American Detection Specialists locks down 20 years of safety

Jim Morris has heard every excuse in the book as to why someone doesn't need home or business security.

"I have a dog and a gun."

"I have insurance."

"I don't have anything worth stealing. In fact, I'll help you load up what I have."

Morris started American Detection Specialists 20 years ago to provide security systems for people's homes and businesses. But for him, security does more than barring intruders. His systems can detect fire and carbon monoxide, monitor the actions of nannies and employees and provide a lifeline for people with health issues or disabilities.

"We exist because unpleasant things happen to people," says Chief Operating Officer Bryan Morris, Jim's son who has worked at American Detection since 1993. "All we do is sell peace of mind."

Rapid technology

American Detection's business is split 50-50 between commercial and residential accounts.

Today's security technology is advancing nearly as fast as mobile phone technology. Unlike older systems, American Detection's systems are wireless, which means quicker installation and greater flexibility, and they don't require a landline phone connection to work, due to cellular technology.

Morris says inquiries for home and commercial security rise with unemployment and the downturn in the economy.

"We've been taking a beating just like everyone else has in the last 12 months, but we remain flat," he says.

The cost of six company vehicles, last year's $4 per gallon fuel prices and 25 percent increases in medical insurance have affected the company's bottom line.

In the past several years, the company has seen an increase in requests for security cameras.

"Some of the best work I do is catching someone in the act," Jim Morris says.

Surprisingly, churches are often targets for petty crime. Morris says he helped bust a church choir member who was caught stealing money out of the other choir members' purses during service. His team also installed security cameras outside of a church after the landscape, including bushes and trees, were ripped up from the front lawn.

American Detection also emphasizes the importance of fire and carbon monoxide detection systems.

Tangible savings

Jim Morris has a long track record of protecting others. He's worked as a police officer and a special investigator. He also was employed by three other Springfield security companies before branching out on his own. After seeing a number of fire scenes as a police officer, Morris made it a rule that American Detection would actually walk away from any client that refused fire protection services.

"I like that," Bryan Morris says. "About a half a dozen times a year we help save a life, and that's a real victory."

While people may have more peace of mind with a security system, installing one can also save them money, the Morrises say. "On average, homeowners see a savings on their insurance premiums of 5 (percent) to 15 percent," Bryan Morris notes.

Although stats and stories are a helpful sales tool, Jim Morris says he won't twist an arm to buy security. "I can only tell people what they ought to do for their family," he says. "We are a resource for information. You tell me what makes you uncomfortable in your home, and we'll come up with a solution."

American Detection relies on referrals to garner new business, and Jim Morris says he also find leads at the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield home shows.

"They are active members and have gone above and beyond the call of duty, especially related to the logistics, security and promotion of our trade shows," says Jennifer McClure, HBA director of public affairs.

Bryan Morris remains optimistic for the company's growth.

"If things continue the way they have been until the end of this year, then things should be good, for three reasons: We are in a prosperous area where people are still moving to; (Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President) Jim Anderson and all the city fathers have done a good job of making our economy diverse; and crime, unfortunately, is not going to go down anytime soon."

[[In-content Ad]]American Detection Specialists Inc.

Owner: Jim Morris

Founded: 1989

Address: 440 S. Cavalier Ave., Ste. A, Springfield, MO 65802

Phone: (417) 883-6254 or (800) 400-6254

Web: www.americandetection.com

E-mail: info@americandetection.com

Products/Services: Home and commercial security, fire and medical alert, closed-circuit TV and access control systems

Employees: 11