see below for The Alarm Exchange

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comments on compliance companies
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Ken
I recently had a similar situation with a compliance company. A large property management company who just had us jump through piles of hoops to clear us a couple years ago turned around and hired another company to manage their qualified vendors list. I’m guessing the cost paid by the property management firm is subsidized by the vendors who want to do business with them. We don’t have much business with the company. About $2K worth of RMR and would have to pay about $400 a year if we bend the truth and claim to have 10 employees or less. Good chance they would pick up on this and we would have to pay substantially more. So we have to pay a minimum of 20% of our RMR just to keep doing business with them.
K
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Dear Mr. - Mrs. B. Nonymous
So if we all stand FIRM...... Don't do business with them!!
C
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Hi Ken,
The answer is a resounding yes, bend over, compliance companies are going to screw us. Compliance companies, customer drafted contracts, compliance companies with customer drafted contracts. This one really has impacted my pocket so I could rant about it. Sorry for the b%#ch fest.
We have seen the introduction of customer drafted contracts and the use of compliance companies for at least 10 years now. Most if not all of the commercial customers I come across use some kind of compliance service or customer drafted contract (imagine Kens contract in reverse). I have had contracts placed in front of me that are outrageous, completely one sided and will surely put you out of business and leave you homeless if (when) you have a problem. I had one company present me with a contract that said we would be on the hook for not only anything that we could cause in the building, but also anything anyone could cause in the building. A plane could have hit the building and we would be liable. Sign at your own risk I guess. I have had insurance requirements where my broker said to me they have never seen such high limits or the requirement does not even make sense. I have customers that want insurance limits of 10 million on an account worth $1000 a year. Many of these contracts or compliance companies want the owner (us) personally liable. Most of these companies have fees, anywhere from 80$ to 2000$ per year to "maintain compliance". Then, they shop your bid out so you are undercut by a few bucks and will lose the business. They do not care about quality, if you can provide the credentials required and beat the price by a few bucks, the work is yours. NICET, U.L., State license, Quality, reputation, 15 years in business, whatever... who cares if you can save me 20 bucks a year. Most of these contracts are short, cancelable at any time without penalty and not recurring. What value does that bring to the company? Who would pay 35x rmr to buy that type of a contract? What good is a 1 month contact with a huge liability attached to it? It would be like buying a death sentence.
Lately, I have had most of the vendors that sell me equipment look to protect themselves in a similar way. Forget pulling my credit to see we have never paid a bill late in over 15 years in business and have no negative strikes against us in any way, they want me to sign a personal guaranty with my personal assets and house attached. My business bank has been looking to get me to sign a personal guaranty on business accounts I have had for 15 years and have always paid on time! They do it in a very sneaky way. They are not clear in what they are asking for and start by asking your secretary to "give me his home address" or pretend like we are re-signing something we have already signed. They typically respond with, "gee, no one else has a problem with it".
It is clear that in this scenario ,we the contractors are to be the fall guys for any problems. The manufacturers, the clients, the vendors that sell you equipment, the banks that lend us the money, they are all looking for us to be liable and the compliance company to make sure our necks are securely in the noose. They wish to turn us into the insurance company and the patsy if anyone screws up. You will go out of business and be homeless if you ever have a legal issue. I am now seeing residential customers starting to use the same contracts or compliance companies. I am sure Angies list will soon provide this service available to all ( for a nominal monthly fee).
I have seen our business model evolve in my 25 years in this industry. We cannot expect it to stop. This one will really impact our ability to build our equity (i.e. the thing that gives me a reason to live). Equity is the only thing left as we all know profits went out the window many years ago. How do you give away service and installs when their is no long term contract to recoup the costs and build equity? The answer is simple, you cannot. All of these companies that sign up for this new corporate model will be out of business at some point. You have to turn a profit to stay in business and you have to protect yourself. Those are two fundamentals as basic to us as food and shelter. Without those two basics the businesses that sign into this new program will fail.
Until then, I am concerned about staying in afloat. It could be a long time.
