Aim for the stars
Alarm company provides down-to-earth service By Melanie Franner
Although Orion Security Systems Ltd. officially started in 1984, company founder Peter Hodgson had been in the security and alarm business many years prior. In fact, he pretty much followed his ancestral past. “My father was in the business before me,” says Hodgson. “That’s how I got into it.” Hodgson became involved with the B.C. school districts in his days before Orion Security Systems. It was his unerring commitment to the job and his service to his clients that won them over when he ventured out on his own. “We currently look after 10 school districts in British Columbia,” he explains. “When I eventually went out on my own and started Orion, many of my existing school clients followed me. So, in a sense, I have been working with schools almost my entire life.”
Building a name Today, Orion Security Systems specializes in the design, installation and monitoring of security and fire systems to 10 B.C. school districts. The company also works with other schools on other projects, in addition to servicing the industrial, commercial and biomedical companies – to a smaller extent. The school districts represent the majority of the business. “We also do some residential installation and service, but it’s mainly because we’ve come to know them through the school business,” says Hodgson. “We’re different from other companies in that we don’t advertise or market ourselves. It’s all word of mouth, and it’s with clients who understand what we do.” 44
Ops Talk • Fall 2015
And what Orion Security Systems does is offer unparalleled, top-notch service. “We absolutely take the utmost care to look after the dayto-day needs of our clients and our clients’ systems,” explains Hodgson. “We’re looking over reports at 6:00 in the morning and on the phone with our clients at 6:30 reporting back. We’re constantly reviewing equipment activity and making sure that the proper maintenance procedures are being done. It’s a very customer-driven business where we have to get it right in order to best protect our clients.” In addition to monitoring security and fire systems, Orion Security Systems also provides video surveillance and recording, multi-site access control over client networks and specialized de-multiplexing equipment for the integration of security technology with building HVAC and lighting systems. The company has also invented some of its own proprietary products, such as the Cats Cradle Working Alone Support System, which is designed to assist the employer in checking on the wellbeing of employees who are working alone.
Face time Having being involved in the security industry since he was fresh out of school, Hodgson has attended his fair number of trade shows over the years. He has been attending the EFMA conference and trade show since 1973 – and has missed only one (1974!) in all that time. “We don’t typically transact any business at the show,” he explains. “I don’t often see people. We’re just a voice over the phone. Clients may see one of my technicians at some point, but then again, they may not. The fact is that I get to see my clients once a year and that’s at the trade show. It’s an opportunity for me to sit down with them, have a conversation, thank them for their business and show them any new stuff that they need to know about. For me, the trade show isn’t about the number of business transactions completed. It’s about having a face-to-face conversation with my customers.” And it’s this sentiment – about transcending the typical business transaction and establishing a rapport with the client – that has enabled Orion Security Systems to outshine and rise above the competition. And it’s this same attitude that will continue to shine and reap benefits for many years yet to come. b
