An Evening with Business Coach John Schallert

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a seminar with nationally recognized business coach, Mr. John Schallert. With over 100 local businesses in attendance were able to learn several new methods of business promotion and marketing as well how to tailor our unique positioning statements.

Mr. Schallert did a great job of presenting, had just the right amount of humor and always made sure to provide some real world examples of other destination cities and businesses that are doing great through a tougher economy.

It's always great to reaffirm that you are doing many things right within your business such as social media websites LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Overall it's great to be reminded that business is continually evolving and you need to stay ahead of the curve. We pride our business on the ultra service of self service pricing for our safes and gsa approved containers. This allows all of our clients to get budgetary pricing in just a matter of minutes. It's very useful for last minute budget meetings and comparing prices to our competitors and other brands.

We'll continue to work hard at making our business the best choice for safes, fire files and bank equipment by providing tremendous service, expert product knowledge and 24/7 quotes and estimates.

Luxury Safes for High Security

When it comes to keeping precious valuables, jewelry, coins or collectibles at home, the German safe makers dominate the luxury-class safe niche with Doettling and Stcokinger.

These high end safes feature solid wood, glass, leather, natural fabrics, aluminum and carbon. The interior components include electronic locks, display with backlight, shelves with adjustable height settings and is resistant to both cracking and fire.

BPAs Blanket Purchase Agreements

Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) are a business tool that our company uses to help our client fulfill their needs for safes, fire files and paper shredders.

A blanket purchase agreement (BPA) is a simplified method of purchasing and acquisition that we use for trusted clients to fulfill their needs for specialty products. In a nut shell, the BPA is a charge account.

By utilizing a BPA for your GSA Approved Safe and container needs we can better plan and forecast production needs. Throughout the year there are peak times for acquisition and the need to buy a GSA Approved Safe, by having a BPA in place we can reduce the lead times and provide products in a timely fashion.

Delivery schedules can then be adjusted to meet the unique needs of each client no matter if safes are being delivered to 100 locations or by the truckload to a central warehouse. We specialize in working out logistics to ensure that you are meeting your goals and deadlines for secure document storage.

For more information in establishing a BPA for your business call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306

Record Storage Cabinets from FireKing

Oversized record storage often requires a special cabinet that can meet a wide range of needs. For businesses that store binders, end tab files or side tab files, the FireKing Record Storage Cabinet is often the best choice.

Available in two (2) sizes and many optional features for storing medical records, plans, files or boxes this versatile fireproof cabinet might be right for your business.

Standard Features Include:
High Security Oversized Record Storage
*

UL Rated 350 1 hour
*

Adjustable Shelves for customized interiors
*

Medeco Key lock - drill and pick resistant
*

Powder Coated finish for scratch resistance

The model CF7236-D and the CF44236-D are each 72" and 44" High respectively, giving you the most storage capacity in a UL Fire Rated Cabinet.

Optional Accessories

End-Tab Filing
Store end-tab files with adjustable and modular end-tab filing shelves for easy, at-a-glance records archiving.


File Drawer
The optional modular File Drawer comes in either a legal configuration, storing two rows of legal-sized folders side by side, or letter configuration, holding letter-sized folders in a single row.


Pull-Out Tray
Create a convenient tabletop workspace in seconds with the Pull-Out Tray. It’s sturdy enough to act as a writing surface, and discreet enough to slide out of the way when not in use.


Blueprint Holder
Organize, store and access blueprints quickly with this convenient accessory. Blueprints are stored unfurled and upright so that designs and schematics are stored for easy access fire safe protection.


For more information call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306

Backup Hard Drives: Lessons Learned

Back up your data.

Repeat: Back up your data.

We can never say this enough to our clients, friends and family, but please back up your data. I am often baffled when I speak with clients and other business owners who have never taken the time to backup their important databases, email or confidential information. More often than not the reasoning tends to be 'laziness' or not 'having enough time' in the day.

No matter if you are a business owner or simply have a personal computer or laptop, the fact of the matter is that at some point your hard drive will crash. Often times this means the loss of family photos, video of birthday parties, etc. Your data and priceless and spending a few moments of your time and a few dollars on a backup hard drive or flash drive is well worth it.

You never realize how priceless your data is until you have lost it forever.

If you would like to learn more about external hard drives visit our website at http://www.hddfiresafe.com

Compare GunVault Bio and MiniVault; Review the Pros and Cons

The Gun Vault lines of safes from Cannon has been a great solution to several challenges of gun ownership - Safety and Security.

For gun owners that want to ensure the safety of their families from burglary or intruders the GunVault comes in two flavors, a hand operated touchpad or keypad lock or the biometric fingerprint lock. Each of these locks has its pros and cons and we'll take a look at each one below.

GunVault Bio

The biometric lock on the BIO gun vault safe offers convenience and safety for children. Programmable up to 30 fingerprints, you can limit access to the safe very easily. If you buy the gunvault bio you can rest assured that children or teenagers will be deterred from getting into the safe.

