A security acquisition in San Antonio is marking a reunion of sorts, as an alarm firm’s owner has divested part of her company to one that was founded by her grandfather in 1928. Owner Julie Smith Nelson has sold the guard and patrol services portion of Smith Legacy Security (SLS) to Initial Security, founded in 1928 as Stanley Smith Security.
According to the companies, the move is being made to allow SLS to concentrate strictly on electronic security installation. Initial security says it is the fifth-largest security company in the nation, providing not only guard services but also systems installation. Initial President and CEO Randal Dorn told SSI that Initial was an obvious suitor for the part of a security business founded in 1998 by a Smith.
“When Julie looked to focus strictly on her electronics business, she came to us. She knows most of the folks over here, so it was a natural for her to reach out to us,” says Dorn. “It does feel like things have come full circle. This is a very good fit for a customer-focused business.”
Smith Nelson is the third generation of her family in the security industry. Her father founded and later sold guard service company Sterling Smith Security.
