Kenton Brothers University: We Invest in Our Employees

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By Justine King, Sales and Marketing Administrator at Kenton Brothers

Brinton’s Training Matrix

Brinton HallumHere at Kenton Brothers, we take particular pride in our hiring process and the way we train each new employee specifically for their position. We are so very lucky to have Brinton Hallum as KB’s Field Service Training Supervisor. With his previous experience in training employees and his many years of dedication to the KB Advantage, Brinton has completely redesigned our training process from the inside out.

 “To add structure and standardize Kenton Brothers University and make it a platform for all levels of technicians to utilize. I want to keep it simple for the new/green technicians and slowly transition to deep technical for the senior level technicians. I want certifications for achievements along the way.”
– Brinton Hallum

KB recognizes Brinton for all of his hard work implementing the 3-part Kenton Brothers University program: KB Learning Management System, KB Interactive Lab, and KB Classes.

KB LMS (Learning Management System)

Currently, we are standing up the KB LMS, this is one of our rocks to get moving this year. It currently has training for General Access Control panel wiring, Cable Planning, Electrical Theory, Circuits and Relays, S2 Systems Level 1. This will allow for technicians to have a formalized web-based training with testing throughout. This will ensure they up to speed general knowledge as well as manufacturer specific material.

Kenton Brothers Learning Management System

KB Interactive Lab

Kenton Brothers Interactive LabThe KB Lab has live systems of Gallagher, Lenel, Software House, Axis, Milestone, Bosch and Honeywell. These hardware systems also have live virtual servers to interact within the hardware. This allows for the technicians to program, wire and test devices in a live working environment. The training lab not only allows Brinton to train technicians on areas they may not be up to speed on, but also allows for ongoing training/refreshers and preparing for installs or troubleshooting. Along with training purposes, this setting is used this as a sandbox to ensure upgrades will go smooth for our end users.

KB Classes

We’ve hosted several KB Classes in the past and will be firing them back up as long as COVID allows. These classes range from general installation standards to in depth programming and trouble shooting. Kenton Brothers hosts these classes in our multipurpose room going forward. Our classes are recorded and streamed for any technicians that service outside our KC Metro home base.

Brinton has invested many hours into the creating these programs for KB employees to utilize through the onboarding process and throughout their years with our company. Proving that we constantly care about our employees and their continuous education of the ever-changing technology field.

Kenton Brothers Classes KBU - Brinton

Employee Spotlight: Johnny Manivong, Remote Services Group

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Employee Spotlight: Johnny Manivong, Remote Services GroupBy Neal Bellamy, IT Director at Kenton Brothers

Johnny Manivong came into the security industry through the Union. Although he started in the high voltage world, he saw other low voltage technicians in the field and felt the lure. Johnny now says he loves the low-voltage side.

“There are so many levels with low voltage. Between the technology and wiring, there is always something to learn. Every day is different.”
Johnny Manivong

Johnny has been at KB for a while, but is now joining Daniel on the Remote Services Group (RSG). The RSG team helps customers and KB technicians by being “at the ready” for calls and questions. Johnny is parlaying his years of field experience to be able to guide new technicians through an installation, or customers in learning a new system.

When Johnny is not helping KB customers and technicians, he enjoys the outdoors with his wife and children. Whether it be kayaking, fishing or camping, if it’s nice, they’re outside. Johnny’s family enjoys hanging out at many of the state parks and surrounding lakes, taking mini-adventures whenever they can.

Johnny Manivong with his FamilyJohnny says he loves the atmosphere at KB. “I love the family feeling. There are no dumb questions. Other places you might get ridiculed for asking a question, but not at KB”.  Johnny also likes the drive at KB. Here, we challenge everyone to stake the next step in their careers. We’re so happy to help Johnny take his next step, still serving the customer, but in a new way.

If you or someone you know might be interested in working at Kenton Brothers Systems for Security, check out our careers page!

