NSCA told Security Magazine the winners of its 2009 Excellence in Business Awards today: Copp Systems Integrator will receive the Strategic Advancement award; Sharp’s Audio Visual is being honored for its Marketing Strategies; Halco Life Safety Systems will be recognized for Project Development; Verrex Corporation is receiving the honor for its Growth Strategies; and Safeguard Security and Communications is the recipient of the Recurring Revenue award.

“Business owners and managers are all evaluating ways to run their companies more smoothly and cut costs,” said Ray Bailey, president of Lone Star Communications and Business and Leadership Conference planning committee member. “These companies exemplify the strategies needed to ensure a growing and stable business during tough economic times.”

This year’s recipients used creative, visionary strategies to build successful business models and receive the distinct honor of an Excellence in Business Award.

Copp Systems Integrator was looking for additional ways to grow business beyond the traditional model of bidding for jobs. The company’s move to a business-to-business model meant Copp would have to implement more proactive and sales-oriented methods. Copp realized that becoming a great integrator meant investing in the resources to do so. Consequently, the company focused on applications specific to customer needs, sales training, a new quote system and strategic relationships with former competitors.

Sharp’s Audio Visual’s traditional marketing methods worked well, but the company chose to run national television commercials to set itself apart. The commercials range from client testimonials to abstract, and have helped increase business. The commercials aired to a variety of audiences during local evening news, top 10 television shows and the Super Bowl.

Halco Life Safety Systems ensured more efficient use of time, accurate billing and better rates for customers when it automated job processes with simple software applications. After each job is complete, the entire team can review the project data and discuss successes and areas for improvement. This has led to improvements in profits per job, personnel issues and internal communications for a productive and happy work place.

Verrex Corporation recognized that core client requirements were critical to the company’s success. Verrex’s goal was to expand its market by increasing systems usage per core customer. To do that, the company developed a customer-centric environment and built relationships by focusing on local A/V needs. After this initial establishment, it can expand to regional, national and international levels. 

Safeguard Security and Communications knew it couldn’t grow without understanding the importance and value of recurring revenue. Between 1996 and 2008, the company’s annual revenue increased from $6.3 million to $34 million; monthly recurring revenues jumped from $125,000 to $458,000. Integral to this process was Safeguard’s intent to maintain strong monthly recurring revenue, which allowed it to purchase and expand into a commercial integration company.

Systems integrators who showed exemplary and successful business strategies were selected to receive the Excellence in Business Awards from self- or peer-nominated applications. Award winners will receive one complimentary admission to the NSCA Business and Leadership Conference, sponsored by InfoComm International, February 26-28, in Phoenix, AZ., as well as recognition during the opening ceremonies.