Interviewee name and Job Role – Charlie Lawrence Sr. and Rebecca Moran (Senior Director of Human Resources, East Gate Security)
With Celayix since – 02/2024.
Located – New York, USA
Number of employees – 100 employees.
East Gate Security: A Trusted Partner in Safety and Protection
East Gate Security stands firm on Prevention, Protection, and Preservation. As a leading security guard patrol service agency in New York, East Gate Security serves clients across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island. With over 45 years of experience, this family-owned and operated company is dedicated to putting its clients first.
East Gate Security’s extensive expertise covers various sectors, including charter schools and colleges, medical facilities, office buildings, residential and gated communities, and manufacturing plants. The company offers a comprehensive suite of security services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client:
- Armed and unarmed guards
- Bodyguards and high-end escorts
- Pretrial investigation services
- Patrol services
- Security surveys and assessments
- Closed-circuit television and monitoring
East Gate Security’s security officers are highly trained and deeply committed to delivering unparalleled service. Their dedication ensures the highest security and well-being for staff, clients, facilities, and the general public. Whether it’s a school, medical facility, office building, residential community, or any other establishment, East Gate Security’s officers cater to specific security needs, making you feel secure.
East Gate Security’s Journey to Us
At Celayix, we believe every client relationship is a journey, and we’re thrilled to be traveling this path with East Gate Security. This case study highlights how our partnership began and our steps and showcases our shared commitment to a bright future. We enjoyed speaking with the dynamic father-and-daughter duo Charlie Lawrence Sr. and Rebecca Moran. Their leadership and attention to detail have been instrumental in our collaborative success, leaving us all optimistic about what’s coming.
How East Gate Security Discovered Us
Charlie Lawrence Sr. felt that while their previous software was a reliable and sturdy workhorse, it had become outdated and struggled to keep up with modern demands despite periodic upgrades. The transition to Celayix was akin to moving from a “dot matrix printer to a laser printer—” a significant leap in efficiency, performance, and user experience. Although the switch was initially challenging, Celayix’s advanced features, smoother operation, and enhanced capabilities provided a much-needed modern solution, highlighting the limitations and obsolescence of the previous software in comparison.
At Celayix, long-lasting client relationships are built on trust and genuine connections. Our journey with East Gate Security began with what might seem like a lucky Google search. Still, we see it as a testament to the importance of having employees with solid values and a commitment to building relationships. From our solutions advisors to our customer success team, we strive to ensure that our product is advocated for by those who genuinely understand and believe in its value.
When I was searching for and looking up an alternative to (previous software provider), Celayix popped up on our browser, and I said ”whoa, let me call up the guy and see how he’s doing,” and then he called me back, and that was that.”
Charlie Lawrence Sr.
Implementation Process
“When we spoke to Jordan, it was mostly just kind of getting a feel for the software. We wanted to demo it and see what it was all about.”
Charlie Lawrence Sr.
We understand the importance of showing the full capabilities of our product before trying to sell it. This approach allowed East Gate Security to explore our software through a comprehensive demo. This ensured that all their questions and objections were addressed.
We wanted to make sure that the functionality made sense, even though we were starting slow. I also spoke to my team to ensure we had a new system in place while we phased out our previous software. It was important to make sure my father was comfortable with it in terms of the training process, and also to make sure it was cost-effective for us.”
Rebecca Moran
Smooth Transition with our Customer Success Team
Making a change in workforce management software can be challenging, especially when it involves migrating from a long-standing system. At Celayix, we minimize the hassle and ensure a smooth transition. Our Customer Success (CS) team, led by Michael Shumko, played a pivotal role in making this process seamless for East Gate Security.
At the Start;
Charlie Lawrence Sr. shared:
“Michael Shumko was the deciding factor about staying with Celayix and making it work because not only was his guidance and on-hand dealing with us second to none, he put the rest of the competition just out to pasture.”
“The minute we spoke with Michael, and we started on the explanation and what our situation was, it didn’t take, but one maybe 30-minute session and our previous software was just out of the picture.”
“Michael moved us right over, and I don’t know whether he did it by computer or if he did it physically, but he did a great job of moving us right over.”
From the initial consultation to the final migration, Michael ensured that East Gate Security’s transition was smooth and efficient. His hands-on approach and ability to address questions and concerns promptly made Charlie and his team’s decision to choose Celayix much easier.
To Now:
Charlie Lawrence Sr. expressed that the transition to Celayix was made significantly easier by both the software and the support provided by the Customer Support team. He appreciates the program’s functionality and believes it will be highly beneficial for East Gate Security. Charlie noted that once he moves away from his traditional work methods and his team—including Rebecca and his son Ryan—becomes more involved in using the software, the integrated features, such as payroll and billing, will be invaluable for their operations.