Robert Garfield III, SET
NICET Level IV-#92789
Fire alarm Systems
World Life Safety, Inc.
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Compliance company is just another "bull" entity making money killing American economy. That's besides government bureaucracy throwing their work at you to fine you if you don't do it right. Our country is on mudslide if you haven't noticed yet. The light at end of tunnel is oncoming train. My apology for putting it so harsh, but look around - see for yourself.
Dusan
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Ken,
Recent posts regarding Compliance Companies asked for positives and negatives. My only experience with these companies was when a couple of management companies came on board with properties that I have existing contracts with. Fortunately, these new property management companies were using the same compliance company so I only had to go around the block once with them. On the positive side, let me think for a second. A second is all I need because I found no positives. Even the on site managers found no positives. It was causing them problems as they were losing long term small dependable vendors due to unobtainable requirements.
The first negative I encountered was that I was being charged a registration fee by the compliance company. It totaled 1/3 of my annual income from this account. The next item was that they wanted new agreements signed which were cookie cutter construction agreements, most of which have nothing to do with the services we provide to the client. Construction vehicles, use of construction entrances, osha regulations, picking up trash, hours work can be done, scheduling with other trades.....really! These are existing locations and we simply monitor their alarm from an off site location. I told the management company that I would entertain a review of an agreement that was directly crafted toward the services that we are performing but nothing else since it would be a waste of everyone's time and money. Furthermore the agreements the clients have were already reviewed and accepted by the owners and attorneys. Of course the management company threatened to stop payment and I reminded them of no ticky no laundry along with notification to the fire department. The major issue was the insurance amounts and limitations or deletions of other provisions. Our agreement, in force at the time, did say that if the client wanted higher levels of insurance coverage that they would be responsible for the higher costs to the company. I didn't balk at their request for higher insurance coverage, I just asked for an address to send the bill. They wanted dishonest employee insurance as well, which I do carry. However, the amount of coverage that they were requiring was 100 times the norm. The insurance carrier wanted a financial audit of both companies to write that level of policy so that demand went away real quick. I did find out, at least from the one client (the owner, not the management company) that none of this is cut in stone. If it was going to be a financial burden on either party than they could waive any or all of the requirements for a vendor. I see this as a wave of new out sourcing that may or may not prove to be a smart business move on the management companies part since they themselves are under contract with an owner. There can be a lot of damage to long term relationships in a short time. Just how far and fast it will become common place is yet to be seen. I do know that both of these clients have since replaced their management companies and the new ones do not use a compliance company. Good news for me and I am glad I was able to hold off the signing of that cookie cutter contract. Bad news is that all of us need to decide what jungle we want to play in. In some jungles one needs to have an elephant gun or they become part of the food chain.
Robert M. Worthy CPP, President
Secur Technologies, Inc.
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The Alarm Exchange
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This area is reserved for alarm company announcements, solicitations, offers, etc. Those wishing to sell or buy; borrow or lend; dealer program or dealer; central stations; insurance brokers; business brokers, insurance companies. Equipment to sell; looking for employees; subcontractors; mergers;
There is no charge to post a listing here. The listing is subject to review and approval and will be posted for approximately 10 days unless renewed. Include your contact information, phone, email and web site. Posting by category will depend on response to this forum. Send your post to Ken@KirschenbaumEsq.com. To see the most current postings go to https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/article/the-alarm-exchange
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Help Wanted:
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Key West FL Alarm Company seeking experienced alarm technician. Send resume with references and salary requirements to scotts@barnesalarmsystems.com. No phone calls please.
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Long Island Central Station Alarm Company looking for experienced alarm technicians and central station operators. Excellent salary and benefits. E-Mail hr@lowittalarms.com or call 516-433-6960 ext. 215.
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Oakland, CA company looking for experienced electronic technician – alarms, CCTV, access control, intercoms, etc. Send resume and references to HR@reedbrothers.com or call Nancy at 800-400-5625 x158
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Long Island, NY based fire and security technology manufacturer is looking for:
1. experienced installation technicians who are interested in exploring a technical support role.
