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The topic of security is becoming increasingly important both in the private and commercial sectors. At the same time, security technology is continuously evolving, so that now uncomplicated, appealing and functional alarm and monitoring solutions are available at affordable prices. As an industry expert and owner of the GRAEF Group, Peter Gräf supports companies and private individuals in comprehensively securing themselves with innovative security technology. What sets his offering apart from those of his competitors, what customers should pay attention to, and what mission he pursues, the expert on security reveals in an interview.
Becoming a victim of a home or business burglary is a scenario that many people fear. Because in addition to the financial damage, there are often far-reaching personal consequences associated with such a crime. Emotional distress and a sense of uncertainty in one’s own home or the loss of company secrets and customer trust are among the consequences that often accompany a successful burglary. It is all the more important to close any potential security gaps – before something happens. „Often, people only start to address the issue of security when they have already become victims of a burglary. Therefore, it is important that awareness of the importance of security is more deeply ingrained in society and that it becomes a topic of discussion before any damage has occurred,“, says Peter Gräf, owner of the GRAEF Group.
„Modern video surveillance systems and alarm systems significantly contribute to minimizing the risk of burglaries and mitigating the damage that may be caused,“ adds the expert on security in businesses and private homes.
As the owner of the GRAEF Group, Peter Gräf leads a network of various IT and security service providers. With individual security solutions, comprehensive consulting, the development of future-oriented technology, installation services, and a wholesale business for security technology with excellent technical service, the GRAEF Group delivers top-class solutions for securing individuals, companies, and public facilities. Also large security companies and smaller businesses, such as electrical companies or IT system providers, are among the customers who source their goods from the experts of the GRAEF Group. In the security industry, Peter Gräf is known not only as a successful entrepreneur with modern approaches and innovative products, but also as an expert in electrical and security technology who supports courts with his expertise in the evaluation of criminal offenses. In addition to a wealth of experience from fifteen years of self-employment, his clients benefit primarily from a unique service offering, digital processes, and personal support.
Peter Gräf from the GRAEF Group interviewed by us!
Welcome to UnternehmerJournal, Peter Gräf! You are an expert on all matters related to security in companies and private homes. Where do you think the biggest security risks exist and how can they be minimized?
The biggest security risk for businesses and private households lies in thinking that it only affects others. In fact, everyone represents a potential victim for burglaries and should therefore protect themselves accordingly. Autumn and winter bring a special risk every year because the protection of darkness encourages burglaries. But even corners of a building that are shielded from view, such as the garden or the back entrance door, can constitute dangerous security gaps. The good news is that there are simple, visually appealing and functional technologies that can effectively protect against burglaries.
According to current statistics from the Federal Criminal Police Office, the number of successful home burglaries is steadily decreasing, while attempted burglaries are continuously increasing. These figures demonstrate that the advancing technology, as well as the increasing awareness of security issues, are already bearing fruit. Alarms, high-quality video recordings, and other security technology can also significantly help the police identify the perpetrator or perpetrators after a failed burglary attempt. Moreover, their presence often acts as a deterrent in many cases, because potential burglars are deterred.
Peter Gräf about the cooperation with the GRAEF Group
What can customers expect from their collaboration with the GRAEF Group?
We enable our private and business customers to collaborate quickly, easily and fully digitally. After a new customer has submitted their data on our B2B platform, they are immediately contacted. With comprehensive consultations on our product portfolio, regular webinars and an online discussion forum 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 complemented by 24-hour support chat via the company website and the shop system.“
As experts in the security of private homes and businesses, as well as the supply of large security companies, it is a special concern of ours to always be up-to-date in terms of security. To this end, we are always on the lookout for innovative products that we exclusively source for our customers, thus providing them with the best solutions at all times. Thus, the customers of the GRAEF Group not only benefit from the best safety standards at all times; they can also take advantage of the latest technology available on the market themselves. We place great importance on a good relationship with our manufacturers and regularly visit them on site. Thanks to our young, dynamic and flexible team and modern approaches, our customers can always count on progress, new innovative projects and business growth – just last year we were able to grow by sixty percent.
