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ESI has stood as a testament to innovation and dedication in the security industry for more than two decades. Founded 25 years ago, today ESI is a minority-owned and operated business integrating custom security solutions in the greater Houston region. From residential homes to enterprise-level industrial and commercial organizations and government institutions, ESI delivers access control, video surveillance, fire and life safety, and video monitoring.

The creation of ESI is a classic tale of entrepreneurial spirit and family collaboration Robby Burleson, the Senior Manager of PVM Strategy and Business Development at ESI, partnered with his brother, who was in security sales In 1999, they combined their sales and business skills and started ESI, focusing on installing standard camera systems and time-lapse recorders

Over the years, ESI expanded its offerings, integrating more sophisticated technologies like proactive video monitoring and building a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction James Humbert also joined ESI in 2014, and his expertise in integration has been instrumental to the company ’ s success, helping the organization earn the prestigious title of Honeywell Dealer of the Year 2022 and the Netwatch Dealer of the Year in 2022.

Like any successful business, Robby said ESI has faced its share of challenges. In its early days, the company dealt with the frustrations of post-incident customer calls, pulling video footage only to find that the police had limited options for action. ESI evaluated and tested various video verification solutions but found the services needed improvement

Burleson,

In 2018, ESI discovered Netwatch at the ISC West trade show Impressed by Netwatch's unique approach to remote video monitoring, ESI decided to join forces with the organization. This partnership marked the beginning of a new era for ESI, enabling them to offer their customers more reliable and effective security solutions while building a consistent recurring monthly revenue business model

The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to many industries, and security was no exception Traditional business segments like access control and fire alarms saw significant declines However, ESI's PVM services experienced a surge in demand. What started as a mere 2% of ESI's revenue in 2018 grew to an anticipated 40-45% in 2024, demonstrating the company's ability to adapt and thrive.

This growth was not just about numbers it was about meeting customers' evolving needs Many facilities were left unmanned during the pandemic, increasing the demand for reliable remote monitoring solutions

“Our partnership with Netwatch proved invaluable during this period,” Robby said. “Together, our combined services and technologies provided the necessary security and peace of mind for businesses navigating uncertain times.”

ESI is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.

Houston is a highly competitive market but ESI has maintained its edge by emphasizing customer education and delivering quality services The company leverages customer testimonials and showcases its premium offerings, like PVM, to differentiate itself from competitors

ESI's approach to customer care is rooted in a commitment to providing white-glove service from start to finish. This is reflected in their strong track record, boasting more than 100 five-star reviews on their website. Such consistency in customer satisfaction is a testament to the company's values and the hard work of its entire team

A big factor in ESI's success has been its partnership with Netwatch Netwatch's intelligent video monitoring services and comprehensiteam support have been instrumental in ESI's ability to offer top-notch security solutions. Rapid response and deployment are critical in the industry, and Netwatch's support has enabled ESI to meet these demands efficiently.

Netwatch has gone above and beyond in situations requiring urgent deployment, Robby said “Whether responding to support requests or rapidly commissioning systems, Netwatch's team has consistently provided unparalleled support,” he noted “This dedication has helped us build longterm customer loyalty and trust.”

"We recognize the critical role of proactive and AI-powered solutions in shaping the future of our industry," said Robby.

But ESI's success isn’t just about technology it's about people The collaborative relationship with ESI and Netwatch has driven ongoing success because of the two team’s collective effort to work together to ensure success

But there is no time to rest on laurels: ESI continually explores new ways to enhance its offerings and stay ahead of the curve Whether it is a small job or a large deployment, the company's dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in every aspect of its operations ESI's team works tirelessly from the initial consultation to the final installation to ensure a seamless and positive customer experience

ESI's journey from a small startup to an industry leader shows the power of innovation, dedication, and collaborative partnerships. As it continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and maintaining a customer-centric approach will undoubtedly drive its continued success. With a proven track record and a forward-thinking mindset, ESI is well-positioned to lead the security industry into the future.