Employee Spotlight: Jeff Bradley, Project Manager

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Kenton Brothers: Jeff BradleyBy Justine King, Sales and Marketing Administrator at Kenton Brothers

Jeff Bradley knows security. With over 20 years in the industry, he’s worked with anyone and everyone in the area. His previous understanding in cabling/low-voltage industries paved a path for his transition into all types of security system installations. Getting his start as a Lead Field Services Technician with other companies, Jeff has worked hard to move into a project lead position. With his extensive experience and knowledge, Jeff is the dedicated Project Manager we needed here at Kenton Brothers Systems for Security.

In the short time Jeff has been with us, he has already proved to be knowledgeable in every aspect of access control systems. From the initial site walk-throughs to end-user training, Jeff is committed to each step of the process for every job under his supervision. His attention to detail and follow through for quality control exemplifies our KB Way standards.

“I was excited to work with Kenton Brothers because I’ve known about the company and its amazing reputation for years. I had previously worked with KB technicians and project managers on multiple jobs. I knew what they represented as a company and how skilled their employees are in the security industry. Kenton Brothers IS commercial security.”

When Jeff Isn’t Managing Projects…

Kenton Brothers: Jeff and Juanita BradleyJeff and his wife, Juanita, are now empty nesters and take full advantage of it. The two focus any and all free time traveling. Jeff traded his Harley in about four years ago for a motorhome to accommodate his new wife. Since then, the couple enjoys road-tripping to areas like Alabama, Texas, and Nevada to see all the national parks and mark off as many places off their bucket list as possible.

We are so thrilled to have a well-rounded and hard-working Project Manager like Jeff as a part of the Kenton Brothers family!

Employee Spotlight: Andrea Rodriguez, Lead Field Service Coordinator

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By Justine King, Sales and Marketing Administrator at Kenton Brothers

Kenton Brothers: Andrea RodriguezAndrea Rodriquez joined the Kenton Brothers team in June of 2019 and has been our field service liaison ever since. Her previous experience as a Production Coordinator helped her to transition into the Field Service Coordinator role effortlessly. After experiencing her personality and positive attitude, we knew Andrea would be the perfect fit for the KB team.

Speaking with her, Andrea expressed what truly drew her in was the KB core values and what we stand for as a family-owned company. She loves working hands-on with our customers to help resolve any technical issues and providing direct customer service. Even after just a year and a few months with us, Andrea has proven to be an important asset to the KB team.

“Working for Kenton Brothers, I’ve grown in the industry and as a person. My time management skills and work ethic have greatly increased; But knowing that the technicians rely on me as their primary office resource, I have gained so much confidence in the work environment and as a leader.”

Andrea’s Life Outside the Office

Kenton Brothers: Andrea Rodriguez PersonalAndrea is happily married to her California sweetheart, Ethan. The two moved from their home of California about two years ago for new job opportunities. They were engaged in the summer of 2019 but postponed their 2020 wedding due to the pandemic. Andrea and Ethan chose to celebrate by getting hitched and sharing an intimate wedding day picnic at the Nelson Atkins Museum.

When she’s not in the office with us, she spends most of her outside time with her pup, Dulci and new husband, Ethan. They enjoy hiking, rock climbing, or anything active. Experiencing new restaurants and cuisines are also at the top of Andrea’s list of fun go-to activities.

We feel so grateful to have Andrea on our team. Our minds are at ease knowing she will always represent our KB values and provide our customers with exceptional customer service!

Employee Spotlight: Justine King

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By Kristen Harper, Controller and HR Manager at Kenton Brothers

Justine KingJustine King is Kenton Brothers’ newest team member! She comes to us with a background in finance and communications. She’s joined our sales department and will be supporting our team with many different marketing and administrative initiatives. Justine felt like the KB Team was the perfect fit due to the family feel and culture of the company. And she likes that there is room for growth and the diverse opportunities that Kenton Brothers offers to its staff.

Justine is new to the commercial security industry and excited about all of the education she will be receiving to acclimate her to this field. Justine’s previous experience was within the commercial real estate and loan world. She brings a strong level of attention to detail and organization.

Justine enjoys spending time with her friends and family during her personal time. These include her boyfriend Robbie and her two pups Holli & Mo. She loves to camp and hike whenever time allows and she enjoys getting away.

We’re so happy to welcome Justine to the KB family!

Justine King Justine King Justine King's Dog