such as hospital laboratories and data centers or niche applications where other biometrics, such as fingerprint, won't work.However, as prices plunge and the technology becomes less invasive,...
Valenteen returns to The Protection Bureau
July 17, 2013Leif Kothe
EXTON, Pa.—She's back. A few things might have changed during Wanda Valenteen's two-year hiatus from the monitoring world, but the evolution of the industry, no matter how difficult to stay abreast of, is nothing compared to her experiences away from the professional sphere.From 2006 to 2011, Valenteen was central station manager at the Protection Bureau, based in Exton, Pa. She had a background in call center management, having worked previously in retail customer service. While valuable,...
'20 under 40' 2013 - Bill Fisher
June 11, 2013Leif Kothe
Bill Fisher, 36Central station manager, The Protection BureauExton, Pa.How did you get into the security industry?Prior to coming to The Protection Bureau I was in the jewelry business, and my big push came when I needed something more interesting that I could really dig my brain into—something that would challenge me more. I got an entry-level position as an operator, which was a really good icebreaker into the industry because it's where the rubber meets the road. I was the person actually...
Employee initiatives increase profits at The Protection Bureau
April 24, 2013Martha Entwistle
EXTON, Pa.—Sharing business metrics with employees and seeking input on ways to be more efficient has increased profitability for The Protection Bureau, an integrator based here.“We have a huge wall on our office filled with graphs and metrics and the employees are challenged to look at them and come back to us with suggestions,” explained Matthew Ladd, CEO and president of The Protection Bureau. “The results have been amazing,” Ladd said. For example, an initiative...
Security-Net: Making national accounts work for everyone
July 18, 2012Martha Entwistle
EXTON, Pa.—In existence for nearly 20 years, Security-Net is a $388 million national integration company made up of 19 independent integrators. Nineteen independent companies working together makes for a formidable national accounts provider, executives from member companies tell Security Systems News.“There are no weak branch offices,” said Matthew Ladd, CEO of The Protection Bureau.The company has an impressive list of national account customers including Sallie Mae, a project...