Posts Tagged ‘security system’

Beyond the Lock: How Egan Builds Smarter, Safer Spaces

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

Access granted: a front-row seat to the minds behind Egan Company’s  security and access control solutions. We recently sat down with Bill Desmond, Operations Manager of Fire and Security, Kurt Johnson, Director of Sales and Ben Jahnz, Account Manager to talk specifically about what sets Egan apart in the world of security, access control, and integrated systems. It’s not every day you get to talk to the experts who’ve watched the industry evolve from keypads and doorbells to AI-driven, cloud-based systems with multi-layered authentication.

From Widgets to What-Ifs
Egan’s approach? It’s not about pushing a product. It’s about solving a problem.“We’re not here to sell a widget,” said Jahnz. “We want to understand what’s keeping our customers up at night. Then we build a solution that fits their unique situation.” That might mean navigating legacy hardware, integrating cloud systems, or even creating a completely customized setup. No two jobs are the same—because no two buildings, customers, or compliance requirements are the same.

“Getting from Point A to Point B depends on the day, the time, even the weather,” said Johnson, utilizing his favorite analogy. “Security’s the same way. There are a hundred routes to a single solution—and we help the customer find the one that fits.”

Built on Relationships (Not Just Hardware)
The team emphasized that Egan’s difference lies in its partnerships—whether that’s with the customer or the manufacturer. While some integrators avoid looping in manufacturers, Egan brings them to the table. “If we don’t know something, we don’t pretend we do,” said Johnson. “We bring in the experts to help our customers make the best decisions.”

That transparency builds trust—and it’s led to winning projects even when Egan wasn’t the lowest bid, because the value of collaboration speaks for itself.

Compliance, Complexity, and Cloud
The team also shared how Egan keeps up with ever-changing compliance codes, data privacy standards, and customer-specific needs—especially across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and municipalities. From high-security server rooms to school doors that need to open only for the right badge, the stakes are high and the complexity is real. Yet not all providers see it through. “We’ve walked into sites where systems were installed by another company and then just…left it to the building owners to know what to do,” said Jahnz. “There was no documentation, no training, no follow-up—just wires, hardware, and confusion. We fix those, maintain them, and keep them running. That’s a big part of our service philosophy.” At Egan, it’s not just about installation—it’s about long-term support, clarity, and doing the job right the first time and every time after.” 

Empowering Through Education
One standout takeaway? Egan’s commitment to teaching customers—not gatekeeping knowledge. “We’re not here to protect my job by withholding information,” said Desmond. “We want our customers to know how to use their systems—and fix simple things on their own if they want to.” That mindset isn’t just rare—it’s powerful. It turns a service call into a relationship and builds trust that lasts long after install day. 

Desmond added, “We’re not just the installer. We’re the partner—before, during, and long after the project is done. Our goal is to make sure the system works for the customer, not just the day we leave, but every day after.” That long-term perspective reinforces Egan’s commitment to transparency, reliability, and ongoing support.

Looking Ahead: AI, Video Analytics & Proactive Solutions
AI isn’t something Egan fears—it’s something already in use. From early smoke and heat detection to license plate recognition and intelligent video analytics, the future is already here. “Tech like this used to be a cool idea,” said Johnson. “Now, it works.” And the best part? You don’t need a master’s degree in programming to use it. Many systems are becoming more user-friendly, empowering facility teams and end-users to do more—with confidence.

Bottom line? Security isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario—and Egan isn’t a one-size-fits-all team. Whether it’s a factory floor, a hospital wing, or a city-wide surveillance system, Egan is building smarter, safer spaces with the right mix of tech, trust, and teamwork. Ready to build a better security solution? Contact the Egan team today to start the conversation.

Top Building Technologies For Schools

Friday, July 12th, 2024

School districts are always looking for new ways to improve the safety, security, and comfort of the buildings for students and staff. Building technology integration plays a crucial role in creating a safe and engaging learning environment. With new technologies and building automation upgrades, schools can plan ahead for the safety and quality of their building for students and staff for years to come. 

FIRE ALARM & LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

Fire alarm and life safety systems are essential for fire detection and life safety needs throughout school buildings. Auditing and reviewing these systems every 10 years or so is important to ensure they are meeting your facility’s needs and you are utilizing the latest technology available to keep your schools safe. Intelligent fire alarm control panels provide early warning capabilities, allowing for quick response and evacuation during emergencies. With features such as easy-to-use panels, mass notification systems, and graphical user interfaces, schools can ensure the highest level of safety for students and staff. 

