A Creole Cut Above
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Jul 01, 2015
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 editor-in-chief of Security Today magazine.