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46 Security Dealer & Integrator / www.SecurityInfoWatch.com April 2017 America's Fastest Growing Security Dealers and Systems Integrators upon to ensure our constant success," Hirschy says. It is difficult to ride herd on the several operations spread across a siz- able geographic area. "at requires a constant strategy and communication effort to ensure success," Hirschy says. "e communication aspect is critical, and we rely on our own IT managed services company to ensure full con- nectivity across the U.S." Another challenge – for Star Asset and for anyone in the security indus- try – is to prove their company's value to their clientele's C-suite. Hirschy says that she sees a need to forego bid processes and instead enter into the sorts of negotiated arrangements that bring the most value to integrators and to customers who need security solutions. e strategy seems to be paying div- idends. Star Asset Security debuted in the Fast50 top 25 in 2013. Since then, the company has steadily climbed to No. 8 in 2014 and now at No. 3 for two years in a row. Growing Wisely While the company has been busy moving up the ladder, Star Asset has maintained Hirschy's key strategy – to keep customers focused on using just one security provider by offering one- stop shopping. at does not mean latching onto every passing technology fad. "We have to think about how to wisely grow," Hirschy says. "Every growth step of ours is carefully planned and executed. Every decision has to fit the lens of 10-year customers, vendor partners and team members." e company focuses on provid- ing two basic platforms: e first is a typical systems integration offering for enterprise clients on a regional and national level; the second uses cloud- based managed services for small to midsized commercial market clients. is strategy enables the company to target those customers that value a single point of service and managed services. "We constantly approach business with the goal of finding 10-year plus customers, vendor part- ners and team members," Hirschy says. "We strive to foster a small company feel with national reach." Star Asset is a major player in the education vertical, with many clients from K-12 education to colleges and universities. In addition, the company serves a number of clients in vertical markets such as healthcare, retail and government. Hirschy hopes to continue to build the company's footprint with a con- tinued focus on complete managed services for national customers. "Our innovative solutions continue to set us apart with our clients," she says. Humble Beginnings In June 2010, Bobbie Hirschy pur- chased Star Asset Security, which at the time was a small integration outfit based in Greer, S.C., that had been in business since 1993. e company had a GSA contract and had some existing local client relationships that the new owner believed put the operation in a great position to build and to grow. Aer purchasing the company, Hirschy put together a business plan based on developing a regional inte- gration company across the South- east. e next step would be a plan to go where the customers took Star Asset nationally. As a part of that plan, the concept of key vendor partners was established on a national basis – which has grown to include Milestone, Avigilon, Tyco Security Products, Axis Communications, ASSA ABLOY, Honeywell and others. A management team was assembled; and the vital cen- ter-post of the business – its five-year growth plan – was put in place. e company's business plan is based on a combination of acquisition and organic growth. Every aspect of the business plan comes back to a defi- nite focus on RMR. Since its founding, Star Asset Security has acquired three inte- gration companies, a video central station, as well as an IT managed ser- vices company. In the meantime, the five-year plan has morphed into a 10-year plan and beyond. With a combination of focused management, great staff, and a firm grasp of their market, Star Asset Security is poised for future success. ■ » Curt Harler is a security technology writer and regular contributor to SD&I; magazine. Reach him at curt@curtharler.com. Joe Harris, branch manager of Star Asset Security's Greenville office (left), along with Barry Dixon, manager of major accounts in the company's Richmond office.