The Kern Group Inc.

What The Kern Group Inc. does

The Kern Group Inc. is a private, veteran-owned electronic security systems integrator headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, serving residential, commercial, government, education, healthcare, retail, transportation, and manufacturing customers throughout Central Illinois. Founded in 2002-2003 and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, the firm designs, installs, and services integrated security systems built primarily on third-party technology platforms—Axis Communications for network cameras, video management software (AXIS Camera Station Pro/Edge), and AI-driven analytics; 2N for modular IP intercoms; Alarm.com for cloud-based alarm and automation; and Qolsys IQ Panel 4 for control panels. Its nine-category product portfolio spans residential security, commercial alarms, video surveillance, access control, network audio, network intercoms, fire and life safety, body-worn cameras, and onboard/in-vehicle cameras.

The business model combines four revenue streams: hardware sales of security equipment, professional installation and design services, recurring 24/7 monitoring subscriptions (including UL fire alarm monitoring), and ongoing service and maintenance contracts. Distribution is exclusively direct—via phone (309.690.3300) and website contact forms—with no reseller, dealer, or distribution partner network. Pricing is custom-quoted per project with no public price list. The firm holds Illinois Alarm Contractor Agency License 127-001223, employs NICET-certified design and project managers, and maintains Axis Certified Professional status. Named customers span SMBs (Christ Orchard, Rambler), public institutions (Peoria Park District, Washington Community High School, Morton Unit School District, Concordia Lutheran School), and enterprise (G&D Integrated, a 1,000+ employee logistics firm). The firm has received multiple General Electric Innovation Awards and a Top 75 Market Leader in Security designation from Security Sales & Integrator Magazine.

Name

The Kern Group Inc.

Legal name

The Kern Group Inc.

Website

https://kerngroupsecurity.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Kern Group Inc. is a veteran-owned electronic security systems integrator in Peoria, Illinois, serving residential, commercial, government, education, healthcare, retail, transportation, and manufacturing customers across Central Illinois with Axis Communications, 2N, and Alarm.com-based integrated solutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Security Systems Integration

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Security Systems Services (56162)

SIC

Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)

akta.pro primary industry

Security Management Platforms Integration (PSIM/SOC, Command & Control) (BPAKAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Security, Safety & Fire/Life Safety Management (BPABAAAE), Control Panel, Keypad & Siren Installation/Replacement (HSAHABAE), Security & Access Management (Guarding/CCTV/Access Control) (IMAIAAAC)

Keywords

• Electronic security systems
• Video surveillance solutions
• Access control systems
• Fire alarm monitoring
• Security system integration

Headquarters

HQ city

Peoria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Security System Hardware Sales: Sale and installation of electronic security equipment including cameras, alarm systems, access control devices, intercoms, network audio, body-worn cameras, and onboard cameras.
2. Professional Installation Services: Customized installation, inspection, and system deployment services for residential, commercial, and government clients.
3. Monitoring Services: 24/7 monitoring and response solutions, including UL monitoring for fire alarm systems and property awareness monitoring.
4. Service and Maintenance Support: Long-term technical and service support for advanced security technologies, including user training.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Kern Group is an electronic security systems integrator that designs, sells, installs, and services integrated security solutions for residential, commercial, and government customers in Central Illinois. Its portfolio spans intrusion alarms, video surveillance, access control, network audio and intercoms, fire & life safety, body-worn cameras, and in-vehicle (onboard) cameras, delivered on partner technology platforms such as Axis Communications, 2N, and Alarm.com. The company complements hardware deployment with 24/7 professional monitoring, inspection, and long-term maintenance support.

