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Glavin Security Specialists Bring Security To The Market

Glavin Security has announced that they entered into an agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399, to have the union represent their service technicians and other employees.

“This is the best thing we ever did,” Tom Glavin told the Chief Engineer. “Our employees have always worked closely with the building engineers in the Chicago area and this can only further the bond of trust we already enjoy with our clients,” he said.

Founded at the corner of Grand and Clark Streets on Chicago’s near-north side in 1927, the business was originally called The Key Shop until Tom’s father purchased the business in 1953 and changed its name to M.J. Glavin, Locksmith. In 1978, Tom and his wife, Pat, purchased the business, changed its name to Glavin Security Specialists, and have been growing ever since from their current location at 1010 West Jackson Boulevard in Chicago.

Today, Glavin Security relies on 20 lock technicains and customer service reps to service a list of clients that include some of the most prestigious properties in the city. They also continue to provide service to walk-in clientele from their retail key shop housed on the ground floor of their business.

“Each of our technicians goes through two hours of training each week,” Tom told us. “This is necessary to keep them up on the new security devices coming into the market and to provide them the soft skills needed for better customer service,” he said.

Tom explained that Glavin Security Specialists not only performs traditional locksmith service, but also offers sophisticated products like biometrics and remotely viewed cameras. And recently as a result of the licensing issue, “in-house” locksmith services. What makes Glavin stand out is the way the company backs-up and supports everything they sell with great service.

“Recent events have changed the security world forever. Since 1998 locksmiths and locksmith agencies have been required to be licensed by the State of Illinois,” said Tom. “Locksmiths in a commercial building went from being considered part of the operations and maintenance of a facility to becoming part of the security. The September 11 attacks pushed security even further to the forefront of everyone’s concerns, and the fire at 69 W. Washington clearly showed that the building management, regardless of fault, are ultimately held responsible for the safety of their tenants.”

Buildings now must bear the burden of responsibility for the safety and security of the employees and visitors; consequently, management is demanding that qualified licensed companies provide locksmith services to their buildings. Any outside vendor providing locksmith services must be licensed; even those considering themselves “in-house” are not exempt.

The recent ordinance change regarding stairwell doors has also kept Glavin busy. “We have completed at least ten buildings so far,” Tom said, explaining how Glavin furnishes the electronic locks and equipment necessary to wire stairwell doors to unlock in the event of an emergency.

With the latest development of Glavin becoming a union contractor, it’s safe to assume that they will see their business increase as union members in the large commercial facilities opt to do business with one of their own. But in talking with Tom, it’s clear that he is more interested in now having the ability to attract and keep the highest qualified technicians in the business. “Our being a part of Local 399 is a win for us, for our employees and for our customers,” he said.

For additional information you can contact Glavin Security Specialists at 312.850.6700. Glavin Security is an associate member of the Chief Engineers Association.

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