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

New Products

  • 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.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.