Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation: The History of Communication Company of South Bend
Communication Company of South Bend, Inc., headquartered at 5320 S. Main Street, South Bend, Indiana, has been a cornerstone of life safety, security, and communication systems integration for half a century. Founded in 1976 by Vern McCain and Tibor Folding, the company has grown from a small operation serving local schools to a regional leader in advanced technology solutions under the leadership of President and CEO Daniel Schmidtendorff. This article chronicles the company’s 50-year journey, highlighting its milestones, innovations, and commitment to protecting lives and securing futures across healthcare, education, government, commercial, and entertainment sectors.
Humble Beginnings: 1976–1990s
Communication Company was established in 1976 with a focus on providing communication and sound systems for the K-12 education market in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. Partnering with Rauland, a division of AMETEK, Inc., the company delivered critical communications and safety solutions to schools, laying the foundation for its expertise in low-voltage systems. Early projects included installing intercom and paging systems, which were essential for school operations at the time.
In the 1980s, the company expanded into the fire alarm industry, becoming a value-added partner of Cerberus Pyrotronics (now Siemens). This move marked its entry into life safety systems, a core pillar of its business today. By integrating fire alarm systems for schools and small businesses, Communication Company built a reputation for reliability and quality service. The company’s early commitment to customer service, as emphasized by current CEO Daniel Schmidtendorff, set it apart in a competitive market.
During this period, the company remained modest in size, with fewer than a dozen employees, but its focus on best-in-class products and customer satisfaction fueled steady growth. It established thousands of accounts across Indiana and Michigan, primarily serving educational institutions and local businesses.
Growth and Leadership Transition: 1996–2006
In 1996, Daniel Schmidtendorff joined Communication Company as a design engineer and project manager, bringing technical expertise and a passion for life safety and security. A Purdue University graduate with degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology and Organizational Leadership, Schmidtendorff quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Sales Director before taking on executive leadership. His vision for the company emphasized innovation, employee development, and market expansion.
In December 2006, Schmidtendorff, along with business partner Barry Schleiger, purchased the company from its founders. At the time, Communication Company had just 14 employees and annual revenues of approximately $3 million. The acquisition came on the eve of the Great Recession, a challenge that would test the new leadership’s resolve. Despite economic uncertainty, Schmidtendorff’s optimistic leadership philosophy—rooted in avoiding knee-jerk reactions and focusing on long-term growth—guided the company through turbulent times.
Navigating the Great Recession and Expanding Markets: 2007–2012
The 2007–2008 financial crisis hit many businesses hard, but Communication Company thrived by diversifying its services and strengthening its presence in the healthcare sector. Under Schmidtendorff’s leadership, the company expanded its offerings to include nurse call systems, wireless telephone integration, digital video surveillance, and advanced fire alarm systems. Partnerships with institutions like Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center on their $355 million hospital project showcased the company’s ability to deliver state-of-the-art solutions.
By 2012, the company had grown to over 40 employees and nearly $8 million in annual revenue, a 168% increase from 2006. It doubled its project volume, handling over 240 projects annually compared to 120 before the acquisition. Notable projects included the 2011 renovation of Stanley Coveleski Stadium, home of the South Bend Silverhawks, where the company upgraded the sound system with JBL speakers and Crown amplifiers, and the installation of a Siemens fire alarm system across Valparaiso University’s campus for centralized monitoring.
The company’s focus on healthcare also deepened, with projects like integrating nurse call systems with wireless telephones at Memorial Hospital of South Bend’s new surgery center. This innovation allowed nurses to respond to patient calls instantly, improving patient care and hospital satisfaction scores. Similarly, at Community Hospital in Munster, Communication Company implemented a nurse locating system for the emergency department and West Tower projects.
Recognition and Industry Leadership: 2013–2019
In 2013, Daniel Schmidtendorff’s leadership earned him the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Indiana Small Business Person of the Year award. He was honored in Washington, D.C., as a finalist for the national award, mingling with business leaders from across the country. The recognition highlighted the company’s growth and Schmidtendorff’s passion for life safety, particularly in schools and hospitals, driven by his role as a father of two.
During this period, Communication Company solidified its reputation as a regional leader. It worked on high-profile projects with the University of Notre Dame, implementing safety systems, and continued its long-standing partnership with Memorial Hospital of South Bend, upgrading CCTV systems with over 150 cameras. The company’s philosophy, as articulated by Schmidtendorff, prioritized customer service over mere product delivery, fostering strong client relationships.
By 2017, annual sales approached $10 million, reflecting the company’s ability to adapt to increasing demand for security and communication systems. Its commitment to community involvement also grew, with donations and volunteer efforts supporting organizations like the Salvation Army, St. Jude’s, and the Center for the Homeless.
Innovation and Expansion: 2020–2025
The 2020s brought new challenges and opportunities. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Communication Company, under Schmidtendorff’s direction, launched a relief effort, contributing up to 5% of service fees to customers’ chosen charities with active COVID-19 relief programs. This initiative underscored the company’s commitment to community support during crises.
In 2023, Schmidtendorff became president of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) Board of Directors, cementing his and the company’s influence in the systems integration industry. The same year, Communication Company received the NSCA-Commercial Integrator Excellence in Product Innovation award for its Apprimo Touch 8i, a customizable solution for critical communications.
The company continued to innovate, hosting the Northern Indiana Fire Safety Forum in August 2024 with partners Siemens, Xtralis, and RSI. The event, held across three cities (Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Munster), educated participants on advanced fire safety technologies, offering CEU credits and showcasing solutions like aspirating smoke detection and addressable bi-directional amplifiers.
Also in 2024, Communication Company acquired Eagle Security Systems of Lowell, Indiana, expanding its security camera, access control, and intrusion detection offerings. This acquisition strengthened its market presence in Northwest Indiana, aligning with its strategic growth initiatives.
Today, Communication Company serves a diverse client base across Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, specializing in nurse call, fire alarms, door access, surveillance, intercom, paging, and audio-visual systems. Its integration of AI-driven solutions, such as IntelliSee for risk mitigation in schools and hospitals, reflects its forward-thinking approach.
A Legacy of Impact
Over 50 years, Communication Company of South Bend has evolved from a small K-12 sound system provider to a regional powerhouse in life safety and security integration. Under Daniel Schmidtendorff’s leadership since 2006, the company has navigated economic challenges, embraced technological advancements, and prioritized customer service and community engagement. With a workforce of over 40, nearly $10 million in annual sales, and a growing portfolio of innovative solutions, the company remains dedicated to its mission of “Protecting Lives and Securing Futures.”
As it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, Communication Company stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the enduring value of passionate leadership. Schmidtendorff’s vision continues to drive the company forward, ensuring it remains a trusted partner for healthcare, education, government, commercial, and entertainment clients for years to come.
