Security Sales & Integration July 2023 - 32

of the best
2023 Installer
of the Year
products and brands within the portfolio. In
this way, technicians and sales staff are able to
speak knowledgeably with the customer base.
All that know-how means little if employees
are less than fully engaged - and anything less
than that also results in an employer spinning
its wheels due to high turnover. Empowerment
is one component of that, and so LOUD encourages
employees to be part of the customer
conversation and feel that their voice is heard.
" We value each employee's contribution as an
integral part of our success, " contends Bennett.
John Loud (right) accepts the
SSI 2023 Installer of the Year
Award from John Sullivan of
program sponsor ADI during a
presentation at ISC West.
" When employees know they are valued and respected,
they are better motivated to promote the
LOUD brand in the best possible ways that impact
both employee and customer retention. We
invite input from employees through an opendoor
policy with all management from all levels. "
Another key facet for employees is feeling
like they matter and having the sense of belonging
to a team. And so LOUD also regularly recognizes
employees who serve with excellence.
" We know that it's not just about a payWORKING
SMARTER
LOUD Security has made
a number of technological
improvements within the
company that have allowed
it to focus more on what
leadership believes is
important. That includes
improving its software
automation and phone
system, and continuing
paperless initiatives to
ensure employees have
what they need without
having to get up and search
for it. In addition, LOUD's
sales and installation
teams have worked on
choosing products that
are both easy to sell and
install to ensure being able
to close and complete as
many projects as possible.
32
check, " says Bennett. " We want our team to
feel like family, and we try to remember that
and celebrate together cohesively. Whether it's
individual birthdays or the accomplishments of
a department. LOUD takes the time to recognize
your team and the job they do. "
As an example of that, for National Security
Technician Day, the company surprised
its techs with a companywide breakfast, complete
with banners and Google review posters
highlighting the accomplishments of what can
often be unsung heroes. Other LOUD employee
events: celebratory events and meals
throughout the week; holiday parties; summer
parties at a local lake; company picnics;
group activities (e.g. shooting range, bowling,
even smashing an old company van); company
anniversary trip.
" Last year, LOUD Security took every employee
that had been with us more than five
years to Punta Cana to say thank you for their
years of service. They were each able to bring an
additional guest, " adds Bennett.
Collective Good Is the Goal
Perhaps more than ever, customers and the
public at large prefer to spend their money with
companies that are as much about supporting
the communities in which they conduct business
as they are about the bottom line. By the
same token, employees - particularly the
Security Sales & Integration JULY 2023
younger generation - want to work for organizations
that prioritize people over profits.
LOUD Security, which was a 2023 finalist
for an SSI SAMMY Award in the category of
Best Community Outreach Program, embodies
those qualities.
The firm supports many nonprofit services
around the greater Atlanta area and supports
many local commerce associations and chambers
to encourage business community growth.
LOUD also attends and services several local
festivals to immerse itself on an ongoing basis
as part of the surrounding community fabric.
" We are involved with local ministries such as
MUST as well as first responders, " says Widner.
" Often, it's John Loud himself and sometimes
recruiting LOUD employees to raise funds for
local organizations such as Strand Theater's
Adult Spelling Bee, benefitting Communities
in Schools, Red White and You, supporting
area military families, and others. "
Around the Thanksgiving holiday, LOUD
employees have cooked and delivered deep-fried
and smoked turkeys to many local police and fire
departments throughout nearby communities.
As mentioned at the outset, with John
Loud leading the charge, LOUD Security is
also exceedingly involved in the industry itself
through assorted trade groups and committees.
In addition to his present chairman post
with ESA, Loud has served as president of the
Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Security Association.
He is also working with local police
departments to discuss state legislation that
would increase life safety for LOUD customers,
benefit local installers and promote cooperation
among all. Loud also often speaks at security
conventions, and contributes expertise to trade
publications (he is a member of the SSI Editorial
Advisory Board) and local news outlets.
" LOUD Security is a strong advocate to
our state association, the national association
and even local business chambers, " Widner
confirms. " John Loud is also an important advocate
for our industry nationwide and uses
his influence to encourage other companies to
be involved in their local and national associations. "
Leading
by example, Loud encourages employees
to lend their time and talents at speaking
and training engagements to share with
other companies nationwide.
" We ascribe to the firm belief that we are all
stronger together, " concludes Widner. SSI
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Security Sales & Integration July 2023

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