Armstrong Smarter Security has new owners. After seven years running the Te Rapa-based business, owners Craig Andrewartha and Jo Rea have decided to move on. The new owners are Anton Richter-Visser and Rodger Marshall.
Anton comes to the business with 30 years’ experience in sales and business development. “I was keen for a change,” he says. “I’d been searching for a business and found Armstrong Smarter Security for sale through ABC Business Sales.
“I love technology, fixing things and providing solutions for people. With my strong customer service background, I could see it was a perfect fit.”
Rodger trained as a millwright and initially worked in the automotive manufacturing area but more recently has been a Schindler technician. That experience means Rodger will bring a wealth of technical skills to Armstrong Smarter Security. Rodger’s wife Bronwyn will also be working in the business, running the office.
Armstrong Smarter Security was a green fields franchise when Craig and Jo started the business in 2012. Craig, a master locksmith, had the practical skills to drive the business. “The challenge was getting the message out there, letting people know who we were and what we did,” he says.
“We worked hard, kept building the business and stayed with it. There were lots of small security places around, but not a lot of shops. That was really our point of difference.”
In addition to two mobile vans, Armstrong Smarter Security has a shop for retail and trade customers. Technicians Marcus and Marc cover a big area, taking in most of Waikato and part of King Country. The pair will be staying on with the new owners.
Craig says people’s security needs haven’t changed much over the years, though there has been an increase in keyless entry, and a lot of Armstrong Security’s work involves installation and upgrades. Basically, people just want their homes, businesses and vehicles to be safe and secure, he says. The business provides locksmiths, security alarms, CCTV, safes, access control and key cutting services.
The challenge for Anton and Rodger is to keep growing the business. “We believe there’s huge potential for the alarms and CCTV part of the business,” Anton says. “It’s about offering an integrated approach to access and security systems. We can start with a free security check and design a solution to suit. And we’re there to offer after-sales service, maintenance, upgrades and repairs as needed.”
He says it’s a matter of keeping up with technology and using it to integrate different aspects of security. Armstrong Smarter Security uses hardwired and wireless solutions to keep ahead of potential intruders and keep sensitive areas safe. The technology enables businesses or homeowners to self-monitor, control access and protect property using a computer, tablet or smart phone.
“You’d be amazed what’s available in the security market today, and how sophisticated, yet simple to use, the systems are,” Anton says.
Armstrong Smarter Security is on 577 Te Rapa Road https://www.armstrong.co.nz/locations/waikato/hamilton
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