New & Noteworthy

STRUGGLING WITH CASH FLOW? WE CAN FIX THAT


Most security dealers don’t fail because they can’t sell. They struggle because of cash flow.


It’s a common story: you work hard to sign new clients, install systems, and build recurring revenue. But then you wait. And wait. And wait. Sometimes months go by before you see the money you earned. Meanwhile, your expenses don’t wait - your team, vehicles, marketing, and operations still need to be paid.


That cash flow gap can stall growth, kill momentum, and limit your ability to scale.


We’ve solved this problem for our dealers.


Weekly Funding. Real Cash Flow.


The Reed dealer program gives you access to quick, predictable weekly funding, so you can keep growing without the financial bottleneck.


Here’s what that means in real terms:


  • No more waiting months to get paid
  • Consistent cash flow to cover operations and reinvest in growth
  • Freedom to scale without constantly worrying about receivables
  • A Trusted Canadian Partner


For 25 yearsReed Security has been building recurring revenue and delivering trusted security solutions across Western Canada. We know the challenges dealers face because we’ve lived them. That’s why our program is designed to help you grow your RMR fast, with a strong partner behind you.


When you join the Reed dealer program, you get more than funding. You get:


  • Proven marketing and lead generation strategies
  • Local installation and service support
  • A trusted Canadian brand your clients will recognize
  • A partner who understands the business inside and out


Meet Us at Security Canada Central


We’re exhibiting at Security Canada Central on October 22–23, 2025 at the Toronto Congress Centre. If you’re a dealer or thinking about becoming one, stop by Booth 129 and let’s talk about how we can help you scale faster and smarter.


You can also learn more at reeddealers.ca


#SecurityCanada



THE 5 BIGGEST LESSONS I LEARNED


Last night, I stood on stage and told my story.


It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t polished. It was raw.


I talked about the highs, the gut punches, the mistakes, and the lessons that came out of them. It was emotional for me to share. And the crowd connected with it.


These lessons aren’t from a textbook. They come from real experiences, tough decisions, and a few scars. Here are the five biggest lessons I’ve learned from building my business.





1. Be Far More Diligent


I chose the wrong partner early on, and it cost me. A lot. I felt blindsided, frustrated, and honestly, a bit foolish. I told myself I’d never end up in that position again.


That’s when I started getting far more diligent. I became the guy who asks question after question after question… and then verifies everything. If the answers don’t add up, I move on.


A few things that guide me:


  • Don’t believe everything you read or hear
  • Pay attention to what’s missing in the story
  • Use AI to help analyze the facts


This approach now guides who I hire, which dealers we work with, and who we partner with.






2. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate


I’ll never forget the day CRA froze my bank account. I was young, broke, and terrified. When your bank account is frozen, your business is frozen. I didn’t sleep that night.


The next morning, I picked up the phone, stayed calm, explained my situation, and asked for a plan. I didn’t make excuses. I told the truth. They listened. By the next day, we were back in business.


That moment taught me the power of clear communication when things are hard.


Here’s what works for me:


  • Pick up the phone or meet in person
  • Be nice
  • Be truthful – even if it hurts
  • Share your plan
  • Follow through


Silence breeds fear and assumptions. Communication builds trust.





3. Never Get Too High and Never Get Too Low


This one is personal.


For years, my mood was tied directly to the business. If things were good, I was on top of the world. If things went sideways, so did I. It’s a brutal way to live, and it affected my confidence, my family, and my ability to lead.


Eventually, I learned to build habits that keep me grounded no matter what’s happening:


  • Exercise clears my head
  • Time away resets my perspective
  • Being present with my family reminds me what matters
  • Friends, mentors and peers give me perspective and support


These habits keep me from flying too high when things are great, and from sinking too low when they suck.





4. Get Noticed


Early on, I had a great product, but nobody knew who we were. We were invisible. And that hurt. I was working so hard, but it felt like no one was paying attention.


That frustration taught me two big lessons:


1. Pay attention to marketing

2. Build your brand, not someone else’s


I started experimenting, showing up, and trying everything until something stuck.


