Digital Surveillance Solutions:
Leading Edge Security

Digital Surveillance Solutions owes its origins to winning the Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship competition from the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at University Of Buffalo School Of Management.  Nine years after the 2004 win, Michael Blumenson’s company is still innovating with technology and bringing state-of-the-art surveillance into an expanding list of markets.

Digital Surveillance Solutions (DSS) brings network-based physical security products to companies who want to ensure the safety and security of their people and assets. They specialize in integrated video surveillance and access control technologies that are custom-designed to meet individual client needs. Creative collaboration with clients leads to overcoming security challenges cost effectively with systems integration backed up by support services.

Originally building a solid reputation in the education market (K-12 and higher education), DSS grew into the industrial, warehousing, retail, hospitality, healthcare and government markets. The need for HD quality network based security cameras, flexible recording and storage options, wired and wireless access control, and Internet accessibility to security systems connects with a universal desire for security and safety.

Recognizing the benefits of video surveillance often comes unfortunately after harm is done to a company or in response to local or global events. DSS encourages companies to not rush into reacting with a low cost/low quality or do-it-yourself system that doesn’t provide full integration.  It’s worthwhile to consider a high quality solution that may not be the lowest price, but provides value by balancing needs, budget and existing client resources.  DSS services include procurement, testing, staging, installation and training the administrator and end-users.  After a system is in place, they also provide flexible support and are able to operate and monitor the health of the security solution.

Michael Blumenson calls DSS employees the “backbone of the organization.” Thanks to a friendly and knowledgeable sales and support team, the company’s biggest source of leads for new sales comes from existing customers and trusted vendor partners who can count on DSS to do a good job. The sales team is constantly acquiring new knowledge about the security industry and updated information on existing products. They hold multiple certifications across the many product lines sold by DSS.

When asked where he wants the company to be in five years, Mr. Blumenson replies, “Continuing to do what we do best: Detailed collaboration with the smallest to the largest of clients to meet their unique challenges. We will continue to grow the most knowledgeable and helpful staff in our industry.”

Visit the Digital Surveillance Solutions Web site or call DSS at 716-597-0369 to learn more about this growing Buffalo-based company.

A gift of jewelry is treasured in the moment and for years to come. Jewelry marks the date – making birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and Christmas special days to remember. Crinzi & Gullo Jewelers has over six decades of history in the Buffalo area – making special memories and delighting customers who want to treat themselves to special pieces of jewelry.

Named after the owners, Crinzi & Gullo Jewelers is still in the Gullo family. They began in 1945 in Buffalo as a wholesale jewelry store, servicing and repairing for jewelers and jewelry stores in Buffalo and throughout New York State. Opening to the public in the 1980s gave customers the benefit of jewelry expertise and customer satisfaction previously known only to the trade. After 52 years in the Elliott Square building in Buffalo, Crinzi & Gullo Jewelers moved to its current location in Orchard Park, New York. It was a tough decision, but paved the way for growth and expansion into a wider variety of jewelry.

Crinzi & Gullo Jewelers stays up-to-date on the changing trends of the jewelry industry, and serves traditional tastes as well. Owner Sam Gullo is a Master Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and a proficient Diamond Setter, and Angela Gullo Peterson is a Gemologist (GIA). They provide popular fashion lines such as PANDORA, Lorenzo, Valina Bridal, Ti Sento Milano, Benchmark, Frederick Duclos, and Aurabella. Crinzi & Gullo also has a reputation for designing jewelry and for expert jewelry cleaning and repair. They’re also gold buyers.

Crinzi & Gullo Jewelers belong to the Independent Jewelers Organization. This affiliation lets them purchase exclusive lines that they think will appeal to their customers. Customers know that Crinzi & Gullo buys only one or two of an item, which makes owning a piece from their store more exclusive.

Customers appreciate the personal service that comes with the jewelers’ desire to get to know a customer and his or her preferences. Crinzi & Gullo doesn’t want to sell just one piece; they want to be a personal jeweler resource for life. Such a commitment leads to carrying a wide range of types of jewelry from moderately-priced pieces to special occasion and heirloom pieces.

The sales force includes the owners, Sam Gullo and Angela Gullo Peterson, along with Mary Genzel, Ellen Barr, and Jessica Grotke. They all share the same philosophy of creating customers for life and they enjoy being part of special moments that come with a jewelry purchase. When asked where they want to be in five years, Sam and Angela say, “We hope to continue to be in Orchard Park, servicing our customers, growing our business, and retaining customers from outside the area. We love the area we’re in and truly enjoy the business.”

Our client, The New York State Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, Inc. (TACF-NY) has worked with the American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) since 1989 in developing a blight-resistant gene pool so healthy American Chestnut trees could be planted and survive.

The American Chestnut was once the heart of Eastern forests.  Only a few generations ago, in early summer, Appalachian ridge tops would appear snow-capped with the creamy white flower of American Chestnuts in full bloom.  It was one of the most important trees from Maine to Georgia including New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Tennessee.  In the center of this range, one out of every four hardwood trees was American Chestnut. (more…)

Accepting the Tech BETA Award are Matthew Whelan, Joel Columbo, and Jason Ortiz with Mayor Byron Brown

Purpose and passion formed 360 PSG.  In 2005, the founders joined together to keep client-companies up and running on the Web after a corporate collapse. Since then, their persistent pursuit of serving small and mid-size companies with innovation and value makes them the fastest growing Web development firm in the Western New York region. And the extent of their work spans the globe.

