22 | HUNTSVILLE-WALKER COUNTY , TEXAS 2024--2025
Sentry Security keeps an Eye Out
22 | HUNTSVILLE-WALKER COUNTY , TEXAS 2024--2025
Since its inception in 2022 , Sentry Security has provided full-service surveillance and security options , based in Huntsville . Founder and owner Kevin Dixon , stumbled into the security business .
Having already established Anthem Technologies – a provider of audio and visual products – Dixon began running into commercial providers that desired cameras installed at their properties .
“ We found out that in order to install cameras commercially , you have to be certified , and we didn ’ t want to certify the whole office ,” said Dixon .
With 11 employees at Anthem and another four at Sentry , Dixon recruited Jay Elms to bring his technology and management background into the fold , thereby providing greater effectiveness for the parent company . Ultimately , Sentry has become the overall installation arm of Anthem , fulfilling product setup and upgrading .
“ They tell you not to work with your friends , but I ’ d say it ’ s working out . Elms and Dixon first started working together in High School , as Elms was a widely sought music tech . He and Dixon toured and performed together , including Dixon ’ s two former bands Eternal Reign and the Anthemeers .
The latter would enjoy levels of regional and national success . But it would be the natural evolution of performer life in the gig circuit and corporate experience that led Dixon to return to Huntsville and launch Anthem .
“ After High School , I did some construction work , but knew that wasn ’ t my life . When those ITT Tech commercials would come on , I ’ d be like yeah , that ’ s what I want to do ,” said Dixon . “ I ended up doing contract work for companies like Exxon in tech training , and that ’ s what gave me the insight to start a company .”
Dixon soaked up the lessons he learned while in corporate America , and applied these lessons in purchasing , project management , and networking with other executives and companies , to lift his fledgling company .
Having launched Anthem in 2010 , current clients of both companies include a franchise of more than 30 Sonics and a diverse listing of local churches among others .
Sentry performs installations across much of East and Southeast Texas , and even into Louisiana .
“ I ’ d say our clientele is about 60 % commercial , and 40 % residential ,” said Elms . “ Much of our work is right here in Huntsville , and that ’ s how we like things .”
Anthem and Sentry reside today in an expanded footprint from the former Conner ’ s Jewelers , a business owned by Dixon ’ s grandparents , Robert “ Bob ” Conner and Gwen Conner . “ Being here is a call from the past ,” said Dixon .
Dixon ’ s grandmother opened as an independent jeweler in the late 70 ’ s and settled on Avenue M in the late 80 ’ s . As her retirement age arrived , Dixon moved his young company into their established space in 2018 , adding an adjacent suite to have sufficient