Ballet to Security

I admit there is not a lot in common between ballet and a security installation. However, a few months ago, while attending my granddaughter’s ballet recital and walking through the parking lot, I came across a parked van with the I3Concepts logo. This had to be a sign. (Not that I was looking for a sign.)

As I walked into the recital hall with the 3-year-old dancer, I kept thinking about that van parked outside. Honestly, I was excited about the ballet but I didn’t want to forget about a possible story idea. I safely, or I should say, securely, tucked my granddaughter in the dance room with her teacher and other students and popped back outside to get a phone number and website address. Not that I forget stuff, but I wanted to be sure.

A few days later, I made a call to hopefully set up an appointment or interview. I quickly found out that I3Concepts is a busy group of people. It took a week or so to make contact. I met with Jeff Comeaux and took a tour of the offices and technology side of an integration farm. I don’t say farm in a mean way at all. Here’s the deal. Comeaux and his team really get into parking garage security entry and exits. They get the parts in the shop and literally build the automatic pay stations from the ground up. Once assembled, they are tested before installation.

Okay, everyone does that with their security equipment, but I found myself standing in a rather large room with numerous pay stations. This was quality at work.

Comeaux is the one that got this all started about eight or so years ago. He is also the first to admit that it is his team of professionals that make it all work so smoothly. Like he says in the cover story, “surround yourself with people that are as good as, or better than myself, and you will be great.”

I3Concepts is an interesting story about a company that opened for business smack dab in the middle of the 2008 economic recession. Comeaux is a believer in hard work and work smart, and so are his staff and team. And, oh, by the way, the ballet recital was pretty amazing as well.

This article originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • The Yellow Brick Road

    The road to and throughout Wednesday's and Thursday's ISC West was crowded but it was amazing. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.