Not Just Alarms Anymore!

You may not know it from the name, but Certified Alarm Systems Inc. provides much more than just alarms.

In addition to installing commercial and residential security systems, fire systems, camera surveillance systems and access control devices, Certified Alarms is a “technology specialist,” offering customers new commercial and residential construction for telephone, cable, surround sound and central vacuum systems.

“The earlier Certified Alarms is involved in new construction, the better,” says Vice President Dean Burks. “We can offer systems and service packages that save the customer money while building. It is always more costly to retrofit.”

Established in 1991 to meet the security needs of the Baton Rouge area, Certified has grown to nearly 35 specialists who can assist with security consulting, sales, installation and management. Certified Alarm technicians service private homes, corporate offices and small businesses in Ascension, East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, Livingston, and St. Tammany parishes.

What distinguishes Certified Alarms from other security companies is its service-oriented approach and family-
operated atmosphere. Certified Alarms proudly offers an in-house customer service department—a rarity among local security companies. People can walk into the office, talk face-to-face with customer service representatives and get results. This is more effective than being on hold with a call center. “We can come in and do all low-voltage wiring as a package and save the customer money,” says owner Rusty Howard. “All these things may seem diverse, but it is all about technology. We understand technology.”

Howard and wife Jan founded Certified Alarms in order to develop a more personal relationship with customers.
The Howards say they want to make it easier for the people of South Louisiana to feel safe at home and at work.
Security monitoring systems offer business owners many hidden benefits. As a management tool they can help prevent false workers’ compensation claims and increase bottom-line efficiency.

Rather than selling customers on the highest priced system, the associates at Certified Alarms like to work with each client individually to meet their unique security needs. They want what is best for the customer, not their bottom line. As vice president of commercial accounts, Burks wants his clients thinking in terms of growth and always planning for the future. “We ask clients ‘What will your growth be?’ ” Burks says. “We’re concerned with their needs currently and downstream.”

While offering quality security at rates more affordable than ever, Certified Alarms is expanding into a well rounded, diversified company that still meets the needs of its customers personally and promptly. They can wire a house for all of your security, communication and entertainment needs as well as offer high-tech solutions for office safety and surveillance management.

“Our theory is a business is like growing an oak tree,” says Rusty Howard. “We could grow pine trees. They grow tall and fast, but they’re not very strong. I think we’ve grown a live oak.”