SMS Integration, formerly Smoky Mountain Systems, acquires first branch

FRANKLIN, N.C.—After being in business for 32 years, Smoky Mountain Systems has changed its name to SMS Integration, and it acquired its first branch office in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

It's part of the company's new mission, Dom D'Ascoli, SMS Integration president, told Security Systems News.

“What we're doing is expanding,” D'Ascoli said. He's hired two industry veterans—Roger Parks and Don Childers—to help execute the plan.

SMS Integration will continue to do the high-end residential and commercial work it is known for, but it will do more commercial work, and will open two or three more branch offices.

SMS acquired Newton Communications Systems in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Former owner Scott Newton has joined SMS as head of the company's phone and data division.

D'Ascoli said the deal brings with it a “who's who list of customers in the Grand Strand area.”

It currently does work in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. SMS plans to expand within that footprint, “from the mountains to the sea,” D'Ascoli said.

Roger Parks has joined SMS as VP of sales and Don Childers has been named COO.

Parks most recently worked in the commercial division of ASG. He is the former owner of RSH Protection in Mooresville, N.C., which he sold to ASG in 2012.

Parks is charged with overseeing SMS' expansion, acquisitions, rebranding, customer experience and sales efforts. He is also president of the NCESA and plans to get involved with SCESA as well.

D'Ascoli said he's looking forward to having Parks in charge of sales and said its a new step for his company which has “never been a sales driven organization.” Its customers historically have come through referral and word of mouth.

Childers is well known for his educational work with ESA. Childers spoke at TechSec Solutions in 2015. 

Asked what kind of company SMS would consider acquiring, Parks said “We look for quality accounts, good management, with a great reputation in the marketplace.” SMS will consider “bringing on the current team as part of the acquisition,” he added.