Former soldier stays with security, opens new business
 
By Jen Blankenship
Feb 09, 2008 - 2:42:46 PM

Mike Plante of Grand Prairie spent the bulk of his career working overseas or as a soldier. He returned to the U.S. last year and chose to stay true to his security skills. He opened a surveillance technology franchise last week and it’s the first in Texas.

National market research indicates people interested in purchasing smart cameras has given EYESthere, a high-quality provider of turn-key, customized digital video security, the incentive to open its first franchised location in Texas . Smart cameras not only increase safety but also act as a valuable tool for owners looking to increase efficiency and help them to manage their business more productively. The first franchised location in the state opened Jan. 21 at 2100 N. Highway 360 under the leadership of Plante.

“I chose Grand Prairie so I could stay close to my twin daughters,” he said Friday.

 The market for digital video security systems has become gradually more competitive with locally owned, large regional and national chains vying for customers, but only EYESthere has a dedicated focus to be an original solutions provider of digital video security. EYESthere offers a tool that makes a business owner’s job easier and more efficient. Features include the ability to review entire days of recordings in minutes since cameras only record motion and offer high-speed point-and-click review. Live video is accessible 24/7 from any web browser or supported PDA. Full-service installs can be completed in days and EYESthere includes 30- and 90-day performance tuning and support assistance.

 Plante, 47, has spent the bulk of his career living and working overseas as a security manager, sales manager, operations manager and account executive for companies including Fluor Construction, DynCorp and Procter & Gamble in locales from Europe, Iraq and Turkey to Korea, Japan and Guam. He gained a great deal of expertise while serving in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces Soldier, typically known as a Green Beret. After 10 years in the Army, Plante attended and graduated from the University of North Texas with a BBA in international marketing.

 Plante is a standing member in the DFW chapter of the Special Forces Association Chapter 31, which lends support to Special Forces soldiers and their families. After working for corporations throughout his career, Plante knew he wanted to go into business for himself in a field in which he had expertise.

 “I loved the work I was doing overseas in the security business and I wanted to continue it by working for myself instead of for someone else,” said Plante. “Since this was my first entrepreneurial venture, I decided finding a franchise that utilized my skill set would be the best of both worlds. When I found EYESthere, I was certain I had made the right decision.”

 With two corporate-owned locations in Portland and Dallas, EYESthere launched its franchising program in March 2007. The company’s plans for the greater Arlington area are in line with their goals for the rest of the country. According to IMS Research, the world market for network video surveillance products increased by 41.9 percent in 2006 and by 2010 the market for such services is expected to exceed $2.6 billion.

 “Many unlicensed ‘man in a van’ services will install your system and once they have completed the installation, they have no further commitment to the client,” Plante said. “That will never happen at my business because we have a vested interest in ensuring that every system we install is functioning properly.”

 He or his crew will return to the customer’s location at 30- and 90- day intervals, after the initial installation, to insure the entire system is functioning at 100 percent efficiency, he said. Whether it’s helping businesses function more efficiently, providing peace of mind or keeping local residents feeling safe, he plans to make it happen.

 “I’m selling highly customized packages and a very specialized service,” he said. “I’m glad to offer such a full service plan to residents of this city.”