W.T. Rich

W.T. Rich Enhances Construction Site Security and Efficiency with Verkada

Gene Massie, Director of IT

Cameras

Key Metrics:

20-minute support resolution time for any issues, allowing for quick fixes without the need for on-site visits.
100% of new job sites immediately equipped with Verkada’s cameras, making Verkada the standard for security across all projects.
Immediate video evidence helped prevent a potential lawsuit by capturing critical footage during an incident outside a job site.

Background

W.T. Rich Company, founded in 1968, has a long-standing reputation for delivering excellence and integrity in construction management across Massachusetts. Specializing in public construction, historic renovations, and new builds, the firm has grown from a small family business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. As the company expands, ensuring the safety and security of their construction sites has become a top priority.

Since joining W.T. Rich as Director of IT in 2019, Gene Massie has been responsible for the company’s entire IT infrastructure, overseeing both current operations and future technology strategies. With a team of just two managing the entire company’s IT needs, Gene prioritizes efficiency and innovation, continuously seeking solutions that enhance security and streamline operations.

Strategic Jobsite Security

Gene first encountered Verkada’s solutions in 2020, during a demo showcasing its integrated security platform. "I was so impressed with the product," Gene recalls. "Our CEO asked if they did alarms at the time, and while the answer was no, Verkada’s evolution has been remarkable. Now, not only do they have alarms, but they also integrate seamlessly with cameras and access control. It's like they know exactly what we need, and they deliver it perfectly."

W.T. Rich now utilizes Verkada’s fisheye and bullet cameras across their job sites, focusing on comprehensive, cloud-based coverage for high-risk areas such as gates and trailers. Gene emphasizes how the platform has allowed them to keep a close eye on assets ranging from petty cash to expensive construction equipment. "We’ve had people hop fences, break into trailers, and even steal smaller items like brooms. With Verkada, we know the cameras are positioned strategically to catch everything."

Protecting Multiple Sites with Ease

With an average of 7 to 10 active construction sites and two corporate offices, W.T. Rich relies on Verkada to maintain security at each location. The company’s rapid growth has presented both opportunities and challenges, but Verkada has helped ensure that security keeps pace. "Winning new work means we have to protect it, and Verkada is a key part of that strategy," Gene notes. "Every time we win a new job, the first call we make is to our Verkada rep."

Impactful Results in Real-World Scenarios

Verkada’s system has already proved invaluable in unexpected ways. Gene recounts a memorable incident at an elementary school construction site in Gloucester, Massachusetts. A woman cycling down a hill hit a speed bump and fell off her bike, suffering facial injuries. Although the accident occurred on a public street, not the construction site, the nearby Verkada cameras captured the event. The cyclist considered suing the city over the speed bump, but footage from the cameras revealed that she had braked suddenly, causing the fall. The footage allowed the firm to be prepared to share high video quality evidence with the city, protecting the client, and avoiding a costly lawsuit.

"Who would’ve thought that our construction cameras would help in a situation like that?" Gene says. "It wasn’t even related to the job site, but we were able to provide critical evidence to support the city. The quality of the footage and the ease of sharing it made all the difference."

Simple Installation and Dedicated Support

One of the standout features of Verkada for W.T. Rich has been the platform's ease of use and reliable support. "We install the cameras ourselves," Gene explains. "It's a two-man job, and we work closely with our superintendents and project managers to handle setup. The entire process, from downloading updates to installation, is seamless."

Gene also praises the responsiveness of Verkada's support team. "We haven’t had many issues, but when we do, support resolves them within 20 minutes. It’s rare to get that level of service—no open tickets, no going back and forth. I don’t even have to be on-site to fix things."

Looking Ahead: Evolving with Technology

As W.T. Rich continues to grow and take on more complex projects, Gene is eager to explore new Verkada technologies like the PTZ camera with Sentry mode, which allows for automatic tracking of movement across large areas. "I spent hours playing with the PTZ camera," Gene says with a smile. "It’s just amazing to see the potential for automating our video security and zeroing in on critical areas like gates. Verkada keeps evolving, and that’s exactly what we need."

For Gene and his team at W.T. Rich, Verkada’s comprehensive security solutions have not only improved safety on job sites but also provided peace of mind as they continue to scale. "Every project manager who sees Verkada in action wants it on their site," Gene says. "It’s become our standard, and it’s a key part of our IT strategy as we look to the future."