How the Electronic Security Industry Protected the Men's Shelter of Charlotte

All too frequently, the electronic security industry gets caught up in the muck and mire of a penchant for sensationalism with reports abounding of system failures, false alarms and sales scams. The truth of the matter is for an industry that saves lives and protects property on a daily basis, that depiction could not be more misrepresentative and distorted. Beyond its noble purpose, the industry’s high character is evidenced by its widespread humanitarian, community and charitable pursuits.

Proof of that is quite visible for those truly interested in being exposed to the positive and more accurate representation of the security industry. A powerful demonstration of industry altruism springs from a recent collaboration among security product manufacturers and an integrator to provide North Carolina’s Men’s Shelter of Charlotte (MSC) with an upgraded video surveillance system. MSC was contending with an old, dilapidated CCTV system and looking for better means to ensure security of the facility and the safety of clients, volunteers and visitors — but as a nonprofit organization naturally cost was a major hurdle. Fortunately, a systems integrator was among the shelter’s helpers.

“Kurt Kottkamp of ESS [Enterprise Security Systems] volunteers at the shelter through his church, and that’s how we learned about his business. That initiated a conversation that led to contracting his company to do the work,” says MSC Executive Director Carson Dean. “Their need for a new system was obvious and because it’s my profession, I was excited to be able to help them,” says Kottkamp, ESS’ president.

Kottkamp called upon his strong vendor relationships, reaching out to ESS’ Tier One Partners to contribute to this worthy cause by supplying devices at little to no cost. The successful undertaking enabled him to propose and design an affordable solution at less than half the market price. Following is how it all came together in a tale that serves as a model for other security professionals to emulate.

Caution: Proceed only if you like happy endings.