LiveWatch

LiveWatch (LiveWatch Security, Llc.) is a Kansas-based DIY home security systems provider that operates as a stand-alone subsidiary of Monitronics. LiveWatch sells a variety of wireless products including security cameras, motion sensors, and home automation and emergency response applications. The company has 180 employees between its Saint Mary’s, Ks. and Evanston, IL. offices and serves more than 200,000 customers in the United States.^[1]

History

Chris Johnson, a former Kansas paramedic, founded a company called SafeMart in 2002. Initially, SafeMart distributed home security products from third party manufacturers like General Electric and Honeywell. In 2010, Johnson hired CEO Brad Morehead, who helped launch the LiveWatch brand. The new brand expanded on SafeMart's offerings by entering the industry of home automation. At this time the company also started focusing on offering self-installable security system as a means of eliminating the need for technician visits to user homes.^[2] LiveWatch subsumed SafeMart in 2014. In March 2015, Monitronics, a Dallas-based security monitoring company, acquired LiveWatch for $67 million. LiveWatch currently operates as a stand-alone subsidiary of Monitronics, with Johnson and Morehead remaining at the helm of operations.^[3] Also that month LiveWatch was named as one of three recipients of the Economist Intelligence Unit's Innovation in Youth Hiring award.^[4]

In spring 2015, LiveWatch was represented by CEO Brad Morehead at a congressional hearing investigating the future of the internet of things. Morehead, testifying before the Congressional Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, discussed Livewatch's progress and requested increased funding for wireless interconnectivity standards research and construction of enhanced first responder infrastructure. He was joined by representatives from Belkin and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.^[5] In December 2015, LiveWatch was named a top workplace in Chicago by Built In Chicago.^[6]

Products

Plug & Protect

LiveWatch offers a range of complete wireless home security and monitoring systems under its Plug & Protect Brand. Each system includes a combination of cameras, motion detectors, fire alarms, and flood sensors paired with professional monitoring services. The company compliments these basic services with a variety of home automation and remote control services. The monitoring system provides an option of night vision for improved security.

ASAPer

In 2014, LiveWatch launched ASAPer, a proprietary emergency response system. The system comes in the form of a mobile and web application that communicates with customers’ existing home security systems. It allows customers to start a chat room with their emergency contacts when an alarm is triggered on their property. The service can be accessed via web, email, phone and text messaging.^[7]

See also

References

1. ↑ Pletz, John, Industry Giant Buys Evanston Home Security Firm for $67 Million 2015.
2. ↑ Hendershot, Steve. An Orbitz for Home Security, Crain's Chicago Business, April 16, 2013.
3. ↑ Ives, Spencer, Monitronics Acquires LiveWatch for $67 Million, Security Systems News, 2015.
4. ↑ Economist Intelligence Unit, Report Summary: Innovation in Youth Hiring. 2015.
5. ↑ Congressional Hearing Transcript March 24, 2015.
6. ↑ Dewey, Sam. "5 Chicago companies employees actually love working for."
7. ↑ SafeMart/LiveWatch Says ASAPer Fastest Home Security Securitygem.com, 2014.