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.