Today, I spend about 40% of my time on branding, marketing, and relationships. Because if people don’t notice you, they’ll never buy from you.





5. Look After Your People


Over the years, I’ve learned that business isn’t about products or profits. It’s about people.


For me, that means:


  • Being kind and flexible
  • Having fun together
  • Recognizing effort
  • Paying people properly
  • Keeping everyone in the loop and part of the plan


When you look after your staff, they look after your clients.

When you look after your clients, they stay loyal.

And when you give back to your community, it all comes full circle.


Staff. Clients. Community.

Look after your people – and they’ll look after you.







Final Thought


No pain, no gain. And it was worth it.


These lessons were earned the hard way. If they resonate with you, I hope they help you avoid a few of my mistakes, or at least give you some encouragement when things get tough.

-Virgil




KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE AFTER SCHOOL

Back-to-school season means new routines, new schedules, and plenty of moving parts. With kids heading back to class and parents juggling work, practices, and pick-ups, home security sometimes gets overlooked. But this is one of the most important times to make sure your family - and your home - are protected.



Empty Homes During the Day


With school back in session, homes sit empty for longer stretches. A smart alarm system with 24/7 monitoring keeps your property protected while everyone is away.





New Faces, New Access


Babysitters, tutors, and dog walkers often become part of the school-year routine. Smart locks let you grant or remove access instantly, no spare keys required.





After-School Safety Checks


Video doorbells and outdoor cameras give parents peace of mind. You can quickly confirm your kids made it home safely, no matter where you are.


Businesses Get Busy Too


It’s not just homes that need attention. Fall is a busy season for many businesses. Video surveillance and live remote monitoring can safeguard your property while you focus on running your company.


Pro Tip: Already have a system? September is a great time for a security tune-up. Test your alarms, check camera angles, update passwords, and walk your kids through how to use the system.


Call Reed Security today at 306.653.3200 for your free security review.

Start the school year with peace of mind knowing your family is protected.







LOCK IT DOWN


Burglars look for the easiest target. If your home looks like too much work, they move on.

Here’s how to make your place tougher to break into:

🔒 Lock all doors and windows

Front. Back. Upstairs. Basement. Double check the ones people usually forget.

🪟 Install window bars on basement windows

They’re affordable, easy to install, and instantly make your home less appealing to a thief.

💡 Inspect your window locks

Just because it looks closed doesn’t mean it’s secure. Give each lock a tug and fix anything loose or flimsy.

🚗 Lock your vehicle too

Thieves often target vehicles parked in driveways and on the street. Always lock your doors, close the windows, and never leave valuables in plain sight. Garage door openers, wallets, and spare keys are hot targets. A quick check before bed can prevent a lot of headaches.

Most break-ins happen because someone made it easy. Don’t be that someone.





ACADIA GROUP OF COMPANIES GETS PROTECTED BY REED SECURITY


When Acadia Group of Companies broke ground on their state‑of‑the‑art building at 120 Prospect Road in Saskatoon’s BizHub Industrial Park, they knew their security needed to keep pace with growth.

To meet this challenge, Acadia Group of Companies partnered with Reed Security to deploy a unified security solution - combining smart alarmsaccess control, and video surveillance into one intuitive platform.


Project Overview

Client: Acadia Group of Companies

Location: 120 Prospect Road, BizHub Industrial Park, Saskatoon

Scope: Smart alarm, access control, and video surveillance, all managed via Alarm.com


Objectives:

- Seamless integration of alarms, cameras, and door/gate control

- Centralized management via desktop and mobile

- Easily manage security for 150+ employees

- Scalable platform to support future expansion


Our Solution

1. Smart Alarm System

   - Door sensors and smart motion detectors

   - Real‑time alerts via desktop and mobile app

   - Remote arm/disarm functionality for added convenience


2. Access Control

   - Electronic door locks and gate control using smartphones

   - Customizable user profiles and schedules for yard, shop, and office areas

   - Comprehensive audit trail of every entry and exit


3. Video Surveillance

   - High‑definition cameras covering all access points and critical zones

   - AI person and vehicle detection

   - Continuous recording with secure cloud backup

   - Instant playback and clip sharing through Alarm.com


With Alarm.com's unified interface, Acadia’s facility managers can monitor alarms, manage access, and review video footage - all from a single dashboard.