Product overview

The Kern Group offers a comprehensive portfolio of electronic security solutions organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offering consists of nine integrated product categories: Residential Security, Commercial Alarms, Video Surveillance, Access Control, Network Audio, Network Intercoms, Fire & Life Safety, Body Worn Cameras, and Onboard Cameras. These products are built on integrated third-party platforms including Alarm.com (cloud-based security/automation platform powering alarm systems), AXIS Communications hardware (network cameras, VMS software including AXIS Camera Station Pro/Edge, AI analytics, network audio, intercoms), and 2N intercom systems. The company provides end-to-end services including system design, installation, monitoring, and long-term technical support, serving residential, commercial, government, healthcare, education, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Residential Security Systems Comprehensive home security offering for residential homeowners covering basic alarm systems through advanced smart-home integrations, including security panels with Crash & Smash protection, video doorbells, outdoor cameras, smart locks, thermostats, and 24/7 professional monitoring with a personal Safety Button feature.
• Commercial Alarms Scalable intrusion detection and alarm systems for commercial properties, including multi-location enterprise management via the Alarm.com Enterprise Dashboard, connected fleet tracking, and energy and temperature monitoring solutions.
• Video Surveillance Network camera systems with cloud-based and server-based video management options including AXIS Camera Station Pro and AXIS Camera Station Edge, day/night vision, audio capabilities, and AI-powered analytics applications for security and business operations.
• Access Control Scalable access control solutions including door access, mobile credential management via Bluetooth and QR codes, advanced features such as lockdown, anti-passback, duress PIN, and double swipe, elevator control, and AXIS License Plate Verifier for vehicle access.
• Network Audio IP network audio solutions by AXIS Communications including speakers for safety reminders, security call-outs, scheduled announcements, background music, and audio analytics for proactive deterrence integrated with video surveillance.
• Network Intercoms Axis and 2N network video and audio intercoms combining video surveillance, two-way communication, and remote entry control, including video intercoms, audio intercoms, orange safety intercoms, and indoor answering units with HD video.
• Fire & Life Safety Fire alarm systems including conventional and addressable panels, fire detection devices (smoke, heat, CO detectors, duct and beam detectors), notification devices (sounders, strobes), and UL-certified monitoring services.
• Body Worn Cameras AXIS body-worn cameras for law enforcement, public transportation, education, healthcare, and retail environments; lightweight, water-resistant devices with sharp image quality, clear audio, real-time insights, and integration with vehicle cameras and access control systems.
• Onboard Cameras In-vehicle surveillance solutions for rolling stock, buses, and emergency vehicles, including public transport, school bus, and law enforcement vehicle camera systems with ruggedized design, automatic triggering, license plate recognition, and integration with body-worn cameras for 360-degree coverage.
• 24/7 Professional Monitoring and Long-Term Service Support Recurring 24/7 professional monitoring, UL-listed fire alarm monitoring, property awareness monitoring, inspection, and long-term technical and service support including user training for residential, commercial, and government security deployments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Video evidence exonerates officers in 93% of cases where complaints are filed (IACP studies) when using in-vehicle camera systems

Named customers7 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability7 records

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Axis CommunicationscoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary technology partner for network cameras, video management software (AXIS Camera Station), audio solutions, intercoms, and body-worn cameras. The Kern Group is an Axis Certified Partner with NICET-certified staff trained on Axis products. Provides AXIS Object Analytics, AXIS Audio Analytics, AXIS Perimeter Defender, and other AI-driven security applications.
• 2NcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner for network video intercoms and answering units. The 2N IP Verso and other 2N intercom products are integrated with Axis video surveillance and access control systems for comprehensive security solutions.
• Alarm.comcoreTechnology or IntegrationPlatform partner for smart security systems, providing cloud-based security monitoring, mobile app control, intrusion detection, energy management, and multi-location business management through the Enterprise Dashboard.
• SquareminorOthersPayment processing provider for secure online transactions on the company website.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Securitas Technology (STANLEY Security): Global commercial security integrator offering intrusion, video, access control, and monitoring services — represents the scaled national competitor that Kern competes against in commercial/government deals.
• Convergint Technologies: Large-scale global security, fire, and life safety integrator serving enterprise and government customers — broader incumbent in the same electronic security integration space where Kern operates locally.
• Johnson Controls (Tyco/Software House): Global building systems and security integrator offering access control, video surveillance, fire detection, and integrated security platforms — broad incumbent overlapping Kern's enterprise/government verticals.

Direct peers

• Vector Security: National/regional security systems integrator offering intrusion, video, access control, fire, and 24/7 professional monitoring across residential and commercial customers — directly comparable to Kern's integrator-plus-monitoring model.
• Guardian Protection: Regional security systems integrator serving residential and commercial customers with installation, monitoring, and service — closely mirrors Kern's full-stack integrator business model.
• CPI Security Systems: Regional security and home automation integrator with installation, monitoring, and smart-home offerings — comparable in scope, recurring-monitoring model, and geographic concentration strategy.
• Ackerman Security Systems: Regional commercial and residential security integrator with monitoring services — comparable end-to-end integrator offering covering the same product categories as Kern.
• Pye-Barker Fire & Safety: Multi-brand fire protection and security integrator serving commercial customers with installation, inspection, monitoring, and service — directly overlaps Kern's fire & life safety and commercial alarm offerings.
• Bay Alarm: Family-owned regional security integrator providing intrusion, fire, video surveillance, access control, and 24/7 monitoring to residential and commercial customers — strong parallel to Kern's portfolio and approach.

Others

• Alarm.com (Platform Vendor / Indirect Peer): Cloud platform powering Kern's residential and commercial alarm offering — not a direct competitor but a critical platform partner whose dealer program is an alternative go-to-market path Kern relies on.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Kern Group Inc.