Mike Culmer, Vice President

About Mike...

I began my journey in the Fire/Life Safety and Security industry at the age of 15, working alongside my father at Hue & Cry Security Systems, Inc. My first role was in the dispatch station of our U.L. Central station, where I spent two years before moving into the Installation department. There, I quickly mastered the installation of fire alarms, burglar alarms, closed-circuit cameras, and access control systems. My rapid progress continued as I transitioned into the service and maintenance department, and later into sales.

Recognizing my potential, I was groomed for management. I pursued college courses in leadership and management, followed by a Dale Carnegie course. I also delved into the design and engineering of fire alarm systems, earning NFPA training and NICET certification. While wearing many hats, I excelled in each role, and soon began training others in various job skills.

My first major leadership opportunity came when I was given the chance to run a branch office in Mount Shasta, Northern California, after our company acquired another business there. After successfully managing that branch for six years, we consolidated it into another branch, and I returned to the corporate office to prepare for overseeing the entire company’s operations. At that time, we had three branch offices.

During this period, I gained invaluable experience in acquisitions, GAAP accounting, corporate financials, taxes, working with CPAs, collaborating with funding organizations, building vendor relationships, creating joint ventures, marketing, policy-making, and understanding employment laws. By 2010, my father was ready to pass the reins to me, and under my leadership, the company grew by over 60% in the next decade.

This growth was largely due to a new management structure that centralized key roles at the corporate office, allowing us to avoid duplicating resources across branches. We also improved efficiency by dispatching technicians directly from their homes and allowing them to take company vehicles home. Over the years, we acquired several more companies, strengthening our geographical presence and adding new capabilities. We also started a Fire Sprinkler department, offering installation, service, and inspections, which deepened our relationships with existing customers.

Now, with several generations of Culmers leading the company and over sixty dedicated employees, I feel it is time to move on. After my father’s passing in July 2023 and a pending divorce, I decided to close this chapter of my life and relocate to Colorado, where I hope to bring my experience to Access Data & Security and this beautiful community.