How I Use My System: Trey Alter

Trey Alter, CEO of Dynamark, has been with the company since he was in high school. He is a Security Systems News “20 under 40,” Class of 2014. “I spent my early years just trying to learn all of the different aspects of the security business, from installing to selling to inventory control. I've had pretty much every position you can have in the security industry on my way to where I am today,” he said. Alter talked with SSN in July about the system he has at home.

What kind of system do you have?

I currently have a Qolsys system installed in my house. I'm always trying out the new and cutting edge systems, so I rotate them out—pretty much every year. The current system that I have, the Qolsys IQ, has lights, garage doors, thermostats, garage doors, just about everything.

Why this particular setup?

I've always been impressed with the mindset of the Qolsys team. … It's also very tightly integrated with Alarm.com, which makes servicing the panel remotely pretty powerful.

What is one aspect of your security system that you wouldn't want to live without?

Knowing that someone's always looking out for me, 24/7, at the monitoring center. … Right now I think I'm probably most impressed with thermostat control. I've probably had it for about six months now and the ability to control my thermostats on demand or based on where I am and what I'm doing, I've found that to be particularly useful and I really enjoy it.

Where do you see security going next? What are some big trends?

I see a transition toward more open product platforms, and definitely more competition. I think as the lifestyle products—the lights, the locks, the thermostats—begin to [hit] the mainstream, we're going to need to help our customers bring their own devices to their homes and give them platforms [where] they're going to work a little easier. I think we're making progress on that front, but there's still a lot of work to do. I definitely, definitely, think we're going to see more competition for customers each and every year … from some of the more unconventional players, the Nests, the Googles, the Apples.