Beckwith Electronic Engineering Company: 100-percent Customer Satisfaction, the First Time, Every Time

Beckwith Electronic Engineering Company (Beckwith) has remained family-owned and -operated since 1962. The San Antonio-based firm specializes in the design, sale, installation and service of communication, security and life safety systems. For over 50 years the company has delivered innovative solutions to customers in the health care, education, commercial, restaurant, senior housing, government and hotel industries. Beckwith sticks to its customer guarantee: 100-percent satisfaction the first time, every time.

Beckwith was incorporated in 1962 by Jack Beckwith and his partner, George Ridder. Thomas Schluter joined the company in 1986 as a manager-trainee after graduating from Trinity University with an engineering degree. Schluter comes from an interesting background, as he was born and raised in Mexico City, but is of German descent. In 1991 he and his wife bought Beckwith, and continue the family-owned tradition today.

“I’ve been with the company for almost 27 years,” shares Schluter. “When I started we had just 15 employees; today we have 95. Although we’ve grown in physical size, our employee dedication and relationships with customers have remained constant.”

Headquartered in a 15,000-square-foot facility in northern San Antonio, Beckwith employs professional engineers, MCSE’s, technicians and installers who are all factory trained and certified. The company is well recognized for meeting industry standards, with the highest credit rating possible from Dun & Bradstreet.

“Our employees are experienced because many of them have been with us for decades,” details Schluter. “I even have one employee who has been with us all 50 years.”

Beckwith services much of the state of Texas, but specifically the San Antonio and Austin areas. “One thing that sets us apart is stability,” explains Schluter. “While other companies in our business have come and gone, we’ve remained.”

Responsive Service

Beckwith’s qualified technicians provide 24-hour, on-site and remote support, troubleshooting any service interruption and providing customer support. The company has always relied on longstanding customer relationships. “We demonstrate our commitment to our clients through our standard of service,” stresses Schluter. “Our quality workmanship also sets us apart. We might not always be the least expensive option, but you definitely get what you pay for.”

Beckwith offers services, including, but not limited to, systems design, code analysis, plan reviews, testing, commissioning and AutoCAD drafting. The company’s installation division is dedicated to superior customer care and upholding Beckwith’s 100-percent satisfaction guarantee. For Beckwith, service is centered on the client’s peace of mind, knowing each system is designed to function and work properly. “It’s all about looking out for people,” admits Schluter.

A prime example of Beckwith’s service at work is at the Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in Westover Hills, Texas. The 150-bed hospital is located on a full-service health care campus. Beckwith installed the fire alarm system with voice evacuation, the nurse call and public address systems, as well as the infant protection system for the facility. The cutting-edge nurse call system has the technology that enables the hospital staff to provide the highest quality of service and care through efficient communication between patients, staff members and physicians alike.

Beckwith has also recently installed a fire alarm system at the Grand Hyatt, San Antonio’s newest modern hotel. The company’s portfolio also includes a specialized AV system at the Bexar County Courthouse and a fire alarm system for the over 250 stores at The Shops at La Cantera. “We’re excited to have more up-and-coming projects for health care clients and school districts,” reveals Schluter. “We’re lucky to have a lot of work in the pipeline.”

Leaving a Mark on the Community

Not only has Beckwith brought peace of mind and a sense of security to numerous clients, the company also frequently reaches out to schools and organizations within the San Antonio area. “We’re growing, so we’re currently hiring,” shares Schluter. “Part of ensuring a quality workforce is to spread the word about our industry and what we do.”

Beckwith picks specific organizations to speak with and perform demonstrations to young adults. “If we can help give them an idea of what our industry is like, then they might consider it as a potential career,” details Schluter. “We like to create opportunities and we feel very strongly about it.”

The company also provides opportunities for its younger staff. “I’m happy to provide a good work environment here,” adds Schluter. “We like to provide guidance and training for our younger staff while promoting the people who have dedicated many years here.” For Schluter, the business is all about people, whether it’s his customers or his employees. Beckwith Electronic Engineering Company continues to serve customers with a satisfaction guarantee, performing jobs right the first time, every time.