BW Systems was founded as an electrical contracting company in 1979 and is currently headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With the addition of our Longmont office servicing the northern Colorado region, BW Systems has evolved into a leading systems integrator, supporting the entire State of Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Region and facilities throughout the US.

We specialize in the sales, installation and service of:

  • Access Control
  • Intrusion Detection
  • Video Surveillance

Partnerships with industry leaders provide us leading-edge technology and reliability in the products we sell. We service a wide range of markets including commercial, government, biopharma, education, healthcare and Department of Defense facilities. Much of the government work including DOD Contractors involves work within SCIF areas. Markets this diverse, each with unique requirements, demand that BW Systems invest in exceptional continuing education and certifications for our employees, which in turn is what makes our company an industry leader.

Company Philosophy

Our business philosophy is built around customer service and preventive maintenance. We have the knowledge and experience to put together a comprehensive design/build and preventive maintenance package to suit your needs. BW Systems operates as a team utilizing our own engineers, service technicians and electricians, together with experts from the original equipment manufacturers. We work together to develop the best solution for our customers. Our commitment to this philosophy has earned BW Systems “Strategic Partner” status with several of the companies we represent. This same commitment is the foundation for the long-term relationships earned with existing customers and expected to develop with new customers. BW Systems invests in the future with our commitment today to our customers, manufacturers and employees.

Associations and Affiliations

Certifications and Clearances

  • UL Approved to issue CRZH certificates for NISPOM and ICD-705 areas
  • KABA MAS X10 and LKM 10K certification
  • Denver 3B Contractor

Meet Our Leadership

James Thiele, President

James Thiele has over 38 years of experience in the electrical and electronic security industries, starting his career as an Inside Electrical Apprentice in 1980 and graduating from the Colorado Springs JATC in 1984. James started at BW Systems in 1988 as the foreman for a large DOD access control/intrusion detection project and over the next ten years he successfully managed many access control and electrical projects. In 1991, James started a stock purchase of BW Systems and in 1998 assumed the position of President. James currently serves on both the Denver (VDV) and Colorado Springs Apprenticeship Training Committees and as President of the Southern Colorado Chapter of NECA.

“Each member of the BW Systems Team has a different skill set. Utilizing the talents of each individual member allows us to stay at the front edge of the technology curve and provide our customers with the best possible solution.”

Steve Cress, Vice President and Director of Sales

Steve Cress has over 43 years of experience in sales and sales management, with over 15 years of his experience being in the electronic security industry. Steve started at BW Systems in 2003 as Director of Sales and is responsible for developing sales and helping to establish strategies for growing the business. Steve was promoted to the role of Vice President in 2011, while still retaining his Director of Sales role.

“Ethics and Integrity should always be what drives and guides us, both in business and in life.”

Training and Education

BW Systems is committed to training on both the technician and management level. A strong commitment is made each year to assure that our personnel are factory trained on the OEM products we represent. An equally strong effort is also made to send our management personnel to training classes in the latest methods of project supervision, contract management, and customer relations. While training time and programs vary, the goal remains constant – enabling the customer to fully utilize their systems. This approach has allowed us to become experts in a handful of systems and not just installers of what’s on the market. The technology available in today’s systems provide customers with almost unlimited options in security and life safety monitoring and control. All OEM’s represented by BW Systems understand the need to provide a range of products that will meet the needs of the industry, for both large and small customers. BW Systems provides the knowledge, expertise and dedicated customer service that brings the entire package together. Our commitment begins with listening and developing a good understanding of what our customers need.

Community Outreach

BW Systems participates in the following programs: Colorado Springs Electrical JATC , Apprentice Training The CSEJATC has developed into what is perhaps the largest apprenticeship and training program in Colorado Springs, CO. The CSEJATC has trained apprentices to journeyman status without cost to the taxpayers. This joint program between the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has clearly demonstrated the most cost-effective way to train qualified craft workers. Southern Colorado Construction Career Days The goal of SCCCD is to provide a venue for young people to explore the variety of career opportunities available in the construction industry upon graduation from high school. The event consists of a day of hands-on experiences to enable them to interface with expert contractors throughout the region. They encourage volunteers from all the trades in the construction industry to be enthusiastic and provide job specific training to the young people attending the workshop. Koats4Kids Koats4Kids started as just an idea through conversation. In 2006, it turned into a memorable community event which continues to happen each fall. Koats4Kids chooses a new low-income school each year and their mission is to provide every child in that school a brand new warm winter coat. Each year the event brings in around 500 coats and winter items.