By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal

 

While only few local companies can claim more than half a century of experience, Selcom, formerly Selma Communications, has evolved to serve Selma and the state of Alabama’s home and business electronic needs for more than 60 years.

“Over the years we have evolved. Our main business comes from burglar and fire alarms, closed circuit television, IT networks and repair, and electronic locks. [Selcom] has expanded tremendously,” Rick Williams, manager of Selcom, said of the business his father began in 1952. “We do schools, jails, mom-and-pop shops, and residential and industrial [jobs]. Nothing is too big or too small.”

Williams said Selcom began as a radio and TV service behind his grandmother’s house on Saint Ann Street, and noted that the company was founded not only on his father’s technical skills but customer service.

“This business was built around [my father’s] attitude — he treats people like he wants to be treated. It has worked real well for us.”

After moving to its current location on Highland Avenue in 1993, Selcom became the only local company certified to install burglar and fire alarms, closed circuit TV and electronic door access.

“We have a NICET certification, which is a big deal because you can only work on fire alarms if you have this certification. Last year there were only 12 [businesses] with our level three certification in the state,” Williams said.

Recently, Selcom underwent a name change to increase its marketability in areas outside the local community.

“We decided to rename because we felt the name Selma Communications limited our [business’s] scope.  We decided to shorten the name and have it reflect the work we do all over the state and in the panhandle of Florida,” Williams explained.

Although the name change has been completed, advertising with the new name has just begun. Williams said he hopes the new name will increase interest in the unique services it offers its customers.

“Changing your name isn’t easy. It’s been a slow process,” Williams said. “Selma doesn’t understand how rare it is to have this much talent in a town this small, but I think [it] is about to see a bigger presence of us than [it has] in the past.”