Rethinking security: security expert Peter Gräf focuses on innovative solutions

The topic of security is becoming increasingly important both privately and commercially. At the same time, security technology is constantly evolving, meaning that uncomplicated, appealing and functional alarm and monitoring solutions are now available at affordable prices. As an industry expert and owner of the GRAEF Group, Peter Gräf helps companies and private individuals to protect themselves comprehensively with innovative security technology. In this interview, the security expert reveals what sets his product range apart from his competitors, what customers should look out for and what his mission is.

Becoming the victim of a residential or commercial burglary is a scenario that many people fear. In addition to the financial loss, there are often far-reaching personal consequences associated with such a crime. Emotional stress and a feeling of insecurity within your own four walls or the loss of company secrets and the trust of customers are among the consequences that often accompany a successful burglary. This makes it all the more important to close potential security gaps - before something happens. "People often only start to think about security once they have already been the victim of a break-in. That's why it's important that awareness of the relevance of security is more firmly anchored in society and that personal security becomes an issue before any damage has occurred," reveals Peter Gräf, owner of the GRAEF Group.

"Modern video surveillance and alarm systems make a significant contribution to minimizing the risk of break-ins and mitigating any damage that may occur," adds the expert for security in companies and private households.

As the owner of the GRAEF Group, Peter Gräf manages a group of companies consisting of various IT and security service providers. With individual security solutions, comprehensive advice, the development of pioneering technology, installation services and a wholesale business for security technology with excellent technical service, the GRAEF Group provides first-class solutions for securing private individuals, companies and public institutions. Large security firms and smaller companies, such as electrical companies or IT system houses, are also among the regular customers who purchase their goods from the GRAEF Group's experts. In the security industry, Peter Gräf is not only known as a successful entrepreneur with modern approaches and innovative products, but also as an expert witness for electrical and security technology, who supports courts with his expertise in the assessment of criminal offenses. In addition to a wealth of experience from fifteen years of self-employment, his customers benefit above all from a unique range of services, digital processes and personal support.

Interview with Peter Gräf from the GRAEF Group!

Welcome to the UnternehmerJournal, Peter Gräf! You are an expert in all matters relating to security in companies and private households. In your opinion, where are the greatest security risks and how can they be minimized?

The biggest security risk for companies and private households is thinking that it only affects others. After all, everyone is a potential victim of burglary and should protect themselves accordingly. Autumn and winter pose a particular risk every year because the cover of darkness encourages burglaries. But corners of a building that are protected from view, such as the garden or the back door, can also be dangerous security gaps. The good news is that there is simple, attractive and functional technology that can provide effective protection against break-ins.

According to current statistics from the Federal Criminal Police Office, the number of successful home burglaries is falling steadily, while attempted burglaries are continuously increasing. These figures show that advancing technology and increasing awareness of security are already bearing fruit. Alarms, high-quality video recordings and other security technology can significantly help the police to identify the perpetrator(s) even after a failed burglary attempt. Their presence also has a preventative effect in many cases, as potential burglars are deterred.

Peter Gräf on the cooperation with the GRAEF Group

What can customers expect from working with the GRAEF Group?

We enable our customers from the private and corporate sectors to collaborate quickly, easily and fully digitally. Once a new customer has entered their details on our B2B platform, they are contacted immediately. With comprehensive advice on our product portfolio, regular webinars and an online regulars' table on changing technology topics, we provide comprehensive support for our products.

"Although contact takes place exclusively online, we guarantee individual and personal customer support at all times, which is supplemented by a 24-hour support chat via the company website and in the store system."

As experts in security for private households and companies, as well as supplying large security companies, it is particularly important to us to always be at the cutting edge of security. To this end, we are always on the lookout for innovative products that we procure exclusively for our customers and thus offer them the best solutions at all times. This means that GRAEF Group customers not only benefit from the best safety standards at all times, they can also benefit from the latest technology on the market. We attach great importance to a good relationship with the manufacturers and regularly visit them on site. Thanks to our young, dynamic and flexible team as well as modern approaches, our customers can always rely on progress, new innovative projects and company growth - last year alone we were able to expand by sixty percent.

