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When the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club required an updated security and fire alarm system for its newly expanded premises, the Locust Valley, New York club tapped General Security to assist with this important project.
Project & Workscope
Established in 1950, the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club is one of more than 4,000 chapters serving approximately 4 million young people via membership and community outreach. This past spring, Grenville Baker underwent a multi-million dollar project comprising renovations, new programs, and a building expansion. Completing several one-off projects throughout the years, the club also required technology and security overhauls.
According to Marc Bilbrey, Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club’s associate director, the improvement project commenced nearly six years ago with the intention of seeking the highest caliber of vendors.
“We wanted to ensure we would continue to provide great and safe programming for the kids, so we needed to get everything right,” he explains.
Getting the Project Started
Having previously worked with General Security, Bilbrey says the provider also conveyed trust, fair pricing, and an understanding of the club’s unique needs.
“General came back [to us] and they were very willing to work with us on both the design phase and the financial end of this project,” he shares. “In the end, we integrated a fire alarm system, burglar alarm system, security cameras, and [intercom] entry systems with keypad access.”
Improved pedestrian flow at the club’s main entrance was necessary for member and employee safety. This included activity area supervision and surveillance, and building access control.
A custom-built electronic vestibule known as a man trap was constructed, with General Security implementing an access control and intercom system. Front-desk employees could now screen and authorize club entry to permitted parties.
“With the electronic keypad [with access control], and security cameras, we can either remotely—or at the front desk—buzz people in, and we have better control of who is coming into the building,” says Bilbrey.
The smart security system’s mobile app has been a game changer for remote monitoring and control—invaluable for providing after-hours entry at the club’s interior entry points and outdoor gates, he continues.
“Every day, there’s always people coming in and out of the building, whether it’s staff, volunteers, kids, community groups using the facility, or service providers requiring weekend or after-hours access,” explains Bilbrey. “[Having the mobile app] frees me up a bit so I don’t have to be at the premises to unlock doors, or open the main gate.”
“General came back [to us] and they were very willing to work with us on both the design phase and the financial end of this project. In the end, we integrated a fire alarm system, burglar alarm system, security cameras, and [intercom] entry systems with keypad access.”
—Marc Bilbrey, Associate Director, Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club
A Relationship Built on Responsiveness & Quality Customer Service
With the building renovation project completed for Grenville Baker’s 2021 summer programs, Bilbrey praises General Security’s time consideration, and adds that the company exceeded expectations.
“Working with General [Security], and incorporating security features and systems within our building was paramount, and a huge priority for us,” he says. “It was more than just: ‘Hey, let’s do some cameras.’ It was part of our overarching plan to monitor and control who is coming in and out of the building, while also keeping our members safe.”
Moving forward, Bilbrey says he has peace of mind regarding technical questions or help—both of which are always met with a timely response.
“They’re [General Security] very knowledgeable, and continually create solutions to any obstacles we present with different scenarios,” he explains. “It’s also their ability to continually serve their clients and service their equipment, and know what they’re talking about, rather than simply telling us to plug in a security camera. They will work with us to troubleshoot and actually take the time to explain and discuss it with us.”
A Local Security Provider
With National Reach
Established in Plainview, Long Island headquarters more than 30 years ago, General Security provides smart security, and fire and life safety solutions to homeowners, commercial properties, and small businesses throughout the U.S. East Coast.
As an award-winning smart home security provider and alarm company with a national focus, General Security provides all-encompassing security systems for residential, commercial, and small business applications.