2. a Fire Product Marketing Manager to join their team in the company HQ in Amityville, NY
3. a Software Quality Assurance Tester
Send a current resume and salary requirements in confidence to rbaker@napcosecurity.com
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Indianapolis, IN - Hoosier Security call 317-644-0570 or send resume to: armando@hoosiersecurity.com Actively seeking installation contractors and sales personnel experienced in alarm and digital CCTV.
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Eastpointe Michigan alarm company has an opening for an experienced alarm tech/installer, great salary, benefits, truck, medical. Call Hank Luks 586-772-6100 or email to www.controllor@aol.com
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San Antonio Texas based company is looking for experienced residential, commercial and fire alarm salesmen as well as experienced alarm installers. Submit resume via e-mail to Gmunford@saalarms.com Glenn Munford, President. Phone 210 342-3100 www.sanantoniosecurityalarms.com
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Washington DC area Home Automation company seeking experienced alarm technicians. Send resume with references and salary requirements to jobs@american-automation.com
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Western Suffolk alarm company looking for exp'd office help- exp in Microsoft office, downloading of alarm panel, inventory, collections, sales and general office help. Send resume to Jeanne@checkmatesecurity.com
631 669-3303 www.Checkmate Security
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Northern New Jersey Fire Protection Company is looking for an experienced Fire Alarm Technician, with at least 3 years’ experience. Send resume to laura@cityfire.com
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NJ Alarm Company (Bergen County), seeking a Central Station Operator for the 5pm – 12:00pm shift. Email resume and salary requirements to service@merchantsalarm.com . No phone calls please.
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California and Texas alarm company seeking Central Station Manager, Customer Service Manager, Operations Manager, Sprinkler Operations Manager, Service Manager, Project Manager, Service Technicians, Lenel Certified Technicians, Installers, Fire Testers, Reg 4 Fire Testers, Service Dispatchers, Central Station Dispatchers, and Sales Representatives in locations throughout California and Texas. email resume to bwatkins@ssdsystems.com
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Union, NJ alarm company looking for Service Technician, Installation Technician, and
Administrative Assistant. Send resume to humanresources@supremealarm.com
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Clifton, N.J. based alarm company looking for an aggressive sales person. commercial and residential fire alarms, burglar alarms, CCTV systems, Door Access Control Systems, Intercoms, etc. We are looking for a motivated self started, a professional with proven results and references. If you have the experience, product knowledge and drive call 1-800-486-5019 and ask for Tom Sr. or email tomsr@tralarm.com http://tralarm.com/
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Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) is looking for an experienced Regional Sales Manager for the North East Region covering Metro NY, E. PA, Long Island & Northern NJ. We are looking for a Sales executive with five or more years of sales and territory management experience or dealer direct selling in the region. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Matt Schweiger at 417-693-3988 or email at mschweiger@dmp.com.
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Merger and Acquisitions
NY - looking to purchase fire alarm subscriber accounts in New York metropolitan area. call Bob WIlliams at Briscoe Protective Systems Inc at 888 274 7263 ext 211 or email bobw@briscoeprotective.com All calls strictly confidential
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Southeast Arkansas. Security Integration co very lucrative agricultural vertical market, but having difficulty attracting and retaining installers to keep up with our workload. Primarily commercial/industrial integration but with approx. 240 monitored alarm accounts. Largely residential, upscale accounts with approx. 20% commercial accounts. Will consider either selling alarm accounts to focus on surveillance/access control or will consider selling all and work as regional sales manager for purchaser. Market has loads of potential. For confidentiality reasons, please contact me at my "other" email address hogshogshogs@att.net.