About Acadia Group of Companies

The Acadia Group of Companies, founded in 1982, is a Saskatchewan‑owned and operated family of construction firms delivering turnkey solutions for large‑scale, complex projects. It encompasses Acadia Construction Inc., Acadia Paving Ltd., Acadia Pumping & Dewatering Ltd., and Integrated Engineering Inc., bringing together expertise in earthwork & civil infrastructure, civil engineering, mining & industrial, railway, environmental remediation, paving, concrete, fluid handling, and water resources. With over 150 skilled professionals, Acadia is dedicated to excellence, safety, and community engagement - values that made them a perfect partner for this project. Learn more at acadiagrp.ca.





How Acadia Leverages Alarm.com

User Management: Quickly add, modify, or remove access for up to 150 employees - no more physical keys. New smartphones simply require new mobile credentials.  

Zone‑Specific Permissions: Define access levels for yard gates, the shop floor, and the office with tailored schedules.  

After‑Hours Monitoring: The system auto‑arms every evening at a specified time, sends confirmation when armed, and alerts on any non‑typical activity - like an HVAC service door opening at 5:10 AM or unexpected entry at 8:56 PM.  

Video Verification: Link alarms to live camera feeds to verify incidents remotely. If a false alarm occurs, Jason can disarm the system and clear the event from his phone within seconds.  

Remote Control: Arm or disarm the system and unlock doors via the Alarm.com mobile app to ensure authorized personnel can enter without delay.





Why Choose Alarm.com on a Unified Platform?

Efficiency: One login, one app, one vendor—streamlining support and training.

Reliability: Enterprise‑grade hardware backed by 24/7 monitoring options.

Scalability: Easily add sensors, cameras, or doors as your facility grows.

Cost‑Effectiveness: Bundled services lower installation and maintenance expenses.


Testimonial

“Working with the team at Reed Security utilizing the Alarm.com platform has been a game‑changer for our business. The system seamlessly integrates building security, surveillance cameras, and employee access control into one simple, user‑friendly interface. Whether we’re at a desktop or on the go with the mobile app, we have full control and visibility at our fingertips. It’s efficient, reliable, and has made managing our facility’s security effortless.”

-Jason Horner, P.Eng., President & CEO, Acadia Group of Companies


Ready to Secure Your Facility?

At Reed Security, we customize each installation to your unique requirements and back it with responsive support and maintenance plans. Whether you’re planning new construction, an expansion, or a security upgrade - let’s discuss how we can elevate your security.


Contact us at 306.653.3200 or visit reedsecurity.com to schedule your no‑obligation consultation.




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LOCATIONS

SASKATOON SECURITY
Reed Security Group (HEADQUARTERS)
14-1724 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: 306.653.3200
1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

Sure Innovations
1701 Saskatchewan Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1P7
Ph: 306.974.0888

Nine Yards Technologies Inc.
Ph: 306.341.2477

 

REGINA SECURITY
ViboPulse Services
Ph: 306.206.0700

WINNIPEG SECURITY
Guardian Advanced Solutions
Ph: 204.250.7510 or 204.878.0061

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
Thor Security Ltd.
1-243 South Industrial Drive
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7L9
Ph: 306.922.7200

 

NIAGARA REGION SECURITY
Alltech Smart Security
Ph: 289.990.3234

KAWARTHA LAKES REGION SECURITY
Dot Communications
54 Lindsay St S
Lindsay, ON K9V 2L8
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

GREATER TORONTO AREA SECURITY
Link Secure Canada Inc.
15 Victoria Crescent
Brampton, ON L6T 1E2
Ph: 647.262.7460

Pride Security
102-100 Matheson Blvd East
Mississauga, ON L4Z 3P8
Ph: 647.506.0002

 

CALGARY SECURITY
Oxford Security Systems
#501, 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C4
Ph: 587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY
Digitech Security Systems
Ph: 780.444.4449