Pasquale J. Piscitelli
Simply Surveillance
Title: Founder and CEO
Est.: 2003

“The greatest achievement is starting with just a vision and shoestring budget, and then being able to complete projects that challenge most large companies while keeping our integrity.” – Pasquale J. Piscitelli, founder and CEO of Simply Surveillance

Pasquale J. Piscitelli has always worked in technology — ranging from graphic art to database administration. Today, he is the CEO of Simply Surveillance, a local business that specializes in 24-hour monitoring for alarm systems and surveillance cameras.

The company began in 2003 as B*Evolved Technology group, which Piscitelli founded to specialize in low-voltage installations, entertainment, communications, wireless networks, surveillance and security systems.

Piscitelli knew that the company needed focus, and he credits the change to a complete stranger.

“During an expo, a man visited our booth,” he says. “As he approached the booth he said, ‘Wow, what a great logo, nice colors, interesting name … but what do you do?’ ”

That day, Piscitelli called business associates and reassessed the company.

“We came to the realization that surveillance was the majority of our business and the market was tantalizing,” Piscitelli says. “The transition was painless. Simply Surveillance was formed.”

The company now has eight employees, including office staff and installation technicians, and is poised for further growth. Piscitelli hopes to begin franchising on the West Coast and eventually throughout the United States.

But their current location in the Valley has been an advantage.

“Arizona is an opportunistic state,” he says, adding that it “is a sizeable state with a personable and relatively tight-networked business community. Once you have a reputation for being a ‘straight shooter’ everyone will know and it doesn’t take long.”

“The greatest achievement is starting with just a vision and shoestring budget, and then being able to complete projects that challenge most large companies while keeping our integrity.”

But it isn’t easy. Piscitelli notes that one of the most challenging aspects is researching new products in an industry that is constantly changing.

He reveals that Simply Surveillance stays on top of technology by working directly with manufacturers from the United States and abroad to enhance their offerings. They build relationships with the companies and stay loyal.

“These relationships give us an edge because we stay informed of new product developments before they are released to the public,” he says, and asserts that one of the best parts of the industry is knowing that he is making things that matter.

AZ Business Magazine March 2010“I like the fact that we can customize systems, be creative, and meet our client’s needs,” he says. “People look to us to solve problems so it’s never boring! There’s a certain satisfaction knowing our systems actually make a difference in people’s lives.”

While economic woes affected many companies negatively, Simply Surveillance is one company that has actually benefited from the recession.

“I’d like to thank all the thieves, creeps and less reputable for keeping us in business,” Piscitelli jokes, before adding seriously, “some find excuses in recession, some find opportunity. We focus on opportunity!”