James Turner aka Jim started ESSC Inc. in 1987. His company started as a sole proprietorship called Electronic Security Specialists and incorporated the business in 2004 as ESSC Inc. His father was self-employed and he has followed in his footsteps. He enjoys the challenges of being self-employed and serving his customers, employees and vendors. Providing good dependable honest service to these people is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Jim first got into the security business in 1979 working for a lock and alarm company in Santa Ynez Valley, California. He later purchased this company and sold it in 1985 and went to work for Malone & Hyde Inc. in Memphis, TN running their electronic security department. Malone & Hyde had their own central station, which he got UL Listed. They installed, serviced, and monitored all of the alarms for AutoZone, Super D Drugs, and all the Malone & Hyde properties nationwide.
In 1987 due to his family-based entrepreneurial spirit he started Electronic Security Specialists.
Jim’s Credentials
Jim graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, CA with a minor in management. He did some graduate studies in management at the University of Redlands. Jim is the qualifying agent for ESSC Inc. with the State of Tennessee and Arkansas. He is a Level II alarm technician and certified with the state of Tennessee in electronic security, CCTV and fire alarms. He engages in ongoing continuing professional education to ensure that his skills are current and relevant.
Resume and Timeline
1979 – Jim Turner purchased Santa Ynez Valley Lock & Alarm Company
1979 to 1985 – Jim Turner and Santa Ynez Valley Lock and Alarm installed over 350 alarm systems. Jim became a Radionics/Bosch Alarm dealer in 1982
1985 – Jim Turner sold Santa Ynez Lock and Alarm Company and at this time Santa Ynez Valley Lock and Alarm leased and monitored the alarms on over 100 alarm accounts
1985 to 1987 – Jim was hired by Malone and Hyde Inc. with the job title of Electronic Security Department manager. Malone and Hyde owned at this time Auto Zone and Super D. He was responsible for oversight of installation and service of all Malone and Hyde, Auto Zone and Super D locations in the United States. He was also responsible for the Malone & Hyde UL Central Station that monitored all of the Auto Zone, Super D’s and all Malone and Hyde food locations in the United States
1987 to Present – Jim started ESSC, a full-service electronic security company providing installation, service and alarm monitoring. ESSC also installed for many nationwide security companies, see ESSC History for future details
2004 – Electronic Security Specialists incorporates and becomes ESSC Inc.
2009 – ESSC Inc. starts MedixSafe
2010 – ESSC Inc. became an authorized Underwriters Laboratories UL Certifier of monitored UL Fire Alarm systems
2014 to Present – ESSC Inc. is a full-service electronic security company installing, servicing and monitoring UL listed fire alarms, intrusion alarms, CCTV and access controls
Off the Clock
Jim & his wife Katia are members of Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Memphis. They are also active members of Luxor and Carnival Memphis organizations who fundraise for children’s charities and have a fun time doing it.
In his spare time, Jim and Katia like to travel to Brazil, particularly Rio de Janeiro to visit Katia’s family. Jim attempts to play golf sometimes, and likes going dancing on Beale Street and other places with Katia.