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/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

  • Deploying in a Hybrid, Cloud Environment

    The way organizations manage access control is evolving. Traditional on-premises systems come with high IT and server requirements. At the same time, fully cloud-based solutions may not meet the needs of every facility. Read Now

  • Facing Facts for Facilities

    Despite the proliferation of constantly evolving security solutions, there remains a troubling trend among many facility operators who often neglect the most important security assets within their organization. Keys and shared devices like radios, laptops and tablets are crucial to successful operations, yet many operators are managing them haphazardly through outdated storage systems like pegboards and notebooks. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Security Training Reduces Global Phishing Click Rates by 86%

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its “Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report 2025” which measures an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) — the percentage of employees likely to fall for social engineering or phishing attacks, indicating the organization’s overall susceptibility to phishing threats. This year’s report found a global average baseline PPP of 33.1%, meaning a third of employees interact with phishing simulations before taking part in best-practice security awareness training (SAT).COVER 2025-PIB-NA-Report_EN-US Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.