Spotlight Q&A with Josée St-Jean, Director of Partner Services
One year ago, GardaWorld Security Systems integrated a fully dedicated account management team to expand on its partner services amongst dealers and third-party security providers, a team that would be led by Josée St-Jean, one of GardaWorld Security Systems’ senior monitoring service experts with over 30 years of industry experience.
This month, we decided to check back in with Josée to get an update on the partner program and here’s what she had to report:
How would you assess the success of the program, one year in?
Josée: An astounding success. We have achieved everything we set out to do in the first year, and we have had a lot of fun doing so.
What have been some of the highlights?
Josée: Having boots on the ground and renewing relationships. The security industry is a relatively small one. Our clients are not just clients, they are also friends. While we do see industry consolidation, there remains thousands of independent security companies who continue to deliver important services to their client base, as consumers tend to trust their local security providers in delivering them these essential services. It’s very rewarding to us to play a key role in helping our friends and partners succeed by providing them with quality monitoring services and solutions to help them focus on what they do best.
What have been some of the challenges?
Josée: I think all monitoring stations would agree that, in this day and age, staffing is a major preoccupation. Being an alarm dispatcher is one of the hardest jobs out there. It’s not only very technical, but it’s also an around-the-clock role. It can be very intense. Training and retaining are non-stop concerns. I have nearly 35 years in this business, but the past few years have been some of the most difficult in terms of ensuring complete, fully-qualified and efficient staffing. Another challenge is rapidly changing technology, making the business more complex than ever before.
What does the future look like for the GardaWorld Security Systems monitoring services?
Josée: Continued growth, that’s the obvious response. And quality services. Technology is rapidly changing, standards are changing, and we need to remain current. The next 12 to 18 months will see us focusing and investing a lot on our infrastructure as well as on our people.
What keeps you motivated after all these years?
Josée: The relationships with our partners, colleagues, and peers, and the passion that people within the industry have. I am also amazed by how much I have learned over the years, and how I continue to learn something new each and every day. Naturally, there are good days and there are bad days, but what’s important and rewarding is being recognized for the value you bring to the table.
For more information, contact Josée today. 1 877 435 4455 | [email protected]
Introducing Michel Gauvin, Director, Monitoring Centre
GardaWorld Security Systems welcomes a new member to the team to lead its monitoring station operations – Michel Gauvin, Director, Monitoring Centre.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, he learned the trade from the ground up, having worked for some of the largest security system companies in Canada.
His experience in leadership, technical support and client management will ensure a world-class level of quality service to our customers. His strategic input will allow us to continue finding new ways of bringing value to our customers in the core of our business, which is alarm system monitoring.
The GardaWorld Security Systems’ monitoring centre
Our company-owned and operated GardaWorld Security Systems alarm monitoring centre specializes in video surveillance, handling alarm signals and dispatching emergency services for security companies across Canada. With over 40 years of experience in the alarm industry, our management team has built a passionate and highly disciplined team of security experts providing a range of services.
To speak with one of our experts, contact GardaWorld Security Systems at 1 833 GARDA 33 (1 833 427 3233) or email [email protected].