ALOOKINTOHOWTHE BUSINESSHASGROWN.

Although Tom was originally based in New Jersey, he has long had ties with Lafayette. Tom’s brother moved to the city years prior to his southern business venture Family combined with his love for the culture enticed Tom to visit frequently, sometimes during Mardi Gras and sometimes just to stop by. After moving his mother to Louisiana, Tom thought to officially set roots in the state by moving his girlfriend and pets down

The merger not only allowed Tom to be closer to family, it allowed for quicker travel to projects in Florida and Texas. As an investor, Tom has multiple LLCs, or small companies, and branching to Louisiana seemed like the right move for him. Tom explained that the merger was between a group of friends that met up during one fateful Mardi Gras season. Tom came in as a partner, but handles a few of the larger clients of the company.

His plan is to slowly allow for company representatives to take over his clients so he can focus his attention towards other duties

The company was originally founded by Micheal Laterza in Staten Island and quickly moved headquarters to Hazlet, New Jersey He began as an electrician out of high school and built himself up from there. In 2019, Micheal, alongside Nathan Cabral, grew the business further, focusing on customer service. Other Flash Security locations include Lafayette, Louisiana and Boston, Massachusetts.

Because many of the partners in the company moved from larger to smaller companies, they had an understanding of what larger groups lacked- customer service Tom explained they wanted to be able to provide exceptional customer service, but couldn’t do that through the red tape of large corporate companies.

A LOOK INTO HOW FLASH SECURITY OPERATES.

The considerably small yet mighty security company consists of several lead technicians, technicians and helpers that make up the tiered staffing system, based on experience and knowledge. Project managers, a service manager, an office manager and various assistant managers ensure projects run smoothly and communication flows between the company and customers Micheal and Nathan are the president and vice president of the company, while Tom is an involved partner. The general manager is Jim Segreto, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years, adding further merit to the company’s honorable reputation.

Flash Security naturally conducts background checks as well as drug tests to ensure employees are not only meeting a standard, but exceeding it. The company maintains relationships with multiple technical community colleges to hire recent graduates As a veteran, Tom prides himself in hiring fellow veterans to integrate back into the workforce.

Flash Security Integrators provides consistent company representation to each client to ensure comfort and confidence in their security provider No matter commercial or household, the process remains the same. The company representative consults with the client, meeting them on location to see if there are any special aspects of the property. After a walkthrough and discussing what the client is looking for, the representative meets with one of the engineers to create a few plans based on need and budget, typically taking a week or two to create

The delicate balance of attention to detail and offering as much as possible to clients is a dance only Flash Security could waltz to Services include camera and alarm installments as well as integrating smart home functions to the company’s app. Further keeping pace with technology advancements, the company offers key fobs for apartments and commercial buildings.

Flash Security also offers computer system network infrastructure set-up for commercial buildings. Essentially, they will set-up hardware and software for companies’ complex security and computer functions Tom explained, “We do a lot of new construction, and a lot of companies don’t do that.”

Flash Security provides an easy-to-use app, named after the company, that provides pocket access to fire and security alarm notifications as well as controls for smart home functions. Being able to control home temperature and lighting as well as having access to camera footage away from home can provide an added layer of security for some.

FLASH SECURITY OFTEN GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT SHARE THEIR SUPPORT.

Tom enjoys giving back to communities that support the company, primarily in northern states where the business has been established for longer. Tom mentioned involvement in a children’s autism awareness festival as well as their many donations of alarm systems to schools. To become more involved with Lafayette, Tom is considering veteran aids

When looking towards what's next for Flash Security in the realm of expansion, Tom has put some thought into heading to the West Coast saying, “Not yet and I emphasize yet.”

The Lafayette location can already look forward to growth with its latest addition of office space Tom isn’t one to stagnate, holding a true appreciation for learning and progression. “I wouldn’t still be in the industry if I didn't enjoy it,” Tom laughed

We are so thankful for this opportunity to share the story of Flash Security and welcome them to our 337. They are truly a business that is for our locals and is here to give back.

INTERVIEWED BY: ELISSE NIELSON

WRITTEN BY: CELESTE DENOVA