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Central Stations
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Nationwide Digital Monitoring - monitoring all of America UL Listed; NYC FD approved
800 221 0826 www.NationwideDigital.com Contact Alan Ankeles aankeles@NationwideDigital.com
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U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp - monitoring throughout the United States Bart Didden 877-872-1266
bdidden@usacentralstation.com www.usacentralstation.com
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United Certified Central Station Inc - monitoring the New York City metropolitan area. NYC Fire Dept approved and UL Listed. Dana Goffer 212 206 0900 x 301 http://www.weprotect.com/Monitoring%20station.html
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Counterforce Central Alarm Services Corp UL Listed NYC FD approved contact Phil Blair 718 575 3333
Phil@counterforcecentral.com http://counterforcecentral.com/services/index.htm
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Metrodial Central Station - FDNY Approved and UL Listed. Contact Andy Lowitt at 866-900-METRO or andy@metrodial.com www.metrodial.com
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COPS Monitoring: Nationwide Burglary, Fire, PERS, Video, & Critical Environmental monitoring from 5 central stations copsmonitoring.com http://copsmonitoring.com/lp/kk.html or call Betty at 800-367-2677 x 1256
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All American Monitoring – throughout USA. UL, Five Diamond, licensed LisaF@AllAmericanMonitoring.com or call 800 318 9486 x 212 www.AllAmericanMonitoring.com
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RESPONSE CENTER USA – Monitoring burglar and fire alarms. PERS (Medical Alarms) Specialists UL Listed.
contact JD Benfer 866-489-4105 jdbenfer@rc-usa.com
www.rc-usa.com
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United Central Control, Inc. - UL Listed, 5 Diamond Certified, serving the entire USA - contact Kathryn Schultz - 866-907-4712 or kschultz@teamucc.com http://www.teamucc.com/
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AvantGuard Monitoring Centers : UL 2050 Listed, 5 Diamond, Fully Redundant Central Stations Specialize in PERS monitoring. Contact Troy Iverson 877-206-9141 www.agmonitoring.com
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Electronix Systems Central Station Alarms Inc., UL Listed, FDNY Approved
and Five Diamond Rated. Contact Jacqueline Jones
jackiej@electronixsystems.com (631) 271-4000 www.electronixsystems.com
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SentryNet monitoring nationwide, Canada and Mexico - UL and 2050 listed; FM Certified. Contact Kurt Erdman kerdman@sentrynet.com 800-932-3304 www.sentrynet.com
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Grand Central Station – monitoring of burglary, fire and video verification services throughout the United States. UL Listed Benny M. Martinez 800-230-1654x136 bmartinez@gcsmonitoring.com www.gcsmonitoring.com
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Security Response Center – alarm monitoring across Canada – ULC Listed
Beverley Champagne 888-346-6302 bchampagne@src.net http://src.net/
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Central Security Communications, Inc. monitoring throughout USA since 1963; UL listed; Denver Fire License; redundancy; family owned/operated 1-888-8ALARM8 Natalie@centralsecurity.com www.centralsecurity.com
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Business Brokers / Consultants
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Ron Davis Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group Inc rdavis@graybeardsrus.com Office 847 955 2345
Cell: 847 910 7716 www.graybeardsrus.com
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Mitch Reitman S.I.C. Consulting, Inc. Tax and Financial services 817-698-9999 MReitman@sicc.us www.sicc.us
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Rory Russell Acquisition & Funding Services www.afssmartfunding.com (800) 354-3863 Cell 518-366-5111
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Barry Epstein - Vertex Capital - representing Buyers and Sellers in Life Safety Industry. bepstein4@sbcglobal.net cell:972-740-2740
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Insurance brokers / insurance companies for alarm industry
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Alice Cornett Giacalone, Senior Vice President - selling alarm E&O throughout the United States
Central Insurance Agency, (800) 917-2542 aliceg@ciainsures.com www.ciainsures.com
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Ralph A.Costa - specializes in alarm insurance in New Jersey and other states 973 835 8444
ralph@burglaralarminsurance.com http://www.burglaralarminsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC1
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Security America Risk Retention Group Alarm industry owned and sponsored E&O insurance – Call SARRG at 1-866-315-3838, or info@securityamericarrg.com. www.securityamericarrg.com
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Premier Alarm Insurance, Kristin Sikorski, Isle of Palms SC 29451 1-800-792-1728
info@premieralarminsurance.com www.premieralarminsurance.com
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Rick Gombar Insurance Services, Inc. CA. Rick Gombar, President 800-446-6227
Rick@gombarinsurance.com www.gombarinsurance.com
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Eclipse Marketing & Insurance Services. Larry St John, CIC, Pres. 800-530-4448, LStJohn@eclipseinsurance.com - ins for alarm industry www.eclipseinsurance.com
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Financial Services
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Alarm Financial Services - funding for alarm dealers throughout the United States.
