Branding with Smith & Wesson

Nationwide Digital Monitoring Co. of Freeport, N.Y., unveiled plans to launch a new Authorized Security Dealer Network during an integrator focus group held at the ESX show in Nashville.

Behind it all: the name recognition and backing of the Springfield, Mass.-based firm Smith & Wesson. That's coupled with the support from Nationwide, which was one of the first third party monitoring firms in the country.

"Any time is a good time for an integrator to get involved in a dealer network such as the Smith & Wesson Authorized Security Dealer Network," said Wayne Wahrsager, chief executive officer.

"This program is about a branded, professionally installed system," added Howard Avin, vice president of sales and marketing for Nationwide. "Smith & Wesson has a 156-year reputation and in a 2004 brand awareness survey some 87 percent of respondents knew of the name. We know this brand awareness will help dealers get into more homes so they can get more sales," said Avin.

"We want dealers to keep their accounts," he continued. "This is not an account acquisition program. This is about dealers building their recurring revenue."

The company plans to offer equipment from a vendor it will select in the near future. Products will include VoIP, radio, video verification and two-way voice and can be deployed in residential and commercial markets.

"The Smith & Wesson name will present instant credibility and increased profit margins to the security dealer," Wahrsager said.