Missouri firm expands in Wichita and Kansas

Buddy Mason watched as video technology advanced in the late 1990s and decided to start American Digital Security in 2002 because of what he said was a void in the security industry.

“It’s always at the forefront of people’s minds,” Mason said of security, but he said people often don’t know where to turn to for it.

The Liberty, Mo.-based business now is expanding in the Wichita and Kansas markets with security integration for commercial businesses and schools.

That includes, among other things, cameras, alarms and access control to buildings.

“So anything to do . . . with electronic security to secure their buildings,” Mason said.

He began with three people and grew the company as the industry evolved with better video and longer storage.

“As technology continued, we were able to continue with that technology.”

Mason said adding alarms and access control was a natural fit over the years.

Initially, the firm began selling in the Wichita market from the Kansas City area and then opened a small warehouse office at 2333 S. West St., near the airport.

Then came a $1.2 million project with Butler Community College.

“We realized three years ago that we needed to commit more to the area,” Mason said.

He said the company knew it needed to invest in a building “to really have a place that we call home.”

The firm is spending about $500,000 to build out a new 5,000-square-foot office at Occidental Management’s Wood 96 property at 6435 E. 34th St.

“It’s a heavy commitment to the marketplace for sure, but we know it’s time to do that,” Mason said.

He said the usual path for security companies is to come to the Wichita market from Kansas City and maybe set up a small shop here before eventually leaving.

“What I want Wichita and surrounding markets to know: We’re dropping anchor.”

Mason said he grew up outside of Great Bend, and people on his team have Kansas connections, too.

Bonner Springs-based Kincaid Group invested in the business in 2019, and American Digital Security expanded in 2021 with acquisitions in Junction City and Dodge City that broaden its reach statewide.

“So we’re growing our footprint across Kansas, which is kind of unheard of in our business,” Mason said.

“We wanted to commit to really growing out that market.”

He said his firm is regularly seeking companies to partner with or acquire in part or full.

Occidental chairman and CEO Gary Oborny handled the deal for American Digital Security’s new space, which will include a training area and be a place to hold events where people can come see the technology.

“It’s going to be nice,” Mason said. “It’s going to be welcoming.”

This story was originally published March 29, 2022 at 10:42 AM.