360 PSG builds custom Web solutions that fit specific customer needs. The full-cycle of solutions includes Web site development, design, content, support and marketing assistance through Search Engine Optimization. E-commerce needs are built to fit a company’s existing business processes, instead of asking a company to change processes to fit the system. 360 PSG’s team supports clients’ Web needs for tools and people as the company evolves. (more…)

Concept Construction Corporation:
Building Western New York State and Western Pennsylvania

Ever wonder about the story behind the control tower at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport? One of Buffalo’s most recognizable landmarks, the 17 story tall structure has a 60 ton concrete base for the main floor in the control tower’s elevated observation deck. That deck, complete with safety guard rails, was built on the ground and carefully lifted into position on top of the tower’s main structure.   Then, the same enormous crane that lifted   the floor some 170 feet in the air, picked up the preassembled room complete with windows, walls and ceiling and positioned it into place. That construction feat is just one example of the creative problem solving that routinely earns Concept Construction Corporation its quality reputation.

Mike Shevlin grew up in the construction business as his father Barney established the family’s original company, Shevlin Manning Construction, in 1954. When incorporating his own company in 1974, Michael Shevlin wanted to be known for being a hands-on, straight-forward company who just gets the work done fast while exceeding normal standards in quality and workmanship. Mike said, “That would be a new concept in our industry.”, thus   forming the name, ‘Concept Construction.’ Today, 38 years later, three of Michael’s four sons are in the family business, and son Matthew is the president. They serve the commercial and industrial general construction needs of private owners/developers, commercial development, and public sector projects. Because they own and maintain more than 50 pieces of heavy and supportive construction equipment, they are capable of self-performing up to 60% of routine demolition, sitework, concrete, foundation, rough carpentry and finish work with their own forces.    Still relying heavily on their sub-contracting partners, Concept Construction is in a unique position to offer help to their subs when necessary, in an effort to maintain tight scheduling challenges etc.  Such a hands-on approach of working directly with customers results in a faster turn-around time with a consistent quality standard.

Their umbrella of services include, General Construction, Construction Management, Design-Build services (new design or renovation/remodeling), and Site Development. A typical employee has 20+ years of industry experience and reflects the company’s philosophy of earning a good reputation on every job. They strive to ‘get it right the first time’ to ensure client satisfaction. Such a focus on the customer has enabled the company to thrive and grow through four generations with a successful, proven work ethic that has resulted in the company’s continuing financial stability. Concept Construction recognizes that in a price-conscious, competitive environment, customer service and quality work sets them apart.

Concept Construction takes an inside-out approach. All employees on the inside of the company are knowledgeable, experienced, trained, passionate and interested in the success of the company. Internal buy-in reflects outward to the customer, with a focus on satisfying the client’s needs. The team puts a priority on face-to-face interaction with customers, developers, community leaders and industry organizations. They believe that by being out in the community, they are in the best position to stay on top of their customer’s needs while continuing to grow.

Both Mike and Matt Shevlin see their company continuing its success in commercial, general construction as well as becoming more involved in design-build projects and expanding commercial site development opportunities. Day-by-day and project-by-project they are committed to the ‘new concept’ of hands-on, fast paced, quality work, which gave Concept Construction its name.

Ed Young’s True Value – the ‘good old days’ in the present

The ‘good old days’ of retail and home repair go hand-in-hand with personal service.  Ed Young’s True Value on Main Street in Williamsville is on its third generation of the family-owned business that promises ‘Help is just around the corner.’  The store offers a full selection of hardware items and plumbing products, with long-term employees available to guide and answer customer questions. In addition to retail, Ed Young’s has a full fleet of trucks that serve the home and plumbing repair needs of most of Erie County.

Customer service commitment

Beginning in 1919, Ed Young’s made a commitment to customer service and the local community. They get to know customers by engaging them in conversation to find out about what they need. Many people come to the store with a problem that needs a hardware solution, but they don’t know what to buy or what to do with it. Most of Ed Young’s service team has over 10 years’ experience helping customers figure out hardware solutions. They are a True Value company, a name associated with quality that lasts. In a world where the local hardware store has often disappeared, Ed Young’s ‘good old days’ philosophy keeps them thriving by word of mouth and reputation.

Ed Young’s also goes to customers for certain repairs and installations for plumbing, gas grills, and offers pick up/delivery service for your lawn mower or Snow thrower. All the plumbers are licensed and offer help with water heaters, sewer and drain, replacement parts and more with flat rate pricing.

Staying competitive

Competition in the hardware industry is intense with online options and large chain stores. As a True Value Company, Ed Young’s is part of a larger buying group which gives them competitive buying power to stay price competitive. They are able to offer thousands of private-label brand names, including True Value, Master Mechanic, Green Thumb and Master Plumber. They also carry a critically-acclaimed True Value paint line. Only True Value Companies have access to these brands which are comparable to national brands, but at a savings of 15-20%. And if a customer wants to shop online, they can select a purchase on truevalue.com and have it shipped for free to Ed Young’s for pick up. Ed Young’s also offers a customer reward program.

For more information about the store, including local community events, see the Web site: www.edyoungs.com

LVBW is proud to be associated with the spirit of service at Ed Young’s True Value.