By Luca Gross Press-Republican | Nov 9, 2024

PLATTSBURGH — Chimera Integrations, a security systems integrator with deep local roots, received national recognition as SDM’s 2024 Systems Integrator of the Year.

This award is the highest honor in the security integration industry, and highlights Chimera’s efforts in technological innovation and community engagement, solidifying its reputation as one of North America’s top integrators.

“This award inspires us to stay committed to the high standards we’ve set. It’s a reminder that our work directly impacts the communities we serve,” Sadie Stiles, marketing director, said.

“For us, maintaining this standard means continuously innovating, responding to emerging threats, and fine-tuning our solutions to best meet client needs. If we aren’t upholding these standards, we’re not succeeding in our mission.”

Chimera’s success story is rooted in Plattsburgh. In 2021, the company acquired Mac’s Safe & Lock, a well-established local locksmith business that had served the community for decades.

Justin Stearns, now vice president of Chimera, previously owned Mac’s, and under his leadership, the company seamlessly integrated into Chimera’s broader operations.

By retaining Mac’s original employees and expanding its service offerings, Chimera strengthened its ties to the Plattsburgh community while introducing more advanced security technologies such as electronic access control and surveillance systems.

“Winning this award is just the beginning. Moving forward, we plan to deepen our industry partnerships, invest in new technology, and enhance our team’s expertise,” Stearns said.

“Our “Go Forward Plan” is a comprehensive roadmap designed to keep us aligned with these goals. This plan allows us to continue delivering high-quality solutions and strengthens our commitment to supporting our clients and communities, building a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.”

Chimera’s primary focus is business-to-business solutions, with a strong specialization in industries such as healthcare, education, cannabis, commercial real estate and manufacturing.

“Many of our clients are hospitals and schools across New York, where security and safety are paramount. Our goal is to empower these organizations with secure, efficient, and future-ready systems that support their operations and, ultimately, benefit the communities they serve,” Stearns said.

One of the company’s standout achievements was being the first in the country to implement 911 camera sharing technology, which Chimera introduced right here in Plattsburgh.

First installed at the Plattsburgh YMCA, this innovative system allows emergency responders to access real-time video footage during 911 calls, significantly improving response times and enhancing public safety in the community.

Chimera Integrations has been instrumental in driving technological progress in Plattsburgh, ensuring that the region benefits from the same level of security sophistication as major metropolitan areas.

“Our approach to innovation is centered around practical, impactful improvements. By refining our current offerings and incorporating client feedback, we’re able to make each system more responsive, efficient, and secure,” Stearns said.

“We’re also exploring ways to harness data analytics and AI to enhance system capabilities, allowing for proactive security management and even greater operational efficiency.”

Through solutions like the 911 camera sharing system and other innovations, Chimera has helped safeguard local businesses and organizations while enhancing their operational efficiency.

The company has grown rapidly, expanding its revenue by over 900% from 2021 to 2024, with projected revenues of $15 million by 2025.

This growth reflects the company’s ability to innovate while staying committed to the communities it serves.

“The integration industry is evolving rapidly, with an overwhelming amount of new technology and service providers constantly entering the market,” Stearns said.

“Our biggest challenge is keeping our solutions on the leading edge of innovation—not the bleeding edge—balancing the latest advancements while ensuring dependability and security. As a security-focused company, we’re especially mindful of the growing cybersecurity risks. Every solution we design and implement is engineered to address these concerns, providing our clients with reliable, future-proof systems that enhance safety without sacrificing security.”

Recognition from SDM and Chimera’s inclusion in the INC 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies underscores its position as an industry leader.

Chimera Integrations, based in Syracuse, with offices across the state, including a significant presence in Plattsburgh, Chimera delivers security systems that protect and enhance businesses and communities.

“A common misconception is that we simply “install” security systems,” Stiles said.

“Our systems often go above and beyond the traditional camera or access control solution. We design and implement comprehensive security solutions that give our clients a real ROI. We aim to solve complex problems in addition to securing a space. We ask our clients what their biggest problems are, in general, and then from there we learn and understand their business and its operations before we even propose a solution.”

Chimera has trained an AI to identify, through security cameras, if individuals in a manufacturing facility are wearing the proper safety vests and hard hats, another system allows hospitals to implement an overdose detection system in its restrooms, Stiles said.

“This allows hospital staff to be notified and respond quickly to potential overdoses and provide medical attention immediately. Our solutions are quite literally saving lives.”