SIA New Member Profile: BW Secure

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member BW Secure specializes in providing cutting-edge security solutions to protect assets, personnel and property. The company is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with an additional office in Frederick, Colorado, supporting clients throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

SIA spoke with Jacob Thiele, vice president of BW Secure, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Jake Thiele: BW Secure’s story began in 1979 when the company was founded as BW Electric, an electrical contracting business focused on delivering dependable infrastructure solutions. In 1988, the company was introduced to the electronic security industry through a project at Hughes Aircraft supporting security systems within a U.S. Department of Defense environment. That experience proved to be a pivotal moment and revealed the growing importance of integrated electronic security technologies. (Hughes Aircraft was later acquired by Raytheon.)

As demand for advanced security systems expanded, the company gradually transitioned away from traditional electrical contracting and began focusing on low-voltage and electronic security integration. This evolution led to the company rebranding as BW Systems in 2000 to better reflect its growing specialization in security technologies.

In 1998, Jim Thiele purchased the company and continued building on that foundation, expanding the organization’s capabilities in access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and enterprise security platforms. Over time, BW developed deep experience supporting organizations operating in critical and regulated environments, including health care, higher education, government and complex commercial facilities. Many of these environments require adherence to strict security, life safety and regulatory standards, which has shaped the company’s disciplined approach to system design and implementation. In August 2024, the company rebranded to BW Secure to better represent its identity as a dedicated security technology partner.

BW Secure works as a strategic security technology partner, helping organizations design and implement integrated security solutions that align with both operational needs and long-term risk management strategies. The company collaborates closely with leading security manufacturers and technology providers to deliver systems that meet the evolving security requirements of modern organizations.

More than four decades after its founding, BW Secure remains committed to delivering responsive, intelligent security solutions and building long-term partnerships that help organizations protect what matters and secure their future.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings/company unique?

JT: BW Secure designs, installs and supports integrated electronic security solutions for organizations operating in complex and critical environments. Our core capabilities include access control systems, video surveillance platforms, intrusion detection systems and integrated security technologies that provide centralized visibility and control.

Beyond installation, BW Secure provides full lifecycle support for the systems we implement. This includes system design and engineering, project management, installation, commissioning, system integration, service and maintenance and long-term technical support. Our goal is to ensure that security systems remain reliable, scalable and aligned with each organization’s operational needs.

We frequently support environments where security systems must integrate with enterprise IT networks, building infrastructure, and existing security platforms. By leveraging open architecture platforms and thoughtful system integration, we help organizations deploy security solutions that are flexible, interoperable and capable of evolving as technology and operational requirements change.

What differentiates BW Secure is our disciplined, partnership-driven approach to security integration. We view ourselves not simply as installers of equipment, but as long-term security technology partners to the organizations we serve.

Our team places a strong emphasis on precision, craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout every stage of a project. From engineering and documentation to installation and commissioning, we focus on delivering systems that are designed and implemented correctly the first time.

BW Secure also brings extensive experience supporting organizations operating in regulated and mission-critical environments where reliability, compliance and operational continuity are essential. This experience has shaped our approach to system design, implementation and long-term service support.

Finally, we believe the success of a security system is measured long after installation. Our service and support teams remain actively engaged with our clients to ensure their systems continue to operate effectively as their organizations grow and evolve.

What is something we might not know about your company—or something new you are doing in security?

JT: One of the most significant developments for our company recently was our rebrand to BW Secure in August 2024. While our organization has decades of experience in the security industry, the new name reflects how our role has evolved alongside the technology we deploy.

Security systems today are no longer standalone systems—they are part of a broader technology ecosystem that includes enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud platforms, data analytics and operational workflows. Our rebrand reflects our focus on helping organizations navigate that complexity by acting as a strategic security technology partner rather than simply a systems installer.

As part of this evolution, BW Secure is continuing to expand our capabilities around platform integration, enterprise-scale security management and life-cycle support for security systems. We are particularly focused on helping organizations deploy open architecture solutions that allow them to adapt as technology advances and security needs change.

While the tools and platforms continue to evolve, our core philosophy remains the same: building long-term partnerships and delivering security solutions that are reliable, thoughtful and designed to serve our clients for many years.

What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

JT: Our vision at BW Secure is to be a trusted security technology partner for organizations operating in complex and critical environments. We believe security is most effective when it is approached as a long-term partnership rather than a one-time project. Our goal is to help organizations build security strategies that protect people, property and operations while supporting their long-term success.

As security technologies continue to evolve, systems are becoming more interconnected with enterprise networks, operational systems and data platforms. BW Secure is focused on helping organizations navigate this complexity by designing solutions that are reliable, interoperable and built to adapt as technology and risk landscapes change.

Within the security industry, we believe there is an opportunity to raise the standard for how systems are designed, implemented and supported. Our goal is to contribute to an industry that values precision, accountability and long-term reliability, where security systems are treated as critical infrastructure rather than isolated technology deployments.

Ultimately, our vision aligns with the principle that has guided our company for decades: building lasting partnerships and delivering security solutions that help organizations protect what matters and confidently secure their future.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

JT: One of the biggest opportunities in the security industry today is the continued convergence between physical security systems and enterprise technology. Security platforms are increasingly integrated with IT infrastructure, building systems and operational workflows, creating opportunities for organizations to manage security as part of a broader risk and operational strategy.

Another major opportunity lies in the rapid advancement of intelligent analytics and artificial intelligence within security platforms. Modern video and access control systems are capable of generating meaningful insights that go well beyond traditional monitoring. When used responsibly and thoughtfully, these technologies can help organizations improve situational awareness, identify risks earlier and make more informed operational decisions.

