As the world changed forever on Sept. 11, 2001, John Dyess knew he had to start his own business in security and surveillance for residential and business owners. It was a calling – or rather, a wake-up call – to get Dyezz Surveillance and Security up and running.
“I decided to move forward in starting Dyezz Surveillance after 9/11. I felt that the country was in need of security for their home and business at that time,” he says with an inner strength and outward calm demeanor that is perfect for the business he and his business partner, Matt Vickers, formed 10 years ago.
Born and raised in El Paso, Dyess had the advantage of knowing both the English and Spanish languages. Having a mother from Mexico and a father from the United States helped shape his multicultural world and enabled him to speak and understand both languages fluently.
The San Antonio market is different than the Austin market. “The clientele base is diverse,” he says. “In San Antonio, we have many customers that moved there from Monterrey. They left Mexico because of the many dangers that were and still are taking place there. Being bilingual is an asset to my overall customer base.”
At the age of 22, Dyess visited the Austin area and “fell in love with the city.” That is when he decided to move here. And as with so many other entrepreneurial men and women, Austin considers itself very fortunate to have these local businesses that provide the city with a wonderful service and are rewarded by their growth as a result of their excellent performance.
Dyezz Surveillance services include all types of security systems from your basic homeowner and restaurants to retail stores and major hotels. You can watch your home or business from “anywhere in the world.”
As Dyess explains, “anyone with a smart phone, tablet, computer or laptop with Internet access will be able to see their cameras from anywhere.”
Having more than 10,000 video surveillance customers, approximately 65 percent are for business and 35 percent are residential. Both the Austin and San Antonio markets are about equal in their customer base.
One of the many reasons Dyezz Surveillance is setting the standard in the video surveillance industry goes back to the basic theory of a successful business. “We thrive on customer service and customer support. Knowing how important security is and only wanting the best reputation for our growing customer base is always to service and support our customer after the sale.”
Compared to their competitors, their customers tout rave reviews on their sense of security with Dyezz Surveillance. And they are loyal because the company is there to service their safety 24/7.
“We would not have it any other way,” Dyess says. “We are always here for our clients no matter how big or small their needs are.”
Being able to attain a good percentage of the market share in surveillance and security, Dyess credits their building strong relationships as an integral part of the company’s success.
“My partner and I were able to invest in some of the best restaurants and bars in Austin.” The list includes TenOak, Iron Cactus (two locations) and Doc’s Backyard. From this, Dyess went the extra mile and started a real estate investment group with his brother, Omar Dyess, a realtor.
Dyezz Surveillance and Security is this man’s true passion. “Dyezz Surveillance is here to take the future of video surveillance to the highest level.” This statement says a great deal about the company and the man himself.
“It always goes back to the customer. Dyezz Surveillance was built on placing our customer first. As an owner, I can be reached at any time of the day and night.” And Dyess stands behind this 110 percent of the way.
He is also developing visions as to where Dyezz Surveillance and Security is heading next. A true businessman with his clients’ best interests first and foremost, he wants to stay small and not become one of the larger security systems out there.
Growing in the state of Texas is next on the list of goals to be reached. In 2012, offices are opening in El Paso, Houston and Dallas.
“We have been doing business in these markets for the last few years,” he says. “We have been doing more in the Dallas area. Given how large the Dallas and Houston markets are, we can double our numbers in these markets alone.
“Our clients tell us that they are dissatisfied with the security vendors in the Dallas and Houston markets. And with the growing activity in and around the El Paso area, this is the best time to move forward into that market.”
Taking over between two and five customers a week from the bigger security companies, Dyess has certainly formulated the secret solution to security at its best.
“The other big companies out there treat their customers like a number and not a person. You cannot do that in this line of business and have satisfied customers.”
Always keeping the customer (homeowner or business) in contact with the monitoring station by using a cell backup unit, “there will not be any interruptions with the monitoring and the contacting of the customer or business owner on an alarm, and the system will also always be able to contact the police.”
Dyezz Surveillance thrives on keeping the contact list updated for the monitoring station. Another great reason to hold the reins in Texas is keeping it small and personal.
Using an extremely intelligent marketing concept is part of what it takes to become well known in your area and well respected. “We started a program for our customers that if they had an existing alarm system, we would be able to use that system and take it over. We monitor it at $14.95 a month with no contract.”
Now, how much more can you ask for? Dyezz Surveillance and Security was also able to add residential fire alarm monitoring at no additional cost. The range of alarms systems starts at the basic alarm just mentioned to the latest and greatest, where you can use your iPhone or Android app to arm and disarm the alarm remotely and even adjust your thermostat.
Locally owned and operated is another of Dyezz Surveillance and Security’s cutting-edge advantages. “The other companies out there cannot say this,” Dyess says. “Our main focus is service after the sale and having the support team behind the customer. This is the key as to why we are growing, as well as always being on top of the hottest new products.”
Looking ahead, Dyezz Surveillance would like to be the top security company in all five Texas markets. With thoughts of opening a location in Corpus Christi, Dyess wants to open a global division one day. There is no doubt that if anyone can do all of this, Dyess is the man who will give Texans “peace of mind.”
this article appeared in Nside Austin Business (written by Jody Joseph Marmel, photography by Deann Hoeft)