Charlie added:
“Celayix and Michael Shumko were an easier team. I like your program; I like the way it works. I think it’s an excellent tool because when Rebecca and my son Ryan get more involved in this side of it, then the payroll and the billing and everything incorporated as part of the program will be invaluable.”
“The program in itself, for me, after a few emails back to Michael and tech support, has become pretty user-friendly.”
As East Gate Security continues to roll out Celayix’s solutions, they find Customer Support incredibly helpful in ensuring there are no hiccups along the way. This support and dedication exemplify our commitment to building solid and lasting relationships with our clients.
Features and Benefits: Why East Gate Security Chose Us
A Smooth Transition and Valuable Features
Charlie Lawrence Sr. and Rebecca Moran shared their positive experiences with Celayix. They highlight several features and aspects of our service that have made a significant impact on their operations.
Manager App
Our manager app is one of Celayix’s standout features for East Gate Security. Charlie mentioned that his son particularly loves using it: “My son loves the mobile app. He’ll pick up his phone, go into it, and he’ll find immediately who’s on the spot, who’s doing everything with it.”. This convenience has streamlined their ability to track and manage their guards in real time, reflecting the ease of use and accessibility that Celayix provides.
Geofencing
Rebecca found the geofencing feature particularly valuable; “The geofencing feature helps us know exactly when the guards arrive at their locations. I love that from an HR standpoint because it ensures accurate time tracking and accountability.”
Geofencing is a powerful tool for security companies managing a mobile workforce, providing a virtual perimeter around worksites to track employee locations using GPS. This technology ensures that employees are on-site for their shifts, reducing time fraud and increasing accountability. It also enhances safety by allowing for regular location-based safety checks. By accurately tracking time and attendance, geofencing streamlines payroll and billing processes, saving time and reducing errors.
Scheduling and Editing Shifts Interface
Charlie also appreciates the efficiency of our scheduling and editing tools. He explained: “When I go into edit like an employee or add a location, what I like is the neat popup. I can set (it) up…I can edit everything in one spot. If I go to add a shift, I can add the employee, I can add the scheduled time, I can add a break time, I can pick the location, I can put a note in there, and when we upgrade it, it’s right there. It’s a great aspect for me at that point.”
This streamlined approach to managing schedules and locations has made it much easier for him to handle changes and updates.
Charlie also emphasized his satisfaction with the software’s overall value: “I understand that you get what you pay for. I’m paying your rates and I find the program beneficial. So, to me, that’s a good deal.”. He believes that the investment in Celayix is worthwhile and appreciates the benefits that come with it.
Building Trust and Advocacy
Charlie and Rebecca have shown a strong commitment to our partnership, expressing their willingness to advocate for Celayix. Charlie said, “You could recommend any of your customers to give us a call. Anybody that they come across, and Rebecca and I’ll be your advocates.”. This kind of endorsement reflects their trust in our services and their positive experience with Celayix.
Their previous experiences with software providers highlighted the difficulties of transitioning between systems. Charlie noted, “I know changing programs is not simple because as you change, XYZ might become affected…”. We completely resonate with this sentiment. Navigating changes can indeed be daunting, whether it’s adopting new software or adjusting schedules. This is where having the right people by your side becomes crucial. Whether it’s your software vendor or your security guards, having a reliable team ensures that you are supported through every step of the change, making the transition smoother and more manageable.
Rebecca added, “We really appreciate that you guys reach out to get information and to talk to us as a client. I can assure you that this didn’t occur with (our previous software).” This feedback shows that the personalized attention and support they receive from Celayix are essential to their decision to stay with us.
In Summary
“When we had Celayix and as soon as I got into it, (I knew) that was the way to go. So I’m here to stay.”
Charlie Lawrence
East Gate Security chose Celayix not only for the robust features but also for the seamless transition and ongoing support provided by our team. The manager app, geofencing, and streamlined scheduling tools have proven highly beneficial. Charlie and Rebecca’s positive relationship and strong advocacy highlight their satisfaction with the product and the service.
At Celayix, we are committed to providing exceptional value and support to all our clients. In doing so, we ensure their needs are met and their expectations exceeded. If you would like to see if we’re the right fit for your company, our team is more than happy to provide a customizable demo to showcase our product.
We know that change isn’t always easy, but with the right partners, it becomes a journey worth taking. Just like Charlie and Rebecca, you too can find the support you need to navigate transitions confidently and successfully.
