http://www.military.com/Careers/Content1?file=careersArticlesEyesThere.htm&area=Reference
EYESThere Digital Video Security
Digital Security Company Opens First Franchised Location in Texas
(Grand Prairie, TX) -- With more businesses and homeowners looking to take advantage of digital surveillance technology, the demand for new locations from innovators in the digital video security market grows.
The number of people interested in purchasing smart cameras has given EYESthere - a high-quality provider of customized digital video security, the impetus 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 in January in Grand Prairie, Texas under the watchful eye of Mike Plante.
Plante 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 (Green Beret) and after 10 years in the Army, Plante attended and graduated from the University of North Texas with a BBA in international marketing. Plante is also 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, 47. "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, Ore. 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. EYESthere expects to have 210 locations in major markets throughout the country by 2010. There's a vast opportunity awaiting: countless businesses across the country still rely on VCR tapes, low-quality cameras or off-the-shelf systems for their security needs. 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.
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.
Most competitors offer only a mixed bag of programs and services. But because EYESthere will also focus heavily on improved employee and management productivity through creative uses of simple video conferencing, remote training, and the reduction of travel for business owners and managers, it provides solutions that are used constantly to not only protect, but also empower a business.
EYESthere identified 530 potential franchise markets throughout the country. Territories are determined by the number of households and/or businesses within a given Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), but generally equal about 500-700,000 in total population. Major metropolitan markets are capable of supporting multiple EYESthere franchises. The estimated initial investment for an EYESthere franchise ranges from $187,350 to $294,950, including a $45,000 franchise fee, which is reduced to $35,000 for each subsequent EYESthere business. Though he is not yet open for business, Plante is already hopeful about the future: he is open to pursuing any available territory in the area over the next few years. "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. That will never be the case with EYESthere because we have a vested interest in ensuring that every system we install is functioning properly. We 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," said Plante. "Whether it's helping businesses function more efficiently, providing peace of mind or keeping local residents feeling safe, EYESthere can make it happen."