GRAEF Group: A combination of innovation, trust and excellent service in all aspects of security technology 

Peter Gräf, in what other ways does the GRAEF Group differ from other suppliers in the wholesale security technology sector?

In addition to our digital sales approach and fast onboarding, what sets us apart from other companies is the extensive scope of our technical service. We all know it: problems with technology arise when there is no contact person available. While the hotlines of many providers are no longer manned after hours, our customers can reach us around the clock - so they can count on quick help in emergencies, even in the evening or at the weekend.

We also maintain a very private relationship with our customers: This goes so far that members of the management can even be reached by customers on their cell phones while on vacation. A high degree of automation and efficient processes enable us to maintain our high service standards and personal customer contact despite rapid growth and a manageable team. Another point that sets us apart from other wholesalers is the lead management provided by our distribution department. For example, we also refer customer inquiries to small companies that specialize in the installation of video systems or alarm systems.

"If security products are offered too cheaply, there is a catch."

Security is a sensitive issue. Are there also dubious market players and how would you advise customers to recognize them?

One problem that affects the entire industry is the unreliable availability of goods. We try to prepare ourselves as best we can by planning well in advance and thus accepting a large financial outlay. Other distributors, on the other hand, often entice us with advertising promises that are then not kept. For example, goods that are supposedly in stock are, contrary to expectations, not immediately available after the purchase is completed. Many companies simply lack honesty here. Large security companies that purchase goods worth millions are also exposed to the risk that their orders will be resold by other providers or that they will not receive independent advice. The industry also suffers from price dumping by dubious online stores. These appear on the market with cheap goods, offer no service whatsoever and are generally not interested in sustainable business.

Basically, if security products are offered at too low a price, there is a catch. This is because our industry is characterized by stable prices that are only flexible in nuances. Customers should also pay attention to the credibility of a store in order to avoid fake stores. However, the most important thing is to maintain a personal relationship with your security technology provider, which goes hand in hand with a good gut feeling. Because employees inevitably come into contact with customers' passwords and accesses when setting up the technology, a personal relationship and trust are essential - if this basis is not given, cooperation is strongly discouraged.

How Peter Gräf is revolutionizing the security industry 

How did you get to where you are today?

After leaving school, I trained as an electronics technician. This was followed by a dual course of study to become an IT specialist and business IT specialist at Siemens, before I finally set up my own IT system house. I got into the security industry through a major contract involving a camera system for a car dealership. I have always been keen to try out my business ideas, so today I have a group of companies that includes various companies from the information technology and security technology sectors.

In addition to an IT system house, an installation company, a planning company and a consultancy firm, a wholesale business for security technology in the B2B sector is also part of the GRAEF Group. Our customers include large and small security companies, private customers throughout Germany and large companies with in-house security experts. We have also recently developed our own product. There are synergies between the individual companies, but no dependencies. I invest around thirty percent of my working time in preparing my companies for the future. Visits to trade fairs, participation in industry-specific training courses, a lively exchange with start-ups and cooperation with international manufacturers help us to stay one step ahead of the industry.

Peter Gräf on the mission of the GRAEF Group

What mission are you pursuing with the GRAEF Group?

Our mission is to create a fundamental understanding of security in society. Because the fact is: it's not always just the others who are affected. To achieve this, it is important that the security industry becomes more visible and modern in order to show its presence and appeal to younger generations. We are also pursuing the goal of anchoring values such as trust, honesty and reliability in the industry and promoting constructive cooperation. We want to turn competitive pressure into exchange and cooperation and join forces to ensure that customers not only receive a first-class product, but also a good feeling.

Source: https://www.unternehmerjournal.de/peter-graef-von-der-graef-gruppe-im-interview/