Pros: Limits Access (access control), Improved Safety for Families with Children.

Easy to install the 9V volt battery.

Cons: One downside to the Biometric lock is that it does not open as quickly as the keypad or touchpad version. If you require lighting fast entry to this gun safe it is suggested that you demo each model to determine which works best for you.


MiniDeluxe

The MiniDeluxe features an interior courtesy light just like the biometric safe and utilizes a four button touchpad lock for entry.

Pros: Easy programming of combination lock. Fast entry. With just a little practice you can open the GunVault mini or mini deluxe in mere seconds.


Cons: Difficult to install batteries. This gun safe requires eight (8) AA batteries for operation without the power supply and they are difficult to install if you have large hands.


Overall both of these gun safes from Cannon are great for safety and security. Ultimately it is up to you to decide which is best for your situation.

For those of you with children, the biometric fingerprint lock offers great safety from loaded handguns. For those looking for security and to keep a loaded firearm in the home, the Mini Deluxe might be the best choice.

For more information call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306.

IPS Containers Revisited

Detailed Look at at Class 5 Containers for SIPRNet and Compusec

Our full line of GSA Approved IPS Containers and Safes are fully approved for the storage of computer equipment, encryption devices, servers and PC's that process classified and top secret materials and data. When comparing IPS safes it is important to take a look at the full features available.

Our Hamilton Safe brand include the following:

• 2 fans, 10 inches diameter circulate up to 550 CFM free air each

• 12" X 12" X 1" air filter slot for proper air filtration

• Cable-entry box with six (6) half inch diameter openings for power and signal input cables

• Optional Hoffman box for cables inside of conduit

• 19" EIA rackmounts or 24" EIA vertical rackmount

• X-09 Digital Lock

• Class 5 protection

Some GSA safes for IPS concerns in extreme environments are required. For specialized containers with air conditioning, climate control and shielded environments we refer clients to Trusted Systems @ www.trustedsys.com

Transactiion Drawers & Bank Drive Up Deal Drawers

Emphasizing Bank Teller Comfort

Transaction drawers for banks and retail restaurant drive up and drive thru business are primarily designed with safety and security in mind. This includes UL Rated Level 3 bullet resistance rugged construction to handle a variety of sizes and weights during the transaction process. Today, Hamilton Safe manufacturers in the USA a variety of deal drawers that also place importance on customer relationship management (CRM) and comfort of the employee.

The microphone and speaker (audio system) communication is built to provide years of reliable performance is serviceable from outside your bank branch or restaurant drive thru. This allows for improved security and mitigates risk of having non-employees in secure areas of the bank safe.

From a comfort perspective the deal drawer is sealed to outside air; outside and inside doors are never open at the same time to keep employees comfortable during winter weather months. Optional heaters will warm any cold air inside the deal drawer during the process.

Most clients choose the 400DD or DCD-18 for the best in value and price.

For more information call 1-866-867-0306

ioSafe

Hard drives and storage represent a very large market in the United States. Research indicated that by 2014 there will be approx. 12TB of data in the home and storage is compounding by 60-100% per yr.

When you factor in the thousands of digital family photos and videos of precious memories you are talking about some very important data. From a business standpoint this mean customer databases, lists, documents, literature as well as confidential digital files that cannot be stored off site or in the 'cloud.'

ioSafe, the leading manufacturer of hard drives now offers home and businesses users a better value per gigabyte when comparing backup hard drives. The ioSafe drives are fireproof and waterproof and meant to be used a backup of your primary computer hard drive, Mac, laptop or server. When choosing storage options, ioSafe delivers tremendous value, support and included data recovery service (think of it as an insurance policy on your data) for all of your important data.

For a Free consultation call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306

TRTL Rated Safes Made In America

Hamilton Safe recently announced that their line of TRTL 30x6 safes are the only dual rated high security safes Made in America. As the premier manufacturer of safes in the United States, Hamilton continues to serve the banking and financial markets as well as pharmaceutical, government and retail environments with the best in physical and electronic security equipment.

In 2009, the TL rated safes from Hamilton also passed the UL 1-Hour fire rating and carry a dual label. This engineering feat allows businesses to achieve business goals for physical security and business continuity or disaster recovery (DR) with a single solution.

For more information call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306

Computer Media Fire Safes

Storing computer media over the long term, often called archiving or archival storage is a very important part of business continuity planning for many businesses.

Data retention policies, or the need to retrieve data from a certain number of years prior is very common in today's climate of information security. Many companies choose to archive data on media tapes such as DLT or LTO tapes. These magnetic media backup copies are much like the "cassettes" you used to play in your tape deck. Albeit these forms of backup computer media can store a large volume of Gigabytes (GB).

