Integrity Systems is an alarming success story
To be honored at Nov. 11 Salute luncheon
Of the St. Louis American
If a business is established and the three people in charge are family members and retired U.S. Air Force veterans, you know it probably has a lot of integrity.
This is definitely true for Integrity Systems, Ltd., which is owned and operated by the Davis family.
Ruby Davis, a disabled veteran with 10 years of service, is majority owner and president. Her husband, Robert Davis, a veteran with 24 years of service, is the company’s vice president. Their son, Roderick Davis, served six years in the U.S. Air Force before working in the private sector.
His expertise in the armed forces involved fire and security alarm installation, maintenance and other traffic control systems.
“I realized that there was a need not being met for government contractors,” Roderick Davis said.
For more than a year he researched the possibility of forming a company. Once he was satisfied the company could work, he had to convince his parents.
“I had to convince them that there was a niche we could fill,” he said.
“I realized from the research that we could serve the government better than other vendors by offering custom, tailored service, installation and maintenance.”
The firm, which has been nurtured in the St. Louis Enterprise Center (SLCEC) at 315 Lemay Road, performs inspections, testing, repair and maintenance of fire alarm and suppression systems.
SLCEC operates four facilities serving more than 50 client companies. Its graduate companies have a success rate exceeding 80 percent. The centers are strategically located and offer space options designed to accommodate
a range of business types.
Integrity has used the Enterprise Center’s assistance to land several major contracts, including 188 fire alarm systems at Fort Chaffee, Ark.
“It is one of the largest contracts of its type in the last 10 years. It would be the equivalent of installing all the fire alarm systems at Scott Air Force Base,” Davis said.
The firm also recently won the endorsement of the U.S. Postal Service, which now has it on a list of just four firms that can do work at U.S. Post Offices.
“That list includes Tyco, Seimens and a firm called JDMK. It’s a very short list,” Davis said.
Integrity Systems, Ltd., will be honored during the 2005 Salute to Excellence in Business Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 11, presented by the St. Louis American Foundation, the St. Louis RCGA and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
It begins with a reception at 11:30 a.m., with lunch to follow at noon at the Renaissance Grand Hotel.
The luncheon, which recognizes the achievements of leading local African-American businesses and business people, has become a leading networking opportunity for organizations desiring to meet minority vendors and potential employees.
Kelvin Westbrook, founder and president of Millennium Digital Media in St. Louis, will be honored as the 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year. Norma Clayton, vice president of Supplier Management for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, will be honored as 2005 Corporate Executive of the Year.
Ameren is the 2005 recipient of the Corporate Diversity Award.
Earl Wilson Jr. will also be honored as the first Non-Profit Executive of the Year. The area’s Top 25 African-American-owned businesses will also be cited at the event, which drew more than 700 attendees last year.
Tickets are $75 or $750 for a table of 10. For tickets, information and sponsorship opportunities, call (314) 289-5405.
