A Creole Cut Above

For a couple of years now, I’ve traveled to several locations to interview and write the cover story for our Dealer Strategies. It is always an honor to be able to sit with the CEO or designated spokesperson, and learn about that company’s business model.

Over the years, there have been some terrific experiences. In no particular order, I’ve seen one of two Heisman Trophies won by Archie Griffin. I’ve stood in the middle of a solar field, and I’ve visited a couple universities in New York.

As with every cover story, security is top of mind with the integrator, or in the case of this issue’s cover story, a manufacturer who works exclusively with distribution and the dealer/integrator.

I’ve been to New Orleans a few times, but have never seen the city in terms of security. Tourists gather in New Orleans, and with it being a destination city, perhaps the working world gets lost in all the revelry.

Sitting down with Jay McClellan, the vice president of security and automation at Leviton, meant getting a view of the city that the tourists will miss. Of course, there is a vibrant business community in New Orleans; otherwise it would not exist. The city is open for business, following the destruction that was Katrina. Leviton’s security and automation showcase facility is open for dealers and integrators, and you know what? Business couldn’t be better.

McClellan is a New Orleanian by birth, and he knows the city. Following an interview and tour in the Leviton showroom, we met again that evening to discuss business over dinner. I found out you can get a lot of work done while eating Cajun food. I think you’ll enjoy the cover story, and getting to know McClellan and Leviton a little better.

This article originally appeared in the July 2015 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

  • DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. Read Now

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.