Integrated Security Solutions, Inc. has traded their Evergreen location for a bigger space in the Gateway Community Center.

The security company, owned by Marquis Laude, handles the installation and maintenance of hundreds of security systems around the world, including locally in the Flathead Valley as well. The Hungry Horse Dam and the Flathead Sheriff’s Office are just two examples.

Laude has helped install security systems at the Hoover Dam, on Air Force bases, the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is currently working on redoing every security system in National Guard offices around the country.

The move to a bigger location marks the next step in Laude’s journey, just over two decades since he began.

“I really appreciate the support that the community has provided this company since its inception in 2001,” Laude said during a recent ribbon cutting ceremony.

The company purchased the space that previously housed TeleTech from the Flathead County Economic Development Authority.

Numerous groups were in attendance for the event, including legislators like Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and more.

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino stood besides Laude as he cut the ribbon, with members of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse scattered around the entrance. The event also featured a raffle, showcasing local businesses, where all proceeds raised went to the Sheriff’s Posse.

Laude himself is a member of the posse and has been in law enforcement since he was 17-years-old. Laude also served in the Army, working as an undercover narcotics agent in Germany for 12 years and then as a protective service agent for then-Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney for four years. He retired from the service in 1992.

When the company first started after Laude responded to a contract for maintaining the security at the Hungry Horse Dam, Integrated Security Solutions, Inc. was born, with Laude working out of a small office in Columbia Falls that he shared with an insurance agent.

Now, at the company’s new location, Laude has thousands of square footage to work with. With a bigger warehouse, he and his employees can prep packages and machines to be shipped elsewhere to be put in by technicians, such as in Guam, Turkey or the Virgin Islands, all countries where Laude currently has projects in the works.

Laude also intends to turn a part of the new space into commercial offices, which people can rent out. The building features a kitchen and bathrooms and Laude will provide internet.

“I’m looking forward to building out the offices and providing spaces for the community,” he said.

The ribbon cutting ceremony officially welcomed the company into Gateway Community Center, where Laude and his team have been working out of since June.

“Most importantly, I would really like to thank my staff,” Laude said. “I consider them all my family.”

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.