Re: Some cautions for "Newbies"

[Frank Olson <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Everywhere Man wrote:
> The "question" thread wasn't a serious query regarding the purchase of
> an alarm. It was a post by a sock puppet where they posted my business
> information as if they just discovered Atlantis. They searched, and
> searched, and searched for ages to locate this information when all
> they had to do was read a trade magazine, or check association
> websites. It surely pisses them off that my company is cleaner than the
> Pope's poop chute, and that my reputation is golden. We passed the due
> diligence process with BRINKS which included criminal background,
> credit, and certification checks.The articles on my company deal with
> child safety issues, false alarm reduction, and how to avoid sales
> pressure tactics.
> I closed the company in CT due to the death of my fiancee of ten years,
> yet CT still shows Milford Alarm INC. as having a valid license. The
> license can still be viewed on the State of CT's website. I moved back
> to New York, and after regrouping from my loss I returned to the alarm
> industry. Last year I married a wonderful woman, whom I have known
> since my teens, and we are the proud parents of a 7 week old son.
> I have 14 full time employees, most of whom graduated from Lincoln
> Tech, and went through 3 months of training, plus another week of
> training by a BRINKS rep, and IQ Certification before being allowed in
> the field on their own. One is a former engineer for MIRCOM out of
> Toronto (which is how I learned to speak Can Aye Jun). Most companies
> here throw greenies in the field, but I refuse to.
> Less than five percent of the installs are wireless, and we probably
> use more 18/4 fire-rated cable in a week than most guys here use in a
> year.
> They believe that I was hiding my information from the group, but some
> people here already knew about my company.
> I never posted my company information because I am not here to
> advertise, nor am I here to drum up business. BRINKS advertising, and
> referrals sends me more than enough customers. ASA is not a forum for
> selling ones wares. If I truly wanted to I could hammer the living crap
> out of the prices offered by these DIY websites that are plugged here.
>
> For anyone wishing to see first-hand some of our installs they just
> need to look for a BRINKS sign in Manhattan. You will find us in many
> major businesses, and in many more luxury homes.
>
> To the individual who posted my info I would ask:
> 1- Are you licensed?
> 2- Are you bonded?
> 3- Are you insured?
> 4- Can you pass a criminal background check?
> 5- Do you install systems in a manner that would meet IQ requirements?
> 6- Does your company do an iota of the business that mine does?
> 7- Do you subscribe to my belief that a customer should place more
> emphasis on fire safety than on perimeter protection?
> 8- How many positive business articles were written about you?
> 9- What do you do to better your community? We donate thousands of
> Child Safety kits to area law enforcement, and sponsor numerous events
> for the local Veteran's Hospital.
> 10- Do you work hands-on with law enforcement in an effort to reduce
> false alarms?
> 11- Can you buy a panel for the same price I can buy a kit?
> 12- Do you refuse business when the customer wants something that you
> know is an absolute sham? (kind of like cell back-up in NYC).
>
> I come here to break balls with people with whom I've corresponded with
> for years.
> It annoys the living shit out of some here that behind all of my
> clowning around regarding me having no clue about alarms that I
> actually have more real-life experience when it comes to trouble
> shooting, installations, contractual issues, and service issues than
> the most of the ASA visitors. I also forgot more about sales &
> marketing than most people have ever learned (which either means I have
> gone senile, or I am pretty damn good when it comes to developing
> successful marketing strategies).
> Now if by some chance this forum becomes nothing but a shopping mall
> for potential clients then I might consider hanging the shingle up and
> selling systems, but until such time I'll continue to come here for
> entertainment. To me it's like a bar, minus the drinks, that you visit
> after the work day ends.
>
> And keeping with the OT, I would welcome any and all  "newbies" from NY
> who are shopping for an alarm system to buy to ask advice from anyone
> else here because you need an unbiased opinion. I will not solicit your
> business in any way shape or form here but if you do somehow choose my
> company at the end then I'll gladly accept your business. Don't limit
> yourself to this newsgroup.. There are many top-notch alarm dealers in
> NY.  Take Holger's advice, and get at least 3 bids from local
> companies. Check Robert Campbell's website as it has some of the inside
> dirt on the industry (some of which I disagree with but view his
> opinions nonetheless, and make your own determinations). Insist the
> installing company use nothing less than 18/4 fire-rated cable for
> keypads, power, sirens, motions, smokes, and glassbreaks. Spend more
> money on fire protection than on burglary protection, and make sure you
> test your alarm weekly.
> Stay clear of the DIY route because you're more prone to error and you
> have limited your support to someone who sits at a keyboard all day and
> has limited practical experience.
> Make certain that your alarm system is monitored by a reputable firm.
> Remember that "FREE" only applies to the installation of a basic
> system, but if that's what floats your boat then don't get your shorts
> in a notch when the other shoe drops and you realize you get what you
> pay for.
> Most of all remember to NEVER, EVER, EVER call me during a Yankee game.
> I'd let your house burn to the ground before I'd ever miss an inning
> :-)
>



Congratulations on your recent family "addition", Tom.  He's going to
keep you pretty busy at home when he starts walkin'!  Have you got him a
mitt yet??  :-)