Message from the President:
By: Robert Few, President & CEO

Making GMS Great Again!

This month marks the end of 2020! I think many are looking forward to putting 2020 behind us and hopefully ushering in a better new year. While 2020 certainly had more challenges than anyone anticipated, I couldn’t be happier to share just some of the improvements we are incredibly proud of at GMS this year!
 
In January, we set out on a path to make major improvements in our business, so that we are able to meet and exceed your expectations as we serve you and your customers. Here are some highlights of our accomplishments over the last 11 months:

  • 65% Decrease in Response Time
  • 63% Decrease in Response Time on Video
  • Average Answer Time is Down 31%
  • Average Hold Time is Down 17%

We are proud of our increased service levels, but I want you to know that we are not stopping here. We have invested in our team and that is reflected in a 30% increase in staff along with all of the professional development and training mentioned in our last newsletter that we have provided for our team this year. Our owners and leadership team are hyper-focused on setting GMS up for success in the years to come.

We completed 3 major data projects this year, leading to a 21% reduction in operator handle time and a 29% reduction in total operator hours spent handling non-priority signals. We are becoming more efficient every month and that translates into better service for you and your customers.

GMS is growing again! We are adding new dealers and many of you are moving even more accounts to us. We are sincerely grateful for your business and we look forward to continuing to earn your business each and every day.

As we conclude the year, I hope you are able to take some time to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. It’s a great time to reflect on all that we have learned this year and to prepare for the New Year. If I can be of assistance to you, as always please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always looking for new ways to support you and your business.
 
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!
 
Robert Few - President & CEO
General Monitoring Services
(201) 838-0091
What’s New with GMS
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
We have a Very Special Announcement this month that we want to share with everyone.

Huge Congratulations are in order for Jessica Lambert, GMS Director of Monitoring Operations, for being selected as one of SSN’s “40 under 40” Class of 2020 prestigious award winners.

Every year Security Systems News recognizes diverse, talented, young security professionals representing the next generation of industry leaders via the yearly “40 under 40” awards.

What does it take to make it in SSN's 40 under 40?
Did You Miss Our Webinar?
Earlier this month, GMS hosted a webinar with Alarm Financial Services, Inc. (AFS). In the webinar, Jim Wooster, of AFS discussed ways you can tap into an often under-utilized asset of an alarm company, its Recurring Monthly Revenue (RMR), to raise capital. This capital can be used to grow through acquisition as well as many forms of organic growth.

Are You Maximizing the Value of Your RMR?
GMS Staff Achievements and Appreciation
Anniversary Mentions
Thank you to Lillian Carmona who has been with GMS for seven years, this December. Lily is an essential part of our Data Entry Dept. and as our in house decorator, Lily brightens the Central Station every holiday with her unparalleled creativity. 

Cynthia Karsh is celebrating her first year with GMS!. In Cynthia's first year at GMS she was named our August Employee of the Month and was recently promoted to her new role as an Advanced Operator. Thank You Cynthia for your hard work and positive attitude.
Featured Articles
Our Dedicated Dealer Support Staff
By Richard Drew, VP of Dealer Relations

Hello, GMS dealers! As we wind down the year, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season and to thank you for being a part of the GMS family.

Like all of you I started the year off with several goals, some of which have proven difficult with the challenges we have all faced this year. One of them was to get out and personally visit as many of you as I could. Unfortunately, the disruptions to all of our businesses made this all but impossible. It looks like there will be light at the end of the tunnel this Spring and I hope to once again be able to see you all as soon as I can.

In the meantime, in the unlikely event, you are unfamiliar with our dedicated Dealer Support staff, I’d like to introduce you to our leadership team.
Industry Insider Insights
Financing the Acquisition of RMR Accounts
By: Jim Wooster, Jr., Alarm Financial Services, Inc.
This is the fourth article in our six-part series outlining the many aspects of making an acquisition and financing that acquisition using the recurring monthly revenue (“RMR”) accounts as collateral. The previous article was titled Conducting Due Diligence For an Acquisition. 

With the purchase price negotiated and the due diligence completed, it’s time for the closing of the RMR account acquisition.
Four Tips to Masterfully Grow Your
Recurring Monthly Revenue
By Richard Brimhall, Co-founder of AlarmHive
Recurring monthly revenue (RMR) is, traditionally, a significant revenue source for independent alarm companies. Compared to one-time revenue, RMR offers a predictable monthly revenue stream without the stress of creating a high number of new sales opportunities. However, RMR presents challenges such as a need for creating long-term value for your services, as consumers always scrutinize monthly subscription costs. Facing this challenge is best addressed by having a deep understanding of RMR.
Technology Partner Updates
Earn a Rebate on Every 3G to LTE Conversion
Start upgrading your security system customers to 4G LTE
What benefits can dealers expect from the radio rebate program? One significant incentive is that security dealers will earn a rebate on every radio upgraded before the March 2021 deadline. Dealers also have an opportunity to upsell customers to the 2GIG® GC2 and GC3 security panels that have delivered legendary performance trusted by millions. Homeowners will be thrilled that this performance will be further maximized with 4G LTE.
Telguard Introduces New TG-7FP Fire Communicator
Telguard, the alarm communication experts, announces the availability of the TG-7FP 4G/5G Sole Path Communicator for Commercial Fire.

The TG-7FP delivers the features and functionality needed most, and it’s perfect for many applications where space, access to power, and budget are considerations. Customers looking for a feature-rich sole path-only fire communicator at a great price need look no further.

Features and benefits:
  • Operates on LTE-M networks for long, sunset-free installations
  • Meets UL 864 and ULC/cUL S559 requirements for sole path communications
  • Powers directly from the fire panel’s 12V/24V auxiliary power source
  • Interfaces with fire panels using a single DACT connection for universal compatibility
Industry News and Tips Links
More Than 50% of Organizations Plan to Increase Investment in Building Technology
Johnson Controls' annual Energy Efficiency Indicator survey finds that more than half of organizations plan to increase investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart building technology next year, comparable with investment trends after the 2010 recession.
Nearly Half of Monitored Homes Want Upgrades
Security research from Parks Associates finds that 41 percent of monitored households with a professional monitoring plan to upgrade their system in the next six months and an equal share plan to self-install an add-on device, with the majority citing the pandemic as a related factor.
NIST Facial Recognition Mask Accuracy Nov 2020 Results Analyzed
In July, NIST found that face masks negatively impacted face recognition created before coronavirus significantly. Now, NIST released a report on recent algorithms developed after Mid-March for testing on face masked subjects.
How Verification Tech is Revolutionizing Alarm Response
Using video and audio to verify intrusion alarms is gaining momentum. Leadership of the Partnership for Priority Verified Alarm Response (PPVAR) explains how smarter technology is slashing false dispatches and optimizing law enforcement response.
Silly Criminal Video of the Month
Referral Program
Current and Active Dealer Partners will receive up to $1,000.00 in the form of an invoice credit for referring a new dealer to GMS for Monitoring Service Solutions.
Monitoring Solutions