Specifically Speaking with Dave Teague – ‘Our mission is to provide our clients with up-to-date technology solutions’

YARMOUTH, Maine—Keeping schools safe and secure has been Dave Teague’s focus for quite some time.

Teague currently serves as president of Academic Integrations, an IT services and IT consulting firm that he founded in August 2023, based out of Yakima, Wash.

“We specialize in offering comprehensive consulting, coordination, and design services tailored to Division 27 and 28 projects,” he told SSN. “With a robust expertise in networking technologies, voice communication, bell control, paging/intercom systems, access control, video surveillance, and intrusion systems, we are well-equipped to address a wide range of technological needs.

“Our primary objective is to act as the owner's representative, diligently ensuring that our clients receive a system that not only fulfills their functional requirements but also aligns with their budgetary considerations. Collaborating closely with architects and engineers, our mission is to provide our clients with up-to-date technology solutions, seamlessly integrating them into their projects.”

As part of Security Systems News’ monthly column Specifically Speaking, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Teague:

SSN: What kinds of systems do you design/specify and what services does the company provide?

TEAGUE: Our primary focus is on the education sector, serving both educational institutions and organizations seeking to engage with the education community by offering relevant products and services.

With a robust educational background that includes both a bachelor's and master’s degree in education, along with a proven track record of managing multimillion-dollar projects as a Project Management Professional (PMP), I bring a wealth of qualifications to the table.

SSN: How did you get started in security and designing/specifying?

TEAGUE: My professional journey began with seven years as an IT director at a K-12 institution in Washington State, followed by a 15-year tenure with an IT integrator specializing in K-12 school districts.

Currently, I hold the position of school board director, which ensures that I remain well-informed about the ongoing challenges and issues faced by educational institutions. Complementing my educational and professional roles, I have a distinguished record of 20 years of service in the Washington Air National Guard, specifically within a combat communication squadron. This diverse range of experiences equips me with the versatility required to effectively serve a wide array of clients.

SSN: What vertical markets does the company specialize in? Any interesting projects that you can mention?

TEAGUE: In 2006, I initiated my journey into the world of IP cameras by deploying Axis IP cameras coupled with Milestone VMS to address security concerns in our high school's problematic areas. As time progressed, my career at the integration company presented an opportunity to expand our services into the realm of physical security.

In this capacity, I took on the responsibility of researching cutting-edge technologies and identifying solutions that best suited our clientele. This marked the inception of a new chapter in my career, as I played a pivotal role in founding and leading a dedicated business unit.

Over the years, we have successfully delivered integrated video surveillance, access control, and intrusion systems to numerous K-12 and higher education campuses, solidifying our reputation as trusted providers in the field of security solutions.

SSN: Can you talk about what new or emerging technologies you are seeing or specifying today?

TEAGUE: The advent of cloud and hybrid cloud solutions has been revolutionary, simplifying system usability and enabling the seamless integration of IoT devices into traditional systems, providing customers with a broader range of problem-solving options. When combined with artificial intelligence and analytics, these innovations help enhance system user-friendliness and operational efficiency.

What truly excites me is the transformative trajectory of the access control market, driven by cloud management and mobile device integration. We are steadily advancing toward a point where access control can replace physical keys cost-effectively, elevating security, and expanding data integration possibilities.

SSN: What is your view on the industry moving forward?

TEAGUE: Annually, I eagerly look forward to my visits to ISC West and GSX, immersing myself in the dynamic realm of evolving market trends and cutting-edge innovations. Notably, recent years have marked a substantial wave of industry consolidation, where companies strategically acquire AI and analytics technologies, seamlessly integrating them into their existing platforms, thereby empowering customers to fully optimize their investments.