Security Business Grows
Jim Hart, West Linn Tidings newspaper

November 6, 2006 - Two local powerhouses of digital technology joined forces, formed a new company and are forging ahead to seek national recognition. On the horizon for EYESthere™ Inc., a West Linn business offering digital video security, is the formation of corporate headquarters in Dallas, and expansion into as many as 60 national franchises – including West Linn’s corporate franchise. Using a new generation of technology, EYESthere™ was the brainchild of a trio of motivated West Linn entrepreneurs: Randy Andrews and brothers Rick and Rob René.

Andrews, founder and former owner of Logan Digital Security of West Linn, and the Renés founded the company a few months ago. “This is a new twist on an old business.” Andrews said. “Instead of using videotapes, we record digitally. That allows you to record for weeks without videotapes, and you can view your camera links live over the Internet.” By putting their intellect and resources together, they were able to found the new company – which Andrews said is probably the first in the country to promote franchises for digital video security. “The first step (currently ongoing) is to solidify the Portland operations,” said Rob René. “We’ll then use the Portland operation as a foundation for the entire franchise.”

“The first step,” said Andrews, “is to perfect the Portland operation, so that it can be duplicated through franchise. The first franchises will begin in January in Dallas.”

Andrews and the Renés are just getting started in solutions for residential security, but with their unique and secure link to the Web they are promoting a 21-century innovation. With a secure link to the internet, home or business, owners could be like a “fly on the wall.” And through small cameras watch the interior of their homes or the performance of their employees – all from the comforts of their vacation condo or a luxury hotel in Paris or Rome.

 Tallie Steele, who operates Macadam’s Bar and Grill in Portland, swears by her new system. “It is so nice to be able to work in the office and still be sure the floor is running smoothly,” Steele said. “We also have been able to work with the police and give them images of theft in our parking lot.”

EYESthere™ can even add digital surveillance to the inside of stores that are dark when closed, using nondetectable infrared light.

“The key to our startup is that Logan Digital already had a client base and an established, successful business,” Andrews said.

One of several advantages that digital security has over videotape is that, by using a 250-500 gigabyte hard drive, home or business owners can record at least a month of images during the times when there’s movement in their building. Among the more than 200 systems that EYESthere™ has installed in the metro area are large systems such as one at an auto dealership that has more than 40 cameras, three servers and terabytes of data storage. Also installed, in comparison, is a small mom-and-pop store with three cameras connected to one DVR. Other uses of the digital communication system include employee training and video conferencing. In research and development, Andrews said, is technology that would allow two-way digital video conferencing.

Andrews and the Renés provide a customized solution to each person’s concerns or requests. For example, a restaurant owner wanted a way to judge when to call for more wait staff, so he installed a camera overlooking the parking lot to give him early warning of increasing activity.

The Renés said they are excited to have their business in West Linn because of its location in the metro area and visibility on Hwy. 43. Andrews said he’s happy to have a hometown business that hires locally: all of the principals live in West Linn. And he proudly adds that this franchise business bears watching.

“Right now, we’re definitely way ahead of the curve in our approach to the market,” he said.

EyesThere Inc. is at 18615 Willamette Drive. For information, visit www.eyesthere.com.