General Security ranked 33RD OUT OF THE NATION ’ S TOP 100 SECURITY COMPANIES in leading industry magazine SDM .
GENERAL SECURITY INC . has been delivering safety and security solutions to clients across the northeast for more than 30 years . But before the family- owned business served clients ’ alarm and security needs , this Plainview-based business was a powerhouse residential and commercial oil company .
REALIZING OPPORTUNITIES
Founder Ed Minicozzi Sr . started General
Utilities in 1959 , with a vision of building three business lines — oil , alarm , and real estate . The oil heating company ’ s original lone service van and oil truck evolved into one of the largest oil heating companies on Long Island . General Utilities provided commercial and residential oil services and later expanded the business by purchasing and running oil terminals on Long Island .
The family business broke into the alarm space in the 1970s . Over time , the family kept reinvesting in their business , including real estate , which son Steve Minicozzi oversees . In 2017 , the company , led by president Ed Minicozzi Jr ., sold the retail oil business to focus on growing the alarm business .
Today , General Security is ranked 33rd in the nation by SDM ( Security
Distributing and Marketing ) magazine among companies that provide security systems and services to both residential and commercial customers . With nine locations spanning from Buffalo , New York , to Miami and more than 70,000 subscribers , General Security has proven to be a major player in the alarm and security space .
“ We have the resources and reach of a large corporate company , but as a family-
owned business , we bring a personal touch for customer service ,” says Michael Minicozzi , grandson of founder Ed Sr . and director of operations at General Security . “ We have the flexibility and range to cater to all clients — residential and commercial clients of all sizes , with the full spectrum of security and automation , from basic security to intricate access control systems , fire alarms , and camera systems .”
FROM PUTTING OUT FIRES TO CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS
For decades , the security and alarm industry remained unchanged — alarm companies provided services for residential and commercial needs responding to fires and alarms . With the advent of new technology , the industry changes almost daily as customers gain greater control over the widespread use of smart devices . Security and alarm companies like General Security have transitioned from providing a service to providing a complete solution . “ Security systems , lighting , and other smart home features can be controlled on a phone ,” Minicozzi says . “ Customers can check in on their homes or businesses even when they ’ re away . As products continue
to evolve , General Security and our experienced technicians adapt , too .”
Al Staab , director of sales and marketing , says General Security maintains tight relationships with vendors and partners to stay on top of the latest technology and devices .
“ Our sales model has shifted from just offering people peace of mind to creating complete solutions to meet a client ’ s needs ,” Staab says .
A STRONG PRODUCT LINE
General Security delivers state-of-the-art security solutions grounded by the values of a family-owned company . As the business grows into new regions , the company works to maintain strong relationships and shared knowledge , investing in product training to stay on top of new technologies .
8
SNB . COM // CONNECT INNOVATION FALL 2020 // RANKED ONE OF FORBES ' BEST BANKS OF 2020