Specifically Speaking with Jeremy Zweeres

DVS, a well-known consulting firm, was acquired by Ross & Baruzzini in 2015. How has that deal changed the way you do business? 

The acquisition has been tremendous for DVS. We continue to provide the highest level of security consulting and engineering services that DVS has given to our clients for more than 50 years. I believe the biggest difference since the acquisition is that we now have the opportunity to go after additional projects in new markets that we weren't positioned to previously. One of the downsides of being a small business is you don't have the overhead that the larger firms can afford, to market yourself properly and go after new work. R&B has provided DVS with the tools that we need to excel in today's fast-paced markets. As an example, DVS is universally recognized for providing security consulting and engineering services for more than 300 cultural institutions since our inception. In 2016, for the first time in the company's history, we had a booth at one of the largest cultural-based shows in the industry: the AAM Expo in Washington D.C. Our participation was so well received, that we are currently in talks with other industry leaders to change the game in how security is represented at future AAM events.

What do you focus on at DVS?

As a senior associate at DVS, my primary focus is to provide a world-class project management experience to our clients. I also provide engineering design services on most of my projects. This includes coordination of security requirements with electrical systems, fire alarm systems, HVAC systems, lighting systems, tel/data systems, vertical transportation, glazing design (ballistic and forced entry) and vehicle interdiction. With 15 years of experience working on the security integrator and consulting side of the business, I believe that the key to a successful project starts with listening to the individual concerns and requirements of each client, and tailoring the security system design around their specific needs.

What projects have you completed recently? 

I've recently completed and I'm currently working on a number of exciting projects, which include The Broad Museum and OUE Skyspace Observation Deck in Los Angeles; Little Caesars Arena in Detroit; Culture Shed and MoMA Expansion in New York; and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass.

Is facial recognition finally coming of age? Who are some of the providers and what do you think are the best applications for facial rec?

In my opinion, facial recognition has been a solid platform for quite some time. I believe the challenge has been gaining the public's trust in its reliability and finding the right applications for the product. DVS has noticed a lot of interest in facial recognition recently at commercial tower applications, where building operators are always looking for ways to increase throughput at lobby turnstiles. I have also had a number of clients inquire about using facial recognition-proximity combo readers at critical areas within their facilities to provide a contactless high-security access control solution. A few of the facial recognition manufacturers that we have specified recently are FST and Stone Lock Global.