Acquiring during the pandemic

CALHOUN, Ga.—With the recent acquisition of Priority One Security Inc., Owen Security Solutions continues to grow and expand its reach, adding three new employees, 750 accounts and $34,000 in RMR.

Owen Security President and Security Systems News’ 20 under 40 Class of 2017 Alumni Justin Owen recently spoke with SSN about making an acquisition — and steering the company — during unprecedented times.

“We worked alongside some wonderful people during this recent acquisition and we are very appreciative of how smoothly this transaction was completed,” Owen told SSN. “The COVID pandemic did affect the pace at which things were able to be completed, compared to previous acquisition experiences. We also substituted video-calls and electronic documents for many of the discussions, meetings and paperwork that would have normally taken place in-person.”

Owen pointed out that immediately following the announcement of the current pandemic, Owen Security Solutions implemented new policies and procedures “for the protection of the health and safety of both our employees and our customers,” he said.

In June, Owen Security Systems completed the acquisition of the Cartersville branch of Priority One Security, a low-voltage contractor specializing in the maintenance of security and life-safety systems. The company, which was established in 1996, will continue to serve its customers and accounts in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Three previous Priority One employees, including two technicians and one security advisor, bring their experience and expertise to the Owen team “to ensure a seamless transition for acquired customers and continued great experiences for current customers,” noted Owen.

Owen said the goal for this acquisition is to be able to better serve the residents, businesses and industries in Bartow County and surrounding areas: “We have been excited to absorb the clients gained during this acquisition, many of which are commercial accounts, and to continue to grow our business in the commercial and industrial sectors.”

Including the customer-base most recently acquired, Owen Security Solutions now serves more than 8,000 customers in the Northwest Georgia area. For nearly 50 years, Owen Security Solutions has been a locally owned and operated business, committed to providing security service and solutions to North Georgia.

“With the completion of this acquisition, we are looking forward to being able to extend and expand our commercial and industrial markets, while also serving and supporting our residential customers with other advanced features and options,” said Owen.