GRAEF Group: A combination of innovation, trust and excellent service in the field of security technology
Peter Gräf, in what ways does the GRAEF Group differ from other suppliers in the field of the wholesale of security technology?
In addition to our digital sales approach and the quick onboarding process, what sets us apart most is the extensive scope of our technical services. We are all too familiar with the situation: problems with the technology arise when no one is available to help. While many providers’ hotlines are no longer staffed after work, our customers can reach us around the clock – so they can count on faster assistance even in emergencies, whether that’s in the evening or on weekends.
Furthermore, we maintain a very personal relationship with our customers: This goes so far that members of the management team are even available via their mobile phones for customers during their holidays. A high level of automation and efficient processes allow us to maintain the high service standards and personal customer contact despite the rapid growth and a manageable team. Another point that sets us apart from other wholesalers is the lead management through our distribution. This also routes customer inquiries to small businesses specializing in the installation of video systems or alarm systems.
„If safety products are offered too cheaply, there is a catch.“
Security is a sensitive topic. Are there fraudulent market participants and what advice would you give customers to recognize them?
A problem that affects the entire industry is unreliable product availability. We try to prepare ourselves as best we can by planning long in advance, thus incurring significant financial costs. Other distributors, on the other hand, often lure us with advertising promises that are then not kept. As a result, goods that are supposedly in stock are not immediately available after purchase, as expected. In many companies, there is simply a lack of honesty here. Large security companies that purchase goods worth millions are also at risk of their orders being resold or of not receiving independent advice from other suppliers. In addition, the industry suffers from price dumping by fraudulent online retailers. They appear on the market with cheap products, offer no service and are generally not interested in sustainable business.
Basically, the following applies: if security products are offered too cheaply, there is a catch. Our industry is distinguished by stable prices that are flexible only in subtle ways. Customers should also pay attention to the credible presence of a shop to avoid fake shops. However, the most important thing is to maintain a personal relationship with your security technology provider that is based on good intuition. Since employees are inevitably in contact with customer passwords and access codes when setting up the technology, a personal relationship and trust are essential – if this foundation is not present, collaboration should be strongly discouraged.
How Peter Gräf revolutionizes the security industry
How did you get to where you are today?
After graduating from high school, I started an apprenticeship as an electronics technician. This was followed by a dual degree in computer science and business informatics at Siemens, before I eventually started my own IT system company. Through a large contract involving a camera system for a car dealership, I entered the security industry. I have always been keen to try out my business ideas, which is why I now have a network of companies connected to various companies in the fields of information technology and security technology.
In addition to an IT system house, an assembly, planning and consulting firm, a large-scale wholesaler for security technology in the B2B sector is part of the GRAEF Group. For example, large and small security companies, private customers across Germany, and large companies with in-house security experts are among our customers. We have also recently developed our own product. There are synergies between the individual companies, but no dependencies. About thirty percent of my working time is invested solely in preparing my companies for the future. Visits to trade shows, participation in industry-specific training sessions, frequent exchanges with start-ups, and collaboration with international manufacturers help us stay one step ahead of the industry.
Peter Gräf on the mission of the GRAEF Group
What mission do you pursue with the GRAEF Group?
Our mission is to create a fundamental understanding of safety within society. Because the fact is: It doesn’t always just affect others. For this to happen, it is first and foremost important for the security industry to become more visible and modern in order to show its presence and also reach out to younger generations. Furthermore, we aim to establish values such as trust, honesty and reliability within the industry and to promote constructive collaboration. We want to transform competitive pressure into exchange and cooperation and, with our combined efforts, ensure that customers not only receive a first-class product but also feel good about it.
Source: https://www.unternehmerjournal.de/peter-graef-von-der-graef-gruppe-im-interview/
Contributions from the practical experience of our installers, project managers and software developers. The group is led by founder Peter Gräf, a DGuSV-certified expert in security technology.
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