Page 46 - Security Today, April 2017

COVER STORY
As a true pioneer in ID Badging, the last seven decades have been an evolution for Idesco to turn into a full-service security systems integrator, designing and managing high-scale system installations in multiple vertical markets. Idesco has a large footprint in the educa- tion market and works with some of the top universities in NYC and Long Island such as NYU, Pace University, Adelphi University, School of Visual Arts, and CUNY. Within each generation, there were fun- damental changes that took place, but the one thing that remained constant was being able to separate family from business.
Family came first and foremost in the world of the Schonzeit fam- ily and knowing when and where to discuss business was a cardinal family rule. They were similar in so many aspects; yet different in the way they approached daily business and company culture.
“Both my father and grandfather insisted that everyone call them ‘Mr. Schonzeit’ where most people in the office refer to me as ‘Andy,’ he said. “Our employees are part of the Idesco family and have shown us a level of loyalty that has spanned decades. They have been with us through thick and thin and continue to show their support and dedication to Idesco and our customers on a daily basis.”
Idesco prides itself on having industry and product knowledge that is second to none. With technicians and service professionals on staff 24/7 to assist customers, a state-of-the-art NYC showroom, large product inventory, and an online portal to schedule same day service; Idesco has it “All”....and continues to keep it “All In The Family.”
THE FOURTH GENERATION
Gabriel M. Schonzeit began his career working at Idesco’s factory. Ga- briel worked his way up and streamlined Idesco’s marketing efforts.
“My father treated me like every other employee,” said Gabriel M. Schonzeit, president of IDSecurityOnline.com. “I was both comple- mented and critiqued for my work. His knowledge of the ID industry is unparalleled and I am very lucky to have him as my mentor.”
In 2009, Gabriel and Andrew launched IDSecurityOnline.com LLC. The goal was to provide affordable, durable and easy-to-use ID card solutions for companies and organizations of all industries and sizes nationwide. Today, IDSecurityOnline.com is a leading supplier of ID card solutions that offers high quality ID card printers, photo ID systems, ID card software, card printer supplies, ID cameras and badge accessories. In just eight years, Gabriel and Andrew have created the largest privately held secure issuance company in North America.
Gabriel built the business based on a commitment to excellence and delivering exceptional customer service and support. His mis- sion statement has always been clear: Keeping every company and
individual safe and secure. “Security is based on trust. Trust is para- mount in adoption of new technology that saves lives.”
Gabriel is not one to react to markets, but instead creates them. Similar to his father and the generations before him, Gabriel has built a level of trust in the industry that cannot be replicated. “Protect- ing physical assets with unique encryption as well as strong outlined learning, and deployment guides can add a layer of security. “Educate and inform” that is what I do all day and will continue to do in the years to come,” Gabriel said. “If a company can educate and inform and also be innovative, they will be successful,”
ALWAYS AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION
The needs of customers have changed drastically throughout the years and customers have become more tech savvy. Both Andrew and Gabriel are already ahead of the market and bring “swag” to an indus- try filled with individuals who have reacted to the changing market. “It is not an easy task to keep up with what customers truly need but as an integrator, we have to be ready to meet all their requirements,” Andrew said. “At the end of the day, it is all about offering solutions that bring true value to our customers.”
One of the unique solutions that Idesco brings to the table is a line of ID card printers for oversized badges, including the XXL 2.0 ID card printer which has quickly become a top seller. These printers are designed to personalize oversized ID cards on demand. Widely adopted by event managers, the XXL printer is used to secure major venues, concerts, award ceremonies, tradeshows, and other corporate functions. “Idesco has always been at the forefront of innovation and technology,” Andrew said. “We wanted to offer a solution that would help event managers issue oversized badges on demand easily and affordably and that’s what we did with the XXL printer.”
For more than seven decades, the Idesco family has been pro- tecting New York and will continue to do so in the years to come by providing innovative solutions and deploying them to American companies who need them. The key to effecting nationwide change is to offer proactive innovation combined with a solution built on a foundation of trust. Hyman, Jack, Andrew and Gabriel Schonzeit have each individually accomplished this. Keeping it “All In The Fam- ily” has been the cornerstone of success for the family and can be the motivation for other family businesses around the world to continue building upon the successes of each generation.
Monique Merhige is a freelance writer with InfusionDirect, based in New York City.
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