Proper storage of removable backup tapes includes limiting moisture or humidity levels as well as protecting from dust, fire and water. In order to properly store magnetic media it is suggested that the humidity levels stay below 80% (especially during a fire) and that the storage temperature never exceed 125 degrees F.

Imagine if you put your computer hard drive or SD card in the oven and baked them at 350 degrees for 1 hour? What would you get? Melted plastic!

Media or Data fire safes are engineered to specifically protect precious backup media tapes from fire, water and other natural disasters. Just as important they offer physical security to prevent theft of priceless or regulated data.

While media safes come in a variety of sizes, UL fire ratings and security ratings it's best to consult with experienced professionals before you purchase.

HELPFUL TIPS

- Make sure you store computer media in a UL 125 Rated Safe
- DO NOT store removable computer tapes or external hard drives in a UL 350 fire rated safe or cabinet, this fire rating will not keep your devices from melting!
- A 3 hour fire safe is not always necessary! Understand your location relative to the fire department and make an educated decision from there.

Speak with a consultant by calling Toll Free 1-866-867-0306

Bank Drive Thru Tubes

Drive up banking and drive through teller lanes are very common in suburban areas and smaller cities across the United States. A common question our staff is asked is how do bank air tubes work?

Quite simply, air tubes (known as pneumatic tube systems) is a closed system of compressed air that is powered by a blower or fan. Through computer control the air is able to move your bank transaction from the drive thru lane to the bank in a system of vacuum tubes.

These "point to point tubes" are also used in a wide variety of industries to transport documents, medications in the drive up pharmacy or even heavy objects in a manufacturing facility.

Hurricane Rated Window Applications

We offer a full line of Miami Dade County Approved windows that can withstand hurricane and high wind conditions. Through specialized high velocity wind tests these windows are tested by shooting boards and wooden posts at high speeds with a pneumatic air gun. To pass the test the windows must meet the following specs.:

Air Infiltration Test, per FBC, TAS 202-94
Uniform Static Air Pressure Test, FBC, TAS 202-94
Water Resistance Test, per FBC, TAS 202-94
Large Missle Impact Test, per FBC, TAS 201-94
Cyclic Wind Pressure Loading per FBC, TAS 203-94
Forced Entry Test, per FBC TAS 202-94


The frames of each window are maintenance-free stainless steel inside and out and are made with bullet resistive glass. The frames have also been UL rated.


Hurricane rated:
- approved by Miami-Dade County, Florida, building code compliance
- approved for second-story installation

Other applications include:

- Bank Transaction Windows
- High security needs (business executive offices and homes, Embassy rooms, etc)


For more information or a Free Consultation call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306

File Cabinet Drawers and Safety

When storing documents in your file cabinet it is very important to consider how much weight you are adding. From a safety perspective the manufacturer of the fire file cabinet only allows for a maximum of two drawers to be open at any given time.

By limiting the number of drawers being open this helps prevent accidental tipping of the cabinet. The average weight of a 4 drawer fire file cabinet is approx. 400-600 lbs empty. When you add in the weight of 4 drawers of paper documents (about 50 lbs per drawer) you are looking at a combined weight of up to 800 lbs. This significant weight can be deadly if it falls.

Remember, it is a best practice to only open one drawer at a time!

Space Heater Fire Safety for Your Business

It's that time of the year again when the temperatures begin to drop and space heaters get pulled out of the storage closet.

One of the most common causes of fires is the misuse of portable electrical space heaters and there are simple steps that you can take to avoid a fire disaster in your business or home. Here are 5 Tips for fire safety.

1) For starters it is imperative that the space heater be used on a dedicated grounded circuit or grounded extension cord.
2) Make sure you look for UL Ratings and UL Listed Equipment.
3) Do not use plug adapters and multi-outlet plug strips with electric heaters
4) Never leave a heater unattended with pets and small children
5) Make sure you have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home, ALWAYS!


These practical tips for space heater safety can always be found at the Electrical Tip of the day from our friends at Artisan Electric. Check back often and book mark the blog at Artisan for a constant stream of useful information that can be put to great use!

FREE Hard Drives

That is correct! Win on the best hard drives in the world from ioSafe by simply becoming a fan of the ioSafe on Facebook!

You can get a free 1TB external hard drive by becoming one of the first 5000 fans to join their group.

You can sign up as a friend for the giveaway at: http://www.facebook.com/iosafe

Postivie Take on Fire Disaster from Wildfires

Fire disaster can strike at any time. The causes range from electrical circuit fires to natural disaster such as lighting strikes or wildfires in California. In positive news, iosafe, the manufacturer of hard drives that are fireproof and waterproof announced that they are giving away free ioSafe solo hard drives to the victims of the Highway 49 wildfire.

This California wildfire took place in Auburn, CA the headquarters of ioSafe, Inc. where the CEO Robb Moore and his family live. Fire insurance can help victims rebuild homes, but often times the photographs and videos are gone forever. Read more about this story in the Auburn Journal

Photo by Michael Kirby