The continued growth of open architecture and cloud-enabled security platforms also represents a significant shift for the industry. These technologies allow organizations to build more flexible and scalable security ecosystems that can adapt as technology evolves rather than requiring wholesale system replacements.

At the same time, the industry has a meaningful opportunity to invest in the next generation of security professionals. As technology becomes more sophisticated, developing skilled technicians, engineers and security professionals will be essential to ensuring these systems are designed, implemented and supported effectively.

For integrators like BW Secure, these trends present an opportunity to help organizations move beyond simply deploying security equipment and toward designing integrated security strategies that deliver long-term value. By focusing on interoperability, thoughtful system architecture and reliable implementation, the industry can continue to elevate the role of security as a critical component of organizational resilience.

What are your predictions for the security industry in the short and long term?

JT: In the short term, we expect to see continued convergence between physical security systems and enterprise IT infrastructure. Security platforms are becoming increasingly connected to networks, data environments and operational systems, which is changing how organizations deploy and manage security technologies. As a result, physical security teams and IT departments are working more closely together to ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned with broader organizational technology strategies.

We also anticipate continued growth in cloud-enabled security platforms and open architecture systems. Organizations are increasingly seeking flexible solutions that allow them to integrate technologies from multiple manufacturers while maintaining the ability to scale and adapt over time. This shift is encouraging greater collaboration across the security technology ecosystem and creating opportunities for integrators to focus on system architecture, interoperability and long-term technology planning.

Looking further ahead, intelligent analytics and artificial intelligence will continue to transform how security systems operate. Rather than simply documenting events, security platforms will increasingly help organizations identify patterns, anticipate potential risks and provide meaningful insights that support proactive decision-making.

At the same time, the role of security itself is evolving within many organizations. Security is becoming a more integrated component of enterprise risk management, where physical security, cybersecurity, operational resilience and business continuity are closely connected.

As these changes continue, the role of the security integrator will also evolve. Integrators will increasingly serve as trusted advisors who help organizations design and manage integrated security ecosystems rather than simply installing individual systems.

Ultimately, the future of the industry will be shaped by organizations that prioritize interoperability, thoughtful system design and strong partnerships across the security technology community.

What are the biggest challenges facing your company and/or others int he security industry?

JT: One of the biggest challenges facing the security industry today is the rapid pace of technological change. Security systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and interconnected with enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud platforms and data systems. While this evolution creates tremendous opportunity, it also requires organizations to continuously adapt their skills, processes and expertise to keep pace with emerging technologies.

Another significant challenge is the continued need to develop and retain skilled professionals across the industry. As security technologies become more advanced, the demand for knowledgeable technicians, engineers and security professionals continues to grow. Investing in workforce development, training, and mentorship will be critical to ensuring the industry can support increasingly complex security environments.

Cybersecurity is also an important consideration as physical security systems become more connected to enterprise networks. Ensuring that security technologies are implemented in a way that protects both physical assets and digital infrastructure requires close collaboration between security professionals, IT teams and technology providers.

The industry is also continuing to navigate how security systems are evaluated and procured. In many cases, organizations are balancing short-term budget considerations with the long-term reliability and lifecycle performance of security systems. Helping organizations understand the long-term value of thoughtful system design, quality implementation and ongoing support remains an important focus for many integrators.

Despite these challenges, the industry has a strong opportunity to evolve by focusing on thoughtful system design, open collaboration across the technology ecosystem and continued investment in the people who design, implement and support these systems every day.

What do you enjoy most about being at your company—and in the security industry?

JT: One of the most rewarding aspects of being in the security industry is the opportunity to work on projects that have a meaningful impact on people and organizations. Security systems play an important role in protecting individuals, supporting critical operations and helping organizations operate safely and confidently.

At BW Secure, what I enjoy most is the opportunity to work alongside a team of talented professionals who take pride in what they do. From engineers and technicians to project managers and support staff, there is a shared commitment to doing the job the right way and delivering systems that our clients can rely on for years to come.

The security industry is also constantly evolving. New technologies, changing risks and increasingly complex environments mean that there is always something new to learn and new challenges to solve. That combination of technical problem-solving and long-term partnership with clients is what makes the work both engaging and meaningful.

Ultimately, what makes this industry special is the people. It is a collaborative community of professionals who are passionate about protecting others and continually improving the technologies and practices that support that mission.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

JT: One of the most valuable aspects of SIA is the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from across the entire security technology ecosystem. As security systems continue to evolve and become more integrated with enterprise technology and operational infrastructure, the ability to exchange ideas and share best practices across manufacturers, integrators, consultants and technology providers becomes increasingly important.

SIA plays an important role in bringing the industry together through education, thought leadership, and collaboration. The association creates opportunities for organizations to learn from one another, stay informed on emerging trends and contribute to conversations that help shape the future of the security industry.

For BW Secure, joining SIA represents an opportunity not only to stay connected to the broader industry, but also to contribute our perspective as a security integrator working directly with organizations operating in complex and highly regulated environments.

We look forward to learning from the SIA community, building meaningful relationships across the industry, and participating in initiatives that advance thoughtful system design, interoperability and long-term reliability in security technology.

How does your organization engage with SIA? What are your plans for involvement in the next year?

JT: As a new member of SIA, BW Secure is looking forward to becoming more engaged with the broader security industry through the association’s programs and events. We began our involvement by attending SIA-related activities at ISC West and exploring opportunities to connect with other members across the security technology ecosystem.

Over the coming year, we are interested in participating in industry discussions, educational opportunities and events that help organizations stay informed about emerging technologies, industry trends and best practices in security system design and integration.

Our goal is to both learn from the SIA community and contribute our perspective as a security integrator working closely with organizations operating in complex environments. We view SIA as an important platform for collaboration and look forward to building relationships with other members while becoming more actively involved in the association over time.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.