www.alarmfunding.com or call Jim Wooster 866-204-9350x12
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RMRFunding - Alarm account funding. www.rmrfunding.com Contact David Tropper (855) 767-1900 dtropper@rmrfunding.com
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Educational and Training Programs
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New York State alarm license Approved 81-HOUR License Course www.mbfaa.com
contact Alan Glasser (718) 894-6712 mbfaa.ny@gmail.com
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NYS 81 hour approved training - contact NYBFAA 814-838-3093 Info@NYBFA.org) www.NYBFA.org
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New Jersey Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm & Locksmith training. Exam Prep Training Series, Practice Exam and approved CEU courses. see www.NJCEUcenter.com or call Bob Shoremount 908-637-8557
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Attrition Busters Presentations-Seminars-Workshops-Consulting www.attritionbusters.com
contact Bob Harris(818) 730-4690 bobh@attritionbusters.com

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Florida Alarm School. FASA and BASA classes. Mike Fletcher mfletcher@heeth.com 813 621 2333 www.floridaalarmschool.org. Upcoming classes Oct 24 - Pensacola - Renewal; Oct 25/26 - Pensacola - New Agent; Oct 29/30 - Tampa - New Agent; Nov 2 - Gainesville - Renewal; Nov 7 - Miami - Renewal; Nov 8/9 - Miami - New Agent

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Marketing for the Alarm - Security Industry
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Bob Maunsell - Security Marketing Guru - www.SecurityMarketingGuru.com 508-835-1123 support@securitymarketingguru.com
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Security Dealer Marketing - full-service marketing agency for security businesses David Morgan
888-572-4450 x100 dmorgan@securitydealermarketing.com www.securitydealermarketing.com
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Technical Support
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Fire Alarm System Engineering
Fire Alarm Design Services. Complete code consulting, basis for design reports, AutoCAD, submittal documents. PE and NICET IV on staff. NY, NJ, PA areas. Contact Joseph Hayes, SET 914-645-1289 or HayesCPP@optonline.net
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Systems Support Specialists - Technical consultants for Central Station Services & Installation Services, Custom Programming, End User Solutions, Product Evaluations, and Technical training - Contact Mark Fischer - mfischer@systemssupportspecialists.com or (631) 850-0084 www.systemssupportspecialists.com
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Certified System Design – Central Station Facility Design, Automation Platform Conversion Management, Organizational Development, Operational Reviews, and Operational Support. For all things Central Station – Contact Dave Mann (443) 452-9235 or dmann@certifiedsystemdesign.com www.certifiedsystemdesign.com
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Miscellaneous
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Printers MonitoringContracts.com. Authorized printers for the Kirschenbaum Contracts TM. 866 322 4906 sales@MonitoringContracts.com www.monitoringcontracts.com
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alarm contracts - get them at www.alarmcontracts.com
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alarm company valuation - go to www.WhatsMyAlarmCompanyWorth.com
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Legal service for acquisition or sale of accounts. Contact Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq
at 516 747 6700 ext 301, Jennifer Kirschenbaum,Esq at 516 747 6700 ext 302 or Dennis Stern, Esq at 516 747 6700 ext 323

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Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq
Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC
Attorneys at Law
200 Garden city Plaza
Garden City, NY 11530
516 747 6700 x 301
email: ken@kirschenbaumesq.com
phone: 516 747 6700
web: http://www.kirschenbaumesq.com