Wow . . . It's a Live Person!

Automated Voice Mail. Automated Voice Systems. "Press '1' for service; Press '2' for sales; Press '3' if it is an emergency . . .

We are living in a world where phone automation is the norm for most businesses. Some, however, have held on to the belief that a live person answering the phone is actually an outstanding, if not preferred, way to greet callers.

At Atronic Alarms, you will be disappointed if you call in expecting to get an automated voice answering system. You won't get to push buttons for the proper department or call back 2 or 3 times because you were disconnected.

Instead, you will likely get Iris, the front desk receptionist who handles the phone with ease and politely answers your questions or directs you to the person who can.

Sometimes you will get Alysia, who moved from the front desk into marketing and sales. Then there is Chrissy, the monitoring coordinator, who will answer the phone when Iris is on the other line.

You see, Atronic still has this old fashioned belief that a real person can help another real person far more efficiently and with a much higher level of satisfaction than an automated voice. And not only that, but these people are nice.

In fact, on occasion you may hear Barb, the accounting manager, answer the phone, or Nell, the general manager. Todd and Neil have even picked up the phone. A call coming in is a client needing help. Ringing phones do NOT go unnoticed at Atronic Alarms.

As for Perry? He is in the back office with a phone to his ear, but he has picked up that receiver once or twice if everyone else is busy, "Atronic Alarms, this is Perry."

Can you say that for most company presidents?

Local Non-Profit Uses Security Systems in their Fight Against Domestic Violence

LENEXA, KAN, June 9, 2011 - Victims of Domestic Violence in the Kansas City metro area have the option of receiving the services of the Domestic Violence Protection Services Agency (DVPSA), a non-profit organization that offers additional protection services to these victims and their families.

With services that range from physical protection to education and increasing awareness and more recently, home security systems, the DVPSA works with local shelters across the metro to continually provide assistance to those who want to transition to a life free of abuse.

Wade Thomas, the founder of the agency who has a background in protective services, said that he started the program back in 2009 because he saw clear gaps in the domestic violence system. He felt he could help people who had separated from their abusers but whose lives were still in danger.

“Many people receive help in leaving an abusive relationship but then discover that their abusers continue to be a threat. Our primary initiative assigns off-duty police officers to victims in order to provide a physical body of protection for people who are being threatened after separating from their abusers,” Thomas said.

When he designed the business plan back in 2008, Thomas knew that in working with donations and fund-raising events the organization’s ability to provide 24-hour protection would be limited depending on the amount of support they received from the community. Additionally, he realized that unless other layers of security were added they couldn’t properly protect victims around the clock at an affordable rate. In May, he approached Atronic Alarms, Inc., a locally owned and operated security company in Lenexa, Kansas, and talked with them about additional services.

“When Wade asked for our help we didn’t even hesitate,” said Todd Harrison, operations manager of Atronic Alarms, Inc. “The vision of this organization is exceptional and we can assist them by providing the consulting, design and installation of quality security systems for these victims.”

According to Harrison, with special protocol setup a monitored security system can dispatch the police immediately if there is an alarm.

Atronic Alarms recently finished a security installation in a metro-area home where the women’s abuser had threatened her life and the lives of her family. Unfortunately, as in most cases, the restraining order she had set up will not guarantee their safety.

“Can you imagine living your life in a constant state of fear, not ever knowing when your abuser is going to show up at your house . . . your work? That is what these women live with on a daily basis and it is far more prevalent than the general population is aware of,” Thomas said. “With Atronic’s help we are now able to offer a monitored security system to these victims and their families who might not otherwise be able to afford it.”

DVPSA receives it’s funding through donations and their annual 5K run/walk held in August in downtown Kansas City, The Rivalry Run: Kansas vs. Missouri.

“The Rivalry Run is our biggest fundraiser,” Thomas said. “It is a fun way to raise awareness and help prevent domestic violence. We are thankful for our many sponsors and participants who support this event. We hope to see you August 20th.”

Atronic Receives New Awards and Achievements

This year at the International Security Conference (ISC) West in Las Vegas, Todd Harrison and Neil Atha represented Atronic Alarms to receive for the first time the Honeywell Dealer of the Year Second Place in Dodger's Group Award.

Atronic was also given the recognition as a Panasonic I-Pro Gold Dealer and was a finalist (top three) in the nationwide SAMMY's Dealer of the Year and Best Newsletter category. Atronic has been a finalist in the SAMMY Award program for the last 3 consecutive years.

The Atronic Holiday Celebration

It was a grand site to see on December 12th as 31 Atronic employees, plus their guests, joined Perry and his wife, Kathy, for the staff Holiday party at Jack Gage Tavern on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.

Photo #1 Perry Atha and Todd Harrison hand out gifts. #2 The Buffet. #3 Rob Kemp video chats with staff.

The fun started in the afternoon with a buffet and door prizes given away by Todd Harrison, operations manager. After surviving many lean years in the struggling economy, Atronic celebrated their employees by handing out many wonderful gift cards and gifts . . . one being a new iPad.

Gifts and drinks aside, it was the heartfelt speech that Perry gave, thanking his staff for the hard work each one puts into the company, and the video chat between cancer patient Rob Kemp and staff, which left a special place inside everyone's heart that day.

Barb Suggs, accounting manager, smiles with her daughter. For more photos, visit the Atronic Alarms' Facebook Page.

The "Thanks" in Thanksgiving

Todd Harrison, operations manager of Atronic Alarms, sent out an email the day before the Thanksgiving holiday asking people what they were thankful for. He then told them that he was thankful for "the opportunity to work with each and every one of you."

He asked that each one, if they would like to participate, "reply to all" and send his or her moment of thanks to everyone in the company.

Everyone responded, and aside from the expected practical jokes that were included (one sent a picture of beer) the theme throughout the employees was gratitude for family and their current work environment.

One employee responded, "I am ... thankful that over 22 years ago I came to work here for a person and company that I can respect and count on."

When Perry started the company in 1982, his philosophy of a strong, well-balanced workplace always included personal time and family. This foundation assists in drawing quality people to the Atronic team where many have decided that Atronic Alarms will be the company from which they will retire.

Like a family tied together by blood, by marriage, or by friendship, the professionals of Atronic Alarms, Inc. are tied together by loyalty . . . and it is moments like these that help reinforce the bond that all of them have for one another.

Atronic Winner of Ingrams 2010 Best Companies to Work for in Kansas City

Atronic Alarms is proud to announce their most recent accomplishment as one of the businesses in Kansas City who won the 2010 Best Companies to Work For, sponsored by Ingram's Business Magazine.

Companies were chosen based on their management practices, training and development opportunities, pay and benefits, work environment, financial outlook and community service.

"Even though the economy has been tough, we have pulled together as a company to continue to provide excellence to our clients," said Todd Harrison, operation's manager. "Some days are tougher than others, but the staff we have, each one outstanding in his and her position, finds pride in this commitment."

Atronic was a winner in the Small Companies Category, and is featured in the June issue of Ingrams magazine.

"It was a great honor to be selected as one of the winners. There's no better way to say this to your team that "you're doing a great job," Harrison said.

Visit www.atronicalarms.com or www.ingramsonline.com for more information.