In 1970, when Stephen and I moved to College Park, GA from Connecticut, we knew we were going to start a business but were not quite sure which direction we would pursue. We decided to name the business Paragon Systems, Inc. because “paragon” meant a “model of excellence”. Stephen, with an electrical background decided to focus on low voltage systems, i.e. security, central vacuum, telephones, etc. I was a speech pathologist with no business background, expecting our first child, and planned to handle the administration. We knew two things for certain: we were going to be a “model of excellence”; and we were going to survive. Deciding specifically to locate in Clayton County in 1971, Paragon has focused entirely on security, providing all types, including burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, closed circuit TV, home automation and 24 hour monitoring to residential and commercial customers in the Atlanta metro area.
When Steve died suddenly in 1990, I was left with the responsibility of running the business. One child was in college, one was in high school and the youngest was still in elementary school. I never could have continued without the help of dedicated, loyal and hardworking employees, friends, family and community support. My dream for my children was to provide them with a college education. That being fulfilled, all are pursuing careers of their choice—historian, law and business. All of the children have worked for Paragon, but I wanted each of them to pursue their own dreams and not be burdened with the responsibility of having to be involved in the business of their “childhood.” I wanted them to have a choice. Kevin made that choice in 1999 after working in NYC in another field. I am proud to say that he has learned this business from the “ground up”. I am stepping back now and taking more time with volunteer activities such as Rainbow House, the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. Kevin is stepping up, handling the operational and administrative functions.
Fortunately, after Stephen’s death we were able to carry on and grow. Working out of our home until 1984, Paragon moved to Old Morrow Road in Jonesboro where we now occupy a newly renovated 6500 square foot building with a state of the art monitoring center and 23 full-time employees.
In addition to monitoring for Paragon Systems, Inc. exclusively, we have expanded our monitoring center to other alarm companies needing “state of the art” service. Excellent service has always been our primary focus and we continue with this mission every day. Our operators are well trained and experienced. We have very little employee turnover and always view our employees as our greatest asset. Paragon Systems, Inc. was listed as the largest “LOCAL” alarm company in the Atlanta area for the past several years by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
To know that you are valued, respected and recognized by the members of your own community is an honor that all of us at Paragon will never forget. It is a tribute to all of my wonderful fellow employees who work here every day with the dedication of one who owns this company. The Southern Crescent has always been a friend to Paragon Systems, Inc. and we will always be grateful. We are here to stay!