We are thrilled to share the exciting news of our acquisition by RapidFire Safety & Security, a prominent multi-regional firm founded in March 2022 specializing in the fire safety and security industries. Founded by Mike McLeod and Colin Harrold in collaboration with Concentric Equity Partners, Will Electronics now joins the RapidFire family as their fifth addition.
This marks a new chapter for us as RapidFire takes control from our Owner and CEO, Kurt Will, who will be retiring after a brief interim period.
Kurt Will, a second-generation owner of this 68-year-old family business, shares his perspective on this decision: “As a 2nd generation owner of a 68-year-old family business, the decision to sell was not easy. The more I got to know Mike McLeod and the RapidFire team, the easier the decision became. I’m very excited about what this means for all my team members. RapidFire will be investing in my people and the business in ways that I was not able to do. They will be well positioned to build on the reputation in the industry and community we have all worked so hard to create.”
Brian Modglin, RapidFire’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed his commitment to maintaining our legacy: “Will Electronics’ reputation for professionalism, state-of-the-art solutions, best-in-class customer service, and customer loyalty is legendary in this marketplace. We are honored and committed to carry forward that tradition.”
Adam Lucas of Concentric Equity Partners added, “We’re thrilled to add the Will Electronics business, with its advanced design capabilities and commitment to customer service, to the RapidFire platform. Will offers RapidFire expansion into the St. Louis market through a proven longstanding platform with an excellent leadership team and proven history of success.”
For more details, please refer to the Press Release here: https://newsroom.prkarma.com/rapidfire/news_release/1261
In conjunction with the acquisition, we are pleased to introduce Ken Knapp as our new Branch Manager. Ken is an industry veteran with over two decades of experience, previously holding key positions at ADT and Tyco as Commercial Sales Manager and Area Sales Manager, respectively. In these roles, Ken successfully led teams of 30-40 people and consistently exceeded sales goals. Ken will assume many of Kurt’s day-to-day responsibilities and play a pivotal role as Will Electronics transitions into the new ownership group.
In his leisure time, Ken enjoys traveling in his camper, playing golf, and is also a co-owner of Free Style Brew Company in Eureka, MO.
Kurt Will shared his enthusiasm for Ken’s appointment, saying, “I’m very excited for Ken’s hiring and what it means for our team members. He and RapidFire will be investing in my people and the business in ways I was not able to do. They will be well positioned to build on the reputation in the industry and community we have all worked so hard to create.”