Putting the Customer First

When the opportunity came along to sit down with Chad Parris, I jumped at the chance. Parris, along with his company partner Lynda L. Buel, own and operate Security Risk Management Consultants in Columbus, Ohio.

What made this an extra rewarding experience, following an interview about SRMC services, was the opportunity to talk about Elliott Boxerbaum (1948-2014). Boxerbaum lived an extraordinary life in the security industry, and touched a number of lives for good, including Parris and Buel.

Boxerbaum was driven by good work and making the world a more secure place, but he also was a techie interested in futuristic gadgets. The latest advancement reawakened his passion for security, and without a doubt, he advocated for technology and its progress.

As is often the case with many people gone too soon, Boxerbaum died June 10, 2014 from complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

I barely knew Boxerbaum but had taken the opportunity to see him, visiting with him at manufacturer’s events through the years, all the while promising myself that I would sit down with him and do an in-depth story. I failed to get that interview, but am reminded that when a person has a feeling to do something of this magnitude, there is never a time like the present.

Boxerbaum started and built SRMC, and did so by bringing Buel and Parris on board. He knew both of them and trusted them to help build a fine security consulting company, that has now moved beyond the borders of the Buckeye State to numerous projects throughout North America, and even worldwide.

Success for Boxerbaum was likely measured not so much in consulting jobs won and completed, but a legacy that endures even today with assessments, planning, design and response. His ultimate goal was to build a company that would be known as trusted security advisors.

I think he would be proud of what he and his staff have achieved.

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

About the Author

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

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 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.