SECURITY TECHNOLOGY

Advanced security systems, including video surveillance, intrusion systems, and access control, can help monitor and control access to school premises. This building technology can integrate into existing systems, or schools can undergo complete security upgrades during the summer. Integrating these technologies can further improve the safety of schools by connecting to lockdown systems and access control technology for emergencies. Many schools are implementing additional access control measures, including badging, visitor management, mobile credentials, and building lockdown integration with these systems. Individual classrooms as well as entire wings of a campus can have access control measures, keeping every student safe wherever they may be. 

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Effective communication is vital in schools. Robust communication systems, such as intercoms and public address systems, enable clear and efficient communication within the premises. Connecting these communication systems with electronic message boards, monitors, and other mass notification systems is an effective way to distribute messages throughout the school or campus, whether you’re trying to contact an individual classroom or the entire building at once. Moving from analog to digital communication systems can more effectively reach students and faculty during lockdowns, weather events, school announcements, and other communications needs. 

BUILDING AUTOMATION

Building automation systems allow schools to have greater control and efficiency over their lighting and HVAC systems, leading to cost effective solutions and comfortable classroom environments all year round. A building automation system integrates smart technology to optimize the usage of lights, heating, and cooling systems throughout the entire school, including individual classrooms. Setting up these systems to operate based on occupancy in a room can reduce operating costs, improve the longevity of the equipment, and assist in your decarbonization initiatives. By utilizing a building automation system throughout each building, school districts can maximize the efficiency, cost, and comfort of running the building, whether it is during peak school hours or the downtime months during summer.  

UPGRADE YOUR SCHOOL

As schools strive to create safe and conducive learning environments, building technology integration becomes increasingly more important. By integrating the latest technologies into buildings, school districts can enhance the safety, security, and overall functionality of educational institutions. Considering upgrades in the near future? Contact Egan Company’s Automation and Technology team to learn how you can benefit from new technologies.

Creating the Ultimate Luxury Shopping Destination

Monday, May 8th, 2017

Shop, Dine, Stay – Galleria Edina is a testament to the trend for shopping malls in Minnesota. Many malls across the state have adopted a philosophy of creating a shopping destination, offering places for people to shop, eat, engage in recreational activities, and sleep.

The Galleria was initially developed in 1976 with Gabbert’s Furniture Store, and slowly stores were added and enclosed to create a mall similar to the Southdale Center. Since its initial construction, Egan Company has been involved with various expansions and developments of this luxury shopping mall.

In 2008, Galleria Edina was expanded and a new 18-story Westin facility – comprised of 225 hotel rooms and 82 high-end condominiums – was attached to provide the full destination experience. The building also includes a pool, bar/restaurant, meeting space, ballroom, and different parking options. Egan provided Design/Build electrical services and installation of the phone/data, access controls, and fire alarm. A security system and cameras were also installed in the facility’s parking ramp.

Since the construction of Westin Galleria, Egan has assisted with numerous projects, including cooling tower upgrades, owner upgrades to vacant spaces, and pump system replacements. The installation of the mechanical and electrical systems, required coordination of many trades including pipefitting, sheet metal, plumbing, electrical, and millwrights. In addition, Egan provides routine maintenance on retail locations within the mall and Westin Edina Galleria.

Currently, the mall has over 375,000 square feet of retail space, and a recent addition on the mall’s east side adds 20,000 more square feet. The expansion adds several restaurants, home furnishing stores, and apparel shops. Galleria Edina also features a new concept of a ‘restaurant-in-a-bookstore’ at the relocated Barnes & Noble.

Egan has brought many mechanical and electrical solutions to the Owner at all phases of the project, including suggested grease interceptor piping routes, water feature plumbing, and recommended rework to existing and new electrical panels for tenant requirements.

-David Kray, Kraus-Anderson Senior Project Manager

Project Team: Kraus-Anderson Construction, Hines Property Management

Egan Services Provided: Cooling tower upgrades, pump system replacement, mechanical system build-outs, millwright services, electrical infrastructure, fire alarm, phone/data, access controls, security system, and 24/7 maintenance